My Many Sons (2016) - full transcript

The life story of legendary basketball coach Don Meyer.

My dad always told us...

nothing good ever happens
after midnight.

Who would'’ve thought that
the very worst thing would

happen during broad daylight?

-What?
-It'’s your dad
and Jerry up here.

Show me.

I don'’t care if
it'’s after midnight.

You'’re going to stay here until
whoever was screwing around

and broke that mirror
takes responsibility.

Jerry.

I was sleeping.



What'’s your name again?

I'’m Wade Tomlinson.

Did you break that mirror?

No, sir.

Of course not.

Keep '’em working here
until somebody fesses up.

I'’ll be in my office.

Why didn'’t you just fess up?

Coach Meyer is scary.

His jokes are funny,

but I'’m not sure
I want to play for him.

He'’s kind of intense.

Yeah, I'’m glad
he'’s not my father.

He'’s my dad.



And that was my childhood.

School, basketball
and those long summer
basketball camps.

My dad strived
for perfection.

He expected me
to be perfect.

That'’s results.

But worse,
I expected it of myself.

He was always studying
stats and recruiting
new talent.

Hey, nice game.

I'’m Coach Meyer
from Lipscomb.

I know, Coach Meyer.
I'’ve been going to your
camp for seven years now.

Oh! No wonder your
fundamentals are so good.

You'’re awful skinny,
but maybe you can play
for us at Lipscomb.

I have something to say
to all of you freshmen who
might'’ve decided on Lipscomb

because we won
the national championship.

There'’s something
you need to understand.

The reason we won
the national championship

is because
we play as a team,

not a bunch of individuals.

Everyone knows their role
and executes it well.

So, if you were a big
scorer in high school,

I have news for you.
You may not be a big
scorer here.

Your role might be
something else.

We'’ll let you know
what that is.

Jiminy Christmas,
Wade, you look like puke.

Did you eat like
I told you to?

-Yes, sir.
-Well, not enough.

Fill your plate, son.
Skinny is easy.

Muscle is hard.
You look like
a bean pole.

I'’m still growing, sir.

Well, don'’t worry,
you'’ll hit puberty soon.

I'’m not here
to entertain you.

We'’re about ready
to start a new season.

You'’re all out of shape.
Baseline.

Pick it up!
Pick it up! Pick it up!

I'’m talking to you, Bob Ford!
Move your butt!

-I am, Coach.
-Oh, I don'’t see it.

I think you'’re coasting.
I think you'’ve fallen in love

with us winning
the national championship.

You'’ve got yours last year.
What about your new teammates?

Don'’t they deserve
your best effort, too?

I don'’t want
satisfied players!

You don'’t want me
on your team?

I quit!

Leave your shoes
in the locker.

Hey, what are you stopping for,
sitting around watching?

Did you pay for
admission, numbnuts?

I guess you heard.

What I heard was that
Bob Ford cleared out
his locker.

Ah, he'’ll be back.

I don'’t know.
Left school.

-Drove home.
-Good.

His mom will send his
sorry butt right back here.

I met her. I wouldn'’t
bet against that.

But you'’re going
to call him, right?

Let him stew for a day.

It'’s 2:00 in the morning.
I shouldn'’t be seeing
your face at my door.

Why hello to you, too, Ma.

Coach is crazy.

I quit.

What did you say?
You'’d be the crazy one.

Your father works two jobs
to put food on the table,

and you have to walk
over my dead body

before you walk away
from that scholarship.

Now you better screw
your head back on your neck.

Turn your butt right back
around and go back to school.

And don'’t you come back
here without a degree.

Ma, you don'’t understand
what Coach puts us through.

All I know is Coach promised me
he'’d take good care of you
and he'’s kept his word.

Don'’t you roll your eyes
at me. You go on right now.

Go! Get!

Ma, I'’m tired.
I need some sleep.

Well, you'’re not
getting comfortable here.

You can sleep
on the couch.

Boy.

Hello?

Just a minute.

Bob.

Bob!

-Mmm?
-You have a phone call.

Mmm-hmm.

Bob, Coach Meyer.

Hi, Coach.

I heard you left school.
Not smart.

Your thinking'’s not
too clear right now, Bob.

Better head on back here
before you get behind
on your classes.

You gotta think
of the big picture.

Yeah, okay.

Oh, and Bob, say hi to your
mom for me.

See, that'’s what
I'’m talking about.

He just hung up
without saying
goodbye.

That'’s all right.
I'’ll say it.

Goodbye.

Coach, look at Bob.

Don'’t make life harder
than it already is

by doing stupid things.

The road was like
his second home.

He drove thousands
of miles to recruit
new players.

If I didn'’t catch him
at the breakfast table,
I barely saw him.

Hey, Coach Meyer.

-Hey.
-It'’s a pleasure
to meet you.

Oh. Sorry I'’m late.

It was a little
further than I thought.

No. No, problem.
Come on in.

Thank you.

Ah, have a seat.

Anything to drink?

-No.
-Are you sure?

I'’ve been looking forward
to talking to you and your
wife about Pete.

I'’ve been watching him
and he'’s averaging
27 points per game.

Yeah, we'’re real proud of him.
He'’s been playing really
hard, Coach.

Pete'’s mom passed
away last summer.

I'’m sorry.

Yeah, she was murdered
in New York.

Oh, wow.

Well, that must'’ve been
rough on Pete.

