Local media specialists Al Blanton and Brack Bradley are teaming up to present a documentary on longtime Walker College basketball coach Glen R. Clem. The documentary, Coach Clem: Legend in a Small Town, will premiere on Saturday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. CST at Clem Gym on the campus of Bevill State Community College in Jasper, Alabama.
“We are so excited to roll out this documentary on a true coaching legend,” said Blanton. “Like many others in this area, I grew up going to Coach Clem’s basketball camp. Later, I had the opportunity to play for him at Walker College and then hold the same position as head coach of the program when it became Bevill State Community College.”
“Having grown up in Jasper, I was always aware of Coach Clem. It wasn’t until we began shooting this documentary film that I became fully aware of who Coach Clem really was,” Bradley says. “Being able to learn about and hear from so many people that loved Coach Clem has been truly amazing. I’m honored to co-produce and co-direct this film with Al and am so excited for everyone to see what we have created.”
Blanton and Bradley interviewed several of Clem’s family members, friends, coaching colleagues, and members of the local business community. Also documented was a player’s reunion on June 21, where 14 of Clem’s former players shared stories and laughs.
The event will last approximately 2 hours. After the film premiere, Blanton and Bradley will sit down with Angela Clem Harbin, Glen Clem Jr., and Robert Epps for a short discussion time and question and answer session.
This is the third such collaboration between Bradley and Blanton. Previously, the two produced a documentary on Hudson Lawson, a golfer at Haleyville High School, and Yancey Young, a former baseball player at Sumiton Christian School.
Blanton hopes for a good turnout on Saturday, especially from those who were close to the program and from local athletic departments.
“Coach Clem defined what it meant to be a coach. He cared about his players. He cared about this community. I hope this pays proper homage to someone who has made an immeasurable impact on this area,” Blanton said.
To purchase tickets to the event, please visit Eventbrite.com and search “Coach Clem,” or you can purchase tickets at the door.
