HOOSIERS - Vote to keep Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman)

Hoosiers is a 1986 sports film about a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that wins the state championship. The story is set during 1951/1952, when all high schools in Indiana, regardless of size, competed in one state championship tournament. It is loosely based on the Milan High School team that won the 1954 state championship.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosiers

[@chestergood4035]

This church is about 10 miles from my home. I have seen this movie at least 50 times and I hope to see it 50 more. It’s like having a time-travel machine back into my past.

[@mr.intensity2685]

Have you ever been to the church?

[@louksd]

@@mr.intensity2685 I grew up in this church, and watched filming from the balcony for three days while my Mom and most of the congregation were extras. The congregation just had an ice cream social for the public in August 2022 and a man just happened to be driving by to see the "church from the movie"...was only expecting to see the outside but got a tour of the inside and met those of us that were there for the filming! He explained he retired from the Utah Film Commission, and exchanged experiences of Barbara Hershey... ...that interaction prompted me to find the scene again. I'll admit I haven't watched the whole movie very much, but almost every line in this scene still sits with me, the same as those that watched the final edit over and over!

[@mr.intensity2685]

@@louksd That's cool. I had a relative who used to live in Milan, and I have been there, but I was only 7 or 8 years old. And now, they've both passed away, so I can't ask them if they knew anyone from the team. I remembered hearing about the water tower "State Champs, 1954", but we were riding around in an old Cadillac, so I wasn't paying total attention to the conversation. 🤣

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

i watch it three times a year the BEST MOVIE EVER

[@clevelandcbi]

I live in Knightstown, home of the Hoosier Gym that was the home court for Hickory. The consensus seems to be that Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper, and all the "kids" were the nicest human beings on the planet. Barbara Hershey on the other hand...... No. My hand to God I heard a near 100 year old lady say "Log up her a** witch, not a stick, the whole damn tree." 😂😂😂

[@jesseburleson432]

Hoosiers: Making grown men cry since 1986.

[@flamecolumn]

Dammit, you’re right. But if this movie doesn’t affect you, there is something wrong with you.

[@mikeleo5990]

Still to this day lol This clip never gets old

[@bug-lf4sg]

I don't know . When Jimmy says I'll make it. Goosebumps every time.

[@dr.reidsheftalltruthinscie2007]

The greatest scene in a movie full of great scenes. For me, The greatest sports movie ever made, HANDS DOWN.

[@mvader7188]

I'll throw in the scene before the state championship. The little reverend quotes the book of Samuel, " and David struck the philistine.." Tears every time.

[@scatteredtothewinds6662]

Even better than Slap Shot?

[@dr.reidsheftalltruthinscie2007]

@@scatteredtothewinds6662 I didn't see Slap Shot. I'll check it out on your recommendation. Was it really better than Hoosiers? This movie had everything; even almost unbelievable trivia such as 1. Ollie was the best player in real life- even better than Ray, 2. Hackman was so sure the movie was a flop, he refused to come in for voice overs, 3. Maris Valanis (Jimmy Chitwood) was not a good player. He missed 7 in a row in front of the large crowd rehearsing the final shot. But the applause at the end was real. You know why? He made it on the first take.

[@scatteredtothewinds6662]

@@dr.reidsheftalltruthinscie2007 Slap Shot is entirely different in tone. It is a comedy that stands the test of time. Irreverent and raunchy. I enjoy it, but not sure if it would be something that you would be interested in.

[@dr.reidsheftalltruthinscie2007]

@@scatteredtothewinds6662 I like good comedies and rank them very high. Groundhog day was great. It's in my top 20.

[@vanterry08]

I knew a man exactly like this. He was my coach at one time. His name was Readus Tatum. He inspired me. He had polio when he was young and was on crutches the remainder of his life. The school fired him for bogus reasons and the entire student body was prepared to walk out. He went on to coach at other schools until his physical health deteriorated to the point he was unable. He was however unbending in his belief in God and making his players the best. Absolutely a great coach. RIP Coach Tatum.

[@dezinguy]

That memory of yours could be made into a movie as well!

[@clevelandcbi]

RIP to a great man.