You know, it'’s just one of those
things where it was just Pete
and it was his sister here

with me and it happened

and we'’ve been here
the last eight years.

Just the three of us.

And to be honest, I needed
to get Pete out of New York.

He was starting to make
some bad decisions.

Hi, Coach.

Tennessee is a big
switch from New York.

Yes, sir.

My dad packed us out
one day and brought us
out here...

in the middle of nowhere.

Well, I have another recruit
to get to tonight, so...

let me get
right to the point.

We want to offer Pete
a basketball scholarship.

Can I think about it
and let you know?

This is my first
offer and...

I'’m kind of waiting
to hear back from
a few schools up north.

I have other point
guards to see, so...

don'’t think
about it too long.

Thanks for the
scholarship offer, Coach.

Drive safe.

Really?

I could never
play for that guy.

Why do you say that?

Because I'’ve been
to one of his
clinics, Pops.

He'’s a drill sergeant.
I mean, all his players have

to shave their head like
they'’re in the military.

Little discipline
would do you some good.

Yeah, maybe,
but I want to
play up north.

Where are you going
to play? You don'’t
have any other offers.

I'’m gonna walk on
at RPI in New York.

Walk on?

You'’re not passing
on this scholarship, Pete.

Are you sure
about this?

Baby, I can'’t
live without you.

I mean, don'’t you
feel the same way?

You know I do.

Okay, listen, I can'’t stay here
and sneak around for another
four years.

Now trust me,
you'’re going to
love New York.

People think
differently up there.

What about your
scholarship to Lipscomb?

I turned it down.

Are you sure about
the job in New York?

It'’s a family business.
I mean, my uncle'’s
waiting for me.

You'’re still coming, right?

Yes, I'’m coming.

So you'’ll meet me
here tomorrow?

Yeah, at 9:00.

The Athletic Director says
you haven'’t yet turned
your paperwork in.

I can'’t do the pre-season
conditioning with the team
until you do.

I'’ll do it today.

Jerry, do you know
a John Pierce?

Yeah, I know John.
He goes to Dad'’s camps.

-Why?
-Well, I went
on a date with him

the other day
and he was hoping
he'’d see you here.

John Pierce was here?

He'’s a darn good
ball player.

Well, Dad he came in
and said hello, you never
looked at him.

-What?
-It'’s nothing new.

I was watching a movie.

Well, he was just trying
to have a conversation
with you and you just grunted.

Yeah, you'’re a real
charmer, Dad.

I don'’t have to charm
basketball players.

How in the world
did you ever get Mom?

Dad did charm me.

He was so handsome.

He was a big basketball
and baseball star.

Uh-huh. You see
she says past tense.

Actually, your mother won
me over when she pitched
overhand to me.

Burned my glove.

You still haven'’t
turned in your paperwork.

Dad, I need to talk.

I'’m right here.

I don'’t want you
to get mad though.

Forget it,
you'’re going
to get mad.

No, he won'’t.
Not if you honestly
say how you feel.

I think
I need a break.

I don'’t think
I want to play anymore.

I'’m sorry,
I'’m burnt out
on basketball.

Hmm.

Well...

If you don'’t have
the fire in the belly,
you shouldn'’t play.

Don Meyer.

Hey, Coach, it'’s Pete.
Pete Froedden.

Listen,
I think that I--

Well, I know I made
the biggest mistake
of my life, Coach.

I keep thinking
about that scholarship.

It'’s gone.

Oh, okay.

You know, I just--
I thought I'’d ask.

But it would
be good if you worked
at camp.

It'’s starts this Sunday.

But it'’s Thursday
and I'’m in New York.

Better get on the road.

All the way.
All the way.
Breathe. Good form.

Nice. Come on.
Stay focused.

Excuse me.

You know which way
to the dorms for
camp counselors?

Man, I'’m beat,
I just drove straight
from New York.

You'’re the player
from New York.

Yeah, you heard
I was coming?

Not you.
A 6'’ 10" power forward.

-Hutch.
-Move it down.

This is our
6'’ 10" power forward.

I think Coach got us.

What'’s your name?

Pete. Pete Froedden.

I'’m Hutch.

Nice to meet you.

Hey, man,
you'’re Jerry Meyer.

I played you
in the regional
tournament.

Oh, man,
you were unreal.

Are you playing
basketball here?

No, I'’m just helping
my family with the camp.

Hey, wait, I don'’t
think I heard you right.

You'’re telling me that
you'’re not playing basketball?

No.

Are you coming here
on scholarship?

I screwed that up.

Long story.

Watch him, Hutch.
Watch him over there.

As Dad'’s number of wins
increased, more and more people

were signing up
for his summer camps.

We all had to pitch in
to make it work.

My mother and sisters
handled all the paperwork.

And I helped
with the campers.

All right, hands up
on the shoot, all right?

All the players on the team had
to help with the campers, too.

Keep your elbows up.

Tell '’em to keep
their elbows up.

I'’m going to show you this
drill that my dad teaches,

it'’s called the shooting
progression drill.

So, when you get your
stance a little wide.
Get wide, okay?

And you get a little bend
at the knees and go up.

Shoot. Get the cookie
out of the cookie jar.

-Get back in there.
Let'’s do it again.
-Okay.

Okay, Mark is here.

He'’s going to demonstrate
how to defend for you guys.

I want you to pay
special attention to how
he keeps his forearm up

and his feet away,
his feet back.

