It’s 1998 in Dickinson, North Dakota and a stop sign was recently installed on the corner of 5th Avenue and 6th Street.  Being threatened by pc-minded townsfolk, the Dickinson High School’s beloved mascot, the Fighting Midget, might be changed to the less threatening Fighting Pheasant.  And Danny Mesersmits, an average teen, who recently found out he and all of his past accomplishments are not on the emerging Internet, has decided that he sucks at wrestling.

Danny has always focused on the past, especially when it comes to wrestling.  His father, who died when Danny was in the womb, still holds the best state and regional wrestling records.  Despite being fatherless, Danny became a wrestling machine, managing to gain in promise and success.  However last year Danny fell from the top and posted the worst record on the JV squad.

Two weeks before varsity wrestling pre-season begins at Dickinson High, Danny announces, much to the shock of his family and friends that he does not want to go out for wrestling.  Over the next several weeks the past-obsessed Danny struggles with his wrestling decision while getting distracted by his everyday teenage life.

His budding relationship with his beautiful girlfriend Ann is moving into sexual territories.  When Ann’s mother Karen, an image obsessed, smarmy, small town socialite, walks in on one of their erotic sessions her hatred towards Danny strengthens and the rift between her, her daughter, and her husband Tom grows.

Meanwhile, Danny’s Uncle Ron constantly gives counsel whether it is welcome or not.  Ron, an alcoholic plumber and equally talented wrestler in his day, schools Danny with crass wisdom and drunken honesty.   Ron tries to direct Danny to what is truly important in life even if he does not take his own advice. 

When an unexpected tragedy occurs Danny’s decision seems pointless and his relationship with his caring mother Mary starts to strain.  Mary tries desperately to find ways to bond and support her son even though she’s overworked and starting to become unappreciated. 

In order to move on Danny has to come to terms with his past so he can deal with the present and face his future.  Guided along by a quirky collection of small town friends, a football obsessed catholic priest, a daily quote calendar, and a pair of worn and fringy socks, Danny slowly discovers what winning and losing are all about, and what he is truly wrestling for.