PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE ADVERSITY, 19min., USA, Documentary
Directed by Jay C. Williams
Past, Present, Future Adversity “Arrival”, new director of San Jose State University track and field and cross country Charles Ryan arrives in San Jose State University, as the program's first African American director of track & field. After the program's recent reinstatement after a +40 year gap between the era of Speed City including athletes such as Ray Norton, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos. Coach has been tasked with rebuilding program with a new coaching staff, an entirely new athletic department, and no track and field facility.

https://welcometoadversity.wixsite.com/adversity
https://www.instagram.com/welcome_adversity/

Director Statement
My intention is to acknowledge the rich history and legacy of the San Jose State Track and Field team. I want to commend Coach Bud Winters, Ray Norton, Bobby Poynter, and Lee Evans for their past sacrifice as Speed City alumni, who attended San Jose State University during a time of extreme adversity being the “Civil-Rights” era. While we recognize the past, we acknowledge and look towards the future, focusing on the fairly recent past and present talent that carries the torch and maintains the legacy of the original Speed City team! Our main focus will follow the student-athletes who show potential to be great for not just their athletic ability and accomplishments, but their mental fortitude and ability to balance being a student-athlete. Time will be spent following the new coaching staff, especially focusing on the new director of track and field and cross country “Charles Ryan”, as we follow his journey and new coaching philosophy.

"Adversity is a blessing"