[@wez4517]

I love how this scene starts with Dale about to apologise then composes himself and says “I apologise for nothing!” Great line and another badass performance from Gene Hackman

[@svvmichael1]

One of the greatest scenes in movie history.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

greatest scene greatest movie

[@Milordvega]

Gene Hackman has one of the best ever performances as a coach/manager in a sports movie. And he plays an epic character,

[@greggrizzo7077]

Ed Vega I agree, and the epic character he plays is based on Marv Wood, the coach is the small town team that did win it all in 1954. Mr. Wood was one of the most amazing and positive people I’ve ever met. An epic person himself.

[@larrysullivan8890]

Ed Vega....to me, Gene Hackman ALWAYS gives a great performance. Thank you.

[@jlsmsu12]

I love how Jimmy hands the ball to Ollie as he walks in

[@mfaure420]

You get the feeling he was on of those popular guys who never got an ego, and respected everyone.

[@kevinwilkins3248]

All the players and cheerleaders look up to him in awe as he walks by.

[@mr.intensity2685]

@@kevinwilkins3248 did you know that the blonde cheerleader is Ollie's real life sister?

[@mattymatty2121]

Jerry Goldsmith's score is a character unto itself!!! Epic!

[@rodnstaff33]

Maaaaaaaan, you said it!

[@stephenfermoyle1498]

the greatest sports movie EVER MADE only Gene could have made this work..i know in real life the coach was younger but this is such a great way to tell

[@morganclare4704]

NICHOLSON would have done a great job too! cheers

[@maps_3377]

This movie is timeless. My roommates and I must have watched this, the original Star Wars trilogy, and Jaws about 100 times each our junior year. I don’t think there is a better ending to a sports movie, ever.

[@KaiserTube23]

I also love the scene where Coach talks to Jimmy after school. Jimmy is so stoic while he doesn't miss. And Coach is warm but so tough. Then Jimmy misses as Coach walks away. Great, great scene!!!

[@mattdaugherty7865]

Didn't coach say "I don't care if you play or not" when he walked away and that's what made Jimmy miss?

[@kevinsmrz6710]

That scene was shot continuously. No breaks. 1 take.

[@mattcorvin5490]

Maris Valainis, the actor who played Jimmy, said it was done on one take because there was a big thunderstorm approaching and the crew wanted to get the scene finished. He said the directors told him to just shoot baskets and that Gene was going to be talking to his character while he was shooting. Maris said that he was so focused on shooting that he didn’t know what Hackman had said to him until he saw the movie.

[@christophertote8912]

I've loved her voice in "I think we should vote again!" - hasn't gotten old for me in 32 years!!! 2018 - love it!! Excellent movie

[@vanmoody]

Every church I have pastored had an old lady like that in it. She stood up for what was right and didn't care at all how you felt about it.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

me to love her

[@mr.intensity2685]

"The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass every day...!" 🤣 She was something else!

[@Classicrocker6119]

Hoosiers was and always will be one of my favourite movies of all time. Even people who don’t like basketball will love this movie due to the great performances of the cast. Overcoming adversity and transitioning from an underdog to a winner never gets old.

[@scipioafricanus2]

What a great scene. Music just perfect. Such poignancy throughout. Back when movies were meaningful.

[@cluman1]

Movies are still meaningful. Not sure what you're watching.

[@jondstewart]

He took on a hypocritical, uptight, small-minded Indiana town and refused to apologize for doing his job the best he could. Then the silent star player defended him. Love it!

[@samuelinzunza5746]

Hackman is a legend.

[@robertchew5309]

My favorite movie. I have watched it at least 50 times. It came out right before the NCAA tournament. Indiana won it that year with Steve Alford.

[@douggauzy6258]

I grew up in a small town where this happen 1974 . I long for the simplicity and Wholesomeness of an individual life and a community that bonds in love and inter gritty . We will never have that again . Our savior is not long . The things in this movie bring back so many memories . It sure isn’t about technology and the comforts of life that only make people lazy and selfish .

[@joeorlando9140]

Greatest sports film ever

[@korsondo]

So much America in this townhall meeting. I love it.

[@y2m226]

Those so-called "shitkickers" produce more food and commerce for families than your whole KZbin trolling life can imagine

[@smaze1782]

IMHO, one of the top 5 greatest sports movies of all time.

[@jayvasquez8034]

Coach Dale only having a full of supporters still shows what being a real man is all about. Saying that mistakes are going to be made but giving your best is definitely nothing to apologize for. I live by that matto.

