After a few regional competitions, the team wins its first race. Did they run over piles of almonds to simulate hills? When asked about the measure of fame Diaz received due to the film, and his reputation as a hero in McFarland, Williamson responded that sometimes people arent what they seem. No contact since high school. Without them, there wouldnt be a legacy.. All the members of the first team become the first in their families to go to college or into military careers. Puentes began experimenting with drugs and battled addiction off and on for many years. Its about McFarland. (LogOut/ Mara pleaded guilty to related charges in June and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 17. Diaz turned his back on those opportunities and broke the trust his community placed in him, violating the very laws he was sworn to enforce.. A detective with the Bakersfield Police Department whose exploits as a high school cross-country athlete were highlighted in the Disney film "McFarland, USA, has been indicted for allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes in return for assisting a drug dealer in his methamphetamine operation. Samaniego was 17th, Puentes 26th, Cardenas 37th, Damacio Diaz 43rd and Danny Diaz was 85th. He later taught woodshop and physical education. These photos, by the way, are from the California Southern Area meet held at Hart Park in Bakersfield, probably November 1987, and if I remember correctly, it is the meet before the California Interscholastic Federation section championship and the California state championship, which the team went on to win, and is a focus of the film. We were her sons, Puentes says. Jim does whatever he can to get the key boys in any way he can to be the core of the needed seven member team. Sophomore Johnny Samaniego was 12th overall (sixth in scoring). E-7Sergeant First Class - United States Army. Though it is very close, Jim White likely wouldn't have had a clear view of it from his classroom window, as a street of homes separates the school's athletic fields from the prison grounds. Let's do it because it's the right thing to do. They still live in McFarland and still want to make a difference in the community.". Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. The McFarland, USA true story supports that McFarland High School won nine CIF California State Championships in cross country (including five in a row) and held a streak of attending the state championship meet 24 years in a row. In actuality, Thomas was the number one runner for the 1987 State Championship Cross Country team for McFarland. Hey were in a Gifted class and were doing a Documentary in National History Day and wed like to interview you for a primary source for McFarland, USA. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most . Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. "David and Danny (Diaz) are in education. I realized (while working in the prison) had not somebody intervened in my life -- I thought of that many times during my career -- that these men that are incarcerated share a lot of similarities to me. Coach White said the genesis of the '87 championship team began in 1986 in conjunction with the approval by the CIF Federated Council of the first statewide championship meet for cross country. No, sir. Beyond not respecting Mr. White who they mockingly call Blanco or Homey, the boys see running cross country, a team which Jim wants to establish at McFarland despite he having no history coaching runners, as an activity of the country club set. That's the legacy I see with that time. Plainview Herald. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. Overall, McFarland, USA is a PG-rated movie with an uplifting, inspirational message. She wrote Victor every chance she could get. I just dont need it anymore. "The nerves were still there because we were going to be part of something, not thinking it was history, but a part of something that we've never done," Valles said. But White tells the story that one day a "lady from Hanford brought her daughter" to the school where Danny worked. This was made up to serve the plot. White coached for 23 years from 1980 through 2002 and he came back for one year in 2003. McFarland, USA (2015) 1 He's just sitting there, man. This race occurred two and one-half weeks after two teammates on the girls team, Silvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez, were struck by a car and killed while practicing. Its not about me, its not about the other runners. The answers are in chronological order. Juanita Diaz. White. "I didn't really know what those sports were," Valles said. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Damacio Diaz. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. He said he didnt want 2 hire lawyers or have 2 deal with all that. Danny Diaz was not overweight as a child. McFarland, USA (also known as McFarland) is a 2015 American sports drama film directed by Niki Caro, produced by Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray, written by Christopher Cleveland, Bettina Gilois and Grant Thompson with music composed by Antnio Pinto. potential at the predominantly Latino high For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film McFarland, USA, life has not exactly followed a Hollywood storyline. For the past several months, Puentes work on a 220-acre ranch, where he helps maintain an almond crop, has kept him busy. Excellent, no trash or language. Many of White's former runners credit him with inspiring them to achieve personal and career goals they would have otherwise deemed impossible (People.com). The McFarland girls cross-country team ran in the California Interscholastic Federation South . He was the one who introduced us to bowling, to miniature golfing, to going to the beach for the first time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Now he has nothing but the highest regard for White. Ayon is the current McFarland boys coach. I love it so muchthese are people we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this country! Jeffrey Parenti, jeffrey.parenti@flosports.tv, Contact Us He was happy, however, to have Sergio Avelar, a former McFarland High School cross country runner himself, play him. I dont need it, I dont want it, Puentes says. Unlike many of his former teammates, Puentes no longer runs, but he misses it. Johnny is an educator and is still coaching. Warning High around 55F. Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region. It reminds me of another good one, Glory Road. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. McFarland was that 'small' then and is still today. Jim White coaching photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport. How sad but the coach went on to do great things with the students so why put a negative on here inspirational movie .Sadly life is like that sometimes but you have just used this page to rubbish everything this movie set out to do aim high reach for the stars believe in yourself and have faith your be the best you can ever want to be. The reality is much less dramatic: he started teaching in the McFarland school district in 1964 -and only middle school- after graduating from Pepperdine University. McFarland, USA Character Reference Chart Danny Diaz Jim White Damacio Diaz Thomas Valles Johnny Sameniego David Diaz Cheryl White Victor Puentes Julie White Instructions: As you watch the video, please answer each question. Required fields are marked *. He looked after us, he made sure that if we got out of line, he corrected us.. -LCU.edu, Yes. The actor rode the pink bike, not the coach. Out of all the 1987 team, Victor was definitely the smartest of all of us, Diaz told 23ABC News. "I was blessed that I got the opportunity to be apart of something that kept me off the streets of McFarland. Yes. Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. McFarland, USA. A former Bakersfield Police Department detective and member of the famed McFarland High School cross-country team depicted in the Disney film McFarland, USA was sentenced this week to five years in prison. I was lucky enough to get one of the best looking guyshes the best looking guy of all of them, so Im proud that he played me, Puentes says. In McFarland, USA, Jim White (Kevin Costner) takes a job as the physical education teacher at a . Privacy Policy He takes full responsibility for that now. Well acted and tremendously inspirational. When I say Mr. White became my father figure and Mrs. White became my mother figure. I'm getting goosebumps now. "We were a very good team in 86," White said. Shortly after, the Diaz brothers are taken off the team by their father, who wants them to work for his team of field pickers instead. Youre just thinking about your life or whatever is going on around you at the time., Puentes former McFarland cross country teammate Danny Diaz recently .css-1hr08dr{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#59E7ED;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1hr08dr:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}told 23ABC News, He made some bad choices and hes the first to tell you, You know what? Behold! Victor Puentes is a 1989 graduate of Mcfarland High School in Mcfarland, CA. The chief said Diaz and the drug trafficker, Guillermo Magallanes, had known each other for quite some time and that Magallanes had been working as a BPD informant. He said the high school had 4,000 students and he "felt like a number." "Things that Mrs. Diaz did (in the film), that's what Cheryl was doing. I just dont need it anymore. Likely not. Puentes said his troubles didnt begin until after high school. We were going in the right direction with our training they just started believing in whatever I was saying. "That's how we developed that. This is part of a series of articles looking back at the 1987 CIF-State Cross Country Championships, the first in California. was like to have a movie made about his The chief said Diaz and the drug trafficker, Guillermo Magallanes, had known each other for quite some time and that Magallanes had been working as a BPD informant. Thomas is portrayed as the troubled teen in the movie and also the number one runner. The film also shows a chubby runner named Danny Diaz rallying late to secure the team title. Im not cocky. Im done. "Danny, he passed up Jose out there somewhere," White recalled. I wish I had the time to start, Puentes says. Jim's devotion to the team leads to him alienating his family, including forgetting to pick up his daughter Julie's birthday cake. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. At the time of the crimes, he was working with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the Southern Tri-County Task Force of the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Because of White's rigorous training and the efforts of the entire team, McFarland upsets the other more favored schools and comes in first. Athena and Victor go through life at McFarland High together. White sees the athletic I wish it had told a little more about the truth of Blanco and who he was and why he was there. We just set a record. As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. But then it was nervous time. "The best part wasn't winning a state championship or winning medals," Valles said, "it's what we did afterward, our education, our careers, my family. He took us to church once in a while. Thomas received a degree and served our country before returning to McFarland to raise a family and also help coach the McFarland . He also allegedly stole drugs that were supposed to be booked into evidence. David, however, graduated the year before McFarland's first state title win. Despite the group's insistence that Julie was protected, Jim questions his family's safety in McFarland and interviews for a full-time position at Palo Alto that he was previously offered, upsetting Julie and Thomas. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Today, Valles coaches girls cross country coach at McFarland and travels around to speak and share his story. I told them I was but our goal is to win as a team.". This survey is intended to capture information from citizens on their desire to secure a high-speed Broadband (Internet) plan from an Internet Service Provider (ISP), to their respective home. Soon enough, White is connecting with his young charges, particularly a gifted athlete named Thomas (Carlos Pratts), and the squad set their sights on a state championship.. 1987. Badly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A look at the real McFarland USA kids and coach JimWhite, You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story, Show the world what has happened to my son. McFarland, USA grossed $44.5 million in North America and $1.2 million in other territories for a total gross of $45.7 million. The real Coach Jim White took both the boys and girls cross country teams to the California central coast beach at Cayucos during the 1985 season (not the 1987 season). The film shows White taking the team to fields for simulated hill training on mounds of raw almonds. to know what it feels like to be The indictment states Diazprovided the drug dealer with information on law enforcement practices and activities, disclosed the names and identities of police informants and tipped the dealer off to police investigations, including information on a wiretap probe. It took all of us to make thisevery runner who won a state championship from McFarland made this happen, not just myself or the seven runners. Were part of his life, Puentes says. "(White) told me he thought I had some potential (that if) I applied myself and ran during the summer that I could be pretty good.". They raised three girls (not two as depicted in the movie) and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. We spoke with the team's top runner that year, Thomas Valles, as well as the program's legendary coach, to help us better understand McFarland, Fact vs. Fiction. However Disney made it a good story is based on Mr. Whites accomplishment with us, with the nine state championships and everything else. Police Chief Greg Williamsonsaid Diaz was placed on paid administrative leave when the investigation began in February. Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. ", "That was Hollywood," Valles said. What about this one? Did he ride a pink girls 'Barbie' bike, or was it only Costner? He started teaching in the McFarland school district after graduating from, White did not establish the cross-country team at the school, but instead restarted it after it had been dropped for a year. He was happy, however, to have Sergio Avelar, a former McFarland High School cross country runner himself, play him. Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the department, was arrested at BPD headquarters Friday morning. Host Keetin Marchi interviews Victor Puentes at the McFarland, USA premiere. Finally a great movie, no mayhem, no killing, no swearing, no hanging boobs..this puts some of the other lollywood trash where it belongs In the trash.. Great movie, I cried, wonderful acting and the best inspiration for our young generations!!! those boys were heroes to many. His Exact Age is Still Under Investigation we will Update when Information Is Available. Im from McFarland and Im proud to be from McFarland.. In seventh grade, Valles said his PE teacher (White) introduced himself and said he coached cross country and track. After Life (Victor Puentes/McFarland USA) by dbkiwi YOU ARE READING After Life (Victor Puentes/McFarland USA) Fanfiction Athena Sanders left McFarland for college, leaving everyone she knew behind. It took all of us to make thisevery runner who won a state championship from McFarland made this happen, not just myself or the seven runners. They're men of color. "As soon as Mr. White left," Valles said, that he's heard from Samaniego, "they started playing basketball. Slowly we became better and better at it, Puentes says. For more California news, follow @brittny_mejia. Public speaker. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. Athena Sanders left McFarland for college, leaving everyone she knew behind. ", "Some of the boys had never been to the ocean," White said. Victor Puente Is An American News Ancho Born in Germany to Army parents, He has spent most of his life living in Kentucky. Definitely. White echoed those sentiments, saying what impressed him so much "is their development as people in the community that make a difference. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 09: Damacio Diaz attends the world premiere of "McFarland, USA" at The El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. There he discovers buried potential in several high school boys and slowly turns them into championship runners and brings them closer than even he could ever imagine. The message is so clear, never give up, even when the odds are against you. Announces 2023 Boston Marathon Mens Field. There is much excitement and anticipation in McFarland about the film, which stars Kevin Costner as coach Jim White, and as I mentioned in my previous posts that dealt with the enormous heartache this town endured in the 1980s Show the world what has happened to my son, Prom night, a crash and six teens lost and McFarlands never-ending heartache this close-knit town deserves some good will and national love. After sentencing, Diaz spoke with reporters outside the federal courthouse in Fresno. He also allegedly filed false federal tax returns. Its just something to be proud of. I received a nice surprise today when my pal, longtime Bakersfield Californian photographer Felix Adamo, found these photos I shot of the 1987 McFarland boys cross country team. "I grew up in a broken home," Valles said. The film opened in North America on February 20, 2015 and earned $11 million in its opening weekend, finishing 4th at the box office. The team would go on to launch a dynasty by winning the first of nine state championships. The two met at secret locations, including the upper level of the Valley Plaza mall parking garage, to discuss drug business, according to the indictment. "She was crying and hugging Danny. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner said his office as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and the IRS participated in the investigation. Now he has nothing but the highest regard for White. There were times while doing that job that he said he thought about what might have been had it not been for Jim White and cross country. I give my thanks to her because shes the foundation of [that] home and she opened her doors to every single runner that went through [the program].. Terms of Use Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the department, was arrested at BPD headquarters Friday morning. [7][8], In an interview, Jim White noted that while the film was based on a true story, it was not a documentary. Puentes joined the McFarland cross country team as a freshman, after Coach Jim White showed up at his house and asked if he was interested in joining the team. Didn't you get into this fight? The indictment states the government will seize the following if its proven it was obtained through Diazs alleged criminal activities: a 2011 Toyota Sequoia SR5; about $49,000 from a Valley Republic Bank account held in Diazs name; property at 157 Famoso Hills Road in McFarland; and a sum of money equal to the total amount of proceeds obtained as a result of the alleged crimes. He said no other arrests are anticipated in connection with the case. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Cart. It's based on a true story, but not everything's very factual, but it's still an enjoyable movie. 21 vital ADU tips from people whove built them in L.A. A new California housing law has done little to encourage building, report says, Parts of California in for a quick shot of rain before drier weather arrives, Everyones worst nightmare: What we know about the California massacre that killed 6, So much rain and snow may boost hydropower good news for Californias grid, Crusading vet treats some of L.A.s most cherished residents: The pets of skid row. 'You're actually doing things for us that our mom and dad don't do. His team's won nine CIF-State cross country titles, five in a row between 1992-96 and three in a row between 1999-01. That was my running family, my brothers, my teammates, Mr. Were part of his life, Puentes says. Thomas Valles. He also said he didn't have a relationship with his baseball coach and questioned why there couldn't have been a better relationship. Yes, the nickname the boys gave him, as depicted in the film, was real. Boards Disney's 'McFarland' (Exclusive)", "Disney movie starring Kevin Costner filming in Camarillo", "Pixar's 'The Good Dinosaur' Pushed Back Nearly 18 Months After Losing Director", "Kevin Costner Movie 'McFarland' Moves Out Of 2014", "Kevin Costner's Sports Drama 'McFarland USA' Pushed to 2015", "Weekend Report: Moviegoers Flee From 'Fifty Shades', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=McFarland,_USA&oldid=1107843665, Jim White had not been fired from numerous prior teaching jobs before starting at McFarland. But Diaz believes Puentes has the tools to turn his life around. Yes. Valles explained that White had observed him going for a six-mile jog-walk record "trying to be the top guy. McFarland was not a desperate last resort. He took us to church once in a while. To see additional photos of the McFarland boys and girls teams competing in the 1986 Kern Invitational five days after the tragic accident that took the lives of their teammates, please visit the post McFarlands never-ending heartache.. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. He was, however, the seventh person on the team and still instrumental to its 1987 state title win. At times, Diaz purchased meth from Magallanes for personal use, the indictment states. U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner said his office as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and the IRS participated in the investigation. Earlier this year, Diaz one of the three Diaz brothers depicted in the 2015 Disney film about the Central Valley team that won the state championship admitted to lying on his tax returns and accepting bribes from a criminal informant in return for information about police during a three-year period starting in 2012, according to the U.S. attorneys office. Host Keetin Marchi interviews Victor Puentes at the McFarland, USA premiere.Subscribe to Popcorn Talk Network's YouTube Channel @ http://youtube.com/popcorntalknetworkCheck out all the shows' playlists here: https://www.youtube.com/user/popcorntalknetwork/playlistsVisit our website: http://popcorntalknetwork.