Glory Road came out this weekend. It is about Don Haskins and the 1966 Texas Western College Miners Basketball Team (now known as UTEP). Haskins made history by starting five black players against Kentucky’s all white line-up during an NCAA Championship game, something that had never been done before. It came during a time when racial discrimination was very high, at a time when young black men didn’t have many opportunities... and it made many proud that these boys, who often experienced racism, triumphed over these obstacles...they not only made names for themselves on the court, but off the court as well (they went on to become successful in life in one way or another).
Here is a link with more background on this story:
http://ia.utep.edu/Default.aspx?alias=ia.utep.edu/gloryroad
This isn’t just another sports movie in this part of the country...no, siree. This is about our city’s heroes, the men that made us--and continue to make us--proud. Haskins is bigger than life for us...a man with a piercing stare who could make you shake in your boots, but with a sharp sense of humor that will leave you laughing. He is type of man who is more humbled by the attention he is getting than he is proud of it.
We went to see this movie on Friday night, at 10 pm (since all other shows had been sold out). We clapped with every mention of our city’s name, and cheered along with every exciting basketball play. The best part, however, was when the movie ended, for we got to see the real faces behind this story. I was filled with joy at seeing my Alma Mater and my city being highlighted, and was filled with pride knowing that the achievements of this team will be forever remembered with this movie.
Congratulations Don Haskins and the 1966 TWC team...You’ve done us proud.
You were already heroes to us; now the rest of the world will know your inspirational story.