[@timchenette2848]

Years ago I went to a Sneak Peek of Hoosiers on a Sunday afternoon in San Francisco and the place was packed. Manager asked who was from Indiana and it was 80%. Crowd reaction for games was like being in a gym. Last shot goes in, place erupted. Best movie experience of my life

[@bryananthony2765]

Great story. Thanks for sharing. I grew up in San Francisco. I miss those days.

[@GOODYFORYOUGUDI4ME]

As a lifelong basketball player, how I am I not supposed to love this movie!? Not gonna happen. I love those guys!!

[@chendaddy]

Love how Jimmy just automatically hands his ball to the equipment manager.

[@tommytimp]

I also like how Strap has a premonition Jimmy is coming...

[@mvader7188]

​@@tommytimp God told him he was coming...

[@steveowens913]

Oh yeah. The guy who "Ain't no good!" But they also needed his two "unique, but they still counted, free throws!" in order to win that game!!

[@OrlandoGarcia1067]

Greatest Basketball movie ever made !!!!

[@TheBearGrappler]

Hoosiers is a TRUE story (sort of) based on the 1954 Milan High School (enrollment: 161 students) state basketball championship team.

[@bilbosoze7341]

The great, great, great Gene Hackman......as Robert Redford said about acting "don't ever let 'em catch you"..... (Gene Hackman never does) just a superb character actor...right up there with Dinero, Pacino, Brando, etc.....one of the all time greats!

[@garyvanvranken1028]

one of the greatest films ever made. I can quote so many lines to my sons who watched this movie with me.

[@stephenfletcher1579]

They just don't make them like this anymore,sad but true. Hackman is one of the greatest actors in modern times, and his performance in Hoosiers is second to none.

[@anyonebutunitedtv]

Still the greatest film ever

[@danielcallahan4825]

One of them if you think about it there are so many

[@billhenry]

I like that the first time Jimmy says something he says "I got something to say."

[@brianbowman5180]

Yeah he has about 4 lines of dialogue in the whole movie...”I’ll make it”. You GD right he will 😂😂

[@Juss4Funn]

Coach's face and look when Jimmy walks in is priceless !

[@darrenheadrick3669]

Take note Hollywierd, this us how you make one hell if a great movie. One that's still talked about so many years later with great admiration. Hasn't been one made like this from any of these so called actors today.

[@dontbeled]

And they did it without f-words! Who would have thought?

[@jakethemuss3]

Still the greatest sports movie ever.

[@robertclements2757]

jakethemuss3 Nick Keke, son of Jake the muss, chip off the ol block boy

[@N12TRST]

Yes it is

[@jasonmonto4445]

no. the fish who saved Pittsburgh is the greatest sports movie ever. should of gotten an Oscar nod.

[@danielcallahan4825]

Best basketball best baseball the natural best football the program

[@thewayneflyinghigh9128]

jakethemuss3 what about rocky?.

[@poetcomic1]

Do you know this movie is very popular in England where they don't play basketball? That is a damn good movie.

[@bilbosoze7341]

The full measure of this scene, is Jimmy knew a man of character as he watched Gene Hackman, he wanted to be part of that again......Myra, Jimmy, Opal...all saw true character....in Coach Dale. What a great scene/lesson for America today.

[@rolandomontenegro4130]

Love the score in this film.

[@OarsmanPower]

To bp1191 - people in rural Indiana and rural America are real Americans. They have lives far better than most, including yours. They are the kind of people that made America great.

[@Extemporaneous9]

Best sports movie ever. I grew up surfing the Texas coast and never saw the Midwest until the Navy and a later post-college career with State Farm. At management school in Bloomington, Illinois, our instructor took this movie and showed it to us section-by-section, breaking it down by leadership points. We groaned every time he had to stop it for coaching. My favorite of MANY awesome scenes: “My team is on the floor!” This movie makes me cry every damn time.

[@noellecox3952]

Brilliant film to watch a fantastic cast and a great script gene Hackman gives a fantastic performance every movie he makes that's why he was my dad favourite actor of all time

[@mf5202]

The star player in our high school also walked around, went to class, slept, everything with a basketball. It is great to have Jimmy arrive with one in hand. Am sure he got it back when he left.

[@wolfman205]

simply awsome, they dont make movies like this anymore

[@andynew7286]

Best sports movie of all time, hands down.

[@veronicadimon2233]

Best movie ever!

