In 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay. A tough, lonely ex-Marine of 39, Harlan has never allowed himself to love another man.
Then Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner, shows up on his doorstep. Harlan knows that, with proper training, Billy could go to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. He agrees to coach Billy and his two friends under strict conditions that thwart Billy's growing attraction for his mature but compelling mentor.
But when Coach Brown finds himself falling in love with his most gifted athlete, he must combat his true feelings for Billy or risk the outrage of the entire sports world - and their only chance at Olympic gold.