School has been referenced in the 2015 American sports drama film McFarland, USA in a scene in which Palo Alto, McFarland, and another school compete. Contrary to popular belief, Morro Bay was a historical rival to McFarland in cross country in state meets prior to the 2000s, more so than Palo Alto, having met McFarland at state over 15 times. In 1993, Morro Bay lost to McFarland by 2 points. In 1994, Morro Bay tied with McFarland for first but lost due to a tiebreaker decided by the 6th runner. MBHS then lost first place again the next year for state to McFarland, finishing second. Throughout the late '80s, '90s, and 2000s, both schools had consistently met at the state competition, placing above or below each other in Division VI. The school, historically in the Southern Section, has gone to CIF State XC in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2013. Wrestling Morro Bay High School has notably hosted the Sam Boyd California Invitational Tournament, one of the biggest wrestling tournaments in California, hosting over 90 teams and over 980 wrestlers from California and out-of-state Nevada annually. The wrestling team has shown to be a top contender in this event notably finishing 7th out of 90 schools in 2019. Academic reputation Morro Bay High School as of 2019 is ranked the 649th out of 2,494 high schools in California (4,424th nationally) by U.S News's metric. In October 2017, it was ranked the 475th best high school in California (2,432nd nationally) by Newsweek. It was previously ranked the 432nd best High School in the 2011 Newsweek article titled "America's Best High Schools", It was previously ranked the 432nd best High School in the 2011 Newsweek article titled "America's Best High Schools", and was reported to have the highest average SAT score (2245 out of 2400) amongst these schools. The LA Times, however, reported that the average SAT score at the school was 1649. In 2006, Morro Bay High School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2005 and 2009 and 2013, Morro Bay High School was accredited as a California Distinguished School by WASC. The graduation rate at the school is 95% according to USnews. References External links High schools in San Luis Obispo County, California Public high schools in