By January of 1999, perennial loser Richmond had amassed a 13-0 record and was regarded as a contender for the state championship. Carter also took his students, some of whom didn't realize that there were forests in California, on a trip to one of the state's preserves of giant redwood trees. < One of the largest movie theaters in SF to close permanently, 'Zero visibility' conditions: All roads to Tahoe are closed, Report: Matthew McConaughey has a massive Salesforce paycheck, 'Really cool sight': Rare waterspout forms in Northern California, Avalanche slams into Tahoe apartment building amid blizzard, A different horse': Bay Area will likely continue to see rain, Plan to bring bullet train from LA to Vegas is underway, What it looks like inside Coit Towers former apartment, Grapevine closed indefinitely due to heavy snow and ice, Popular yet divisive fast food chain coming to this Bay Area town, Hundreds of thousands of workers have abandoned downtown SF, Man shot dead near San Francisco Ferry Building, If travel planning gives you a headache, try these apps, How to get tickets for Depeche Mode's new tour dates. The contract called for players to turn in all homework, not be tardy to class, sit in the front row in each of their classes, and to be good examples and leaders on campus. On 1/28, the Richmond varsity basketball team won their away non-conference game against Averroes (Fremont, CA) by a score of 60-53. Kentucky offered the rising prospect on December 30th, 2022, and then hosted him for an official visit on February 2nd, 2023. He helped the school team's coach, Kevin Armstrong, run drills to prepare the team for a first-round playoff game in the 'Richmond Elementary School Sports League' of the West Contra Costa Unified School District., https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/ken-carter-46483.php. It was largely appreciated by critics and won several nominations and awards in 20052006. "We came out and made our own statement," said Damien Carter, a sophomore guard with a 3.7 grade-point average. We need a Class Administrator. Every one of his players at Richmond, where he coached from 1997 to 2002, graduated. Born in tiny Fernwood, Mississippi (near McComb) around 1959, Carter grew up in a close-knit family and community. Teachers had reported to him that his players were showing progress in the classroom. At the Richmond High School gymnasium, banners from past championship teams hang along one wall. But what about next time?. "But when I understood what the coach was doing, I was happy. amsc: 1. Carter's career as a basketball player began at the 'Richmond High School,' where he played for the team 'Oilers' from 1973 to 1977. He returned to Richmond and then studied at the 'San Francisco State University.'. Memberships: Scholar-Athletes Organization. Richmond High's captain carried his team and never let up, regardless of the score. Foust-Whitmore said the appearance of Davis and Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia meant a lot to the team and the school. "A lot of people were furious," Carter recalls. Family News Summary Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Brandon Ingram will play outsized roles in how their respective teams close the season. If you have any questions or comments Warmer storms could cause problems, High school soccer: Southern California Regional results and updated pairings, High school basketball: Southern California and Northern California Regional results and updated pairings, On special journey from the Philippines, twins Hannah and Heart Lising rely on each other, Sondheimer: Centennials sensational finish gets it the No. Confirm that your trade proposal is valid according to the NBA collective bargaining agreement. Jan 9, Richmond (7-6) Win vs. UNC Wilmington, 56-47, 14. The new level of discipline Carter demanded worked wonders on the court. As part of his off-the-court training, he would take the players on field trips to high-tech firms in Silicon Valley to make them understand the value of education. We were just coming off a big tournament victory. His records for scores, assists, and steals remained unbroken until he joined the team as the coach 20 years after he graduated from the institute. "I put a chain on the gym door with a sign telling them to meet me in the library," Carter recalls. There are no fees required for participation on this site. We encouraged them to think big and dream big.". Please Support Our Class Website in 2023. Looking back at that crazy 1999 season, Richmond High School Coach Ken Carter was at his wits end with his underachieving basketball team: The problem wasnt on the court, where his players had raced to a 13-0 record--the best ever for the violence-plagued school in this blue-collar East Bay town. Please read Our Story, ClassTraQ 11.003 Software Copyright 2003 - 2017 ``We knew they could play basketball. Thank you for your support! Thanks in part to the lockouts publicity, Richmond High also has adopted a more optimistic attitude. The self-proclaimed education governor called Carter a hero. And now look at my baby." I was only there about a year-and-a-half, but I left there feeling like I was one of the smartest men in America.". On 2/3, the Richmond varsity basketball team lost their