Jake Huard, out of the shipbuilders family, promised his mother he'ld make it. Bugging a Congressman, he's selected despite dubious grades. Once inside, Jake soon proves sub-standard academically. Challenged to his limits, repeatedly made the'over-cocky' reason for the whole class to suffer, Jake nearly stops, but after facing his dad's gloating returns in time. Stubborn Jake finds support withs mates as well as Senor Ali, his lover-to-be, and a subject he can excel into: the'brigade' boxing championship, open to all positions.