Inspirational tale of triumph in 'Glory Road'

By Nick Norman

Real-life college basketball coach Don Haskins led his team to what's known as "the greatest upset in NCAA history." His leadership succeeded not only because he exuded passion for his sport, but also because he worked for a higher purpose.

Don Haskins fielded the first all-black college basketball starting lineup in the this nation's history -- and he did it from a small college in Texas.

Ultimately, his ground-breaking team from Texas Western University seized the 1966 national title.

At the onset, Haskins walks into a dilapidated gym. Warped floor boards snag his heels and pigeons' wings beat against the rafters. An all-white team greets him.

From this modest start he builds a dynasty out of talent and sweat. Down this "Glory Road," he builds a movement to change the status quo of collegiate sports.

The racism present in this film is used perfectly. It starts with heart-warming misunderstandings: harmless jokes, jibes and competitions.

It plays like a child using a cuss word -- inappropriate and wrong, but they don't even know what they're saying. Throughout the film, the tension builds and reaches violent, upsetting heights.

Yet, the whole angle on racial tension does not make this Disney film unsuitable for children. With a PG rating, I expected watered-down commentary on the brutality of the civil-rights era South. I was deeply mistaken.

The actors take the tension and aftermath to a didactic level that remains respectful to the audience and the troubling history they portray. For this alone, I would recommend the film to anyone.

Beyond the heavy drama, the action sizzled throughout. The basketball games in the film made me cheer.

I actually thought I was back in Leavey Center watching our recent match against Gonzaga. It took all my willpower not to clap and boo my way through the defeats and victories.

Thankfully, some of the younger children in the theater took care of the clapping.

Vicariously, I cheered along as the dunks and midair steals filled the screen.

This deeply engrossing film made me drop all disbelief. For nearly two hours, I became their biggest fan.

"Glory Road," much like "Remember the Titans," proves that everyone values the victory of teamwork.

This excellent film tells the story of athletes who were able to build a team and defy social obstacles.

Grade: A

Contact Nick Norman at (408) 551-1918 or nicknorman@gmail.com.