Write by: It had been a long time since I had said to her, 'I love you, sister' and that night at the emergency room, that is the only thing I wanted to say, for the last time. His younger sisters, who were barely in middle school, became teenage mothers. picking in the fields. I wish it had told a little more about the truth of Blanco and who he was and why he was there. He was inspired by how far Valles had come. was like to have a movie made about his She never held back when it came to laughing, making people laugh, and just being downright silly. Hes excited about the opportunity to run again and do it for a cause. He offers the kids a chance 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. "We did have hills," White said. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. White retired in 2002 but returned to coach the 2003 team. Similarly, Carlos' life was changed by his teacher, Mr. Wood. "Sylvia and I were seniors because my parents placed us in the same grade when we were in fourth grade because they wanted me to walk with her to school. Here was the star runner, just a kid, bringing his hands to his face in prayer and keeping them there for what seemed an eternity before the start of his race. Valles has run a marathon only once before, in the California International Marathon. He encouraged the kids to find their own mentor. Please contact us cottenzane@gmail.com with this Email. Bravo told me, "Show the world what has happened to my son.". . "We did what we could to help him. 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From left is Herlinda, Delfina Herrera, Sylvia Diaz and her brother, Raul Diaz. I love it so muchthese are people we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this country! Privacy Policy Likely not. His marathon goal falls in line with the releaseof McFarland USA on Disney+ last month. We didnt win overnight. They took him home and knocked on his front door. They came back. "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. Retired as a correctional officer. Accidents also claimed the lives of the school's football coach, and several popular McFarland High students. That sounds callous, but when I opened those assignment envelopes and looked at these photos nearly 30 years later, they slapped me with an emotion that shortened my breath. Thomas Valles, a former member of the McFarland, Calif. cross-country team that won a state championship in 1987, . He and his wife Cheryl met at Magic Valley Christian College in Idaho. 'tain mais faites-le taire, cuy-l, avec sa tte de vieux nourrisson moche, j'ai pas un sou et je ne rve que de la #REVOLUTION ! My parents always encouraged us to work hard.. 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. Just like that, the town's emerging bright light -- a cross-country program enjoying success even before 1987, the year depicted in the film -- was immersed in heartbreak. So I'd have two practices." 1. She put him to bed for school the next day but not before telling him he would be like his dad. We became a real family, and we're still family.. The McFarland girls arrived for the CIF Central Section South Area meet on Nov. 13, 1986 in a limousine. Thirty-five years ago, the unlikely squad of seven children of Latino fieldworkers, short in stature but strong in character, won the first of McFarland High Schools nine State Championships and 23-straight championship appearances, establishing an untouchable dynasty. 2h. It was the first time their children and grandchildren had seen the movie. Was enlisted in the armed services. While the idea for the motion picture was conceived in the 1990s, it was not made until Disney bought rights to the story and actor Kevin Costner, who played Mr . Let's not slack off.". PE teacher at McFarland MS. McFarland HS varsity girls basketball coach. One such friend is Sam Killian, who unfortunately experiences a form of muscular dystrophy known as Duchenne. 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. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. 104. what does cheryl white want coach white to pick up for julies birthday. Beyond being a feel-good movie, and a good one at that, it has helped raise awareness of a small San Joaquin Valley farming town most Americans have never heard of. Its the last six miles that get you., We always think back and wish we could have done this or that, Valles said. He was no fan of homework and was diagnosed with dyslexia creating some additional learning challenges at school but he was motivated to run and to travel. At the Kern Invitational on Nov. 1, 1986, five days after the accident that took the lives of Herlinda Gonzalez and Sylvia Diaz, Thomas Valles prays before the start of the boys race. By This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. They talk about being Everybody has a Jim White in their lives, Valles said, referencing his famous high school coach. While Hollywood fictionalized the story, Blanco developed a real dynasty in high school cross country.. The town had two places to go to jail and nine places to go to eat, Sports Illustrateds