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When he took to the basketball court for Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., Tony Chennault made supporters marvel at his penchant for pursuing perfection, a quality that catapulted the Saints to national renown. The 2010 product will return to the East Passyunk Crossing location at 7 p.m. tomorrow to prove his passion for compassion, as he will use the premiere of his web series “Oldhead” to mark another phase in his transformation from a competitor to a chronicler.
“There are so many compelling stories to tell,” the recent Villanova University graduate said Friday at his secondary education alma mater. “Basketball gave me tremendous experiences and opportunities, but in thinking about when I’m gone from this earth, I believe I’ll be able to set a more powerful example through film.”
The 23-year-old Olney resident had figured hoops would hold his destiny, but the May 2012 shooting death of brother Michael Jay and the Aug. ’13 heart attack-caused passing of mother Crystal Morton altered the course. The former factored into his decision to transfer to Villanova from the North Carolina-situated Wake Forest University, as Chennault knew his matriarch, who suffered from asthma and chronic respiratory troubles, would need emotional consolation and physical consideration. With the conclusion of their lives, so came the extinguishment of his basketball existence.
“By the second semester of my senior year, I had no more fire in my belly,” the young man confessed. “I realized I’m way more than a basketball player. I decided I could do more by being a storyteller.”
Chennault noted that since others had pigeonholed him as only an athlete, he fielded many questions about his future. A student film titled “Chris,” which drew inspiration from his sibling’s slaughter and which analyzes the fragility and sanctity of life, answered the inquiries and encouraged him to explore more projects as means to preach inclusivity.
“No matter the type or scope of the struggle, we’re in this together,” Chennault, who with fellow Wildcats registrants founded 267 Productions, the company behind “Oldhead,” said of his creative philosophy. “My work looks at urban situations, but regardless of that, I want to be a voice for everyone.”
That means making material that discusses the rewards of patience and poise and addresses the allure of fostering and protecting values. Even before the completion of “Chris,” Chennault saw “Oldhead” as a viable contribution to the quest for perspective. Originally envisioning his second piece, which he helped to write and direct, as a short film, he decided to present it as a series of 15- to 20-minute looks at contemporary conundrums like how to establish one’s identity when conformity seems more appealing and how to learn from mistakes big and small.
“We often take people, even ourselves, for granted,” Chennault said, adding he hopes to make “Oldhead” a monthly manifestation. “The best case scenario for my projects is that people will see there’s nothing wrong with creating your own journey.”
Since the budding intellectual gained so much insight from his days at Neumann-Goretti, he chose it as the venue for his veneration of valiant attempts at forging contentment.
“It holds a special place in my heart,” he said. “I’ve had many great people around me in my life, and many are affiliated with this school.”
Chennault Came To regard basketball as a worthwhile attraction by age 10 and worked relentlessly to improve his comprehension of its components and appreciation for its possibilities. Already a strong program before his arrival, Neumann-Goretti soon became the envy of most city squads, with stunning guard play from Chennault helping coach Carl Arrigale’s clubs to go 97-20 during his matriculation.
“I always respected our connection” Chennault said. “We wanted to win and got it done most of the time.”
The ballers captured two Catholic League titles and the ’10 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAA state championship with Chennault, whom Gatorade honored for his swan song campaign by naming him the state’s Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year. That season saw him average 19.1 points and six rebounds in guiding the Saints to a 30-1 record and the No. 2 ranking in the ESPN Rise Top 50 Poll.
“It was incredible to be a part of such a tradition,” Chennault said of suiting up for the Saints, who won their sixth consecutive parochial plaque in February. “I’m proud to call myself a graduate.”
After two years at Wake Forest, he headed to the Main Line, where he averaged 3.1 points in 68 games. Knowing he could likely carve out a career somewhere, perhaps internationally, he traded dribbling for scribbling scripts and will never foster regret for doing so.
“The losses affected my journey,” Chennault said of his relatives’ absence. “I know I would still be playing basketball if they were here, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I could have played for 10 years somewhere, but God is putting together a plan for me that will last a lifetime.”
From his mother, the mature figure, who lives with brother Sean Chennault, learned that no matter what one possesses, he or she must express gratitude for the greatest endowment, love. The younger Chennault has known happiness and heartache, but the former figures to win out, as the newly minted bearer of a communications degree is courting camaraderie with far more enthusiasm than he is chasing the almighty dollar.
“I want to tell impactful stories, and ‘Oldhead’ will be another chance to do so,” he said of the brainchild, tickets for which are $10 at the door. “I want to enrich hearts and be authentic. I want others to do the same.” SPR
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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