WGTE PUBLIC MEDIA PRODUCER WINS EMMY FOR DOCUMENTARY,”UNDEFEATED: THE CHUCK EALEY STORY”

Toledo, OH – WGTE Public Media is proud to announce that Program Producer, Ray Miller, has won an Emmy Award in the SPORTS ONE-TIME SPECIAL category for his documentary, “Undefeated: The Chuck Ealey Story.” The Emmy was presented this past Saturday, September 12, at the Lower Great Lakes Chapter ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio. Joining Miller at the ceremony were WGTE’s Senior Producer, Gregory Tye and Executive Producer, Darren LaShelle.

The documentary is set in a tumultuous period of time in America-1968 through 1971. While the country was exposed to images of racial unrest, rampant drug use, and escalation of the war in Vietnam, a city in Ohio was transfixed by a black athlete who would make history for being undefeated.

Chuck Ealey piloted the University of Toledo Rockets to a perfect 35-0 record as the starting quarterback. His story might never have begun were it not for the persistence of his mother, Earline Ealey. A humble, respectful woman of meager means, she wanted to see her son go to college and receive a quality education. In this pursuit, Chuck established one of the greatest records in collegiate football history-a record that remains standing today.

Discover Chuck’s initial passion for playing college ball-the pursuit of an education-and see how he learned more about life in the turbulent 60s than even his mother could have imagined. The documentary, “Undefeated: The Chuck Ealey Story,” chronicles Chuck’s athleticism and leadership, born through his experiences growing up poor in Portsmouth, Ohio. Determined to make his mother proud, he directed a winning strategy in life that led to success in sports, academics and business.

Integral to this film is the human drama of lessons of leadership, humility, triumph, and the importance of an education earned in a time of civil unrest, racial tensions, and heightened prejudices. This is one of those timeless stories in which the message transcends the world of sports and inspires viewers across all boundaries. Interviews include ESPN, USA Today and NPR sports writer Christine Brennan; Bowling Green football star and former Oakland Raider player Phil Villapiano; coaches Lou Holtz and Don Nehlen; and Chuck’s teammates from the UT undefeated Rocket Football Team.

For more information about “Undefeated: The Chuck Ealey Story,” to schedule interviews, or to request photos, please contact Jen Homier at 419-380-4655 or jen_homier@wgte.org.

WGTE Public Media (The Public Broadcasting Foundation of Northwest Ohio) is a non-profit organization providing quality broadcasting and educational resources to Northwest and West Central Ohio and Southeast Michigan for 55 years. WGTE Public Media operates WGTE TV, Toledo; WGTE FM 91.3, Toledo; WGLE FM 90.7, Lima; WGBE FM 90.9, Bryan; WGDE FM 91.9, Defiance; wgte.org; The Educational Resource Center; and The Early Learning and Outreach Center.

WGTE looks at the history and the legacy of the ’60s and ’70s through the inspiring life of UT Quarterback Chuck Ealey. Experience the joys and the highs, the electricity and the love, the pains and the sorrows, the perseverance and fight for equality. Take a journey with us, Chuck Ealey and his UT Rocket football team members as we travel from Portsmouth Notre Dame High School in southern Ohio to the University of Toledo and on to the Canadian Football League.

You can see the video in full if you are living in the Hamilton/Toronto area!

WNED will be airing Undefeated: The Chuck Ealey Saga on November 19 at 9:00 p.m. and again on November 22 at 3:00 p.m.