My Many Sons tells the inspiring, emotional true story of Lipscomb’s acclaimed basketball head coach Don Meyer.
Chronicling Meyer’s life as coach of the Bisons, the film begins with Meyer coaching — almost seeming more like a Drill Sergeant instead of a basketball coach. Some players have a hard time adjusting to Meyer’s tough coaching style, but they soon learn the value of practicing and working hard.
The movie not only showcases Meyer’s 24 year career at Lipscomb (1975-1999), but it tells of his time at Northern State in South Dakota (1999-2010) as well. The movie also highlights Meyer’s struggle with his health: when he was diagnosed with cancer, his emotional road back and how his players were able to give back to him — coaching him to regain his health and eventually coach them again.
The film does a great job of telling the stories of many of Meyer’s players and the strong bond that they developed with their head coach and Meyer’s son Jerry Meyer. It shows how Meyer was there in the tough times for his players and how his players were there for him when he needed them the most. The title of the film fits this story perfectly; each player developed a bond with Meyer that was like a father-son relationship.
Judge Reinhold does an excellent job playing Coach Meyer, and his performance is essential to the movie’s success.
Overall, My Many Sons is a worthwhile watch, especially for those who want to learn a little more about Lipscomb history. Many of the scenes in the movie were shot on campus at Lipscomb.
Meyer died in May 2014 from cancer, but his legacy lives on through My Many Sons.
My Many Sons released on DVD October 4.