Interview with Ben Sirman
Why did sports played such a big role in your life?
I simply enjoyed sports, and I was able to get a scholarship based on my academic and athletic achievements.
Tell me about your family, your involvement, the sports you played?
I loved my family, and they were very supportive of me. When my older brother died sports were my escape from grief. I was dedicated towards sports, I played basketball, football, and baseball, although basketball was always my favorite.
Tell me about the time period, the circumstances in the late 1950's and early 1960's when you started teaching and coaching?
It was a very segregated time, as I grew up I never played with black athletes, but when I started coaching my team was desegregated, and the whole community stood behind us.
Explain how your connection to the team connected to desegregation?
I brought all students together, they didn't think in terms of black and white, they forgot racial differences- we were a team, we were together, we were the Mustangs.
Were you aware that you were setting the stage for this seamless transition into desegregation?
I was somewhat aware, but I didn't focus on the racial divide, I just focused on making a good team.
When did you become aware that you had such an impact?
I realized I was doing something special when I saw problems in other schools.
Were you surprised that it meant so much to the players and that it was perceived to be historically significant?
I was a little surprised that I made such an impact on the players as a coach, mentor, and lifelong friend, I was also surprised that it was perceived as historically significant.
I simply enjoyed sports, and I was able to get a scholarship based on my academic and athletic achievements.
Tell me about your family, your involvement, the sports you played?
I loved my family, and they were very supportive of me. When my older brother died sports were my escape from grief. I was dedicated towards sports, I played basketball, football, and baseball, although basketball was always my favorite.
Tell me about the time period, the circumstances in the late 1950's and early 1960's when you started teaching and coaching?
It was a very segregated time, as I grew up I never played with black athletes, but when I started coaching my team was desegregated, and the whole community stood behind us.
Explain how your connection to the team connected to desegregation?
I brought all students together, they didn't think in terms of black and white, they forgot racial differences- we were a team, we were together, we were the Mustangs.
Were you aware that you were setting the stage for this seamless transition into desegregation?
I was somewhat aware, but I didn't focus on the racial divide, I just focused on making a good team.
When did you become aware that you had such an impact?
I realized I was doing something special when I saw problems in other schools.
Were you surprised that it meant so much to the players and that it was perceived to be historically significant?
I was a little surprised that I made such an impact on the players as a coach, mentor, and lifelong friend, I was also surprised that it was perceived as historically significant.