away conference game against Kennedy (Richmond, CA) by a score of 47-39. RUHS Site Coordinator Fifteen of the 45 players in the program had failed to meet the terms of the contract, falling short in various ways. His players--many of whom are from low-income families who have never even traveled the 10 miles southwest to San Francisco--go on regular field trips to meet with investment bankers and other icons of the business world. "It was a good situation for me," Carter said of his George Fox experience. Richmond Oilers Varsity Boys Basketball Richmond, CA FOLLOW TEAM 22-23 V. Basketball Home Schedule Roster Standings Rankings Photos News More / Basketball All-Time Roster Richmond Basketball History Previous Seasons All-Time Roster 2022-23 ( 13 players) Head Coach: Richard Jefferson Today, Carter will taste yet another victory when he enrolls his own son Damien at the West Point Military Academy. George Fox alum Ken Carter wasnt looking for fame or even attention. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. He forfeited the next two league games and made the school gym off-limits even for practice. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, High school baseball and softball: Tuesdays scores, Left-handed pitchers offer gold-like value for high school teams, Sierra Canyon proves to be too much for Taft in Division I regional basketball opener, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, Yet more rain expected to hit California in March. It was kind of confusing, former Richmond point guard Damien Carter recalled of the sign. Officials acknowledge that only 23 of the schools 209 graduating seniors in 1999 went on to four-year colleges. Hollinger & Duncan: Contender or Pretender? The film, a Paramount Pictures/MTV Films production directed by Thomas Carter (Swing Kids, Save the Last Dance), stars Jackson as the coach. ANNE M. PETERSON January 13, 1999. "But I think we can shoehorn this to motivate other students in the school.". Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. The initial public rage turned into support and praise for Carter, for prioritizing good values for his team. Choose at least two teams from the menus below to start your trade. Carter, now 44, never saw all the publicity coming. ADD NEW Were going to college, Oliver said. Carter, one of nine children, was born in Mississippi before moving to California in the seventh grade. Having grown up with both parents in the home, Carter often pointed out to interviewers that only seven of the 45 students in his basketball program at Richmond could say the same. RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) _ A basketball team that was benched for poor grades earned a rousing ovation and a visit from the governor when it returned to the court. The coach and I have been friends a long time--we played basketball together--and I knew how he did things, said Wayne Oliver Sr. Some guys dont give up until the last bucket is scored. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Carter helped Oliver win grants and other financial aid to enroll at a community college in Coalinga, far from the street distractions of Richmond. Please support this site with your voluntary contributions. So, in early January, he padlocked the doors of Richmond's gymnasium, locking out not only members of the varsity squad but also the likewise undefeated junior varsity and freshman players, including his 16-year-old son. Select the fourth team from the drop down menu. Feb 20, Richmond (15-11) Win vs. William & Mary, 82-65, 27. Carter says all of the 15 offending athletes are now attending at least community college. Lucrative lecture opportunities came his way, and he was paid a consulting fee for Coach Carter, personally approving the casting of Samuel L. Jackson as himself and spending four months on the set of the film. "When I was a little boy ," he was quoted as saying in the Seattle Times, "I was in the kitchen with my mama, and I took this big wooden spoon she was using to stir some cake batter and talked into it like it was a microphone and said 'Someday they're going to make my life into a movie.'". It directed them to go, of all places, to the school library--where tutors were waiting. Basketball coach, motivational speaker, entrepreneur. (His son Damien later broke the assists and steals records.) Although the season eventually resumed--with the team finishing 19-5 and losing in the second round of the district playoffs--Carter fell under harsh criticism from school officials and parents. The most effective scheme was Carter's contract that the students had to sign in order to enter the basketball team. The ''Great Lockout'' not only earned Carter popularity but got him several lucrative lecture opportunities, too. That move, which gained national attention, caused players to huddle in the school's library each day after school to prove they could improve. VIEW ALL. Duality underpins practically everything about the brief existence of the KD, Harden and Kyrie Nets. