Watch Starting at the Finish Line: The Coach Buehler Story

Starting at the Finish Line: The Coach Buehler Story is a 2010 documentary film that tells the incredible story of Bill Buehler, an extraordinary coach who inspired not only his athletes but also anyone who knew him. The movie is directed by Amy Sewell and produced by Diane Kolyer and Bob Nardi. The film takes us through the life of Bill Buehler, a man who dedicated his entire life to coaching cross country and track and field teams. We see him as a young kid growing up in New York with a love for running and competing. As he grows up, we see him coaching high school track and field teams, and his passion for coaching leads him to take a job at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

At George Mason, we see how Coach Buehler transformed the running program into a powerhouse that consistently ranked among the nation's best. He was not just interested in winning, but he was also invested in ensuring his athletes had a positive experience and developed as individuals. His ability to unite the team and make them feel like a family was one of the reasons why his runners looked up to him, both professionally and personally.

The documentary includes interviews with Coach Buehler's former athletes, who detail their experiences under his tutelage. They speak of the high standards he set, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his kind yet firm approach to coaching. We also see how he fostered relationships with his athletes that went beyond the track and field; he was interested in their lives, their dreams, and their challenges, and he provided support and guidance when they needed it most.

Another aspect of the documentary is the role that Coach Buehler played in promoting women's sports in the early 1970s. He began a women's track and field program at George Mason, which was unheard of at the time. Through interviews with the women who participated in the program, we see how they were empowered by Coach Buehler's efforts to give them opportunities they had previously been denied.

The documentary also shows Coach Buehler's battle with prostate cancer, which ultimately led to his retirement in 2006. We see how his athletes rallied around him during his illness and how he remained committed to inspiring them even from his hospital bed. The movie portrays Coach Buehler as a resilient and inspiring figure who never gave up on his dreams, even when faced with adversity.

Overall, Starting at the Finish Line: The Coach Buehler Story is an inspiring and moving tribute to a man who dedicated his life to his sport and his athletes. It is a reminder of the power of coaching, mentorship, and community-building. The film is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports, coaching, or human stories of resilience and perseverance.

Starting at the Finish Line: The Coach Buehler Story is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.