‘Titans’ Coach To Speak At SHU

FAIRFIELD — Football coach Herman Boone, made famous in the movie Remember the Titans starring Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington, will speak at Sacred Heart University on Tuesday, February 20, at 7 pm, in the Mahogany Room as a part of the university’s Black History Month observations. Mr Boone will speak about how he transformed the Titans football team into state champions by helping them overcome racial intolerance.

In 1971, racial tensions ran high in Alexandria, Virginia, as three schools – two black and the third white – were integrated to form the T.C. Williams High School. It was from this union that the Titans football team was created. The former rivalries between the schools, coupled with the strain between the black and white players, resulted in a team that was far from united.

Tensions escalated when Herman Boone, the assistant coach of the former black T.C. Williams High School, was named head coach at the Titans, passing over Bill Yoast, the local favorite and successful head coach of the former white Hammond High. Mr Yoast’s supporters were angered by Mr Boone’s appointment, 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, coaches Boone and Yoast were able to help their small Virginian community put aside intolerance and join together to support their children. The Titans became one of the best teams in Virginia, compiling a 13-0 record, and went on to win the state championship.

Herman Boone, now retired, continues to motivate and inspire. He still resides in Alexandria, while his close friend Bill Yoast lives in Bethany Beach, Del.

Tickets are $2 for Sacred Heart University students, $5 for the public. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event at the door. For more information on tickets, call 203/371-7846.