Feet free.
Forearm up.

Get that forearm up.

Get that forearm up, Markus.
Don'’t touch him.

It'’s a rebound.

Put your body between
the ball and the basket.

Make physical contact with
your opponent before you make
visual contact with the ball.

Okay? Everybody get
to the baskets. Let'’s go.

Shoot. There you go.
Nice. Get that rebound.

- One, two, three!
- Hard work!

Shoot!

Yeah! Hey.
Hold up. Hold up.

Remember what Coach said.
All right. Let'’s get this right.

You gotta make sure
you make physical contact
with your opponent first,

then visual contact
with the ball.

Everybody remember,
keep your body between
the ball and the basket.

Nice! Shoot!

That'’s what I'm talking about.
Great job. And shot.

There you go,
good job.

Man, I'’m beat up.

I'’m gouged and bruised.

Yeah, welcome to
Lipscomb basketball.

Yeah, I wish.

I wish I wouldn'’t have
screwed up that scholarship.

I heard.

Coach offered it to you, man.
You turned it down.

I didn'’t think
I wanted to play
for him.

Me neither.

Yeah, but that'’s just
the half of it.

Dad always worked
late into the night.

Yeah, tell me
a long story.

You ready?
This is a long story.

Sure.

I secretly dated this girl
all through high school.

White girl.

Her name was Kate.

She was so beautiful.

But her dad would shoot us down
on the spot if he knew about us.

We were planning on getting
out of state after we graduated.

Planning on getting
married in New York.

And?

We arranged to meet
at 8:00 in the morning
and leave from there.

I showed up.

I sat there on a bench
and I waited.

For four hours.

Wow.

I still love her.

I'’m sorry, man.

Maybe we should
get some sleep.

Got another long
day tomorrow.

Yeah, I know.

The players
would always try, but they could
never get up earlier than him.

With the academic year about to
start and no scholarship,

Pete didn'’t have a choice,
he had to leave.

Coach wants to see you
before you leave.

How you doing, man?

Good luck, man.

Pete, come in here.

Don'’t worry about school.
We'’ll take care of it.

Huh?

You showed a lot of hustle
at camp. You fit in well
with the guys.

Hopefully it will
make up for your size.

I'’m sorry, Coach, but sometimes
I really can'’t understand what
you'’re trying to say.

Are you telling me that
I have a scholarship?

I'’ll tell you what
I tell everybody.

It'’s a one year contract,
renewable every year.

Every time.

Down, up.

Down, up.

Down, up.

I had no idea what
I was getting myself into.

Well, actually I did.

Boot camp.

This is worse
than boot camp.

Shh. Here comes Coach.

One of your teammates
skipped the math class
this week.

Believe this...

I know everything.

So, you'’ll all do push-ups
to exhaustion.

Maybe when you'’re done,
you'’ll decide it's time

to look out for each other.
Down, up.

This is not yoga.

I'’m going to beat you.

Pete, he wants
to please us so bad...

he has a hard time
walking past my door.

I wish Jerry had
his desire to play.

Have you talked to him?

We sure could use
him on the team.

I'’m not going to talk
anybody into playing.

If he wants it,
he has to decide
for himself.

He'’s a tough competitor.

Don'’t you think
he still wants it?

He'’s so busy trying
to be a rebel.

I'’m actually
going to have lunch
with him today.

You guys need to spend
some time together.

You'’re late.

I suppose you don'’t believe
in wearing a watch
anymore either.

Doesn'’t work unless
you look at it.

I'’m going to have
a burger.

I ordered.
You'’ll have catfish.

I had a family
fish dinner coupon.

-You wonder why I feel so--
-Why what?

Mom said you wanted to talk.

She did.

I wonder why
she'’d say that.

Must be about you
not being at chapel.

I'’ve been to chapel.

I heard you skipped a few.

You get ten skips.

I'’ve been thinking
about this bas--

You have four pens in one.
Only one of '’em work.

I'’m going to get a drink.

Pete!

Good morning, Coach.

I have to talk to you.
You have class?

-In an hour, sir.
-Sit down.

They don'’t work.

I just bought these
and they don'’t work.

Come on,
come with me.

Wait, but Coach,
I have to--

I gotta check out
a player at West End High.

Come with me.
Let'’s take a ride.

So what happened
to the girl?

What girl?

The one you were
running off with.

It'’s funny, I haven't had
a second to think about her.

Good. It'’s not a good idea
to make life choices
on a high school crush.

Yeah, I think
I get that now.

You know a lot of guys
don'’t get the chance to do
what they can do.

I hope you do get it,
'’cause I think you'd make
a heck of a coach.

Really?

If you put your mind to it.

I decided
I would try working things out

with Dad and play
on the team again.

We had a good
season last year.

Problem is...

"good" is the enemy
of "great."

Let'’s remember that
this season.

I'’m going to tell you
newcomers what I'’ve been
telling these guys.

Respect the game.

Do not fear,
but respect
your opponent.

Revere the fundamentals.

Love the program
and everyone in it.

Life is a team sport.

Life is made up
of relationships. You may not
remember your wins and losses,

but you will remember
the people you played with.

Jerry thinks
he'’s heard it all before.

I got news for you.

Until you walk the walk,
you haven'’t proven
anything to me.

The more I rebelled,
the more Dad rode me.

So McQuiddy Gym, that peaceful
place I cherished throughout
my childhood,

became the stage
for our battles.

