Sports
New KIPP Memphis football program is next challenge for ‘Undefeated’ star
- Details
- Category: Sports
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03 Dec 2012
- Written by Tri-State Defender Newsroom
Bill Courtney, star of the Academy Award winning documentary "Undefeated" and former head football coach of Manassas High School, announced on MemphiSport Live (MSL) Saturday (Dec. 1) that he is returning to coach high school football in North Memphis.
Courtney has agreed to take his coaching talents to charter school KIPP Memphis for their first year of varsity football.
Courtney said he is passionate about the move to KIPP. He said the venture comes under the umbrella of the ManRise Foundation. According to its website, ManRise "works with Memphis area high school students to help teach character, discipline and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." The organization has no paid stuff and is 100 percent volunteer.
On the MSL interview, Courtney said he became involved with KIPP through ManRise and fell in love with the school. They asked if he would be interested in starting a football
"I called every volunteer coach that worked with me at Manassas over 6 years...(11 of them)," said Courtney. Each committed to join the effort.
Courtney said it will be a lot of work getting the new KIPP football program. His heart, he said, is in it.
The Oscar-winning (2011) "Undefeated" documentary was directed by Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin. It chronicles the Manassas Tigers' struggle to have a winning football season after years of losses.
