GHS graduate produced Nolan Ryan film coming to Graham

The Ryan Express is making a stop at the National Theatre in Graham. Facing Nolan, a new Nolan Ryan documentary from Graham High School graduate Russell Groves, will have two screenings; at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24 and again Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $5.

Featuring interviews by Ryan, President George W. Bush, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Randy Johnson, Rod Carew, Dave Winfield, Craig Biggio, George Brett, Roger Clemens and Pete Rose, Facing Nolan is the story of the Texas baseball legend told by the hitters who faced him and teammates who revered him.

“The story of Nolan Ryan is an inspiring tale of what can be accomplished when an athlete has incredible God-given talent paired with an unwavering work ethic. More than just a sports movie, this film shares the ups and downs of the road to the Hall of Fame and those that were along for the ride. The Ryan family is honored that this story is being told and that they were active participants in the process of making this film,” the Ryan family said in a statement regarding the documentary.

Groves, a 2002 GHS graduate, was born in Mineral Wells and spent time on Possum Kingdom Lake before moving to Graham when he was in junior high school. Following graduation, Groves went to the University of Texas where he studied civil engineering.

“For a few years, I worked at a civil construction company. And then I got burned out, (so) I called a friend who is at the American Film Institute. And he said, ‘I think you’d have all the skill sets to get into producing,’” Groves said. “I had no clue what to do. So I just started reading some books and asking some acquaintances a lot of questions, and then dove straight in to start producing small short films. After learning the lay of the land and getting a little bit of insight as to how the business works, (I) finally got into producing features, scripted films, as well as documentaries in 2010.”

For the full story, see the Wednesday, June 22 edition of The Graham Leader.