Attention Basketball fans, the time has come for one of the biggest event of the year, Big Blue Madness. Tents lined the sides of Euclid as people waited for those coveted tickets to the first practice of the Kentucky Wildcats. Although Big Blue Madness brings in fans from all over the bluegrass, this year is especially exciting because we welcome a fresh line-up of new talent including head coach, John Calipari. Wildcat fans expect the best (which is a national championship), and rarely settle for anything less. For over a decade, Cats fans have waited not so patiently for a shot at the glorified NCAA Championship, but we have only had letdowns. Well, this year could be the end of that losing streak, and Big Blue Madness will be the first showcase of that potential national title team.

In celebration of the big event, I have decided to take a look at some of the best and most inspirational coaches in movie history. Not only basketball coaches, but some other classic sideline heroes. With their locker room speeches, and the crusades through those last final seconds of the game, these coaches have proved to be powerhouses on and off the field. These coaches not only tackle the hardships of the game, but also hold a spot in hearts as sports superstars. These coaches have truly shaped those rousing sports tales we have come to know and love. Let’s find out who made the cut…

Tom Hanks as Coach Jimmy Duggan in “A League Of Their Own”: Not a traditional model of a memorable movie coach, but definitely provided some testosterone to a female dominated flick. With co-stars like Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna, Tom stole the spotlight as the drunken, tobacco spitting Jimmy Duggan. This period piece took us back to where Baseball was America’s favorite past time, while also tying in some solemn storylines. Tom shines as the coach who would rather be napping off his hangover in the locker room, then coaching the lovely ladies. His attitude changes at the end where we see a new man who recognizes the talent of the batting gals. In my eyes, Tom Hanks can do no wrong, and hits this one out of the park!

Josh Lucas as Coach Don Haskins in “Glory Road”: Kentucky fans may not agree with my choice to add Don Haskins to the list, but nothing pulls at my heartstrings more than an inspirational story about basketball with a happy ending. Josh plays the head coach of Texas Western, who takes the bi-racial team all the way to the NCAA championship where they are up against our very own Kentucky Wildcats. Jon Voight even makes a brief cameo as the legendary Adolph Rupp. Although the ending does not include the cats taking home the title win, it does tell an inspirational story about an underdog team, who goes all the way. Maybe Calipari will get his own movie deal soon. Who could we get to play the Cats commander?

Carl Weather as Chubbs in “Happy Gilmore”: Who could forget the gator wrestling unsung hero in the classic “Happy Gilmore.” Adam Sandler plays a struggling hockey player who turns into a tournament winning golfer in the funny flick. The only problem is that Happy has no idea how to play the golf and that is where Chubbs come in. Chubbs is the driving force behind Happy’s reluctant chance at a PGA win. Although Chubbs dies suddenly toward the end of the movie, his spirit lives on. Just another classic Sandler comedy, with a scene stealing, wooden-handed life coach.

Emilio Estevez as Coach Gordan Bombay in “Mighty Ducks”: EMILIO!!! Quite possibly the most influential coach of the last decade. The washed up former hockey player, puts his pride aside to be the coach for a group of misfit kids, with some undiscovered talent. Emilio pushes the kids to be the best they can be, and in turn discovers himself. The son of Hollywood legend Martin Sheen, and brother of Charlie Sheen, makes “The Mighty Ducks” saga one of the most profitable movies of the Disney dynasty. It’s a classic story with all of the elements of action, romance and comedy, and who doesn’t love Emilio Estevz. He will forever live in hearts as the master of the rink.

Denzel Washington as Coach Herman Boone in “Remember The Titans”: Denzel shines on the big screen as the heroic Herman Boone, who brings together a team and a community. Denzel brings new meaning to the saying “no pain, no gain” as he puts the players through rigorous workouts and never-ending practices. His work truly pays off as the racially diverse team pulls together, and unites on the field. With memorable speeches, and a never give up attitude, Denzel does what he does best and delivers a powerful performance. Denzel’s portrayal of Herman Boone, ensures that we will never forget the Titans.

Allyson Dailey is a communications senior. Email [email protected].