On Tuesday, February 22nd from 8 to 11 pm in Eisenhower Auditorium, legendary Titans’ coach Herman Boone will be speaking as a part of SPA’S Distinguished Speakers Series. Unfortunately, Denzel Washington will not be making an appearance, although he portrayed Boone in the 2000 production of Remember the Titans.

Remember the Titans is an inspirational true-story-turned-movie about a football team overcoming racial tension, intolerance, and rivalries to win their games. Herman Boone replaced the former well-loved coach Bill Yoast, of the T.C Williams High School, in Virginia. During the 1971 season, racial tensions were high, and this football team had no idea they were about to be integrated with their rivals of a different race.

Herman Boone knew he had to assimilate two separate teams physically and mentally to win. Not only were they big rivals, they were from different cultures, which led to problems between them. Boone led this integrated team to a 13-0 record, ending with a victory in the State Championship.

As a retired coach, Boone continues to motivate by speaking about the principles of teamwork, respect, community and other values portrayed in his story. He will be coming to Penn State to spread these values and talk about his accomplishments.

Tickets are FREE, and are currently available for students (2 per PSU ID). They go on sale for the general public on February 15th. They are available at Eisenhower from 8 AM to 5 pm, at the HUB from 11 am to 2 pm,  and at the Bryce Jordan Center from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays.

For all you football fans, this is a speaker you do not want to miss.  There will even be a chance at winning a football autographed by Boone!

For more information, please see the Facebook event.