[@MarkSmith-hf5nh]

"I think we should vote again!!" Kinda showed that no matter what they thought...the whole town just wanted to win

[@mr.intensity2685]

I always liked how after Shooter was in the sanitarium, Coach hired Mr. Butcher to join him on the bench, because he didn't put up with the townspeople's bullshit either.

[@clevelandbci9562]

3:37 BEST ABSOLUTE F.U. EVER. So hard to deny😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂Jimmy was BRUTAL

[@robertgreer4296]

This movie came at a time of great personal difficulty, and helped me to make it through. I love it.

[@Vange-kw4ye]

"I think in order to be fair.... I think it would be a big mistake to let coach Dale go. Give him a chance,...." This whole scene is spectacular

[@bradwong2664]

Anyone have a guess as to Barbara Hershey's inner process? Was she really in the moment going to reveal his secret? What turned her around?

[@Vange-kw4ye]

@@bradwong2664 think a few different things here why she didn't reveal it. Deep down she knew this could be Norman Dale's last shot at coaching basketball. I think she also admired his willingness to stick to his plan and teach the kids how to be a team and respect their coach. You notice this when he left only four players on the floor.

[@Namath1000]

@@bradwong2664 I think at this point, she still wants to see him fired. She looks disappointed (and her mom looks puzzled at her) when the vote is for the coach to stay. But she's not completely sure and ultimately she doesn't have the heart to destroy him.

[@patrickj.7887]

I kind of compare this movie to a puzzle: you have a coach that's trying to fit in somewhere, you have the majority of the town that's against the coach because they can't control him. You have the teacher in the next classroom who thinks she too can take control over the coach because she has custody of the true star of the team and she fears he will attempt to recruit him, and she's sort of a basket basket ball hater to begin with, this is evident when she digs up dirt on coach Dale, and to add contrast to the story she's secretly sweet on him as well. The team itself is in total disarray, as they barely have enough players to qualify as a team, and forget about the bench there isn't any to speak of, and speaking of the team its plagued with multiple problems, that the coach has to face from the second he steps onto the floor. One player has an attitude problem, another kid is his follower, there's a smaller kid with almost no skills at all, and a good player with a father who's a drunk that also becomes the assistant coach, and not to forget the religious player who is probably the only positive one in the whole town with exception of his father and the coach. But the coach hangs in there, Jimmy Chitwood steps up, the teacher is won over all the pieces fall into place and David takes down Goliath. This has to be the greatest basketball movie of all time without a doubt. "The Pistol" 2nd! The cast of Hoosiers also has to be one of the greatest ensembles of all time!

[@myimorata7678]

What I like about Hoosiers is that it shows how, for so many boys and girls, these kinds of extracurricular activities are often diversions for what are otherwise dreary and tough lives at home. The player whose father was Dennis Hopper is an example of that. DH was great in the role of the alcoholic father, BTW. I just hope we don't loose sight of that as school budgets get tighter.

[@KWCline91]

In all fairness, i think the crowd voted for coach to stay because they wanted to see jimmy play. But its a great moment in the best sports movie of all time!

[@spirojus]

KROCKOHOLICSHTOWN Ya think, genius?

[@sblagg527]

Uhhh. yeah, that was the point.

[@JohnDoe-qu7gm]

Hackman is an American legend

[@Trumpetjoe40]

THis movie was great - it has that small town feel to it and genuine warmth that is absolutely wonderful.

[@stevenwatchorn9816]

It was good to see a film set in a small town that was neither saccharine nor patronizing.

[@chuckyoder5765]

, I miss the timelessness of that era and those towns . There was a depth , a deepness to the fabric of its structure . Like being 10 and at the dinner table with your folks !!!

[@bearcattony00]

The big part was Fleener not sharing with the town the condemning article about Dales incident and instead offering her support. She was starting to fall in love with him.

[@alanwillett9097]

"I love you guys "

[@zdr0114]

Agreed....how can a freaking Twilight movie hold a candle to this.

[@mc76]

The smirk fading from Chelcie Ross's face is masterful. He plays a prick better than any character actor alive, especially in sports movies (Rudy, One on One).

[@mr.intensity2685]

Jimmy obviously didn't like George, wouldn't play for him and stood up for Coach Dale because he knew George was probably going to be appointed by the town.

[@johnconey441]

Up your butt, Jobu!

[@CaminoAir]

Hackman is brilliant in this film. I don't 'see' Hackman at all (despite how recognisable he obviously is): I only 'see' Coach Norman Dale.

