Coach Carter's Key Accomplishments Include . . .
Average is just not good enough. Period. This is the philosophy espoused by the very real Coach Ken Carter, who oversaw the direction of Richmond High School's basketball program in Calfornia. In 1999, Coach Carter found himself at the center of controversy when he locked out his entire Varsity basketball team (including his own son) in order to motivate and push them to improve their grades.
Not only did Coach Carter close the gym, but he also banned any and all basketball-related activities. Coach Carter was even prepared to cancel his entire season after 15 of his 45 players failed to live up to the classroom standards they agreed to in a contract signed earlier in the semester.
Receiving both high praise and staunch criticism for his unorthodox methods, Coach Carter made national news and went on to see several of his team members go on to earn four-year athletic scholarships, including his own son who was awarded a full scholarship to West Point Military Academy.
Coach Carter's compelling story, tenacious resolve, and unwavering optimism inspired Hollywood to take his saga to the big screen, and in 2005 made the eponymous hit movie starring Samuel L. Jackson
Today, Coach Carter remains an advocate for Richmond's youth and is active in his community. He is diligent in providing them with opportunities to build meaningful relationships with their peers and caring adults, and recognizes the advantages inherent in a sound sports program. In October, 2000 Coach Carter announced his plans to travel from Richmond High School to the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Using only a kick scooter, Coach Carter traveled for 3 days to Sacramento hoping to draw awareness to the deteriorating state of our schools and the need for students, parents, teachers and school board officials to commit to making a difference. Coach Carter's efforts proved successful, and subsequently Richmond High received building enhancements and computers from the Office of the Secretary of Education.
More About Coach Carter . . .
Coach Carter's philosophy is simple: If you get one percent better each day, within 100 days you'll be 100 percent better.
In 2002, Coach Carter was selected to carry the Olympic Torch as it made its way to the Salt Lake City Winter Games.
Coach Carter is also the Head Coach of the world champion LA Rumble SlamBall team.
Coach Carter attended George Fox University, Oregon and has to his credit the following awards: Harvard Club's "Distinguished Secondary Educator" Award, NAACP's "Impact Citizen of the Year" Award, California State Lottery/Governor Gray Davis' "Heroes in Education" Award, San Francisco Mayor, Willie Brown's Leadership Award, California's "Unsung Heroes" Award, the A.N.G. California "Boy's Coach of the Year" Award, and has been presented with a Proclamation from the City of Richmond. |
