Inspired by the 1987 true story, the movie McFarland USA follows novice runners from McFarland, a poor town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change.
Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well.
Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.
McFarland USA took in $11 million its first weekend in theaters and is the sixth movie starring Kevin Costner that revolves around sports – if you include Fandango. The others include For The Love Of The Game, Tin Cup, Field Of Dreams, Bull Durham, American Flyers).
