The Gentleman Coach
Haverford, Pennsylvania | Film Feature
Biography, Sport
During Neil Buckley’s 48 years of coaching, he routinely broke records. However, there was something even more powerful about the relationships he developed with his athletes that led to so many victories on and off the wrestling mat. This film explores the quiet genius within this enigmatic man.
The Gentleman Coach
Haverford, Pennsylvania | Film Feature
Biography, Sport
1 Campaigns | Pennsylvania, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $17,175 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
76 supporters | followers
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During Neil Buckley’s 48 years of coaching, he routinely broke records. However, there was something even more powerful about the relationships he developed with his athletes that led to so many victories on and off the wrestling mat. This film explores the quiet genius within this enigmatic man.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Nearly 30 years ago, Neil Buckley collapsed on the center of The Haverford School’s campus, the place where he had taught and coached for 48 years. Mark Cortese, a young teacher and former wrestler for Neil, ran to his aid and watched him being loaded into an ambulance. Neil was rushed to a local hospital and passed shortly after, leaving a huge void for Mark and so many others that loved him. Mark wasn’t sure how or when, but he vowed to himself to honor Neil’s legacy some day, in some way.
Neil Buckley is known most for his contributions to the sport of wrestling, and at 646 dual meet wins, was once the winningest coach in the United States. Sports Illustrated and USA Today recognized his achievements, and Neil has been inducted into multiple wrestling Hall of Fames. How did a man who never wrestled and had very little knowledge beyond basic moves achieve this feat?
It started with the relationship Neil had with his wrestlers. Other teachers, non-wrestlers, parents, and outsiders would call him “Coach Buckley” or “Mr. Buckley”, but his wrestlers called him “Neil”. Make no mistake, Neil commanded respect- not by yelling and screaming - but by earning it. He was very well organized, always on time, prepared, and focused. He was as refined as he was intelligent, and always dressed impeccably well for matches. He exuded a humble confidence, and carried himself like a true gentleman. He never barked at his wrestlers during matches, but spoke quietly to individuals to draw out their maximum effort in service of the team. Neil exemplified a vision of manhood that was unique, and his wrestlers gave their all to win for him.
But Neil’s influence on thousands of young men was more profound than the wins he amassed. The Philadelphia Inquirer once dubbed him the “Master Motivator” for his innate ability to help his often average athletes face their fears and overcome their doubts. He created a generation of men that not only achieved on the mat, but in the classroom, in college and in their professional careers. This list of successful businessmen, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, servicemen, artists, and government officials who attribute their success in life to Neil is very long.
Five years ago, Mark remembered his vow, and fortuitously connected with another former wrestler of Neil’s, filmmaker Rich Hoffmann. The two agreed to embark on a documentary that would dig into the magic and mystery of their beloved coach. With the support of fellow wrestlers Chris Arcuri, Dan Glennon, and Paul Chan, they began gathering archival materials and conducting interviews. They put together a short teaser clip and in the course of several years, raised enough money to interview over 50 former wrestlers, colleagues, and rivals. Just before Covid-19 shut down the country in 2020, they connected with Neil’s niece in North Carolina. Chris, Mark and Rich made a trip to recover his ashes as well as many photos and articles, including a letter from then President Ronald Reagan, congratulating him on his 500th win.
Though the restrictions of Covid prevented more filming, the team had gathered enough material to hunker down in the editing room. They also brought on Piruz Partow, yet another former wrestler, to compose an original score for the project. Over the next couple of years, the project was refined and cut down, trading 10 pounds of fat for 5 pounds of muscle. Now it is almost ready for its first big match in the bright lights of the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and beyond.
Please help us today by pledging a contribution to “The Gentleman Coach”. We are in the final polishing stages of post-production, which includes graphics, color correction, music, sound mixing, and editing. We have to collect 80% of our crowdfunding goal to keep our funds. You can choose an incentive or make a pledge to a specific wishlist item. You can choose any pledge and incentive amount that fits your budget. No pledge is too small. Every dollar makes a difference in making our film possible!
SPREAD THE WORD
The only way we will reach our crowdfunding goal is if we reach beyond our networks. If Neil Buckley made an impact on your life as he did thousands of young men and families, please share our campaign via your social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you want! We can't do this without you!
Here are some examples. Feel free to copy and paste!
Help the filmmaking team @buckleymen honor wrestling legend Neil Buckley by supporting their heartfelt feature documentary THE GENTLEMAN COACH. Join them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/gentlemancoach
I just watched the trailer for THE GENTLEMAN COACH about Neil Buckley and WOW, you've got to support this feature documentary! Join them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/gentlemancoach
I'm so excited to see the sports bio documentary THE GENTLEMAN COACH, by Haverford School Alums @buckleymen, that will premiere on April 6th at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute! Support them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/gentlemancoach
Thank you so much for support of our project and efforts to honor Neil Buckley and share his enormous life lessons.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute Screening
Costs $3,500
Help us bring our film to the beautiful big screen at Bryn Mawr Film Institute!
Stereo and 5.1 Sound Mix
Costs $3,500
Getting the dialogue and other sound elements to play nice with the music is not an easy feat!
