“When the Game Stands Tall”

This is the title of a new movie about the legendary De La Salle (Concord, CA) football coach Bob Ladouceur and his remarkable success on the field and in the development of outstanding young men. The text below is from SF Chronicle Sports Editor Al Saracevic. We find it compelling as we continue our work to find ways to explain to our swimmers how teams come together and stay together; basically how a top notch team works. Enjoy…

Ladouceur's story might not have made it to the big screen if not for Warriors co-owner Peter Guber, who is also the founder and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, the studio that made the film.

Guber knows a good story when he sees it, and the Spartans' script certainly fits that description. The movie champions the ideals of teamwork and sacrifice as the driving force behind success. And it doesn't shy away from human flaws.

"It was the aspirational concept," said Guber, at a Bay Area screening of the event this week. "It can't be a collection of stars of players. It has to be a team."

Guber sat with new Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after the movie played, discussing the elements of a successful team.

"What is the secret sauce that makes a team bond together?" Guber asked his new employee.

"It's the connection between human beings," Kerr answered.

The newly minted coach talked about meeting Guber over the summer, recalling one conversation in which the movie mogul told him to "find a way to start the engine."

"I love that line," said Kerr. "I played for two greats in Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson. They found a way to start the engine. And that's what I've been doing this summer. Making those connections."