Life With Looney

In a typical literature class, students might learn about different writing styles or the biography of famous authors. While these are all topics covered in Doug Looney's sports literature class, a whole new array of topics are discussed.

Students delve into many of life's lessons in the class with their professor, covering topics from love to death. But to many college kids, Doug is not just a professor, he is a sort of mentor and life coach.

"He stresses so heavily that he wants you to succeed. He made that pretty clear from the get-go, that he's here to help us and I think that's pretty cool that he doesn't have to be here and he just, out of the goodness of his heart, takes the time to come and talk to us," says CU student Kelsey Kimball.

Looney, a CU grad, was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated for 21 years. He also co-wrote the book, Under the Tarnished Dome, which reached number 11 on the New York Times bestseller list.
Looney has been teaching the class since 1992. He only allows 15 to 20 people in his class in order to allow the class discussion to thrive, remain comfortable and candid.

Looney does not teach the class for the extra money. In fact, he gives all the money he earns from teaching back to the University of Colorado. "This university gave me an awful lot. For me to do a little bit for this school is not a burden, it's a pleasure."