Color Correction
Costs $1,000
Color correction balances all of the various archival and new footage together.
DCP
Costs $750
Creating a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is necessary to present in a theatrical setting.
Photo Clearances
Costs $1,800
We need clearances from the Philadelphia Inquirer to use stills from Neil's 500th victory.
Graphic Design
Costs $1,500
Our film still needs some finishing graphics work and a strong poster design!
Music
Costs $3,000
We have some final updating of the music, including replacing the synthesizers with real strings!
Share this update!
About This Team
Mark Cortese, Executive Prouducer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (class of 1989). Mark attended Franklin & Marshall College (Class of ’93) and spent the last 12 years of his career in financial services. A 4 year varsity Wrestler (119lbs, 125lbs, 130lbs & 135lbs) Co-Captain in ’89. Member of the 200+ Points club (205). Mark also was a camper on the 1987 Western Safari trip and a driver in 1991.
Rich Hoffmann, Director & Editor, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1992) and wrestled 2 years of varsity. Rich also graduated from New York University Film School with honors and has been awarded 3 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grants for his work. His films have won many local, national, and international awards and have screened in theaters around the world including the Smithsonian, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Kuwait Science Center’s IMAX.
Piruz Partow, Composer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1994) and wrestled 3 years of years of varsity. Piruz has been a lover, performer, supporter, teacher, and administrator of music, music education, and the performing arts for over two decades. He is currently the Executive Director for the Church School for Music and Art and leading this celebrated organization into it's 35th year serving Tribeca and Downtown Manhattan. Piruz plays the Persian Tar and composes music for the Persian Bluegrass Band: Vatan, and also plays soccer, tennis and golf when his back cooperates.
Chris Arcuri, Producer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1994). Chris’ overall record at Haverford was 178-7-1 and among his many accolades, he was undefeated in 1994, collected 618 career points, was the first Haverford wrestler to reach 100 wins, and was undefeated in all dual meets. He is the first and only Haverford U.S. National High School Champion (1994) as well as Outstanding Wrestler. Wrestling in Neil Buckley’s last coached match he earned the title of National Prep Champion. Chris was also camper on Western Safari.
Dan Glennon, Producer, is a graduate from The Haverford School (Class of 1992). Dan attended University of Notre Dame, Melbourne School of Law, and Temple University Law School, and is the founding member of The Glennon Firm. Dan wrestled 4 years of Varsity at Haverford School and was co-captain his senior year and was a member of the 600th win team. He placed second in the PASWIT and was named All-Main Line.
Paul Chan, Producer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1991). Paul was a 4 year varsity wrestler (98 lbs, 112 lbs, & 119lbs), and sole captain in ’91. Member of the 200 + Points club (276) Paul was a camper on multiple Western Safari trips. Paul is director of the Pediatric Retina and Retinopathy of Prematurity Service at UI Health and professor of ophthalmology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Nearly 30 years ago, Neil Buckley collapsed on the center of The Haverford School’s campus, the place where he had taught and coached for 48 years. Mark Cortese, a young teacher and former wrestler for Neil, ran to his aid and watched him being loaded into an ambulance. Neil was rushed to a local hospital and passed shortly after, leaving a huge void for Mark and so many others that loved him. Mark wasn’t sure how or when, but he vowed to himself to honor Neil’s legacy some day, in some way.
Neil Buckley is known most for his contributions to the sport of wrestling, and at 646 dual meet wins, was once the winningest coach in the United States. Sports Illustrated and USA Today recognized his achievements, and Neil has been inducted into multiple wrestling Hall of Fames. How did a man who never wrestled and had very little knowledge beyond basic moves achieve this feat?
It started with the relationship Neil had with his wrestlers. Other teachers, non-wrestlers, parents, and outsiders would call him “Coach Buckley” or “Mr. Buckley”, but his wrestlers called him “Neil”. Make no mistake, Neil commanded respect- not by yelling and screaming - but by earning it. He was very well organized, always on time, prepared, and focused. He was as refined as he was intelligent, and always dressed impeccably well for matches. He exuded a humble confidence, and carried himself like a true gentleman. He never barked at his wrestlers during matches, but spoke quietly to individuals to draw out their maximum effort in service of the team. Neil exemplified a vision of manhood that was unique, and his wrestlers gave their all to win for him.
But Neil’s influence on thousands of young men was more profound than the wins he amassed. The Philadelphia Inquirer once dubbed him the “Master Motivator” for his innate ability to help his often average athletes face their fears and overcome their doubts. He created a generation of men that not only achieved on the mat, but in the classroom, in college and in their professional careers. This list of successful businessmen, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, servicemen, artists, and government officials who attribute their success in life to Neil is very long.
Five years ago, Mark remembered his vow, and fortuitously connected with another former wrestler of Neil’s, filmmaker Rich Hoffmann. The two agreed to embark on a documentary that would dig into the magic and mystery of their beloved coach. With the support of fellow wrestlers Chris Arcuri, Dan Glennon, and Paul Chan, they began gathering archival materials and conducting interviews. They put together a short teaser clip and in the course of several years, raised enough money to interview over 50 former wrestlers, colleagues, and rivals. Just before Covid-19 shut down the country in 2020, they connected with Neil’s niece in North Carolina. Chris, Mark and Rich made a trip to recover his ashes as well as many photos and articles, including a letter from then President Ronald Reagan, congratulating him on his 500th win.
