TexAgs and Texas FilmWorks are excited to announce the documentary “Breaking Tradition: The Hugh McElroy Story” as well as the film’s upcoming screening tour.
The film, four years in the making, explores the life of Hugh McElroy ’71, a Texas A&M University student-athlete in the 1960s who chose a different path from his family’s military legacy amidst a period of cultural shifts.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, “Breaking Tradition” spotlights McElroy’s courage as he navigates a period of significant change at Texas A&M. The film relives the moment when McElroy caught the game-winning touchdown pass in Baton Rouge in 1970 — a defining play that also marked a personal triumph over traditional expectations and experiences that Hugh and other athletes had on campus, and Hugh’s touching relationship with his grandfather, Hugh McElroy Sr.
Through a blend of interviews, archival footage and expert commentary, the film paints a vivid portrait of Hugh’s commitment to his own ideals and his impact on the Bryan-College Station community. “Breaking Tradition” is a powerful exploration of how one person’s choices can resonate and catalyze change within a larger community.
The team at TexAgs plans to tour the state of Texas this fall to screen for Aggies and football fans alike. Following the film tour, the full version will be available on the TexAgs.com platform.
How You Can Participate
We invite you to dive deeper into this inspiring story by participating in our film screening tour.
Consider hosting a screening for your Aggie Club or business, becoming a sponsor or signing up to get the latest information on screening dates and locations. This is your chance to connect with a powerful story that explores the strength of personal convictions and their lasting impact on others.
Click here to fill out our interest form and stay up to date.
We’re so excited to connect with film fans and share this story with the Aggies around the world!