Deseret News | Reader comments: Man of the hour Larry Gelwix

Geezergary | 12:18 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

The American family has few friends in Hollywood. This film is a wonderful exception. Take your kids to see it.

arc | 1:01 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Congrats..
I was impressed with him on both sides of the street 30 years ago..

Anonymous | 7:42 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

This is one movie I will actually pay to see in the theater! Sounds good.

Great movie | 7:43 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

My wife went to Highland, and though we live in Idaho now, we went opening day to this film. It was much better than I expected. Sean Farris is a good actor, and this story definitely had heart and you really connected with the characters. If you haven't seen it you should give it a try.

Peggy | 7:45 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Thank you for your willingness to spend countless hours, instilling such wonderful values in our youth. The message the movie has shown to the world is one of much importance to this selfish world of sports.

Anonymous | 7:55 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Thank you Larry. I still have my team photo hanging in my living room from nearly 20 years ago. Larry defines positive role model. I know my life would have turned out different if I didn't play Highland Rugby and learn from him.

RockOn | 7:59 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Very good film. Entertaining without being preachy. Good acting. Good story. Great for 8 year olds and up. Adults too.

Highland Ram | 8:01 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I attended Highland and played rugby for Coach Gelwix in 1981. The program was relatively new then and it's exciting to see what has happened since.

One thing most people don't realize is that Gelwix also coached football in those days with a guy by the name of Coach Dupaix, who is now Skyline's football coach. Coach Dupaix and Coach Gelwix teach the same principles and have similar styles. No wonder Skyline football and Highland Rugby are championship programs.

Skyline Rugby | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I played for Skyline Rugby in the 1994. I loved our battles against Highland. We were actually competitive even though we lost everytime. I know Coach Gelwix also, he is a good guy. I wish I could have played for him. I will definitely see this movie.

Utah Transplant | 8:21 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

My wife and I saw the movie Oct 3. It was excellent. We recommend it to everyone. Keep up the great work, Coach.

Contradulations | 9:12 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I had no idea he was LDS let alone a seminary teacher. Surprising, he always came across to me as a man of the world and I don't mean that in a bad way, I went to Columbus Travel and met him once in person.

Congragulations Larry Gelwix

Ofa | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

My family watched Forever Strong lastnight.
I thought it was going to be another dry Utah made movie that I didn't expect much. I was wrong.
The moral message protrayed is so powerful I recommend anyone with young adult and children in their home to see it together.

Texas Critic | 9:34 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I see very few movies in the theatre. In fact the last one before "Forever Strong" was the last of the StarWars Trilogy (Revenge of the Sith). This movie had a good story. Some of the acting was marginal but the lead was excellent. Some of the teenage actors with alcohol was a poor situational performance. Overall, I will watch this with my boys when they get older and I will own it when made available on disk. I feel it is good to support such films. I somehow left the film thinking that it probably didn't do justice to the man or the program. I bet it would make a better 2 hour documentary than a movie.....

Congrats Larry | 10:09 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Larry you're the man. Thank you for being my coach for 2 years. I'll never forget playing at Highland with a such a high quality group of guys. Working our butts off and never lying. Great lessons for life. Thank you.

Jud | 10:27 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Larry is a rare treasure. I'm so glad that his marvelous contribution is finally being recognized, and in such a beautiful film. Larry is one of those unusual teachers who realize that he's helping young men build a life, not just win a game.

New Film Category | 10:30 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I've heard of and admit to watching some of those bring a box of Kleenex with you "chick flicks". I've also seen the action packed I'm deaf from the sound of explosions and gun fire "guy flicks". Forever Strong is the ultimate combo/hybrid of the two. I call it the "Gick Flick". As a guy, attending this film, the lump in your throat, wipe your eyes moments occur a little over half way through the film so you have pleanty of time to regain your composure and look tough again for a triumphant resolute ending. You'll be dry eyed by the time the film is finished. GREAT FILM!!!

well done | 10:42 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

To Coach Gelwix,

I know nothing about rugby and do not pretend to know anything about it. But if you have that type of effect on boys, than I say well done. I look forward to seeing the movie. We need more coaches like you who care more about the boys and less about the winning.

Entertaining Movie | 11:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I also saw the movie on opening night. I didn't fully know the story behind it, but I knew several people who had played the team. I was very impressed with the entertainment value of the movie. Cinematography, screenplay, and acting were definately big budget Hollywood quality. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. I'm sure it will become a favorite of my family.

Anonymous | 11:35 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I went to Highland and my brother and many of my friends played Highland Rugby and it made them who they are -- Thanks Coach Gelwix for representing all that you do with such dignity and power.

Great Movie & Coach | 1:24 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I thought the movie was going to be dumb, but it was great!!! It made me wish that I had coaches that cared more about each individual rather than about winning only (and winning however necessary). Men like this coach are unique and deserve national recognition.

A fan | 1:30 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Is this a real Hollywood movie or is it a "Utah" themed movie?

The TX Buckwalters | 1:40 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

We absolutely loved the film--due to the storyline and Coach Gelwix's outstanding and upstanding coaching ethics. We both attended high school in Salt Lake City so we were drawn to this film. We can't name another movie that has left an imprint upon us like this story. Thank you to all those who helped bring this success story to the screen; and for the real-life players & coaches who lives of character have much to teach people today. These lives were worth examining. We appreciated the chance to be touched by Coach Gelwix as were his rugby players. May more coaches in all sports lead with such love, high expectations, discipline, and self-respect (and inspire their team) like Larry did!

Singhappy2 | 1:41 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

My family saw this movie in the theatre and loved it. Thanks for a great movie - with high morals and values. We need more of this. Thank you!

Trophies | 2:07 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Shouldn't all those trophies be at Highland instead of in his basement?

