Herman Boone, the legendary football coach at T.C. Williams High School portrayed by Denzel Washington in “Remember the Titans,” died Wednesday at 84 years old.
Boone, as portrayed in the movie, took over as coach of the Alexandria, Virginia, school in 1971, which was the first year the city’s high schools were integrated.
Boone led the Titans to the state championship amid racial tension.
Alexandria City Public Schools released a statement on Twitter:
“We are truly saddened to hear of the death of Coach Herman Boone today. ACPS & the @TCWTitans community will never forget his contribution to bringing our city together post-segregation. We encourage you to share your stories and memories of him with us.”
We are truly saddened to hear of the death of Coach Herman Boone today. ACPS & the @TCWTitans community will never forget his contribution to bringing our city together post-segregation. We encourage you to share your stories and memories of him with us. #RememberTheTitans pic.twitter.com/JZcsVVv0TT
— Alexandria City Public Schools (@ACPSk12) December 18, 2019
Bill Yoast, Boone’s assistant coach during the 1971 season and played by Will Patton in the movie, died in May at 94. Former T.C. Williams football captain Julius Campbell died from organ failure in January at age 65 according to SI. Petey Jones, a star of the team who, also died earlier this year, per CBS.
The Disney film was released in September 2000 and has grossed more than $130.
According to a 1979 Washington Post article, the team went on to win four district titles and two regional titles under Boone. But, in 1979, Boone was fired amid allegations of player abuse.
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