Gerry Bertier

Gerry Bertier was a star quarterback at the all-white Alexandria High School in Virginia. He was known for his exceptional skills on the field and his strict demeanor off it. When the school integrated in 1971, Gerry found himself sharing the locker room with African American teammates for the first time. He was initially resistant to the change, but Coach Yoast, his father, was determined to make the integration process work. Coach Yoast was a strict but fair coach who believed in treating everyone equally, regardless of race. He worked hard to build a sense of unity and respect among his players, and Gerry eventually came around. Together, they helped lead the team to a historic victory in the state championship game, a victory that celebrated the power of teamwork and the importance of standing up for what's right.