Was this based off a true story?
Was the football team real? Also, was so Tom Cruise's character a real person?
shareNot based on a specific true story per say, but based in reality of industrial towns across the United States.
Ampipe (which is not a real town) represents a blue collar community where the entire town's economic livelihood is connected to the factory that employs the majority of working-age adults.
If you have ever seen it, think "Gung Ho" as another example where without the auto plant, the town ceases to exist.
Because the people who live in towns like this are often struggling just to get by on the bare necessities, the cost of college (which has increased over time) is impossible. Thus, the only way you can out is if you can earn a scholarship of some sort.