During the 1980s, coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), who has taught at a number of high schools, winds up at McFarland High School in California, where the students are predominantly Latino.

The coach soon discovers that not only are the boys on his team exceptional athletes, but he also takes note of their work ethic, their commitment to one another and their strong family relationships. Despite the economic challenges his team faces, he takes them to compete at the cross-country championships.