You might have heard that Traverse City Wolves owner Daniel Skibbe sold the semi-pro football team to offensive coordinator Sean Lyles last week.

But you might not be aware that a Pulitzer Prize-winning author/journalist is coming to TC next week to work on an e-book about the squad and one of its most unusual players, 46-year-old Pete Boyles.

Buzz Bissinger, author of Friday Night Lights, a book about the impact of football on a small Texas town and the inspiration for a motion picture and popular TV show, is expected to spend a few days with the Wolves.

Bissinger heard about Boyles through a friend of a friend and was intrigued by the story. He’s expected in TC for the July 7 home game against the Michigan Gators. The e-book will be published at www.byliner.com.

Boyles’ story is compelling – and not only because he’s old enough to be the father of several of his teammates.

Growing up in Grand Rapids, the TC attorney never played football in either high school or college. He attended football powerhouse East Grand Rapids High, then went to another school well-known for its pigskin prowess – the University of Michigan.

“In our program it shows I went to Michigan, and people assume I played football there,” he says with a laugh. “No, never did. And it’s not that I have a burning passion for football. But I really like competition and being on a team. It’s all races, ages, economic statuses, all different types all banding together.”

When the Wolves formed four years ago, Boyles attended a series of tryouts, and out of roughly 130 candidates, he earned a roster spot. “My goal was to get in shape. I didn’t want to embarrass myself.”

He usually plays on special teams, at safety and a bit at linebacker. In fact, he’s one of only three Wolves to play in every game in the team’s history, but downplays his role.

“I’m no star,” he says. “I usually get in (the game) in the fourth quarter if we’re blowing somebody out. My playing time increases as the season goes on, people get hurt. By the end I’m in for 10 or 20 plays a game.”

But Lyles says Boyles does have a key role on the team as the holder for field goals and extra points. And he’s an inspiration to his teammates. “Pete’s a great guy,” says Lyles. “He’s a star on the sidelines and in practice. He has 100 percent respect of his teammates, on and off the field.”

Boyles has picked up his share of injuries, including knee problems. Now he’s nursing a nerve injury. And being a Wolf takes a chunk of time away from his family life. He and his wife, Anne, have three children, all with busy schedules.

“This will probably be my last season,” he says. “It’s been great though. And Anne has been a saint through all of this.”

For more on the Wolves, visit www.tcwolves.com.