Bill Knowlton | 2:26 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Lar, I've already seen the movie twice, and I've wept both times. Of all the coaches and teachers in my youth, your lessons had the most sticking power. Thank you for what you've done, and what you continue to do.

Claudia Bellamy | 2:28 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

My family and I have been involved with Highland Rugby for 9 years. The greatest compliment that I could give to Larry is that it is the best thing my children were ever involved with. Larry's coaching style is very unique! Instead of the "in your face" swearing, yelling football coach, the worst thing I ever heard Larry say was "You're killing me son, you're killing me". What a great example of how treating people with love and respect pays off in life! The movie was a lot of fun to be involved in and is very worthwhile!!! To go and see our missionary son on the screen wasn't too bad either! Thanks Lar!

Thrilled | 2:51 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Looking forward to seeing it, it's rare these days to find a good movie and clean entertainment. But most importantly, thank you Larry Gelwix for living a life of dignity who's story has touched all of us.

re:trophies | 2:52 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

Its a club team, not a team sanctioned by the UHSAA or the school.

Anonymous | 2:54 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

No, the trophies do not belong to the school. The only affiliation is by name. The school does not support the club, the players, the families, etc. do. Highland used to allow the club to use the facilities, but the demand grew too much for school sanctioned activities. Highland Rugby included kids from all over the place. While the majority were from Highland High, kids from all other schools were welcome and were considered part of the rugby family. If you ask me, at some time in the future, the trophies, and Larry, belong in some sort of Utah sports hall of fame. At least in Utah, No other sport or team or individual has experienced this kind of success or postive impact on such a large group of people.

Anonymous | 3:04 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

The club is not sponsored by Highland high school.This is a volunteer program. They carry the name because the players are from that school. Hence he has the trophies because of his being the coach and leader of the team. Good Job coach Gelwix.

re: Trophies | 3:04 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

shouldn't sour grapes be left uneaten?

RE: Trophies | 3:21 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

No, the team is not/was not a high school team. Perhaps loosely affiliated (for geographical reasons) but independant of Highland high.

RE: Trophies | 3:22 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

If I'm not mistaken, the rugby team is not affiliated with the school so much (other than its name) because it is a club sport. The players attend many different area schools, so it wouldn't be fair to house the trophies at Highland High. Anyone else know for sure? Regardless, the coach gets no pay (not even a penny from the movie) and no other tangible recognition - let him keep the trophies!

Excellent! | 3:25 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I loved the movie but felt it did not do justice to Coach Gelwix. He is amazing, and I wish the movie could have portrayed his true character better.

Anonymous | 3:36 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I only started playing rugby in college- at the U in the late 90s and was impressed when we would play against Highland. Even though I never was coached by Larry, I got to know him a little and i'm throughly impressed by his methods, attitude and results.

Melissa | 5:53 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I can't wait to see this movie!

JW | 9:21 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008

I thought it was a really good movie and well written.

Thanks Larry... | 12:37 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

You taught me to NEVER lie. Now as an openly gay man, I've finally found the courage to abandon the lie of being straight that I lived while on your team. Thanks so much for the inspiration. You are a beautiful man with a very attractive spirit.

URAQT!

Kia Kaha

SLP | 1:04 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008

What wonderful things have been said here about Larry. He is an amazing man. And behind that man every step of the way is an Extrodinary woman. Cathy is by far Larry's biggest and best supporter. The Gelwix's are a wonderful family, and may I say "TEAM". A special thanks to Cathy for sharing Larry with so many people.

Jenny G | 1:18 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008

I was very surprised to see this article at the house when I came over. I had no idea! Way to go dad! Now others are getting to see the amazing man that you are:)I still don't think anyone will ever realize how much time and effort you have put in over the long 33 years. Thanks for all you've done for us kids, and everyone involved with the team. We love you and are so proud of you! ps- I'll continue count jerseys with you at midnight anytime. :)

Konni Hales | 7:01 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008

Larry is my brother-in-law and he is the Greatest. He works so hard and deserves all of the accolates that he gets~~ Love ya Lar!

Sara G. | 4:14 p.m. Oct. 10, 2008

Good job Dad! I'm so proud of you!

Anonymous | 11:54 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008

Just curious ~ were you in BYU 80th ward in 1971-72?
I think I have a photo of you back then. . . .Great movie!

Anonymous | 1:19 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008

Here in New Zealand Rugby is our national sport. I have no doubt it would be a huge hit in theatres here esp the American perspective.I will buy the DVD as soon as it is available. Kia Kaha.

Jason Roundy | 3:06 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008

Larry, you have been such an inspiration to my son, Ryan, and you have helped him on his mission in
Romania...teaching him how to focus and work hard.

He has done very well and will be returning in May.
Ryan obviously misses Rugby but loves the work and making a positive difference in people's lives.

You talk at his farewell in Murray was the finest talk I have ever heard at a farewell...you are a gifted speaker!! I loved your opening remarks when you said, "I wish I were Ryan Roundy!"

May God forever bless you for the loving devotion that you have given the Highland players for more than 30 years...what a legacy you have created!!

All the best and many more satisfying years in all that you do. Thank you, Larry. Jason Roundy

Lynn B. | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 18, 2008

A great movie - inspiring and uplifting. I'm recommending it to all my kids, nephews, nieces, colleagues and family. Why the PG13 rating? I'll certainly take my 11 year old grandson to see this.

anon | 4:33 a.m. Oct. 27, 2008

My understanding is that anytime there is substance abuse it's an automatic PG-13. In this movie it's absolutely necessary to the plot line; but is not gratuitous and since there is a consequence to the usage, it's handled very responsibly.

Reader comments: Man of the hour Larry Gelwix

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