I have always felt my father is the greatest. When I first heard about the making of the movie “Remember the Titans,” I made a website about the movie and team as one of my first web designing endeavors.

Then, I made a website for the school, T.C. Williams High School. When the ’71 Original Titans foundation was started, I became the webmaster for it. Meanwhile, I made a personal website for my father, Paul “Doc” Hines, assistant coach featured in the movie and played by GregAlan Williams.

During this whole time, I marveled at how much fans truly love the movie. But mostly I was amazed at the response of many of my father’s former players and students. I found that he not only impacted my life in a positive way, but he also affected literally generations of young people.

Many people over the years have asked if there was a book on the market about any of the mighty, mighty Titans. Finally, I decided to write one based on my father’s life while incorporating the Titans story. Initially, my book was entitled “Mind over Matter,” which is the attitude my father believed in and taught. Then, when I finally decided to publish the book, I changed it to its current title. I think it fits.

My father grew up in a segregated society, yet was raised by loving parents in a caring community. He taught Arthur Ashe for a time period, while in college he was a bodyguard for Martin Luther King, Jr., one of his students is currently a referee in the NBA, and another went on to play for the Baltimore Orioles. He lived a life that I decided was worth sharing.

This was a surprise to my parents, and they are happy with it. That gives me the most satisfaction with this project. However, I hope you will enjoy reading it, too.

Paula Hines Lonergan