Gerry Bertier

Gerry Bertier ( born August 20, 1953 in Alexandria, Virginia; † March 20, 1981 in Charlottesville, Virginia) was an American high-school American football player. He was captain of the football team, the TC Williams High School, which in 1971 won the championship in Virginia. Even during the 1971 season, he was involved in a car accident that paralyzed him from the pelvis down. Bertier later won gold medals in the shot put and discus throwing at the Paralympics. Was portrayed a part of his life in the film Remember the Titans.

Football

Bertier joined the Hammond High School to the football team and he became a key player in the defense. In the second year, he starred as a linebacker. After the third season, the Hammond High School was with two other high schools to TC Williams High School merged. This restructuring has meant that team and coaching staff were newly appointed. Bertier supported his teammates, who had to fight against racial prejudice. In the successful 1971 season, the " Titans" won all 13 games. Bertier was named team Defensive Most Valuable Player and the National Prep School Football Player of the Year.

Accident and Paralympics

After a banquet in honor of the Titans Bertier went on 11 December 1971, the car of his mother's home. Along the way, he lost control of his car and collided with a van. Cause of the accident was a mechanical defect in his car. Bertier was henceforth confined to a wheelchair. He took a job at which he sold medical supplies for the disabled. So he could nationwide participate in wheelchair sports. After his accident, he worked again as a competitive athlete. He won a gold medal in the shot put and the discus throw another at the Paralympics.

Death

On March 20, 1981 Bertier was involved in a second car accident. A drunken driver collided with his car. Bertier died two hours later at the University of Virginia Hospital.

Filming

Part of Gerry Bertiers life was filmed in 2000 by Boaz Yakin. In the Titans the 1971 season the Titans is told. The main role was played Ryan Hurst.