Buehler-Walker Documentary

The public is invited to attend a truly historic evening, the Bull City GridironClassic Movie Night, featuring the Grant Hill narrated and produced film, Starting at the Finish Line: The Coach Buehler Story, on Sunday, September 1st at The Carolina Theater in Durham, NC. The timing corresponds with the Bull City Gridiron Classic Football Game (Duke v NCCU) to bring together Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and the community. The public screening is FREE.

Duke’s Jon Scheyer and NCCU’s LeRoy T. Walker Jr. host the special evening, honoring the partnership of Durham's legendary Olympic track coaches, Al Buehler (Duke) and the late Dr. LeRoy T. Walker (NCCU). The film includes interviews with Olympic icons including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Shane Battier, Carl Lewis, Joan Benoit, and Coach K. A standout on Duke’s 2010 NCAA National Champion team, Scheyer took Coach Buehler’s class while at Duke and is featured in the film.

This is a story bigger than track and field. It is a story about friendship, history, integration, accomplishment, and ultimately change. The two coaches were ahead of their time, effectively using the track as a place to create harmony among races, nations, and gender. They set an example of equality and understanding while practicing their teams together at Duke's Wallace Wade Stadium during the heart of segregation in the South. The evening marks the first time that Duke and NCCU have partnered on a screening of this kind, inspired by Buehler and Walker's mission of unity, respect, and community. Today, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of integration at Duke, it is fitting the film will be screened in the once-segregated Carolina Theater, which is featured in the film.

Tickets are FREE and distributed on a first come, first serve basis at online.  After the first screening (5PM), Frank Stasio (NPR’s State of Things) will moderate a discussion with special guests from the film including Coach Al Buehler and producer/director Amy Unell. The second screening starts at 7PM. Food trucks will be on hand and live music will be provided by The Art of Cool Project.

Learn more about the great things happening with the Durham Event Calendar.