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The Legacy of Coach Herman Boone
The Legacy of Coach Herman Boone
In 1971, Herman Boone faced the challenge of a lifetime, and his inspirational story was captured in the film "Remember the Titans" starring Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington. in 1971, racial tensions ran high in Alexandria, VA, as three schools were newly intergrated to from the T.C. Williams High School. It was from this union that Titian football was created. The former rivalries between the schools coupled with the strain between the black and white players resulted in team that was far from united.
Tension only escaleted when Boone, assistant coach of the former T.C. Williams High School, was named head coach of the Titans, passing over Bill Yoast, the local favorite and successful head coach of the former white Hammond High. Yoast's suppoters were angered by Boone's appoinment, which was seen as a gesture of goodwill to the black community.
Remarkably, the two coaches were able to put aside their prejudices, and in doing so they unified their players to form a team whose common vision was to respect each other and win football games. At the same time, through the game of football, Boone and Yoast were able to help their samll Virginian community put aside their intolerance and join together to support their childern. The Titians became one of the best teams in Virginia, compilling a 13-0 record and went on to win the state championship. Boone is now retired but continues to motivate and inspire audiences with presentations on respect,teamwork,community involment and importance of character, among others.
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