So Coach, we've all heard of the famous Titans from TC Williams High School who went the distance and accomplished things that most people believed they couldn't. But out of all the time you spent with your team, what makes you remember the Titans?
One of the most memorable moments for me then and now is knowing that group of young men, who could not stand to be within 5 feet of eachother, not only came together as a team to win a state championship and become second in the nation.. but also became life-long friends.. and to this day keep in contact with eachother and myself. They rid themselves of the hate they were taught by their parents, and saw eachother as brothers despite their differences.
Every coach has a way of reaching their team and inspiring them to work harder and play harder. What tactics did you use to help your team come together in such a prejudice society?
I think the biggest thing I did was let them know they had no choice in the matter. When I first got there they told me I was too black for the white kids, and wasn't black enough for the black kids. And that's when I decided that it was not going to be a democracy. It was a dictatorship, and I was the dictator.
What is your definition of a successful team?
My definition of a successful team would be a group of people with one vision, one objective, and one heartbeat. They come together and work together in harmony. I always tell aspiring football coaches that a successful team plays with one heartbeat.. And if they ever hear two heartbeats, somebody better kill that other sucka.
After having lived through a time of racial disperity and prejudices, are there any specific lessons you learned that you think everyone should know?
Well prejudices have been here since the beginning of time. Many cultures believe that there are cultures less important than theirs; cultures that are inferior to theirs. But I've learned that if you believe in your God.. If you believe in your values.. If you believe in your core values, and your family values..Then that's all that is truly needed for you to survive.
Coach, you've been known as a great leader and have served as an inspiration for many... Who was one of your inspirations growing up?
One of my inspirations was my father. He was not an educated man.. He wouldn't even be able to read his name if you showed it to him on paper. But he was smart. He said things that made you think. One quote he always said, and I've always tried to live by was when he said "The day is going to break whether you want it to or not. So if you ever wake up at day break and you're not planning on making a difference, then go right back to sleep."
