Wednesday night I had the honor of attending the premier of We Could Be King. The 80-minute documentary chronicles the most recent football season for the Martin Luther King High Cougars and the personal journeys of their diverse and troubled players.
The background story is rich with sentiment, MLK High was forced to merge with their rival school Germantown, after Germantown was closed due to severe budget cuts. This tale was one of unity, perseverance and overcoming the odds.
The film captured the many sub-plots which came together to make the storied season possible. At the crux of it all was Coach Ed Dunn, who was brought in by a determined Principal William Wade to help turn the football program around. In the last two years the Cougars had only ‘won’ one game, which came by forfeit. The task was daunting to say the least, but was highlighted by the generosity of Dunn who came on board as a volunteer after being laid off his teaching job due to budget cuts.
The kids ultimately were the soul of the film, from Dontae Angus, a gentle 6’6 giant (even for a defensive tackle) whose rebelliousness affects his grades and becomes the ultimate hurdle in his mission to college. Salvatore (Sal) Henderson, a gifted and urbane youngster who finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time, and finds his future with the team up-in-the-air. Then there was former football player Mickey Grace, who was the first girl in Philadelphia to play high school football, for the now defunct Germantown Bears. Mickey acts a role model for the young boys and offers tough love.
The magical season that unfolded in North Western Philadelphia was one in great need for documentation, it’s proof why funds are so badly needed and the power of keeping sports in schools. After the film’s premier DICK’S Sporting Goods presented a $250,000.00 check as part of their ‘Sports Matter’ campaign. In Philadelphia public schools lost over $300 million in funding, which resulted in close to 4,000 employees being laid off. DICK’S continues to do their part to save high school sports by pushing films like this to show all that can be achieved.
The festivities on Wednesday night were in tribute to what the Cougars accomplished and the long-term effects it will have. The young players were offered their first true taste of celebrity, walking the red carpet with Super Bowl winning receiver for the New York Giants Victor Cruz, Oscar nominated actor Michael B. Jordan, ESPN Radio Personality Mike Golic and current New York Giant Walter Thurmond.
Director Judd Ehlrich received a very much earned standing ovation after the film’s climax. Although a born and raised New Yorker his passion for an issue which on the surface seems so foreign to him rang true and heartfelt.
The Film airs on ESPN 2 Saturday at 8pm EST
Special thanks to Tribeca Films and DICK’S Sporting Goods for the inspirational night. #SPORTSMATTER
Join DICK’S in saving High School sports and donate to the cause: dicks.com/sportsmatter