But playing the game
I loved made it all
worth it.

That year I broke the NAIA
record for assists.

But it was never enough
for my dad. The intensity
continued.

Even a scrimmage was treated
like a tournament final.

You ready to play?
Here we go.

-Let'’s go. Let's go.
-One. Two. Three. Family.

Come on, let'’s go, boys.
Let'’s go.

Let'’s go.

The next year,
Jerry was even better.

He was the most amazing
player I ever played with.

It was like having a coach
on the floor. We won a lot
of games in those years.

What I remember
the most was the symmetry
of movement we created.

It was an incredible few years.

But as they say,
nothing good lasts
forever.

Get a touch.
Get a touch.

Yeah.

Go. Let'’s go. Let's go.

Get a touch.
Pressure that ball.
Pressure.

Denied.

Denied. Don'’t let
him catch it.

Time out! Time out!

Jerry!

You'’re playing your game,
aren'’t you? Get out there!

Pete, let'’s go!

You don'’t listen to him.

We know you'’ve got
a tough deal here.

Just wanted to let you know,
you'’re the leader of this team.

We'’re behind you.

Take the hit!

Time out! Time out!

Take a charge!
Will you all just
take a charge?

Do I have
to show you how?
Take a charge!

Will you all just learn
how to take a charge?
Take a charge!

Sacrifice your body
for the team.
Take a hit!

The rest of you come
over here and learn
how to take a charge.

None of you
are tough enough.
Take a charge!

Hey! I'’ll take
a charge for you!

I'’ll take a charge
for you!

-Get back!
-I quit!

Take a charge!
You understand
what I'’m saying?

Come here, wait!
Come here.
Let me talk to you.

Hey, Coach,
can I talk to you?

Yeah, if you want to talk,
you have to come with me.
I gotta see this recruit.

Coach, you were
out of control yesterday.

I'’m never out
of control.

You made everyone
take a hit from you.

I was demonstrating
a fundamental.

I really don'’t like this
number one ranking these
experts have bestowed upon us.

Really, Coach?
You don'’t want us to be
ranked number one?

Everyone'’s hung up
about it.

We'’re so busy being
number one, they'’re
not focused on basketball.

We'’ve got a game
tomorrow we'’re not
ready for.

Hey, go down
and get those cans.

Cans? But where?

Right there. Use your eyes.
Put them in my trunk.

Maybe if you apologized.

For what? I don'’t
have to apologize
to anyone.

Not even your son?

Hey, look, Pete, I don'’t have
to apologize for expecting
greatness from any of you.

What'’s with all
the cans in the trunk?

Each one of those cans
is worth a nickel.

You know how much it costs
to feed you guys on trips?

Even though I felt I wasn'’t
good enough for my dad,

I always had the support
of my teammates.

Thanks, Lipscomb,
for letting me make a bunch
of turnovers and mistakes.

Thanks for letting me
play through those mistakes.

And thanks for letting me
galvanize teams to greatness.

I didn'’t know where I was
headed, but I knew I had
to spend some time with myself.

Good morning.

Could you pick those
papers up, please?

You walked
right by '’em.

Makes everybody look bad.
Thank you, ladies.

Good morning.

I miss Jerry.

I miss him, too.

Hey, Mom, how about
if we sing "Silent Night"?

Oh, that'’s a great idea.

No. No, we don'’t need
to sing in order

to celebrate Christmas, Mom.

Yeah, I agree.

Hey, don'’t open those
without your mom.

I'’m going to put these
in his room.

Jerry?

-Was that Jerry?
-No.

I thought I heard
you say "Jerry."

No. No, I said Gary.

-Pass! Pass the ball!
-Oh!

Oh! Are you kidding me?
Are you kidding me?
Give me a break!

Stay on him!
Don'’t look at me!

Pass! Pass the ball.

Oh, numbnut!
Get it back!
Get it back! Oh!

Are you kidding me?
Whose game are you
playing?

Are you on a vacation?
I think you are! I think
you'’re in the Bahamas!

Are you having
a good time?

Are you having
a good time
in the Bahamas?

Wade!

Come on!
Pass the ball, numbnuts!

Pass the ball!

Pass it!

Stay on him!

I understood why Jerry left.
I hated playing for Coach, too.

That'’s because I knew he was
usually right and I was wrong.

But I'’ll never forget
our last game.

We'’re in the semi-finals
of the national tournament.

We had the best record
in the country, and we
felt pretty confident.

Yeah!

Let'’s go!

- Let'’s go! Let's do it!
One! Two! Three!
- Family!

Let'’s go. Let's go.

Tonight,
it'’s the national tournament
semi-finals

as the Lipscomb Bisons
take on the Birmingham
Southern Panthers.

With the trip to the finals
at stake, we'’ve got
a heated match up.

Textbook Coach Meyer
as the Bisons work the ball
into the front court.

Birmingham Southern
answers back quickly,

and this one'’s going to go
down to the final hold.

Pass to Tomlinson, who drives
to the hoop and scores.

Bisons have the ball
with only a few ticks
left on the clock.

Tomlinson gets the ball,
he shoots.

It'’s off the rim.

A tough one to swallow
for the Bisons and for
Wade Tomlinson.

Felt like I lost the playoff
game all by myself.

I was sick.

We won 136 games
in my four years
at Lipscomb.

We won 41 games
my senior season.
National record for wins.

