John Langer, a crusty old civil engineer, has an arsenal full of memories. Danny Himes is a gifted, spirited athlete with something to prove. Old man Langer and Danny seem an unlikely pair. Their relationship turns from student/mentor to comrades on a quest to free themselves from life's inequities. Danny's father, Earl, who did not serve in World War II, is considered a coward. Danny excels to overcome his father's reputation, but Earl is actually more of a man than the town knows.