Benchwarmer Blues

SCREENPLAY WINNER –
1996 HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Benchwarmer Blues forges an insightful link between the issues of obsessive competition in high school athletics and racial discrimination, as well as modeling the dynamics of racial harmony and the relevance of the Civil Rights movement to today's teenagers. Both white and black main characters clash at first as they aspire to athletic stardom and glory. Gradually they learn to work together, their prejudice breaks down, and they build esteem and synergy.

One main character, Chad, is a benchwarmer on a “hot” suburban high school basketball team that is headed for the state tournament. While the coach gives lip service to the ideal of sports as a vehicle for personal growth and student development, his agenda (which is also shared by many parents) is simply to bring home the trophy. Only winning counts, not fun and sportsmanship. Chad is a victim of this unspoken, but overriding, motivation. While competent and dedicated, he remains on the bench throughout each game. He is devastated — this is his senior year, and he may never get to play.

One of his classmates, Veronica, sees and understands his pain, and makes an effort to befriend Chad. Veronica is black, in a predominantly white suburban environment. She is deeply and spiritually involved in a personal struggle to deal with the effects of discrimination in her own life, although the outward form differs substantially from the discrimination Chad is now facing. Veronica brings this empathy to bear on Chad’s predicament by introducing him to a much different kind of basketball team than he is accustomed to — pick-up games played by minority kids at an inner city mission. There are no points, no scores, and no trophies. Chad gains confidence and improves his skills as he plays in these pick-up games and makes an important friend, Eli — after first experiencing reverse prejudice from Eli for being white. His attitude towards the sport changes: he is playing for enjoyment and love of the game.

"The script is very good,
very appropriate for today's black teenagers
— it has good things to say."
Nell Collier, Assistant Principal Afrocentric Educational Academy

Eli, the second main character, struggles with his own “hoop dream” fantasies and comes to see past his prejudice and anger toward whites as he and Chad play ball. During a climactic scene, Chad meets Eli’s uncle, a former civil rights activist permanently disabled in a violent ’60s protest march. Chad’s perspective on life shifts dramatically, including his way of seeing the game of basketball itself. When the opportunity to play for his high school team finally comes about in a playoff game, Chad — cheered on by Eli and Veronica — makes a major contribution and his perseverance is rewarded.

Other Comments from Readers of Benchwarmer Blues

"The messages written in the script are timely and eye-opening ... it can do nothing but stand tall in bridging the gap between people of today."
Mike Durant, television newsperson

"I loved it. It was totally unpredictable ...I never understood the '60s Civil Rights movement and how it relates to me until I read this story."
Josh Peterson, suburban teenager

"I've read the script three times and believe that people of all races should see it, kids and adults alike."
Jacob Miles, CEO Cultural Exchange Corporation

" It appears to be an exciting project and we're looking forward to being involved."
Kristy Pierce, former Executive Director Minnesota Timberwolves Foundation

© 1996 John H. Prin