When Denzel Washington, Will Patton and Ryan Gosling starred in “Remember the Titans,” they were telling the story inspired by the integration of the football team at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va.
On July 23, William Tennent High School will welcome five players and a cheerleader from the Virginia school – now named Alexandria City High School – to its community fundraiser to benefit Tennent’s football boosters.
“Night with the ’71 Titans” will include an opportunity to meet the former T.C. Williams students and visit the ’71 Titans’ collection of memorabilia, including a football jersey from the movie set. “Remember the Titans,” released in 2000, will be shown in Tennent’s 1,900-seat auditorium. Tickets are $10.
The acclaimed movie centers on the hiring of a black coach, played by Washington, shortly after the school was integrated in 1971.
“Football is a game that is more than just what happens between the lines,” William Tennent’s head football coach, Richard Clemens, said in a statement. “The knowledge and opportunities gained from participating in the sport far transcends any other sport that I know of, and I can’t think of any other better example of that than the Titans.”
Those attending from Virginia will be quarterback Derrick “Sugarbabe” Hopson (No. 11), linebacker Rufus Littlejohn (No. 62), offensive tackle Kerry Lundin (No. 77), offensive guard Mike Lynch (No. 54), center Bob Luckett (No. 50) and cheerleader Nancy Musser Cody.
“Extra-curricular activities enable students to learn valuable character traits and ideals such as teamwork, time management, dedication, leadership and sportsmanship,” said Tennent’s athletic director, John Creighton. The evening will be “invaluable” to student athletes, he added.
The event begins at 5 p.m. at the high school, 333 Centennial Road, Warminster. Tickets can be reserved by emailing wtfbboosters@gmail.com.
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