Gary Smith wrote in the story that inspired the movie. There was alcohol or drug abuse in their homes. What we are reminded of is that McFarland USA is based on a true story but it is not a documentary. Juanita Diaz. ", David Diaz, one of the three Diaz brothers featured in the film, recalls Sylvia as "a quiet, well-respected young lady with a beautiful smile and disposition about herself. It was tough growing up in McFarland.". McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. Without these two beautiful young ladies, there would be no McFarland USA. Click here. As Valles wrapped his speech to the kids, he encouraged them to take steps toward reaching their goals by getting an education, going into a trade or joining the military. "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. By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy. They raised three girls (not two as depicted in the movie) and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. 1 runner on the 1987 championship team, and asked if he was still close with his high school teammates. To make up for the time they couldn't work in the fields due to cross country practice, Jim White would sometimes give his time to them by helping them pick in the fields. ". White would take his teams to train in Yosemite at elevation. We won.' "She might hate me now. He later joined the U.S. Coast Guard. Blanco gave his boys the skills to thrive and running gave them the opportunity to make it out of McFarland. Not long after, their car is confronted by a group of punks that bother Javi. 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. Did they run over piles of almonds to simulate hills? Jeffrey Parenti, jeffrey.parenti@flosports.tv, Contact Us cross country coach talks about what it E-7Sergeant First Class - United States Army. While still being interviewed, Valles said he noticed his teammates hugging and crying. Julie White has moved to small town McFarland with her family. He occasionally hit more than just the wall. 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. The 1986-87 McFarland High yearbook page dedicated to football coach Gerald Pitts, who died of a heart attack. Oh, how that stung me for a long time. It wasnt unusual for his father. Gemma Rowlands, 25, and husband Daren More, 31, got . He came over, introduced himself, and said, I'm running. March 29, 2022, 12:48 PM PDT. Thomas Valles prays before the start of the Kern Invitational on November 1, 1986, five days after two teammates from the girls team were killed during a practice session. A good student, she dreamed of continuing her education after high school and of visiting Hawaii. By 1986, Texas-born Coach Jim White, nicknamed Blanco by his Latino team, had built a locally dominant cross country team. Top, from left: Johnny Samaniego, Luis Partida, Damacio Diaz and Coach Jim White. However, I believe the Diaz family did go 2 court & the school paid them an undisclosed amount. "(That) fixed it where I could never see my parents on Thanksgiving," White said. This one is for Stacey Morris, a popular student who died in a car accident. Jim was known for being a tough coach by his runners but also for his selfless acts of helping out with the boys, the town and the church. "God, she had such a great laugh. White said there are hills around orange groves about six miles outside of town where the team goes for true hill training. It wasnt easy and he shared a slip-up. MileSplit California Editor: ", White said of the seven Diaz siblings (six boys and a girl), "five of them have their masters and six of them are in education. "I looked over at the reporter and I said 'We won. "All my teammates are still here. what score does the mcfarland cross country team get at the palo alto invitational. And that pain would come back. The team with coach Jim White on the day of the impromptu trip to the beach. White coached for 23 years from 1980 through 2002 and he came back for one year in 2003. Seneca School, Sure, Ill help as best I can. Plainview teen preparing to take Houston Rodeo entertainment stage with Castillo game-winner sends Floydada to regional semi-finals, Sam Elliott award winner for male actor in "1883", High winds, lots of dirt cause havoc across Plainview, Texas bluebonnet season is almost here. Delano Now Kalynn White: ASC Operations Coordinator . A cleat, a shoe 2. He then taught seventh and eighth grade woodshop and PE for 11 years at McFarland Middle School, and then switched to just teaching PE and coaching the high school cross country team. At one of our races, Sylvia was trying to teach us this dance move. Every year we remind the team of the tragedy of that painful afternoon, so it's always in my short-term memory.". Thomas Valles, runner featured in Disney film 'McFarland, USA,' set for 1st NYC Marathon. ", "That bothered him for awhile," White said. " In this photo likely shot by a teammate with Raul Diaz's camera, the McFarland boys and girls cross-country teams pose on the beach at Cayucos after coach Jim White made an impromptu stop following the Santa Maria Invitational in 1985. I photographed Thomas Valles, who is featured prominently in the film. If he wasnt at school, Valles was expected to be at home or in the fields helping his dad. Partly cloudy skies. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Ryan Andersen . It soon became a dominant program among small schools in Northern California. "I was blessed that I got the opportunity to be apart of something that kept me off the streets of McFarland. He has been fired from several jobs, and eventually ends up in the titular town (the only place that would hire him). Suspense: . But hours and hours together with nothing to do but run mile after grueling mile together creates a bond. Romance: Thomas Valles (Carlos Pratts) and Jim's daughter, Julie White (Morgan Saylor), have some serious chemistry. Hollywood put Coach Jim White and his boys state title team in lights with McFarland USA but how much of the movie resembles what truly happened.. College Progression Tracker 60m 100m 100H 110H 200m 300H 400m 400H 800m 1600m 3200m Discus Shotput Javelin High Jump Long Jump Triple Jump We're still here hopefully trying to make a positive difference in our communities.". 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. Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. Coach White called Thomas over. In the early '90s Thomas appeared as Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire. Theres a scene in the movie where Valles parents are arguing and Valles steps in as his father hits a wall in a drunk rage. They said we won! Photo credit: ITV. "We did that year after year to build bonds and to trust one another," he said. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. Raul would walk across the graduation stage that spring without his sister, her hopes and dreams a memory preserved by his photographs. . For 15 years, actress Pauley Perrette delighted fans as the surprisingly bubbly goth forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the CBS crime procedural NCIS. 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. They attack the group, while they push Julie out of harm's way. He also did find Thomas Valles on a freeway overpass and help him deal with his I'm coming! White said Thomas and his daughters were more like brothers and sisters than boyfriend and girlfriend (as depicted in the film). But then it was nervous time. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. That was the true beginning of the program's championship run to eight more titles. Julie White Born Julie K. White June 4, 1961 San Diego, California, U.S. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. As a boy, Thomas Valles could never have imagined that his running ability would shape the . Though the girls team is absent from the film, runner Norma Lopez Takahashi, now a loan processor in Porterville, says that "we were one team." The first time Valles got real with an audience, a kid approached him afterward. ', "After awhile, I realized there is some hints of my true story.". He and his wife Cheryl met at Magic Valley Christian College in Idaho. This was out of the ordinary.". Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new That's OK. We're doing it for our kids, we'll do it for you. High 47F. Even though we both have the same last name, we are not related and she made sure to tell me that on a few occasions.". The legendary former McFarland Yes. The film shows White taking the team to fields for simulated hill training on mounds of raw almonds. danny diaz. Low near 35F. 1. -LA Times. Thomas Valles: Director of Financial Aid McM 1st Floor East 406-657-1617 thomas.valles@msubillings.edu . But enjoy the moment. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. In this photo by Raul Diaz, Sylvia Diaz (3) and teammate Magda Saragoza run in a race in 1985. "Some had never had a sit-down dinner with forks.". Dave Thomas. Everybody is important. Coach Jim White and his wife, Cheryl, with team member Thomas Valles at the 1987 California Southern Area cross country meet at Hart Park in Bakersfield.. Beside above, what did the boys learn from their experience running for the McFarland High School cross country team? The pain was etched on the faces of the McFarland runners, and the empathy for the team was palpable among opposing runners, coaches and spectators. "Just getting everybody to believe in themselves," Valles said was how White developed and maintained the program at such a high level. Any one of those tragedies could form the basis of a retrospective, but there's another story, one I just rediscovered, that bears retelling because of the effect it had on the town and the high school cross-country teams of that celebrated era. 