Rockridge’s Advanced Film Class Presents Longshot: The Brian Upson Story

Rockridge’s Advanced Film 12 students have been hard at work since last September creating the documentary, Longshot, The Brian Upson Story.  They will premiere the film at Kay Meek Centre on Friday, February 24^th.

Film teacher, David Shannon explains, “Brian Upson was the head coach of West Vancouver Secondary School’s basketball team from the 1950s to 1982. Of all the WVSS Highlander teams that he took to the Provincial Championships, only one made it into the finals, in 1982.” The documentary follows the spectacular story of this team. “WVSS was playing Argyle Secondary for the provincial championship.  This was the first time on record that both teams were from the North Shore,” says Mr. Shannon. It was a thrilling final game and “after almost 30 years of coaching, Brian finally had his championship.”

What makes the story even more inspiring is that “Brian had been battling stomach cancer for 3 years, and for the past year he had been unable to move around much, with the exception of basketball and doctor appointments. At times, basketball practices and games were the only reason Brian would venture out of the house. Two weeks to the day after the BC championship game, Brian passed away in his West Vancouver home,” explains Mr. Shannon. Interviews with his family members, former players, and local reporters reveal the life of Brian Upson and the effect he still has on the community today.

Although the 6 pm show is already sold out, tickets are still available for the 8 pm show.  To purchase tickets, please go to http://kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/2486

For more information about the film, please see the West Vancouver School District website.