Saturday, February 17 from noon to 2:00 PM.

Sand Springs Leader Managing Editor and Author Kirk McCracken wrote the book “Because of the Hate” starting in 2003 and it’s taken around 14 years to finish. It was released on Amazon.com in paperback and e-book, Friday, Jan. 15, 2018.

In Sapulpa, the murder of beloved football coach Jerry Bailey was never really talked about, fueling rumors, speculation and unanswered questions. Now, over 40 years later, those questions can be answered.
The true story of the murder of Jerry Bailey guides the reader through the murder, investigation, trial, and how two small Oklahoma towns tried to cope with the gruesome death of their coach.
Jerry Bailey was also the head coach at Nowata in 1970, and that Ironmen team had a very special season.

McCracken was born in Bartlesville, Okla. in 1974 and his parents, John and Karen McCracken, lived in Nowata until moving to Sand Springs several years later. He is the grandson of Jessie Slack and Bob Paige of Nowata. In 1980, his parents moved the family to Sapulpa, where they live to this day.

The book will be available for purchase at the event for $15.00.

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