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. 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. 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. What did Coach White throw at the football player inside the We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. When Im not at work I enjoy visiting my family who still live in Powell County, going to the movies, reading books and graphic novels and playing games of all kinds. Central Valley. Victor Puentes (Anchor) Arrest 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. He also allegedly stole drugs that were supposed to be booked into evidence. Im from McFarland and Im proud to be from McFarland.". Education, law enforcement, business owners. We're still here hopefully trying to make a positive difference in our communities.". "You try to offer them the same thing we offered our girls," White said. "I can't speak for everybody, I can speak for myself," Valles said. Thomas is portrayed as the troubled teen in the movie and also the number one runner. This finally gave me the strength to say, You know what? - It wasn't my fault. "We couldn't go out there and run those things," White said. The real McFarland Cougars who won the 1987 cross-country state championship in California are shown from left: Thomas Valles, Victor Puentes, Damacio Diaz, Johnny Samaniego, Jose Cardenas,. 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. Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the department, was arrested at BPD headquarters Friday morning. They want to make a difference. Cookie Preferences, Generated by 10.1.2.53 from cache (2435 ttl) in 25 milliseconds. For them to gel as coach and team members, they will have to understand the other better and fully embrace the opportunities. "We ran at Mt. Today, Valles coaches girls cross country coach at McFarland and travels around to speak and share his story. White. I wish I had the time to start, Puentes says. White would take his teams to train in Yosemite at elevation. went on to college. He looked after us, he made sure that if we got out of line, he corrected us.. Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. Thus began the relationship that was depicted -- sometimes painfully -- in the film. He was like a second dad, Puentes says. "He had to be wondering, 'Hey, what am I doing up here?' on their time as cross country runners Jose. 'What's going on?' Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. He was happy, however, to have Sergio Avelar, a former McFarland High School cross country runner himself, play him. He started off as a junior varsity runner but made the varsity squad as a freshman, working his way up from being the teams number four runner to being the number two runner by the time he graduated. Terms of Use Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I wish I had the time to start, Puentes says. "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. I actually realized what true love was. What you don't see in the film is sixth runner Luis Partida, who was replaced on the team in McFarland USA by David Diaz, who had actually graduated in 1986. Trending. Out of all the 1987 team, Victor was definitely the smartest of all of us, Diaz told 23ABC News. Because of White's rigorous training and the efforts of the entire team, McFarland upsets the other more favored schools and comes in first. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). He flirts with all the girls and bounces from girl to girl. Brittny Mejia is a Metro reporter who joined the Los Angeles Times in 2014. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. White has lived in McFarland ever since. Obviously this is a difficult, disappointing day in the history of the Bakersfield Police Department, Williamson said. BPD detective featured in Disney film charged with bribery, drug trafficking, BY JASON KOTOWSKI jkotowski@bakersfield.com. 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. Behold! It was tough growing up in McFarland.". "She wanted to meet Danny Diaz," White said. David, however, graduated the year before McFarland's first state title win. Following in father's footsteps working in the agricultural business. Asked what part of the story of that 1987 season he wished had been included in the film, White said the impact of his wife Cheryl. Without them, there wouldnt be a legacy.. When a police officer misuses his badge to commitcrimes for personal profit, it is the ultimate betrayal of public trust, Wagner said. Duration 0 min 59 sec Views 6,759 Posted On February 07, 2015 Director Niki Caro Writer Christopher Cleveland Studio Walt Disney Pictures Release February 20, 2015 Cast Kevin Costner Retired - living in McFarland. But thanks to the film, hes been given a new lease on life. McFarland tragedy gave boys heart to win. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. Because Thomas Valles, McFarlands top runner in 1987, is the focal point of all these photos, this was most likely a profile I was assigned to shoot of him in advance of the state championship meet. Q: Whats the latest on Bakersfield Police Department Detective Damacio Diaz, who is facing multiple federal charges after FBI investigators a, Positive Cases Among Kern Residents: 304,028, Recovered and Presumed Recovered Residents: 297,089, Percentage of all cases that are unvaccinated:71.26, Percentage of all hospitalizations that are unvaccinated:83.16, Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. The image in the film of the boys running hills in the almond field is actually three piles of dirt covered in plastic to look like piles of almonds, both White and Valles said. "(It is) things like that that have touched our lives," White said. Buy images; Sell images; When we needed something, she tried her best to provide for us, even though we had our own families. Some of the more notable differences included:[8]. He also allegedly filed false federal tax returns. Subscribe to Popcorn Talk Network's YouTube Channel @ http://youtube.com/popcorntalknetwork Check out all the. 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 U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner talks about the indictment of Bakersfield Police Detective, Damacio Diaz, while Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson, right, listens, during a press conference Friday downtown in the BPD headquarters. ', "After awhile, I realized there is some hints of my true story.". 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. Yes. He and his family relocate to his new job at McFarland High School in McFarland, California, which is predominantly Latino. We won.' "He was our second dad. "I was blessed that I got the opportunity to be apart of something that kept me off the streets of McFarland. Its about McFarland. it's not all true but he's okay with that. McFarland, USA. 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. was like to have a movie made about his Until he runs into Athena. Victor Puentes; 2015; Related news. The search uncovered an ice chest containing approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine. Its the best of both worlds. Wagner said he doesnt believe anyone was physically harmed by Diazs actions, but what he did put lives at risk. "I was getting interviewed by the Bakersfield Californian (newspaper). We'd love to share your memories of that meet and that experience. Immediately after the race, Valles said he was taken with a group of top finishers for awards and media but didn't know if the team had actually won. Did that happen? Cheryl implores him to continue to be there for the McFarland team and their friends in the neighborhood, reminding him how much the community has embraced them. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. IMDb's Most Anticipated New TV Series of 2023. While at Eastern I wrote for the award winning Eastern Progress and served in the student government. The team would go on to launch a dynasty by winning the first of nine state championships. I give my thanks to her because shes the foundation of [that] home and she opened her doors to every single runner that we. Puentes said his troubles didnt begin until after high school. Below we tell the story of White, Valles and the 1987 championship team and point out areas of Hollywood fiction. The actor rode the pink bike, not the coach. [10][11] The film was released in Canada under its original title, McFarland. Based on the true story of a 1987 cross country team from a mainly Latino high school in McFarland, California, the film stars Kevin Costner as Jim White, the school's coach, who leads the team to win a state championship. "I was standing there. The most points ever scored against this school, and it's halftime. This was made up to serve the plot. To save the earth and its humanity. Athena Sanders left McFarland for college, leaving everyone she knew behind. 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. He was, however, the seventh person on the team and still instrumental to its 1987 state title win. "That's how we developed that. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Since he graduated from California's McFarland High School in. But Diaz believes Puentes has the tools to turn his life around. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. He also allegedly stole drugs that were supposed to be booked into evidence. If you need Internet, this is your call to action! Video games, board games, collectible card games and sports all occupy my time. But then it was nervous time. White has lived in McFarland ever since. Find the perfect victor puentes stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. 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. Wagner said he doesnt believe anyone was physically harmed by Diazs actions, but what he did put lives at risk. I thought that was normal. inspired to strive for something beyond But he did say there was a "low-rider" bike with his nickname "Blanco" on it. McFarland was not rivals with Palo Alto High School (the schools are 4 hours apart) nor did the schools ever race each other. However, I believe the Diaz family did go 2 court & the school paid them an undisclosed amount. He was the one who introduced us to bowling, to miniature golfing, to going to the beach for the first time. 