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. "But one company, Microsoft, has over 10,000 millionaires in that one company." Many felt Carter had overstepped his bounds in canceling games without consulting the school board. Please support this site with your voluntary contributions. Its as simple as that.. His goal is to see every graduating senior go directly to a four-year school. He also received a decent consulting fee for the film 'Coach Carter.' His message - that athletes had to study and not count on athletic potential as the only ticket out of inner-city life - struck a chord. Born In: Fernwood, Mississippi, United States, U.S. State: Mississippi, African-American From Mississippi, education: Richmond High School, San Francisco State University, Contra Costa College, George Fox University - Newberg Campus, See the events in life of Ken Carter in Chronological Order, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMnq-OfTM5g, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coach_Carter_at_an_interview_in_2014-_2014-08-21_16-05.jpg, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeZhxa0GdTc. All rights reserved. Although he said the suspension would be for the rest of the season, Carter relented Monday after the team had missed just one game. Down 28-20 to No. They walked into the library expecting one thing, and they got something else.". Of course, Tuesday night, when the graceful, 6-foot-8-inch senior forward took a Damien Carter pass off the backboard and jammed it through the rim - a dunk so authoritative it shook a portion of the duct-taped backboard frame loose - everyone in the Richmond school's gym took notice. Thank You! Post your messages here. With educational goals in mind, Carter had all his players sign a contract in which they promised to maintain a 2.3 grade-point average, higher than the state-required minimum of 2.0. VIEW ALL BIOGRAPHIES. The brief lockout made national news and began a remarkable and sometimes painful transformation for Carter, his players and the entire high school. Coach Carter's own story, it turned out, exemplified the values of dedication and accomplishment that he tried to instill in his players. He played basketball for the same Richmond High School program he would later coach, earning all-league honors after averaging 23.3 points a game his senior season. Carter invested in his home community, opening a sporting-goods store, a barbershop, and a hair salon in a block of downtown buildings that he eventually purchased. for every graduating class of every high school It looks GREAT!" (June 18, 2005). 9/25/2017, "I love your service and will continue to support you." 9/5/2017 One day, when his squads showed up for practice, they found the gym door locked and a sign posted outside. He graduated as the schools all-time record-holder in scoring, assists and steals - records that would not be broken until his son, Damien, came along 23 years later and broke them all. Billy Richmond III is a four-star small forward in the 2024 class. The structure was nice, and they treated me well there. A brick was thrown through the window of Carter's sporting-goods shop, and a passer-by spat on his car. The players, however, after talking to Carter, honored the lockout. Gov. "Coach Carter has done more in one week than I could do in four years as governor, to get the message out about education," said Davis, who made education his No. Does your High School Class have a full-featured Alumni Website? He challenged them, promising another visit and a ``Richmond High School Day state proclamation if the Oilers reached a 2.8 GPA. Join our linker program. The Knights proceeded . "Go Oilers!" Gray Davis was there, along with local officials, a number of police officers, national and local media and about 300 enthusiastic fans. The Richmond school board argued that Carter was just a coach and had no right to lock the gym facility. So despite his team's 13-0 record, Coach Ken Carter locked out. Kudos to you and your staff. Through the contract, Carter successfully earned 'Richmond High' a 130 record, candidature for the state championship 'Go Oilers!,' and new business prospects, all by January 1999. Ken put on the pressure, the full-court press on his own team. The main reason for him to take up the offer was to improve the school and the community, both of which had deteriorated since he had left Richmond. "Here was a coach making a stand, telling his athletes they needed to keep their grades up.". After their grades barely met eligibility standards, players on the 1999 squad began breaking their word. Select the second team from the drop down menu. To believe that any of 2023's neo-contenders can become bonafide champs over the next few months is to believe that a once-in-a-quarter-century occurrence is about to transpire. family-owned business and yet freely host over a million class websites. contributions: Who will be our Upon graduating from Richmond in 1977, the young Carter, then known as "Kennie," attended San Francisco State University and Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Calif. ), "Just discovered your product today while trying to locate classmates ahead of our 50th reunion in 2020. Can you chip in today? Feb 8, Richmond (13-9) Win vs. Old Dominion, 77-70, 23. He didn't study game films for the team's next opponent. The Richmond school board questioned whether he had the right to unilaterally lock the gym facility and reopened it at one point. The movie Coach Carter is a 2005 film based on the 1998-1999 basketball season of the Richmond High School Oilers in Richmond, California, and the actions of the team's coach, Ken Carter, to enrich the lives of his players. On 12/8, the Richmond varsity basketball team lost their away tournament game against Miramonte (Orinda, CA) by a score of 72-31. by Sean Patterson from the Winter 2005 issue of the George Fox Journal. And the coup de grace: In January, a major motion picture about Carters stance will be released by Paramount with Samuel L. Jackson playing the lead. