ESPN Films’ Next SEC Storied on Ruthie Bolton Debuts on SEC Network May 22

Photo courtesy of ESPN and SEC Network

The next installment in ESPN Films’ SEC Storied series, “Mighty Ruthie presented by Cooper Tire,” premieres on Sunday, May 22, at 9 p.m. ET on SEC Network. The film looks at gold medalist Ruthie Bolton, former Auburn basketball player and a victim of domestic violence who has become an advocate for women.

If her story were only about basketball, Ruthie Bolton would be a legend. The 16^th of 20 children born to Leola and Reverend Linwood Bolton in Lucedale, Mississippi, Bolton far exceeded expectations when she led Auburn to three SEC titles and two NCAA championship games, then went on to win two Olympic gold medals.

But as this SEC Storied documentary directed by Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern reveals, it was Ruthie Bolton’s courage during and after her playing career ended that ultimately defines her. After surviving years of domestic abuse in her first marriage, she has opened up about her experiences and become a powerful advocate for women around the world who live in fear of their spouses. Yes, she was a great basketball player. But it’s as a woman willing to share her pain that Mighty Ruthie has truly lived up to her nickname.

“Mighty Ruthie” features interviews from Bolton’s friends and family as well as Ruthie herself as she talks about the highs and lows of her life and career thus far, and how she is helping women today. Advanced digital media screeners are available upon request.

About SEC Storied
ESPN Films launched the SEC Storied documentary series in September 2011, presenting fans the opportunity to explore the rich athletic history of the Southeastern Conference.  From extraordinary athletes and coaches to defining games and moments, the series has featured films that focus on the SEC’s recent and more distant past, including one of the most-viewed documentaries in ESPN history, “The Book of Manning.”  In 2015 SEC Storied received its first two Sports Emmy nominations for both “Outstanding Sports Documentary” and “Outstanding Music Composition/Direction/Lyrics” with the film “It’s Time: The Story of Brad Gaines and Chucky Mullins.”

SEC Network
The Southeastern Conference and ESPN launched SEC Network on August 14, 2014.  The network televises over 45 SEC football games, 100 men’s basketball games, 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games, and other events from across the SEC’s 21 sports annually. Programming includes in-depth analysis and storytelling in studio shows such as SEC Nation, daily news and information with SEC Now, original content such as SEC Storied and SEC Inside, and more. Hundreds of additional live events are available for streaming exclusively on SEC Network’s digital companion, SEC Network+, via WatchESPN and SECNetwork.com.  The network has 70 million subscribers in the US and is also available in more than 50 countries throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa via ESPN Player, ESPN’s sports streaming service in the region.

About ESPN Films
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality documentary films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 film series. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the SEC Storied series and short film series 30 for 30 Shorts, Spike Lee’s ‘Lil Joints, and Eva Longoria’s Versus. The group’s highly-anticipated 30 for 30 documentary event “O.J.: Made in America” will air in June.

Courtesy of SEC Network

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