[@rickb.284]

After the movie "Rudy"...this is another all-time favorite...the music is excellent and Hackman has never been better...but the best part, is when they are at the Gymnasium in Indianapolis...and Hackman measures the basket..."see?..just like home!"...

[@rockvilleraven]

Hinkle Fieldhouse on the Campus of Butler University, its a historical landmark, also will be home to the WNBA's Indiana Fever for the next few years while Bankers Life Fieldhouse is being renovated.

[@mr.intensity2685]

The music, when they were at the Field house, taking it all in...Those kids might as well have been on the surface of the moon!

[@johnnowakowski4062]

When the writers shopped around the script, they went to every major studio and got turned down flat. The studio's argument were, "Who's going to go see a movie about a small high school in Indiana winning the State Basketball Championship in the 50's?...

[@jcq1961]

If you lived for any length of time in the midwest, this movie is da shit.

[@jcq1961]

@Jay Caldwell I agree, thank goodness.

[@davehill7257]

I LOVE that movie and now that we're in March Madness it's time to put it back on!

[@rshelley7496]

After he got voted to stay..Coach Dale should've looked at George and said "up your butt Jobu"

[@bobjerdee755]

Players win games. Coaches make players.

[@bobrau830]

This movie is nor a movie about sports. The movie is about redemption.

[@cheetahlip]

Great ending to that scene.

[@r0ckstar666]

Coach Norman Dale and Jimmy Chitwood shoul;d be in the hall of fame

[@MikeHoffey]

He goes. I go. Love it....

[@j.w.matney8390]

In my top 10 of all time movies. Barbara Hershey was incredible in this film. Hackman was is usual great self. Dennis Hopper was great and the other supporting actors were really good.

[@josh.brunty]

“I don’t know if it’ll make any change, but I figure it’s time for me to start playing ball.”

[@user-qu9ft9uo5c]

I had a hard nosed coach like this at Robert E. Lee high School in Jacksonville Florida. His name was Leonard Skinner.

[@aheadnews7696]

The little touches what makes it so great, Jimmy chitwood giving his ball to Ollie before he goes into the meeting

[@TheAlfrulz]

As much as I love this movie, it bugs me that the town only decided to keep the coach after the star player makes his ultimatum. Hackman's speech about admitting to mistakes and being proud of his players, along with his girlfriend making a plea to keep him didn't mean nothing in the end. Bonus points for Jimmy just walking past his teammates without saying a word and dumping the ball on Ollie. Pretty much saying "hold this bitch, while I save this town."

[@cdavid8139]

That bugs me as well. Always has. But in small towns there are sports that rise above what is right or wrong.

[@joetable663]

Yeah! And the ol timer behind coach voted both ways! Haha

[@babybird871]

I can`t beleve some still voted "nay" after Jimmy`s speech....

[@ericm.5408]

“Hold this bitch, while I save this town???” LMAO!!!!

[@sTalnaker13]

Yea, but Jimmy coming back and vouching for the coach saying he would only play if the coach stayed meant he had the full respect of the team. Buddy getting kicked out of the first practice only later to rejoin, Ray checking in without being told to do so and apologizing later for talking out of turn, giving the town drunk an opportunity to turn his life around and make amends with his son, letting Jimmy make his own decisions without any pressure, subbing Ollie in a tight game and letting him gain confidence which he lacked in the beginning. Everything he did was a teaching moment and it gained him the respect of every member of the team by the end of the film.

[@dak2327]

The music is great in this scene.

[@kckcmctcrc]

"And after what Jimmy said it'd take the Indiana National Guard to get me out of here"

[@donaldleider7382]

Gene Hackman has been the same age for fifty years!

[@joanmelnick1704]

Coach Stays. :)

[@kennybegeske8824]

Released on Blu-ray +DVD +Digital And DVD And 4k Ultra HD

[@georgestewart3242]

Saw both his car and the Hickory bus at the Indy state fair last year.

[@terrytuve733]

Coach Stays!!!!!!

[@GloopTrekker]

Wait a moment... I've seen this movie too many times to count, and just picked up on something. When Myra went up front to speak, was she about to read the newspaper article? All this time, I thought it was a prepared speech to keep Coach Dale. Call me slow if you want to, but I just gained a new appreciation for this scene.

