113 - The Program

(Original Airdate - November 18th, 2018) The Program is a 1993 American drama film starring James Caan, Halle Berry, Omar Epps, Craig Sheffer, Kristy Swanson, and Joey Lauren Adams. The film was directed by David S. Ward who has directed and written other Hollywood films such as the Major League series. The film touches on the season of the fictional Division I FBS (then IA) college football team, the Eastern State University (ESU) Timberwolves as they deal with the pressure to make a bowl game, alcohol and anabolic steroid abuse, receipt of improper benefits, and overall college life. It follows the trials of Coach Sam Winters (Caan), the Heisman Trophy candidate Joe Kane (Sheffer), the freshman running back Darnell Jefferson (Epps), their love interests (Berry and Swanson), and other team members. The film was released by Touchstone Pictures in September 1993. The film went on to gross over $20 million at the box office. The film was shot on location at several American universities, including: Boston College, Duke University, the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa, and the University of South Carolina. While the college that is the main setting of the film is fictional, the team's opponents are real programs. The film includes a cameo appearance from Michigan coaching legend Bo Schembechler. HAIKUs-- "Joe Kane is good name Latimor is gigantor. Yaaaa, Kristy Swanson." -Spro "Hut, hut! down, set, hike! Quarterback. Kristy Swanson. Both huge shoulder pads." -MC