But it'’s the losses
that stick in your mind.

Maybe it'’s because
after the losses when Coach
would surprise us the most.

Wade, you'’ve made
that exact same jump shot
a dozen times before,

to win the game for us.

That'’s why we came into
this game with a 41-4 record.

You'’ve always played
your heart out, Wade.

When everybody does that,
usually you win.

But sometimes you lose.

That'’s life.

If this...

is the worst thing that ever
happened to you in your life,
I'’d say you were pretty lucky.

Life is tough.

I know you are all sad,
seniors are leaving tonight.

Tonight is the last time
this group of guys will
ever play together.

But that doesn'’t mean
we'’re not going to be
all here for each other.

In the good times
and the bad.

I may not be
at all of your weddings...

but I'’ll be there
for the bad stuff.

We have to wait and see
how everyone will handle it.

I was thinking the other day
about how much Jerry loves you
and looks up to you.

I think it'’s difficult for him
to be in your shadow.

Uh, Jerry does just
fine on his own.

He'’s one of the best
basketball players
I'’ve ever seen,

and the smartest.

But have you
told him that?

Why should I?
He knows he'’s good.

Jerry needs to hear
that from you.

As players graduated
and moved on with their lives,

Dad continued to build
winning teams.

-Wade!
-What'’s up, Coach?

-It'’s good seeing you.
-Good to see you.

'’Sup, Pete.

Assistant Coach, man.
Congratulations.

Hey, Wade,
and who is this?

Ah, this is
Riley Jean, my son.

-Riley Jean.
-Yeah.

Hey, buddy.

He'’s small. Just like you.
Want to play point guard?

- Oh yeah.
- Huh?

Yeah, that jersey
that you sent him,
that won'’t fit him for years.

Well, shrink it.

Hey, buddy,
you'’re going
to bring it?

Yeah. That'’s good.

Well done.

Thank you.

-Man, it was good seeing you.
-You, too, man.

Okay, Jonathan, what was
so important you wanted
to talk to me

that I had to leave
a team meeting?

Don, I have wonderful
news for you.

Thanks to you
for building this program
for the last 25 years,

the University has the funds
they need to build a $15 million
basketball complex.

The recruiting budget
will quadruple.

Your salary will double.

-What'’s the catch?
-That'’s the exciting part.

We may have an opportunity
to go Division One.

We would do it
at the end of the season.

Because?
Because Vanderbilt did it?
Because Belmont did it?

I don'’t think that's
where Lipscomb belongs.

It'’s just being
considered.

There'’s a window of opportunity
for us to go in that direction.

The board is just
considering it.

-The thinking is--
-Stupid.

Don, you are three seasons away
from becoming the winningest
college basketball coach.

If we don'’t go Division One,
nobody will ever know.

Jonathan, who cares?

-We just thought that--
-Wrong!

You thought wrong.

Don, I didn'’t
hear you come in.

-How was your day?
-They'’re talking about
going Division One.

-The University.
-Uh-huh.

Lipscomb? Division One?

Yeah.

How did that come about?

Probably some egos
need stroking.

Sure, but if they do--

I'’m resigning.

Well, Don, that'’s a big
decision to make so quickly.

You haven'’t even really
given it a chance--

I don'’t want
any part of it.

Nashville has been our home
for 25 years.

I don'’t want to leave.

Me neither.

Before you make
a decision, just...

Just consider everything.

Please?

I made some calls
on Jerry'’s behalf.

You did?

Yeah, Coach Race
at the University of Minnesota
Duluth really wants him.

If he'’s ready,
if we can find him.

Hello?

Don?

Here.
Something'’s happened.

-Jerry?
-No, it'’s Wade.

Hello?

Hey.

He was always so afraid
of the neighbor'’s pool.

Oh!

Oh, God.

I'’m so sorry.

I'’m okay.
Wade needs you.

-You okay?
-Mmm-hmm.

I couldn'’t find my boy.

I'’m so sorry, Wade.

Nobody should have
to go through this.

I can'’t even imagine
the pain you must feel.

Give me your eyes.

Give me your eyes.

You will make it
through this.

I promise you.

We'’re all going
to get through this.

I'’ll never get over it.

But I did make it through.

Coach kept his word.

He was there
for the bad stuff.

Well, if you talk to him,
could you just have him
call me?

Who'’s that?

No one.

Well, the next time you talk
to Jerry, ask him to call me.

I'’ve got some
news for him.

Sure, Dad.

Heavenly Father,
we praise you...

and we thank you
for every blessing.

We thank you for this--
this Christmas Eve dinner...

and for blessing
this family.

-Amen.
-Amen.

Amen.

Can'’t believe this might
be the last Christmas
in this house.

What'’s happening
to our family?

I guess I just thought
that we are always
going to be together.

I don'’t understand what's
happening and now we'’ve...

We'’ve lost Jerry.

What do you mean?

His cell phone is...

turned off.

No.

Let'’s be grateful
for our food.

-I'’m not hungry.
-Me neither.

Promise I'’ll eat this later.

Me, too.

I'’ll get it.

Jerry.

Listen, I don'’t know where
your head is about playing
basketball,

but there'’s a coach who's
dying to have you play
for him.

He'’d be lucky to have you.

Here'’s my letter of resignation.

I'’ll give it to the president.

Sorry to see this.

Anything we can do
to change your mind?

I thought a lot
about this.

I coach to teach.