[@bradwong2664]

And if she was going to read it, what suddenly changed her mind?

[@BCwriter84]

I think the scene edit took place after all that was discussed. I always took it that everyone in the room had become aware of it in a scene/scenes that was never shot or was edited out. And when Dale talks about mistakes, he was talking about striking the player when he coached College. Remember Shooter knew about it before anyone did. It got around to everybody either through word of mouth or through some disclosure before or during this town meeting. I think it's the only way Dale's speech makes any sense.

[@stephenfermoyle1498]

thanks for posting

[@tonywilliams6428]

The only thing missing is Jimmy dropping a microphone.

[@brandonwing1468]

Great movie 🎥

[@scottdykes7553]

A great scene in the movie

[@stevenbrockman682]

Jimmy supported coach, and coach supported Jimmy with the last shot

[@DavidGee51]

At 3:36 Chelcie Ross (George) with the best sneer in the history of film, supplanting the Imperial Officer who mouthed off at Darth Vader and then got Force-choked.

[@Azishome]

+David Gee, yeah, except someone should have climbed over the top of that pulpit and landed a high, solid punch into his face.

[@Milordvega]

I find George's lack of faith in Coach Dale disturbing

[@RayNDeere]

He could have used some help from Jobu

[@chendaddy]

Actually an exact depiction of the NBA today. The star player has the power, the coach takes the blame. LeBron says you stay, you stay. LeBron says you go, then bye bye Luke Walton, David Blatt, Mike Brown.

[@joe....]

My coach was an exact replica, I ended up in the Corps because of him.

[@paulsolenick4624]

This is American democracy in action. Where everyone in the community has a voice. That's why I vote this movie as my favorite sports movie of all time.

[@davidrussell5287]

Jimmy didn't show up for the town, he showed up for his teammates

[@paulbklyn4742]

Great movie, greater scene

[@DocPortland]

Watching this, I was reminded how just freakishly amazing the soundtrack is for this movie. Jerry Goldsmith was a genius... Also interestingly enough, Gene Hackman hated this movie. Thought it would never go anyway... ha

[@herbertthomas3752]

That's how you back the coach, let the players voices be heard!

[@cubefarmerhkc9105]

Great movie

[@flamecolumn]

Most guys say hold my beer. Jimmy says hold my ball. When he hands the ball over, you know some major s**t is about to go down.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

❤ a lot of heart scene

[@willp8003]

Best sports movie ever

[@cleatusyokel]

Best basketball player in indiana history. Jimmy Chitwood.

[@carlosmenzilla]

Re: TheAlfrulz - The town could relate to Jimmy because he was a Farmer's Son from that town--he was one of theirs and not an Outsider--and he was the local Champion therefore he was the only one in town that had the clout to stand up for Coach Dale and keep him on the roster. This entire one-horse farming town, and forgive me for being vulgar, was standing in line to lick Jimmy's balls because he was The Champion. Jimmy knew that his talents were wasted in this town because this well-meaning town didn't have what it took to push him and the rest of The Hickory Basketball Team into greatness and only Coach Norman Dale--an Outsider--did. Coach Dale was the only one in town that had the balls to look Jimmy in the eye and basically say during their first "talk": "I've heard a lot of talk about you but I haven't seen a thing about you that's worth a shit because you've given up and stopped trying. I don't need you because I don't need Quitters on my team. If you're going to play on my team you're going to prove yourself worthy because I only waste my time coaching Winners that never quit." Jimmy missed that final shot during that scene because he finally heard what he needed to hear by a Professional Basketball Coach telling him to behave like a Champion or go back to the farm and stay there because he was wasting everybody's time being regarded a Champion that really was a Fake that had given up and quit but these ignorant Farmers couldn't tell the difference. Jimmy knew from experience that these Farmers in town were useless because they could do nothing with his talent therefore Jimmy would have never given this ultimatum to the town if Coach Dale hadn't inspired Jimmy's ambition to be better than what he was, which was, merely a Farmer's Son who happened to possess an extraordinary gift that lived in this no-name town. Jimmy exerted his power over this entire town sitting in this room because Coach Dale--again, an Outsider--convinced Jimmy that he was the only one that had the power to push Jimmy's talent into greatness.

[@SuperChuckRaney]

First off, as you said, it's a farming town, they for certain have more than one horse. Secondly, once you lay it out so well, it takes the fun out of the scene.