Boy in the Mirror: An Athletic Director's Struggle to Survive Sexual Abuse as a Child

For forty-four years, Jim Bartko kept a secret: when he was a boy in the 1970s, he was repeatedly sexually molested by his youth basketball coach, a priest. He tried to forget the memory by self-medication, dissociation, and busying himself in his job as an associate athletic director at the University of Oregon and, later, as head athletic director at Fresno State University. When, in 2016, he broke down and told a therapist--then later went public in a story in the "Fresno Bee"--his world would never be the same. Within a year he'd lost his job, he'd lost his marriage, and he'd lost his reputation. What he found, however, was priceless: courage, true friends, and the freedom to no longer allow others to define his worth. Says ESPN's Neil Everett: "Boy in the Mirror is a testmanent to Jim Bartko's unflinching courage." And says Nike co-founder Phil Knight: "A triumph over adversity. Should be an inspiration to many."

Review :
"A triumph over adversity. Should be an inspiration to many." PHIL KNIGHT, cofounder, Nike "If only we all could be as brave as Jim Bartko. 'Boy in the Mirror' is a testament to his unflinching courage." Neil Everett, ESPN "Jim Bartko's book is a wakeup call for all of us. Yes, sexual abuse happens to all kinds of people, even those who become charming, successful adults. The abuse itself is only the beginning. An overwhelming load of memories, coping methods, and guilt about keeping the secrets threaten all that happens afterward. Jim's book is a courageous invitation to take child abuse seriously." Judy Langford, Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Washington, D.C. "A poignant book that serves as a reminder that post-traumatic stress can occur at any age, and not just on the battlefield. Jim's success, while carrrying the burdens of PTSD, is remarkable." Mike McCabe, former Top Gun instruction, admiral and airline CEO "I applaud Jim Bartko on his courageous book. He has shined a spotlight on child abuse and the ways this abuse can affect survivors. We must all strive to protect young people from the evil Jim experienced and overcame." Michael Schill, president and professor of law, University of Oregon Bartko's courage in speaking out to the sports world and beyond provides support for all who work to protect kids. Jeff Anderson, America's leadng child-abuse attorney With Boy in the Mirror, Jim Bartko has borne his soul for the benefit of others. Jim's remarkable story is as riveting as it is heartbreaking and cathartic. It is difficult to comprehend the challenges and everyday battles that are the center of this self-reflective and insightful book. I congratulate Jim for his strength, courage, and willingness to share his journey. Bob Bowlsby, Commissioner, Big 12 Conference In Jim Bartko's domain of big-time college athletics, the most celebrated individuals are called "game-changers." But the publication of Boy in the Mirror--- his deeply personal and startlingly vulnerable account of the effects of childhood sexual abuse and untreated trauma that so many men hide under outward displays of bravado--- makes Bartko into something more: a world-changer." Jackson Katz, Ph.D., author of "The Macho Paradox" and creator of the educational documentary "Tough Guise: Violence, Manhood and American Culture" Jim's book should be read by everyone with a career in child abuse prevention and treatment. More importantly, it is a must read for all parents and other adults who need to become much more aware of how trusted adults in their communities groom, and then abuse, children they know, and how they can help prevent this crime from continuing to occur. Sid Johnson Former President and CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America