EDTP 635
Adolescent Development and Learning Needs
University of Maryland, University College
 Breaking Down Stereotypes |  Friendship |
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 The Power of Sports |
Breaking Down Stereotypes and Developing Tolerance
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The white and black players initially do not want to play together, but they learn to work together and be successful.
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The white and black coaches are reluctant to work together. Eventually, they learn to leverage each other’s strengths.
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At camp, Coach Boone decides that each player will spend time with a teammate of a different race, learning about him and his family, his likes and dislikes. He gives the players extra training sessions until everyone reports back to him with their findings.
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The daughters of Coach Boone and Coach Yoast think the other is odd. Coach Boone’s daughter likes dolls and dresses, while Coach Yoast’s daughter is into football and being a tomboy; nevertheless, they are able to become friends.
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When “Sunshine” joins the team, the other players think he might be gay. They quickly drop the matter and accept him as a talented quarterback and a positive force on the team.
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Some white restaurant owners do not want to serve the black players. But once the Titans begin winning, the entire team's patronage is eagerly sought after.
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Bertier’s friendship with Ray is irrevocably broken because of Ray’s inability to accept his black teammates and treat them fairly.
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Bertier’s girlfriend, Emma, breaks up with him because of his friendships with the black players. At the beginning of the championship game, in full view of the stands, she shakes Julius’ hand.
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A police cruiser pulls up as Julius is standing outside Gerry Bertier's house. Julius thinks he is in trouble for being in a white neighborhood; but the white cop merely wants to congratulate Julius on the team's success and Julius' role as defensive captain.
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Intolerance in the football world caused opposing coaches not to share film; for referees to call questionable penalties; and for Coach Yost to lose his shot at the Hall of Fame.
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Coach Taber refused to shake Coach Boone’s hand after the regional defeat loss. After winning the state championship, the losing coach respectfully shakes Coach Boone’s hand.
Friendship
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Julius and Bertier become best friends. After Bertier's accident, Julius talks about them living in the same neighborhood where white and black don't matter, and growing old and fat together.
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Coach Boone and Coach Yoast became respected allies.
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Rev’s and Sunshine’s happy go-lucky natures are instrumental in building team unity and friendships.
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Bertier’s mother and Julius develop a friendship that is strengthened after Bertier’s accident.
The Power of Sports to Change Lives
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When the team returns from training camp, issues of race are no longer as much an issue as they are with the general student body population.
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Sunshine becomes a leader when put in the game after Rev’s injury. He then instills confidence in the offense to execute the play as a unit.
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At a pivotal team meeting and candid conversation, the team realizes its strength is in the power of the team rather than the individual.
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The neighborhood changes its attitude toward the Boone family when the team triumphs.
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Louie Lastik uses the confidence gained from his sports participation to improve his academic performance and go on to college.
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After Bertier is paralyzed, his outstanding performance in the Special Olympics gives him renewed confidence and a source of pride.
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When Bertier is injured, the whole team holds a vigil for him at the hospital.