A peice of history and Hollywood will be brought to Mississippi state’s campus Tuesday, April 15. Former “Titan” coaches Bill Yoast and Herman Boone will tell students their story at 6 p.m. in The Union ballroom.
Yoast and Boone, whose story of helping a football team and a Virginia community overcome prejudices sheds light on the racial discrimination present in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971.
In 1971, racial tensions ran high in Alexandria, VA, as three schools became one through integration. The three schools formed Williams High School and from this union the Titan football team emerged. Between former rivalries and agitation among black and white players Yoast and boone saw a long road of work ahead.
However, this challenge became a story of success when they created a unified team that held a 13-0 record and a state championship title.
The team also set an example for the town of Alexandria on the topic of social equality.
Herman Boone said, “I just wanted to win football games.”
However, boone achieved a goal that exceeded beyond what he realized.
The former head coach, along with Yoast, worked through the sport of football and young people to promote social transformation. Boone’s strict, no-nonsense style of coaching seemed harsh in the beginning. However, his rigid coaching and Yoast’s quiet, laid-back approach served as the perfect combination.
Boone, played by Denzel Washington, was born in North Carolina as one of 12 children. After high school, he enrolled at North Carolina College in Durham, North Carolina. After finishing college, Boone became a teacher.
Motivation and stood at the core of Boone’s coaching technique. During his term as head coach, he motivated his players to learn facts aboiut each others’ races.
Boone, now retired, continues to motivate and inspire audiences. He often travels around the countryto promote his message on respect, teamwork, community involvement and importance of character.
Yoast, an Alabama native, also continues to spread his message of trust and respect across the country.
“A lot of racism comes out of hate and fear,” Yoast said.
This idea served as the basis for his determination to stick with the team.
Yoast passed up 11 head coaching offers from other schools to become assistant coach to Boone.
Yoast, played by Will Patton in the film, said, “If people get together and talk and share and get to know each other, it can solve a lot of problems.”
Many people believe that together Yoast and Boone changed history and public opinion forever.