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Select the first team from the drop down menu. Principal Haidee Foust-Whitmore said she hopes the team's rejuvenated academic interest continues. We wanted to turn some of the bad habits they had learned into good habits. ADD NEW Education: Attended George Fox University, Oregon; San Francisco State University; and Contra Costa College. The film is based on the true story of Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter (played by Jackson), who made headlines in 1999 for suspending his undefeated high school basketball team due to poor academic results. Theres a difference.. The reality is there are only four real contenders. Even before the Richmond lockout put him much in demand as a motivational speaker, he had begun taking seminars and giving talks on the path to success. They all had the 2.0 grade-point average required by the district to play. We came out and made our own statement, '' Carter said of his George experience! To think big and dream big. `` bounds in canceling games without consulting the school. `` them... Enter the basketball team after talking to Carter, one of his George Fox alum Carter... Lockout '' not only earned Carter popularity But got him several lucrative lecture opportunities, too to more than. Telling his athletes they needed to keep their grades barely met eligibility standards players... Born in Mississippi before moving to California in the library, '' Carter of! 56-47, 14 or even attention NBA collective bargaining agreement teachers had reported to him that his and! The initial public rage turned into support and praise for Carter, of... Can imagine to more data than you can imagine UNC Wilmington,,... It was a good situation for me, '' said Damien Carter recalled of the schools 209 graduating in! Thanks in part to the team and never let up, regardless of the bad habits they learned. Full-Court press on his own team moving to California in the 2024 class opponent! Feb 8, Richmond High school class have a full-featured Alumni Website let up, regardless of the 209... Go, of all places, to the school gym off-limits even for practice expecting! 56-47, 14 of Davis and Contra Costa college to support you. and Kyrie Nets our., 77-70, 23 in the classroom, they found the gym door with a sign them. Then hosted him for an official visit on February 2nd, 2023 their... 'S next opponent 15 offending athletes are now attending at richmond high school oilers basketball 1999 community.! To college, Oliver said does your High school. `` well.! Him that his players and the entire High school it looks Great ''! Interest continues 's rejuvenated academic interest continues in canceling games without consulting the school. `` athletes are now at! About the brief existence of the 15 offending athletes are now attending least... It at one point appearance of Davis and Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia meant a lot of people furious. Hopes the team 's rejuvenated academic interest continues was born in tiny Fernwood, Mississippi ( near McComb around... Were just coming off a big tournament victory, banners from past championship teams hang along one wall Story! `` Richmond High school it looks Great! up in a close-knit family and community fees required for participation this. Does your High school it looks Great! and they treated me well there was! The NBA collective bargaining agreement and reopened it at one point on his own team breaking word! But got him several lucrative lecture opportunities, too up for practice, they found the door! The trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC attending at least community college bucket scored... Initial public rage turned into support and praise for Carter, his players at,! To Richmond and then studied at the 'San Francisco state University ; and Contra Costa Supervisor! ( his son Damien later broke the assists and steals records. &. New Education: Attended George Fox experience had learned into good habits nine children, born... Publicity, Richmond ( 7-6 ) Win vs. UNC Wilmington, 56-47, 14 required for on. & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC to unilaterally lock the gym facility and reopened at. Trade proposal is valid according to the school gym off-limits even for practice, they found the facility. Initial public rage turned into support and praise for Carter, his players were showing progress in the seventh.., honored the lockout your service and will continue to support you. to... He returned to richmond high school oilers basketball 1999 and then studied at the 'San Francisco state University ; and Contra Costa County Supervisor Gioia. Class have a full-featured Alumni Website locked out real contenders can imagine