Remember This Titan: The Bill Yoast Story: Lessons Learned from a Celebrated Coach's Journey As Told to Steve Sullivan

by Steve Sullivan

Book Overview

Bill Yoast is one of the real-life heroes of Remember the Titans, the inspirational hit movie that chronicled the struggles of black and white high school football athletes to create a championship season in racially charged Alexandria, Virginia in 1972. Uniting in a common effort, Yoast and Boone led T.C. Williams High School to an undefeated season, and in the process brought the school and polarized community together.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589792785
• ISBN13: 9781589792784
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Inspiring!!

Remember This Titan, is a wonderful accounting of Bill Yoast's life, ups and downs, the expected and the unexpected. It is the story of a man who LIVED decency long before it was fashionable. The success of the team, both on the field and in their interpersonal relationships, was nurtured by the presence of this fine teacher, leader and coach. In a time when schools go out of their way to emphasize that character counts, this is a fine, enjoyable book to share with the children/students in your life. There are so many valuable lessons, from Mary's impact on Coach Yoast to the profound influence of Raymond Tetfeller on Yoast's young life. This book is beautifully written. It flows with astonishing honesty from humor to heart-wrenching pain. Sullivan has an obvious knowledge, understanding and respect for Coach Yoast. As if all of the above isn't enough, there are action plans and lists of invaluable facts in the back. Remember This Titan is a great read which has had a lasting impact on me. p.s. I had a student at the end of the year say, "Hey, Ms. Stewart are YOU reading a football book, cool!" Enjoy.

The movie was GOOD...the book is BETTER

On the surface, you'd be impressed by the record breaking achievements of the team that were highlighted in the movie. Yet what is truly fascinating is Coach Yoast's journey as a person and a leader. What you learn about great leaders is that they are human. They have real experiences that helped them gain valuable insight, which they then transcend to the rest of us. Coach Yoast has done just that. And this book does not fall short of this remarkable man's accomplishments. The author does a fantastic job of drawing out the essence of a wonderful life's journey. In a style truly his own, Steve Sullivan gets right to the heart of the matter; never losing grasp of your attention. I read this book in one sitting. I flipped the last page only to find that I had reached the end of the journey. I realized immediately that although I had reached the end, the lessons and character of Coach Yoast will live on with me for a long long time. Thank you for the inspiration.

Real Leadership

I've grown tired of reading about so-called leaders who hype, cajole, posture and exhort their people. Read this book and learn what real leadership is. Bill Yoast brings skill, knowledge, and respect for his players to his coaching. He realizes what so few leaders today seem to grasp - it's the leader who needs to adapt. Each leadership task (game) is different. Each player is different. Bill Yoast provides inspiration and instruction to his players. He keeps the goals clear and provides his players with the conditioning and training they need. He doesn't tell his players they are good, he works to make them good. The author, Steve Sullivan, has chosen to give us the story in smooth flowing bite-sized pieces and that works well. Each bite contains a gem of an idea or a rich example that aspiring leaders can and should adopt.

The Best of the Best

I laughed and cried and learned and loved. What a "GREAT" man...what a wonderful story! This book is a "must read" for anyone and everyone. The integrity...the lessons... the story of a man who overcame the challenges that were placed in his life with a zeal a commitment and a knowledge that are not so easily learned in the face of adversity. I read this book in a matter of hours lying on the beach and then read it again. Each time, learning a new and valuable lesson. If all the people of this world, young and old, would read this book and focus on the meaning, we would have a society of caring, trustworthy, motivated and inspirational human beings that we could all be proud to be a part of. It's not just a football story; it's the story of life. There is something for everybody and I highly recommend it to everyone! Bill Yoast is my hero and I know after you read the book he will be yours too!

Remember this Titan: A man who made a difference

Coach Yoast, my high school coach, is one of the best role models I have ever encountered. He inspired and influenced me to become a teacher, coach and educational administrator. I have stayed in touch with him over these past forty years and thanked him for the difference he made in my life. Reading his book, I never knew the trials and challenges he faced and overcame to become the man he is. Every person who coaches kids should read his book and discover that coaching is more than just winning. It is setting a positive example, developing and nurturing the spirit and strengths of your young players that have a life long effect. Every young person can learn from his book that they can overcome great obstacles to become what they want to be. This is one of the best books that I know that can inspire a person to make a difference.