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. Twenty-one years later, and he has a different outlook. Friends remember Herlinda as bright and outgoing. They met at my house for practice. Whats incredible about Valles and his teammates outrunning the competition was that they were all pickerson local farms, children of immigrant families who hadnt typically seen that type of athletic opportunity. It was enough to get him back on track. Runner Thomas Valles and his family arrive at the world premiere of 'McFarland, USA' at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Cookie Preferences / Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Generated by 10.1.2.159 from cache (3498 ttl) in 11 milliseconds. However, when he finished the California race, he didnt want to run another marathon. They want to make a difference. Thanks, "(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.". on It was a bit of a surprise when she exited the . Completed. -KGET 17, Yes. He says that Terms in this set (31) Who was Danny Diaz? What did Coach White throw at the football player inside the locker room? Who was Jim White? Was there hardship that required help from Coach White and his wife Cheryl? Despite a strong group returning from the '87 championship team, McFarland only placed fifth in 1988. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. I think the school shouldve paid because it was during school practice. He showed Valles how running could set him free. The town is now over 15,000 strong, well over the 4000 people there in 1987. 'You're actually doing things for us that our mom and dad don't do. "She was crying and hugging Danny. That day at Woodward Park, McFarland's top four were dominant. His older brothers started getting mixed in the wrong crowds and experimenting with drugs. So I would go numb. You guys actually-" Stacy covered her friend's mouth with one hand, and used the other to hold up a finger to her own lips. Below we tell the story of White, Valles and the 1987 championship team and point out areas of Hollywood fiction. Though Sylvia and Herlinda and the rest of the girls team are omitted in the recent media publicity generated by "McFarland, USA," they've never been forgotten by their teammates or their home town. At about 3:30 p.m. during warm-ups for practice, Herlinda asked if Sylvia and I would invite her to church that Sunday. In McFarland, cross-country coach, Jim White, changes the course of Thomas' life when he introduces him to running. We still run the same roads, along the same fields, just with different kids. Jim White and Thomas Valles Reflect on 35 Years of McFarland Track. Yes. "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. One day he got a call from White reminding him why he was in school. Valles, his coach Jim White, and six teammates were the CIF California State Cross Country Champions in 1987. Almost all had never been to the beach. 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. When I say Mr. White became my father figure and Mrs. White became my mother figure. Change). Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. He said he didnt want 2 hire lawyers or have 2 deal with all that. He never saw the money he made as it went to support his family. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically (Photo by Barry King/FilmMagic) Get personalized pricing by telling us when, where, and how you . The film also shows a chubby runner named Danny Diaz rallying late to secure the team title. Disney took a few creative liberties with creating the feature film, Valles said. Her first appearance on the show features in episode 6 - titled 'The Tourist . -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. Now more than 30 years later, he knows he disappointed her and White. His response, "Well, they're not just my friends. I want all of my. Julie White. Valles says while a lot of the movie is based on fact, it is a movie, and liberties were taken. Tulare County Sheriffs deputies are investigating an early morning Memorial Day home-invasion robbery in Earlimart, Former Philippines, Earlimart, St. Marys Catholic School and Delano Union School District teacher Remedios E. Ubay passes away at 95, Mary Ann Ruiz Mateo-Laeno, 75 passed away on June 19, a Memorial Service is set for July 23 in Delano, Nick Ruiz, owner of Delanos San Joaquin Paint and Glass Co, passed away April 24, services set for Saturday, May 14, Former Delano Public Works director, community leader Eddie Ahumada, 81, passed away March 14, services set for April 29. The film does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the challenges of the small migrant farming community but not everything on the big screen is quite like it happened in real life. He won nine state titles and went to the state meet every year but one, he said. Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. 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. What about this one? SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. 5. Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. The Whites had three daughters. Valles was a star on the team and is the primary runner featured in the film "McFarland, USA.". No one outworked the boys of McFarland. ", White, the former baseball player, was a right-handed pitcher. Stage that spring without his sister, her hopes and dreams a memory by. Said, I 'm running from left is Herlinda, Delfina Herrera, Sylvia Diaz 3... 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