 "Photo:")
Do you "Remember the Titans"? What about those determined "Hoosiers" or "The Bad News Bears"?
These movies featured teams with no chance of winning that were underrated going into the season, only to prove everybody wrong.
If a Chico State sports team were to get a movie deal today, the 2008 men's soccer team could relate to the excitement and adversity of these successful films. Here's some drama for you, Hollywood.
In late August, the team was just getting used to its new head coach and only had six returning starters on a young squad consisting of nine freshmen. Even though the Wildcats were picked to finish second in the California Collegiate Athletic Association North Division, they were still a question mark in terms of team harmony.
A lead role would be needed for the film, as the three movies previously mentioned had new coaches played by Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman and Walter Matthau. Emmy winner Jeremy Piven is the perfect fit for the lead role of new head coach Felipe Restrepo.
These movies always feature a couple of supporting actors, so two of the paramount soccer players would have to be portrayed. Leading scorer senior Zac Crim would be played by Emile Hirsch and junior midfielder Kyle Crain would be represented by Shia LaBeouf.
That said, the season starts off with seven wins for the 'Cats, and Piven is shown pacing up and down the bench after the seventh game, giving a midmovie pep talk.
Then, as all dramas do, the team hits a little speed bump in the road to victory. The Wildcats go 4-4 after the seven-game win streak and must battle down the stretch of the regular season to secure a spot in the NCAA Championship tournament.
Two wins and one loss later, Hirsch and LaBeouf are shown on the big screen being awarded first-team All-CCAA recognition, with Piven in the middle as the conference coach of the year.
The climax comes in the first round of the conference tournament, as Chico State squares off against the No. 1 team in the CCAA South Division, Cal State Dominguez Hills. The game ends up 1-1 and is forced to a shootout in which both teams drill in the first three attempts in slow-motion fashion.
The goalie wipes the sweat from his brow and pats his gloves on his jet-black Chico State jersey. He sets, dives for the ball and misses. The 'Cats miss their next attempt. The goalie pats his gloves once more and misses, with no more chances left for his team.
But there is no shame shown on the faces of the actors playing a brazen Chico State crew who exhibited fortitude and accomplishment on a sunny November afternoon.
Restrepo is shown again in the final scene, in the middle of the pitch, with his 'Cats circling him, looking for guidance. Piven ends the scene with an Oscar-worthy, tear-jerking inspirational exertion - just as the 2008 men's soccer team did.
Mike Wagner can be reached at mwagner@theorion.com
Be the first to comment on this article!