Ed Temple at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Allstate at Harris Theatre in Chicago, Illionois. (David Banks/Getty Images for USOC)
Tennessee State University will be host a screening of the newly released documentary film “Ed Temple and the Tigerbelles”, followed by celebration of the legendary track and field coach Ed Temple and the storied women’s track team. The local screening and celebration will be held on Wednesday, March 14, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., in Nashville at the Avon Williams Center on Tennessee State University’s downtown campus. The event is free and open to the public.
The documentary covers Temple and the Tigerbelles’ success during a time when the nation was embroiled in a civil rights crisis as African-Americans sought equality. The film also features testimonials from historians, writers and former Tigerbelles. The screening and celebration will feature a brief panel with the filmmakers, Tom Neff and Shelly Hay, as well as reflections and remarks from some of the former Tigerbelles expected to attend the event.
TSU President Glenda Glover said, “It’s always an honor to share and celebrate the great history makers of Tennessee State University, and it is an extremely proud moment for us as we continue to highlight the great achievements of our beloved and legendary Coach Ed Temple and the famed Tigerbelles. Whenever I talk with individuals about Coach Temple, I also remind them that he was a great educator as well, ensuring that all Tigerbelles earned their degrees as top student athletes. Lastly, the members of the Temple Documentary Fund and the filmmakers did an amazing job of documenting the remarkable accomplishments of the Tigerbelles under the leadership of Coach Temple.”
“I had always admired Mr. Temple and his story of greatness,” said Bo Roberts, Nashville businessman and chairman of the Temple Documentary Fund. “What he and the Tigerbelles were able to accomplish over his 40-year coaching span was truly amazing. Their platform was much bigger than a coach and his players. They overcame racial and gender battles, and made a major impact on a nation and a world.”
Temple was an internationally known track and field icon. He coached the TSU Tigerbelles for more than 40 years and the U.S. Women’s Track and Field team at the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games. During that time, he produced 41 Olympians who won 23 medals, 13 of them gold. Temple passed away Sept, 22, 2016, at the age of 89. He belongs to nine different halls of fame and is one of three coaches inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
The film premiered last Monday on CBS Sports Network and has made several appearances on the channel since the initial airing. The film will continue to air on CBS Sports Network throughout the year. Please check your cable provider for local listings.
The Ed Temple Documentary Fund thanks the event sponsors, HCA Healthcare, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., and the Metropolitan Government of Nashville, Davidson County, and local businessman John Ingram. Ingram will also be honored at the event for his recent contributions to the city of Nashville.