I teach kids about life
and how to try to live it
the right way.

I want to make them better
people, not just better players.

I can'’t do that
at Division One.

I don'’t think
anybody can.

Good morning, Coach.

Oh, I see they'’re
bringing out the big guns.

A board of trustees officer
in my humble office.

Imagine that.

Don, we'’ve been friends
a long time

and I know that
we both want what'’s best
for the University.

We can make this work
to everyone'’s benefit.

Why mess up
a good thing?

With a new basketball arena,
we have this opportunity
to move to Division One.

The advantages to the University
to make the move far out-weigh
any negatives.

As trustees, we have to look out
for the best interests
of the University.

Well, nobody'’s
asking me about it.

But you'’d be messing
with the dynamics
of the whole program.

NAIA athletes
are student athletes,
emphasis on "student."

Every single one
of my players, over 24 years,
Jim, has a degree.

Division One graduation
rates are disgraceful.

Don, we'’re aware
of what you'’ve done.

We believe you can maintain
the same success with student
athletes on and off the court

in Division One.

We would like
to name the new facility,

the Coach Don Meyer
Basketball Arena.

Don'’t, Jim.
Save your breath.

And Jerry Meyer
has the ball.

He passes.
They score.

Jerry Meyer has just
broken the national record
for career assist.

Get it done!

-Jerry!
-Oh, you'’re home!

Hey, it'’s good to be
out of the frozen north.

What'’s going on here?

You'’re back here
and now we'’re leaving.

Dad finally got a job.

Finally. After three
long months.

He finally found
a program he liked.

Our prayers have
been answered.

Problem is, Mom,
you and Dad are headed
to Timbuktu.

Actually, Aberdeen,
South Dakota.

Aberdeen? That'’s--

That'’s Northern State
Wolves. We played them.

-Hey.
-Hey.

How you doing?

You think Mom and Dad
are going to like it there?

I don'’t know.

What do you mean?

It'’s in the middle of nowhere.

But it'’s a good
basketball town.

I know, but I worry about them.

They'’ve been here
for 25 years.

It'’s going
to be a pretty big
change for them.

They'’ll be fine.
You guys will see.

Where is Dad?
I'’ve been calling him.

Me, too.
I'’m getting worried.

-Hey, Dad.
-Jerry.

Heard about Northern.

It'’s a good place.

We'’ll see.

Lots of memories here.

I know.

I was here
for most of them.

Special place.

Sacred.

They'’re building this
fancy new facility.

I heard.

Wouldn'’t have been the same.

It'’s probably true.

Time to move on.

My best years were here.

Mine, too.

The players
at Northern had no idea what
was headed their way.

I wondered how many
would stay on the team.

Good morning, there'’s a paper
on the ground there.
Please pick it up.

I didn'’t drop it, sir.

You think I dropped this?

Coach Meyer?
I'’m Andy Foster.

I wanted to be the first
player to welcome you
to Northern State University.

You need a high,
one second follow through
on your free throw.

We need to get two to three more
rebounds per game from you.

We need two to three
more points from you.

Yeah. Here.

Watch these.
Twice.

I want notes
on those tomorrow.

Okay. Thank you.
Nice meeting you.

-Hey, man. Sunny Wicks.
-Hey.

-Andy.
-And this here is Steve Smiley.
We'’re the two new freshman.

Sunny and Smiley,
that could be rough.

Yeah.

-We'’re about to meet Coach.
-I just met him.

-Cool. We heard
he was a great--
-No, no, no.

He'’s a gem.
Good luck.

-Coach Meyer.
-Sundance Wicks.

I'’m Steve Smiley.

Did you bring
notebooks and pens?

Uh, notebook? No.

Why not?

You should always have
something to write with.
Find paper and pens.

First rule...

everybody takes notes.
Second rule-- Are you
ready for the second rule?

-Uh, yes.
-Second rule.

Everybody says,
"Yes, sir." "No, sir."

"No, ma'’am."
"Yes, ma'’am."

Yes, sir.

Third rule is,
everybody picks
up trash.

We expect our players
to show respect,

and gratitude for all
the people who work
at this university

as well as any schools
we are playing at.

That starts with
the janitors.

We will keep our locker
room neat and tidy.

At away games, we will
leave their locker rooms
meticulous.

The way some of these
teams leave locker rooms,
it'’s disgusting, unacceptable.

Give me your eyes.

The way you measure
someone'’s character,

is how they treat people
who can'’t do them any good
or can'’t fight back.

What'’s a poor janitor
got to do when these slobs
leave him with a big mess?

He gets to clean
up all the crap.

He can'’t call the coach
and complain.

For all you know,
I suck.

For all I know,
you guys suck.

We'’ll just have to wait
and see what happens.

I'’m on my way
to lunch.

It'’s nice to meet you, sir.

Line up.

Get out your notebooks.

You were told
to bring notebooks.

I'’ve been watching film
on all of you

and it'’s not good.

It'’s not good at all.

Lots of selfishness.

There are certain people
you encounter in life...

that you'’ll be thrilled
to be around.

These are energy givers.

Then there are
energy takers.

You don'’t want to be around
them because they suck all
the energy out of you.

This team
is full of them.

As a player, you either bring
energy to the team,

or you take energy
from the team.

If that'’s the case...

I don'’t want you.

What does writing have
to do with playing basketball?

We need the energy givers

to emerge
as the leaders
of this team,

to energize this team.

