Herman Boone, coach from ‘Remember the Titans,’ dies at 84

Herman Boone, the man who inspired the movie “Remember the Titans” passed away last night from lung cancer.

In 1971, Alexandria, Va., integrated its public schools, consolidating three segregated schools into one: T.C. Williams High School where Boone became head football coach of the racially combined team. In his first year, Boone led the Titans to an undefeated season, a state championship and a national championship runner-up.

He had to face many racial tensions in the town, as he was chosen to be the head coach over Bill Yoast, his assistant coach, who was white.

Boone stopped coaching football in 1979 but remained a teacher. Denzel Washington portrayed Boone in the film, which still airs on many television stations today.

The football team caught national attention because of their skills and the ability of white and black athletes to work together to win a championship.

President Richard Nixon once said ”the Titans saved the city of Alexandria.”