Herman Boone
Herman Boone | |
---|---|
Born | Herman Ike Boone October 28, 1935 |
Died | December 18, 2019 Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. | (aged 84)
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | North Carolina Central University (B.A., M.S.) |
Occupation | High school football coach |
Known for | Coaching the 1971 T. C. Williams High School football team (made famous by Remember the Titans) |
Spouse |
Carol Luck
(m. 1962; died 2019) |
Children | 3 |
Herman Ike Boone (October 28, 1935 – December 18, 2019) was an American high school football coach who coached the 1971 T. C. Williams High School football team to a 13–0 season, state championship, and national runner-up. That season later served as the basis for the film Remember the Titans in 2000, in which Boone was portrayed by actor Denzel Washington.
Early life and education
Boone attended Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, then the now-closed Booker T. Washington High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.[1] While attending North Carolina Central University, Boone joined the Tau Psi chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.[2] Boone graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science degree.[3]
Career
In 1958, Herman accepted his first teaching and coaching position at the Luther H. Foster High School in Blackstone, Virginia, where he coached football, basketball and baseball. His teams recorded twenty-six wins, six losses and three district championships.[4]
In 1961, Herman returned to his home state of North Carolina to continue his coaching and teaching career. He accepted the head coaching position at E.J. Hayes High School in Williamston, North Carolina. His football teams amassed a record of 99 wins and 8 losses in a nine-year period. His 1966 football team was recognized by Scholastic Coach's Magazine as "The Number One Football Team in America". In 1969, Herman resigned from his position, having been informed by the Williamston school board that the town of Williamston "was not ready for a black head coach".[4]
Boone was hired as a Physical Education teacher and was an assistant football coach at
Boone was fired from his coaching position in 1979, after allegations of player abuse and related complaints by three assistant coaches.[9][10] He subsequently retired from coaching and appeared as a public speaker at functions regarding his time as coach.[11] In 2016, he was awarded the Living Legends of Alexandria award given to notable citizens of Alexandria, Virginia.[12]
Personal life
In retirement, Boone lived with his wife, Carol Luck, in Alexandria, Virginia. They had three daughters, Sharron, Donna, and Monica, and six grandchildren, Camri, Kiara, William, Mackenzie, Myles, and Lauren.[12]
Boone was a friend of Willie Jeffries, dating back to when the two were assistant coaches in North Carolina. Boone wrote a letter of recommendation in support of Jeffries' induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. In it, Boone wrote, "Without his leadership and example, there would not have been Remember the Titans or the advancement in race relations in sports that we have witnessed."[13]
Death
Boone died at his home in Alexandria on December 18, 2019, at the age of 84. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer. His wife, Carol, had died on March 23, 2019.[5][14]
Portrayal in film
The 2000 film
Trophy
The Herman Boone Trophy is awarded to the winning team of the
See also
References
- ISBN 9781476614335.
- ^ "Brother Herman Boone (Tau Psi)". Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Second District. 2017. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
- ISBN 9781467100441.
- ^ a b Culver, Richard (April 2, 2015). "'Remember the Titans' Coach Boone Speaks at SU Wednesday, April 8". Salisbury University. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
- ^ a b Schudel, Matt (December 18, 2019). "Herman Boone, high school football coach who inspired 'Remember the Titans,' dies at 84". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b Shapiro, Len; Pollin, Andy (December 16, 2008). The Great Book of Washington DC Sports Lists. Running. p. 69.
- ^ "Real-life coach Herman Boone inspires Cleveland State crowd". Archived from the original on January 21, 2015.
- ^ "Herman Boone". National Museum of Education Honorary Registry. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
- ^ "Remember The Titans Is A Lie, And This Man Still Wants You To Know It". Deadspin. July 29, 2014.
- ^ Huff, Donald (June 2, 1979). "Boone Axed At Williams". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
- YouTubeWagner, Brandon (2002). "Inspirational Coach Herman Boone To Speak at IWU Soul Food Dinner". Illinois Wesleyan University. Retrieved March 21, 2017.. No. Fall/Winter. North Carolina Libraries. 2005. p. 86. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
the Herman Boone Trophy, awarded to the winning team in the prestigious annual Army All-American Bowl
External links
- Herman Boone at IMDb