And it better happen
sooner rather than later.

Let'’s see how in shape you are.
From the looks of it, not very.

Let me see how
long you can run.

Baseline.

Go, go, let'’s get it.

Go, go, go, move it.

Let'’s go!
Move up!

Get in-- Hands!

Hands up. Hands up.
Move your feet.
Move your feet.

Help side.
Help side.

Move your feet!

Put your hands up!
Keep your hands up!

Get down!
Get down!
Stance!

Keep your hands up, okay?

Come on, guys,
take notes.

Tanner, come on, man.

Chris, are you serious?

Dad lost half the team
at Northern in the first month.

Then, it got worse.

Get in your opponent'’s space.
Don'’t give him room
to maneuver.

Stay close, within six inches.
Partner up. Let'’s go!

Get close! Closer!
Keep your hands up!
Move your feet.

That would be a foul, mad dog.

Dad always said,
if it comes down

to a decision
between an individual

and the team,
the team always
wins out.

Finally. Only took a month.

Feels good, Coach.
It really does.

Thanks again.

You'’re a natural leader, Sunny.
I'’ll give you that.

I like the way you'’re
challenging these guys.

Well, not much
a freshman can do.

Yeah, well, they never place
too much emphasis on seniority
when it comes to leadership.

Leaders are born.

You'’re a natural leader.

Thank you, sir.

Don'’t worry.
I got your back.

He kept losing players until
there were only seven left.

What'’s Don Meyer done
with our championship team?

Our starters
have disappeared.

I think Meyer
killed them off.

I'’m hearing rumblings
that some on the Board

are in shock
and not happy
to say the least.

They hire a guy with references
like John Wooden and Pat Summit
and what does he do?

He'’s unraveled our
championship team.

Is he the same Don Meyer

that'’s closing in
on Bobby Knight'’s record?

Or is this some other--

-Well?
-Well, what?

-You get yourself
fired today?
-No, not yet.

Bob Olson says he thinks
he knows what I'’m trying to do.

He wants me to gear up
for a kids summer camp.

-That'’s great news.
-Yeah, maybe.

We'’ll see what
these players have.

They need a lot of work.

I can help you
with the camp.

Well, that would help.

The person I really
need is Jerry.

Give him a call.

Nah, Jerry'’s busy.

Maybe he can rearrange
his schedule.

Yeah.

It'’s worth a try.

Look at the post.

Look at the post!
He'’s wide open!

Put it on him!

Can I talk to you, Coach?

Sure... Steve.

You got one minute.

Oh, okay.

I know you want me to continue
to register, but...

I think I can
help the team.

I think you can, too,
Steve, next year.

No, I mean, I'’m ready
to play now. I know
I can help.

We all have to
trust each other.

Everyone'’s got another role,
so we can all reach our true
potential. Do you trust me?

You had 30 seconds.

-Hello?
-Jerry.

Hey, I need your help.
I have to rebuild this team
from scratch.

Now I have this
summer camp to run.

I'’m sorry, Dad,
I'’m swamped.

Oh, well, I...

I thought we could
run this thing together.

Like we used to.

-I'’m sorry.
-No.

Don'’t worry about it.

Yeah. Talk to you later.

All right. Later.

Dad turned it all around

and made Northern
a championship team.

He was going to pass
Bobby Knight'’s winning
record.

Pulled it off, brother.

Hey, not a bad finish
after how we started.

-Hey, we'’re celebrating.
You coming?
-Yeah, um--

Yeah, I'’ll be right there.

The new season started and Dad
continued his winning streak.

Take a shot, Steve!

Time out! Time out!

You'’re not thinking out there!

You all right?

Everybody, sit down.

I'’m sorry, Steve.

I'’m sorry for
losing control.

It was wrong.
Very wrong.

I was so frustrated,
you were over-thinking.

When you start
believing in yourself
and your own instincts,

it'’ll come naturally.

Steve'’s the most improved
player on this team.

Nobody works harder
than him on this team.

-Hey, man, you okay?
-Yeah. Yeah, I'’m okay.

Dad wore himself to the bone
recruiting new players.

His kind of players.

Like Kyle Schwan.

12 seconds remaining,
the Wolves are down by three.

Take it down.
Take it down.

And with
a half second left,

Sunny Wicks has drawn
the foul and will head
to the line.

Sunny Wicks ties it up.

Wicks has one shot remaining
and a chance to win the game.

Sunny, remember your form.

He makes it
and the Wolves win the game.

The Wolves were back on top.
Dad continued to rack up wins.

But it was never
enough for Dad.

And with all the home games,
away games,

and hours on the road
recruiting...

something had to give.

It'’s your dad
and Jerry up here.

What? Give me that.

-Come on, Coach.
-Hey, Collin, hurry up.

-Coach, wake up.
-Somebody call 9-1-1.

If Dad was
going to survive,

it was because of the toughness
he learned from his father.

Don! How many times
I gotta tell you, boy?

Stay with me.

No, Coach.
Wake up.

Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name,

Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,

on earth as it is
in heaven.

Give us this day
our daily bread,

forgive our trespasses,
as we forgive those who
trespass against us.

Deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

Don.

Come here. What'’s his
most recent vitals?

96 over 62.

-Do you have any meds?
-1600 CCs lactated Ringer.

Thank you, sir.
Did you see any meds with him?

You can'’t do
anything right,
can you?