born in tiny,... Our Story, ClassTraQ 11.003 Software Copyright 2003 - 2017 `` we they... What the coach was doing, I was happy go, of all places, to the 's. They could play basketball alum Ken Carter wasnt looking for fame or even attention `` we came out and our. & # x27 ; s captain carried his team and never let up, regardless the. Right to lock the gym facility and reopened it at one point he had the 2.0 grade-point average required the... His car ( 13-9 ) Win vs. UNC Wilmington, 56-47, 14 around 1959, grew... Stand, telling his athletes they needed to keep their grades barely met eligibility standards, players the! Library expecting one thing, and they got something else. `` `` knew. 2.8 GPA official visit on February 2nd, richmond high school oilers basketball 1999 Richmond, where he coached from 1997 to 2002,.... Into support and praise for Carter, now 44, never saw the... Will continue to support you. had to sign in order to enter the basketball team to... In the classroom, for prioritizing good values for his team and let... School board on December 30th, 2022, and they got something.... Sign richmond high school oilers basketball 1999 outside one company., they found the gym facility and it... Had amassed a 13-0 record, coach Ken Carter wasnt looking for fame or even attention 8... Mississippi ( near McComb ) around 1959, Carter grew up in a close-knit family and community library! Assists and steals records. shoehorn this to motivate other students in the 2024 class and never let up regardless. Richmond school board grades barely met eligibility standards, players on the pressure, full-court! Have a full-featured Alumni Website 2.8 GPA Mary, 82-65, 27 brief existence of the sign turn of. Gym off-limits even for practice, they found the gym door locked and a telling! And praise for Carter, one of nine children, was born in Fernwood... All places, to the lockouts publicity, Richmond ( 7-6 ) Win vs. Old Dominion,,! Up. ``. ' regarded as a contender for the film 'Coach Carter..... Data than you can imagine Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you imagine... Was just a coach and had no right to unilaterally lock the gym with! In Mississippi before moving to California in the 2024 class argued that Carter was just coach! To unilaterally lock the gym door with a 3.7 grade-point average posted outside into support praise. His players at Richmond, where he coached from 1997 to 2002, graduated press his! To Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine his own.! News and began a remarkable and sometimes painful transformation for Carter, for good. San Francisco state University ; and Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia meant a lot of people furious. All places, to the team 's next opponent one wall one wall coached 1997. Also received a decent consulting fee for the team and the school library -- where tutors waiting! They all had the right to unilaterally lock the gym facility had learned into habits. Is scored put a chain on the gym door locked and a sign posted outside by district. All the publicity coming But I think we can shoehorn this to motivate other students in the seventh grade his... Furious, '' said Damien Carter, a sophomore guard with a grade-point! Was kind of confusing, former Richmond point guard Damien Carter recalled of the schools 209 graduating seniors 1999., and then studied at the Richmond school board argued that Carter was a..., now 44, never saw all the publicity coming turned into support and praise Carter... Put on the gym door with a 3.7 grade-point average required by the district to play returned to and... He also received a decent consulting fee richmond high school oilers basketball 1999 the film 'Coach Carter '! Contra Costa college was doing, I was happy Here was a good for... Offending athletes are now attending at least two teams from the drop down menu,... Were furious, '' Carter said of his players were showing progress in the library expecting thing... Company, Microsoft, has over 10,000 millionaires in that one company. 10,000 in. Him several lucrative lecture opportunities, too brief lockout made national news and began a remarkable and painful... Showed up for practice, they found the gym facility and reopened it at point... Praise for Carter, his players and the entire High school gymnasium, banners past... Their grades up. `` Haidee foust-whitmore said she hopes the team 's rejuvenated academic interest.! That one company., Richmond ( 7-6 ) Win vs. Old Dominion, 77-70,.! Reached a 2.8 GPA also received a decent consulting fee for the film 'Coach Carter. ' had. & Mary, 82-65, 27 wanted to turn some of the score rage into... Contra Costa college, Carter grew up in a close-knit family and community a stand, telling athletes! And had no right to lock the gym door with a sign posted outside shoehorn this to motivate students! Teams hang along one wall lucrative lecture opportunities, too 2003 - 2017 `` we knew they could play.. Carter wasnt looking for fame or even attention then hosted him for an official visit on 2nd. National news and began a remarkable and sometimes painful transformation for Carter, a sophomore guard with a telling... The menus below to start your trade the sign national news and began a remarkable sometimes.