'That's not even my life story. And, man, I just started crying, started crying tears of joy. Without Mrs. White, I dont think any of this would have happened. I want all of my. Jose Cardenas became a writer for The Los Angeles Times and is currently serving his country in the U.S. army. The legendary former McFarland This movie is based on the remarkable McFarland High School Cross-Country Team which, until it was recently forced to compete against much larger schools, dominated its division in the sport state-wide for more than 20 years. No. He started off as a junior varsity runner but made the varsity squad as a freshman, working his way up from being the teams number four runner to being the number two runner by the time he graduated. Sergio Avelar is known for McFarland, USA (2015) and Made in Hollywood (2005). Read about and view photos of McFarland USAs forgotten inspiration, team members Sylvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez, who died in a practice accident in 1986. So I'd have two practices." Mar 14, 2015. Sophomores Victor Puentes was 16th overall (10th) and Damacio Diaz was 22nd overall (13th). "That's deeply satisfying to me to - to go in and tell a story that is not only meaningful, but is true and real, and tell it with the real people." McFarland director " Niki Caro " 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. "He took care of us, he fed us, he clothed us. Though Puentes doesnt see much of himself in the films portrayal, he says thats not whats important. From left: McFarland's Victor Puentes, Thomas Valles and Damacio Diaz at the 1987 California Southern Area championship in Bakersfield. 'McFarland' Movie Helps One of Original Runners Get Back On Track, For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film. Diaz disclosed the names of criminal informants to Magallanes so the dealer would not conduct business with them and become a target of law enforcement. Victor Puentes is just to his left. At times, Diaz purchased meth from Magallanes for personal use, the indictment states. Idk if people were aware that MHS, did not want 2 pay 4 Herlinda Gonzalez & Silvia Diaz hospital bills. He later taught woodshop and physical education. 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. Its not part of the movie, but the team was, obviously, grieving and impacted deeply. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. In fact, McFarland, despite winning the Division III title in 1987 with a mostly underclassman lineup, placed only fifth in 1988, second in 1989 and didn't win again until 1992. Julie White has moved to small town McFarland with her family. Victor Puentes at the premiere of Disney's McFarland 1,588 views Feb 20, 2015 4 Dislike Share Save laughingplace 147K subscribers McFarland runner Victor Puentes, interviewed on the red. ", "That was Hollywood," Valles said. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. He recently retired as a California State Correctional officer supervising adult males. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. And he considers Coach Whites wife, Cheryl, to be an unsung heroine of the story. "He just had high expectations of us. ", "Thomas he made a big impact on our life," White said. Valles explained that White had observed him going for a six-mile jog-walk record "trying to be the top guy. 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. Announces 2023 Boston Marathon Mens Field. The daughter, White said, had low self-esteem, but wanted to meet Danny, inspired by the chubby boy in the movie succeeding in spite of his physical appearance. Was enlisted in the armed services. You can run around the edge! "We did that year after year to build bonds and to trust one another," he 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. They came back. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Thomas received a degree and served our country before returning to McFarland to raise a family and also help coach the McFarland . But Diaz believes Puentes has the tools to turn his life around. He said the high school had 4,000 students and he "felt like a number." An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie "McFarland USA" has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery and drug charges. Jim White and his wife Cheryl have three daughters, not two. ', "But as people started asking me about the movie and telling me 'Hey, Thomas, but didn't this happen? For more California news, follow @brittny_mejia. Grandchildren to see this wonderful film. While still being interviewed, Valles said he noticed his teammates hugging and crying. "We didn't really train like that.". After a few regional competitions, the team wins its first race. Desperate for work, he moves his wife (Maria Bello) and daughters (Morgan Saylor and Elsie Fisher) from Idaho to McFarland, CA, a rural town that's predominately Latino and the only place willing to give him a teaching job. Mcfarland and im proud to be an unsung heroine of the citizens of McFarland were extras the. 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Thomas is portrayed as the troubled teen in the student government White and wife Cheryl White actually three! `` Thomas he made a big impact on our life, '' White said at BPD headquarters morning... Personal Use, the indictment states I did n't really train like that that have our... Is your call to action Yosemite at elevation to start, Puentes says to train in Yosemite at.!
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