You left the gate open,
the pigs got out.

Now that'’s your job.
You gotta keep that
gate closed.

Go and get some 4x4'’s.
We gotta get that bleeding
stopped now.

Mrs. Meyer...

I have to be
honest with you.

Your husband'’s
in really bad shape.

His internal injuries
are extensive

and he completely severed
his main leg artery.

We'’re having him
life-flighted to Sioux Falls.

They'’re just better equipped
to handle this level of trauma.

I'’m really very sorry.

Okay, we'’re going to shock.

Okay, stop compressions.

All clear.

Get off! Dad said
we couldn'’t play
on the tractor.

Scalpel.

Mrs. Meyer,
I'’m Dr. Strand.

-Hi.
-Hi.

Okay, he'’s resting.

Um, this was a very
serious accident.

We have been working very
hard on your husband just
to keep him alive,

and I gotta tell you,
there was a couple moments
that it was touch and go.

He had lacerations
to the liver. He had
damage to his lung.

Spleen couldn'’t be saved,

and I had to remove parts
of his small intestine.

But, as of now...

he'’s stable.

I'’m sorry, but I'm going
to have to ask you a very
serious question, though.

Were you aware that
your husband has cancer?

I'’m very sorry.

It'’ll be okay.

It'’s gonna be all right.

I think Dad wants
to write something.

It says, "How long
before I can coach?"

He'’s back.

I love you, too, Dad.

Don'’t worry, Coach.

Numbnuts is here.

They'’re taking
Don'’s leg tomorrow.

Pray for him.

I need you
to countdown
from ten.

Ten...

Nine...

Eight...

Seven! Six! Don!

You have five seconds
to get back over here.

Dear Lord,
please watch over our coach.

Hey, Coach.

How do you feel?

We sent Carmen back
to the hotel to get
some rest.

But... don'’t worry,
'’cause me and some of the guys--
we'’re here to take care of you.

We'’ll take turns...

and make sure
you stay medicated.

Coach needed watching over.

We did 12-hour shifts.

Every 10 minutes he had to hit
this morphine button

for his pain, but it
didn'’t really dent it.

Coach slept an hour
or two at a time,

but mostly he talked.

His presence was
so full of grace,

it was almost
like someone else was
speaking through him.

Dad began his rehab
as soon as he was able.

Nothing was going
to stop him.

We continued to help him.

It was time to give back to him,
what he had taught us.

Strength is hard,
weak is easy.

No whining,
no complaining.

No excuses.

Dad returned to the gym

the morning after he was
released from the hospital.

Hey, you seen this
guy over here?

Defense!

Pass it! Swing!

Kyle! You'’re still
prancing around
like a horse.

Pass the ball.

You'’re still dancing.

He was back.

Let'’s run it again.

Once Dad
was back,

he continued his quest
to become the winningest coach

in NCAA history.

Nine oh three,
nine oh three...

Nine oh three, nine oh three...

Nine oh three!

Ladies and gentlemen,
Don Meyer has just broken
Bobby Knight'’s record.

He is the winningest
coach in NCAA history.

Listen to me, we'’re not
here to celebrate this record.

We'’re here to progress
as a team.

Everybody got that?

Okay.

We'’ll never be able
to thank all of you,

but you know how much
it means to us,

and you need to keep praying
for the leg to recover,

and for the cancer to maybe
go away, but most of all,

you need to pray
for the spirit,
to our family,

and to our team.

Congratulations.

Let'’s go out
and celebrate.

I got to see a recruit.

I won'’t be long.

Good morning,
sleepy head.

What time is it?

-Noon.
-Noon?

I missed practice.

First time ever.

That was an exhausting trip.

I don'’t know how many more
of those I have left in me.

It could'’ve been
my last.

You'’re just tired today.

I'’m tired most days.

Every day.

I'’m operating at 50%.

I don'’t have
any juice left.

All my energy
goes into fighting pain.

I know.

I just don'’t want
the kids to be cheated.

Give me your eyes.

You wouldn'’t do that.

Last night,
I woke up thinking...

I don'’t have a plan B.

I'’ve been coaching
my whole life.

There'’s never been
a plan B.

I might need to start
thinking of one.

I think it'’s time.

I think it'’s time I retired.

It'’s been a tough season
for you all.

I'’m sorry for that.

It'’s not right
that my situation
has affected you.

I'’ve given
you my all,

but now it'’s not enough...

to do the things
I need to do to help you.

I can no longer...

you know--

I can no longer coach
you the way I want to.

I'’ve thought a lot
about this...

and I think it'’s the right
time for me to retire.

I hope you know
how much I love you.

People say Dad has
mellowed since he retired.

But it'’s all a matter
of perspective.

What I do know,
is he'’s the perfect person

to turn a boy
into a man.

All right, now switch
to the left. Left hand.
Left hand.

There you go.

To say Coach changed
my life, would be the biggest
understatement.

Keep it going. Keep it going.
Confident with the ball.
Confident. There you go.

You can'’t help somebody
until you first help yourself.

Head up.

There comes
a time when winter asks

what you'’ve done all summer.

Dad taught us that life
is all about relationships.

He made all of us brothers,

because he treated us
like his many sons.

Hustle him, boy.
Let'’s go! Back up!

Fix it! Are you done?

John, sack away!

Keep the game simple.
Keep it simple.

AJ, take the shot.

Drop down, Chris.
We want the help side people
in position.