Herman Boone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herman Boone
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Boone in January 2008
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| Born |
Herman Ike Boone
October 28, 1935 |
| Died | December 18, 2019 (aged 84) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
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| 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 |
| Spouse(s) |
Carol Luck
(m. 1962; died 2019) |
| Children | 3 |
Herman Ike Boone (October 28, 1935 – December 18, 2019) was a famous American high school football coach. He is best known for coaching the 1971 T. C. Williams High School football team. That season, his team had an amazing 13–0 record, winning the state championship. Their inspiring story was later made into the 2000 film Remember the Titans. In the movie, actor Denzel Washington played Coach Boone.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Herman Boone grew up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He went to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School. Later, he attended Booker T. Washington High School in his hometown.
For his college education, Boone studied at North Carolina Central University. While there, he joined the Tau Psi chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree.
Coaching Career Highlights
In 1958, Herman Boone began his career as a teacher and coach. His first job was at Luther H. Foster High School in Blackstone, Virginia. He coached football, basketball, and baseball teams there. His teams achieved an impressive record of 26 wins and only 6 losses. They also won three district championships.
Success in North Carolina
Boone returned to North Carolina in 1961 to continue coaching. He became the head football coach at E.J. Hayes High School in Williamston, North Carolina. Over nine years, his football teams had an incredible record. They won 99 games and lost only 8.
His 1966 football team was especially successful. Scholastic Coach's Magazine even recognized them. They called his team "The Number One Football Team in America." In 1969, Coach Boone left his position. He faced difficulties that led him to leave his position.
Leading the Titans
In 1969, Boone joined T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He worked as a Physical Education teacher and an assistant football coach. He also coached the junior varsity wrestling team.
In 1971, Alexandria consolidated its high schools. Students from three different schools came together at T. C. Williams. Herman Boone was then chosen to be the head coach of the combined football team.
Before the season, Coach Boone took the team on a special training trip. They traveled to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This trip helped the team members get to know each other better. It also helped them bond as a team. Their integrated team started to get national attention. Even President Richard Nixon sent an aide to see them. In December 1971, President Nixon said the team "saved the city of Alexandria."
Boone later retired from coaching. He became a public speaker, sharing his experiences. In 2016, he received the Living Legends of Alexandria award. This award honors notable citizens of Alexandria, Virginia.
Personal Life
In his retirement, Herman Boone lived in Alexandria, Virginia. He lived with his wife, Carol Luck. They were married in 1962. Together, they had three daughters: Sharron, Donna, and Monica. They also had six grandchildren.
Boone was good friends with Willie Jeffries, another football coach. They had been friends since they were assistant coaches in North Carolina. Boone wrote a letter supporting Jeffries' induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He wrote that Jeffries' leadership helped inspire Remember the Titans.
Death
Herman Boone passed away at his home in Alexandria. He died on December 18, 2019, at the age of 84. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer. His wife, Carol, had passed away earlier that same year, on March 23, 2019.
Portrayal in Film
The 2000 film Remember the Titans tells the story of the 1971 T. C. Williams High School football season. In the movie, actor Denzel Washington plays the role of Coach Herman Boone.
Herman Boone Trophy
A special award is named after Coach Boone. The Herman Boone Trophy is given to the winning team of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. This is a game played between top high school All-American senior football players.
See also
- List of teachers portrayed in films
