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Event
Documentary Premiere: The Toughest
IMPORTANT! THIS IS A SURPRISE. Coach Wright doesn't know about this. We have gone to great pains to keep this project under wraps, so please DO NOT post this event on social media. Also, this event will sell out, so only reserve as many tickets as you will use. Thank you!
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Coach Larry Wright was the controversial head coach of a Cinderella team that went from 0-10 to 10-0 in 1973, under his leadership. The town loved the amazing success of this man. He was the most beloved man in the city.
But allegations by the state's athletic commission surfaced of illegal practices and harsh treatment of players. Then came an altercation with police officers. Just as quickly as they had sung his praises, the townspeople became disenchanted with the coach.
The beginning of the end was the tragic death of a player (never proven to be directly connected to football), followed by scores of season-ending injuries that left only 19 players dressed for the last game of the disappointing season. 900 townspeople signed a petition to fire him. In 1977, he left town in disgrace.
But that's not the FULL story.
Coach Wright cared deeply for every player on his team. To many, he was a second father. It was only recently disclosed that he used to deliver groceries to some players' families who could not afford food (and Coach Wright was married with four children, only earning $12K/year as head coach). He also used to drive some players home who lived beyond the city limits during the grueling two-a-days, so they could get the same two-hour recovery/rest between practices that the other players got. Again, in his personal car, at his own cost. He pushed hard to get his players into college. Many young men who never dreamed of a college degree now have CHILDREN with college degrees. His insistence on perfection and hard work has produced numerous doctors/surgeons, engineers, successful business leaders, and service academy graduates. His short time as head coach improved the lives of hundreds of people and continue to this day.
Coach Wright is, by all measures, a true winner whose story is only now being fully told.
The film maker travelled to California, Oregon, Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina, and North Carolina to interview almost 50 players, along with the legendary Athletic Director Bill Mayo, and noted townspeople John Ed Regenold and Mac Williams. Almost 50 gigabytes of footage later, this story is now ready to be told.
Coach Wright, along with assistant coaches Bill Ross, David Lewers, Jay Smith, Mark Grimes, Steve Rogers, Joe Bratcher, Able White, and Larry McGhee, were the toughest coaches of the toughest football program in the nation. Please join us in celebrating the incredible man whom we proudly call Coach.
Please help us honor Coach Larry Wright and the assistant coaches at this SURPRISE event. Again, Coach Wright won't know about this until he arrives at the front door of the Ritz. Please plan to be IN PLACE by 6:15 PM, as we will be filming the event.
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LocationThe Ritz Civic Center (View)
306 W Main St
Blytheville, AR 72315
United States
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| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
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