Though the restrictions of Covid prevented more filming, the team had gathered enough material to hunker down in the editing room. They also brought on Piruz Partow, yet another former wrestler, to compose an original score for the project. Over the next couple of years, the project was refined and cut down, trading 10 pounds of fat for 5 pounds of muscle. Now it is almost ready for its first big match in the bright lights of the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and beyond.
Please help us today by pledging a contribution to “The Gentleman Coach”. We are in the final polishing stages of post-production, which includes graphics, color correction, music, sound mixing, and editing. We have to collect 80% of our crowdfunding goal to keep our funds. You can choose an incentive or make a pledge to a specific wishlist item. You can choose any pledge and incentive amount that fits your budget. No pledge is too small. Every dollar makes a difference in making our film possible!
SPREAD THE WORD
The only way we will reach our crowdfunding goal is if we reach beyond our networks. If Neil Buckley made an impact on your life as he did thousands of young men and families, please share our campaign via your social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you want! We can't do this without you!
Here are some examples. Feel free to copy and paste!
Help the filmmaking team @buckleymen honor wrestling legend Neil Buckley by supporting their heartfelt feature documentary THE GENTLEMAN COACH. Join them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/gentlemancoach
I just watched the trailer for THE GENTLEMAN COACH about Neil Buckley and WOW, you've got to support this feature documentary! Join them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/gentlemancoach
I'm so excited to see the sports bio documentary THE GENTLEMAN COACH, by Haverford School Alums @buckleymen, that will premiere on April 6th at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute! Support them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/gentlemancoach
Thank you so much for support of our project and efforts to honor Neil Buckley and share his enormous life lessons.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute Screening
Costs $3,500
Help us bring our film to the beautiful big screen at Bryn Mawr Film Institute!
Stereo and 5.1 Sound Mix
Costs $3,500
Getting the dialogue and other sound elements to play nice with the music is not an easy feat!
Color Correction
Costs $1,000
Color correction balances all of the various archival and new footage together.
DCP
Costs $750
Creating a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is necessary to present in a theatrical setting.
Photo Clearances
Costs $1,800
We need clearances from the Philadelphia Inquirer to use stills from Neil's 500th victory.
Graphic Design
Costs $1,500
Our film still needs some finishing graphics work and a strong poster design!
Music
Costs $3,000
We have some final updating of the music, including replacing the synthesizers with real strings!
Share this update!
About This Team
Mark Cortese, Executive Prouducer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (class of 1989). Mark attended Franklin & Marshall College (Class of ’93) and spent the last 12 years of his career in financial services. A 4 year varsity Wrestler (119lbs, 125lbs, 130lbs & 135lbs) Co-Captain in ’89. Member of the 200+ Points club (205). Mark also was a camper on the 1987 Western Safari trip and a driver in 1991.
Rich Hoffmann, Director & Editor, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1992) and wrestled 2 years of varsity. Rich also graduated from New York University Film School with honors and has been awarded 3 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grants for his work. His films have won many local, national, and international awards and have screened in theaters around the world including the Smithsonian, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Kuwait Science Center’s IMAX.
Piruz Partow, Composer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1994) and wrestled 3 years of years of varsity. Piruz has been a lover, performer, supporter, teacher, and administrator of music, music education, and the performing arts for over two decades. He is currently the Executive Director for the Church School for Music and Art and leading this celebrated organization into it's 35th year serving Tribeca and Downtown Manhattan. Piruz plays the Persian Tar and composes music for the Persian Bluegrass Band: Vatan, and also plays soccer, tennis and golf when his back cooperates.
Chris Arcuri, Producer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1994). Chris’ overall record at Haverford was 178-7-1 and among his many accolades, he was undefeated in 1994, collected 618 career points, was the first Haverford wrestler to reach 100 wins, and was undefeated in all dual meets. He is the first and only Haverford U.S. National High School Champion (1994) as well as Outstanding Wrestler. Wrestling in Neil Buckley’s last coached match he earned the title of National Prep Champion. Chris was also camper on Western Safari.
Dan Glennon, Producer, is a graduate from The Haverford School (Class of 1992). Dan attended University of Notre Dame, Melbourne School of Law, and Temple University Law School, and is the founding member of The Glennon Firm. Dan wrestled 4 years of Varsity at Haverford School and was co-captain his senior year and was a member of the 600th win team. He placed second in the PASWIT and was named All-Main Line.
Paul Chan, Producer, is a graduate of The Haverford School (Class of 1991). Paul was a 4 year varsity wrestler (98 lbs, 112 lbs, & 119lbs), and sole captain in ’91. Member of the 200 + Points club (276) Paul was a camper on multiple Western Safari trips. Paul is director of the Pediatric Retina and Retinopathy of Prematurity Service at UI Health and professor of ophthalmology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.