Award Winning Author Tom Rinaldi Speaks at BC High

The book tells the true story of Welles Crowther, a young man that embodies what it means to be “a man for and with others.” On September 11, 2001, when the attacks on the World Trade Center began, Welles was no longer an equities trader with Sandler O’Neill and Partners, LP on the 104th floor of the South Tower. He utilized his training as a firefighter and gave his life to help save the lives of dozens of strangers.

Rinaldi is a correspondent for ESPN, a weekly contributor to College Gameday, and sideline reporter for some of college football’s biggest games, including the Rose Bowl and the national championship. He has won 12 national Sports Emmy Awards, six national Edward R. Murrow Awards, and a host of other honors for his work, but beyond the accolades, Rinaldi was a captivating story-teller that brought Welles’ story alive for the audience.

“What would you do with the last hour of your life, would you choose to run back into a burning building?” That’s just what Welles Crowther did on September 11, 2001, would you have the courage to do the same act?” Rinaldi asked the crowd and then humbly answered, “I don’t think I could answer yes.” Bringing the story of Welles and his actions on that fateful day was Rinaldi’s mission, urging the audience to, “Let the story of Welles get inside you. What is the good that you can put in the world? In a crisis, and in every day? How can you be more like Welles?”

After the assembly, Rinaldi met with members of the library council, sports debate club, media club and The Eagle for a Q&A about the book, sports, and journalism.

To see more photos from his visit go to our Flickr page.