Former T. C. Williams Titan Pens Memoir

Collin Eugene Arrington, former running back for the Alexandria, Virginia, T. C. Williams Titans football team, made famous by the critically acclaimed movie Remember the Titans, has released his memoir.

Rise of the Wolverines: The Making of a Titan and Beyond chronicles the life of Coach Gene, born into a world of poverty, labels and pessimists. But his adoptive parents, (maternal grandparents) Tom and Eva Brown Arrington, saw the newborn as a precious gift and guided him onto a path that helped him defy the hand he was dealt.

Arrington was recruited in 1971 as a running back by the late Herman Boone, renowned head coach of the Titans, whose mentorship he credits for many of his life’s achievements — earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees and attaining the rank of major in the U.S. Army. But when he accepted the position as head coach of the Westover High School Wolverines Girls basketball team, Coach Gene embarked on an odyssey that would lead him to one of his greatest personal and professional achievements.

The Wolverines’ record was 87 losses, 0 wins. While many saw losers, Coach Gene saw himself, ignored the naysayers, and embraced the challenge. The Wolverines found hope in his hope and became a formidable team skilled to rise to the height of success, clinching the North Carolina State Championship for the first time in Westover High School’s history.

“This is a must-read. This book pulls out every human emotion and leaves you spent. It provides a must needed uplifting and hope in these stressful times. I would love to see this as part of an effort to get young people to see what hard work and an unstoppable drive can accomplish. A great book to introduce in middle and high schools. A great American hero. Please read. Thank you.” — Jessie Williams