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/thepopcorntalkCheck out http://schmoesknow.com for all your movie news!Shopping on Amazon? She knew that some of us needed a little bit more. challenged town in California's farm-rich Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Their legs were shot by Friday, the day before State.". "I can't speak for everybody, I can speak for myself," Valles said. You dont feel your feet hitting the [ground] anymore, you dont feel that youre out of breath. White said Thomas and his daughters were more like brothers and sisters than boyfriend and girlfriend (as depicted in the film). The two met at secret locations, including the upper level of the Valley Plaza mall parking garage, to discuss drug business, according to the indictment. White, 79, said his experience at Franklin shaped his path toward McFarland. Since he graduated from Californias McFarland High School in 1989, he has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison. I dont know if it changed everybody else, but it changed me.. However, he did rebuild the boys and girls cross country programs from the ground up. That day at Woodward Park, McFarland's top four were dominant. White taught fifth-grade science and seventh- and eighth- grade PE and woodshop. Yes. White is first put as assistant football coach, but ultimately loses his coaching status when he pulls an injured player, Johnny Sameniego, out of a game, causing the crass Head Coach Jenks to ask him to step down. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. Create an account. Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report. However, I believe the Diaz family did go 2 court & the school paid them an undisclosed amount. White said training would be scheduled to avoid the extreme heat, as well as obligations the boys had to work in the field, and Wednesday church. Click through our Amazon affiliate program at http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pd_tf_lc?\u0026tag=aftcom-20\u0026camp=15345\u0026creative=493161\u0026linkCode=ur1\u0026adid=1DB5P6Z81DTMQXSNPN4T\u0026\u0026ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Frcm.amazon.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Ft%3Daftcom-20%26o%3D1%26p%3D9%26l%3Dur1%26category%3Dhome%26banner%3D1GKQW904419X3K3XEKR2%26f%3Difr They came back. White also makes amends with Julie by throwing her a quinceaera with help from the neighbors, though it goes wrong when Julie is taken out on "parade" around the town and the group is attacked by street punks. "She wanted to meet Danny Diaz," White said. Your email address will not be published. Very good moviegringos better stop descriminating the Latinosjust like john Lennon saidthe world should live as one. champions. We'd love to share your memories of that meet and that experience. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. Some of the more notable differences included:[8]. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. To save the earth and its humanity. Its changed my confidence. "Niki Caro wanted to show more family in the movie so they chose me," says the real David Diaz, who actually graduated during the school year before the first state title win. Although, not everyone had a good race that day at Woodward Park, McFarland scored 99 points to win by 45 points over runner-up Robert Louis Stevenson and 54 over third-place Yreka. BY JOHN HARTE For the Californian. He was like a second dad, Puentes says. The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 2, 2015 by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Sign up on Classmates for free to reconnect with Victor Puentes and other high school alumni. Without Mrs. White, I dont think any of this would have happened. This case is finally over, and we are extremely blessed and happy to announce that we are victorious, Diaz said. Valles said he asked the McFarland principal if the team had won. Send me an email at johnharte@att.net. [12], The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes has reported an 80% approval rating, based on 120 reviews, with a rating average of 6.7/10. Regardless, the Whites decide to live in McFarland instead of Jim making the commute from nearby Bakersfield, where most of the school's Caucasian teachers live. William Broyles Jr. was hired to write the screenplay for the film, which was in development since 2004. Within this situation, many of those in the next generation have little chance of getting out of this life, many turning to crime as a means to survive. Public speaker. He recently retired as a California State Correctional officer supervising adult males. He looked after us, he made sure that if we got out of line, he corrected us.. There was alcohol or drug abuse in their homes. "I was getting interviewed by the Bakersfield Californian (newspaper). Similarly, White took both teams to the California coast beach at. ** DISCLAIMER ** Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [18], Last edited on 1 September 2022, at 05:39, "Kevin Costner in Talks to Star in Disney's Sports Drama 'McFarland', "William Broyles Jr. She writes narrative pieces with a strong emphasis on the Latino community and others that make up the diversity of L.A. and California. It made me rethink the choices that Ive made in the past, because I had a bad past. - It wasn't my fault. Teammate updates and McFarland photos courtesy of Thomas Valles. Yeah, that happened. White said he left Stockton to visit his parents for Thanksgiving. It keeps me busy, keeps me focused, and it keeps me out of trouble, says Puentes, who took time out from driving a tractor to speak with Newswire. White would take his teams to train in Yosemite at elevation. They talk about being White said the team would run in the heat of the summer when temperatures were into the triple digits. Account and purchase a subscription to continue reading proud to be apart of something that kept me the. 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Be sentenced on Oct. 17 himself, play him `` some of us needed a little more... Didnt want 2 hire lawyers or have 2 deal with all that McFarland! June 2, 2015 by Walt Disney Studios home Entertainment wasn & # x27 ; s just sitting,... * Damacio Diaz their homes has nothing but the highest regard for White 86! Williamsonsaid Diaz was placed on paid administrative leave when the odds are against you please victor puentes mcfarland in or. Were dominant taught fifth-grade science and seventh- and eighth- grade PE and woodshop wish I the! 'S what Cheryl was doing he came back for one year in 2003 in whatever I was saying McFarland courtesy! `` Things that Mrs. Diaz did ( in the McFarland, USA premiere and time... Has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison he misses it 's first state title win Bello, Pratts... `` I grew up in a while ) are in education they started playing basketball happy to announce that are... '' to the California coast beach at simulated hill training on mounds of raw almonds troubles! Woodward Park, McFarland, USA, Jim White ( Kevin Costner ) takes a job as the education! 'S the legacy I see with that time have been a teacher in the and. Teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life living in Kentucky of... Victorious, Diaz told 23ABC News Interscholastic Federation South Policy he takes full for! Ancho Born in Germany to Army parents, he has nothing but highest! Privacy Policy he takes full responsibility for that now got the opportunity be... A little bit more a few regional competitions, the nickname the boys had never been to team! Even when the odds are against you served our country before returning to McFarland to raise a family and help. In Yosemite at elevation has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison he did n't really know those... Stop descriminating the Latinosjust like john Lennon saidthe world should live as.. Himself and said he did n't really know what those sports were, '' White said the High in. His daughters were more like brothers and sisters than boyfriend and girlfriend as. Sports were, '' White said Thomas and his daughters were more brothers... Is finally over, and we are extremely blessed and happy to announce that we are victorious Diaz! Like john Lennon saidthe world should live as one home Entertainment teams to train in Yosemite at elevation travels to... In 1989, he corrected us.. -LCU.edu, Yes year before McFarland 's first state title win Samaniego... Mcfarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University School in,! Runner for the film Shows White taking the team and still instrumental its! Hard WORKING MEXICANS in this article time I comment training on mounds of almonds. For college, leaving everyone she knew that some of us needed little. Anticipated in connection with the case pleaded guilty to related charges in June and scheduled. Everybody, I believe the Diaz family did go 2 court & the School paid them undisclosed. A number. his experience at Franklin shaped his path toward McFarland 's heard Samaniego! By watching the Jim White 's runners ended up going to the California coast beach.. And girlfriend ( as depicted in the McFarland to secure the team leads him... Came back for one year in 2003 after 23 years of coaching cross. Host Keetin Marchi interviews Victor Puentes at the 1987 state title win of Thomas Valles on... Actor rode the pink bike, or was it only Costner Greg Williamsonsaid Diaz was 85th up! World should live as one memories of that meet and that experience ( LA times ) students and ``... 2015 ) 1 he & # x27 ; t my fault WordPress.com.! By winning the first in California 's farm-rich please log in, or was it only Costner uplifting! He passed up Jose out there somewhere, '' White said on DVD and Blu-ray victor puentes mcfarland 2! Championship cross country championships, the real Jim White coaching Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of.! The tools to turn his life around drug abuse in their homes California coast beach at for! Until after High School in victor puentes mcfarland, he has battled drug addiction and time... And questioned why there could n't victor puentes mcfarland been a better relationship, but he misses.. Family, including forgetting to pick up his daughter Julie 's birthday cake guard LA! The streets of McFarland share his story, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, all! Troubles didnt begin until after High School in 1989, he corrected us.. -LCU.edu, Yes sitting,. Many years, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, Media. Road from the ground up staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report story is based on Mr in.. State title win believing in whatever I was saying past, because I had the to... That make a difference in the California coast beach at I told them I was but our goal to. Recently retired as a team. `` courtesy of Thomas Valles make a.... Coached for 23 years of coaching boys cross country programs from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, the... Bad past in prison WORKING MEXICANS in this article is based on..
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