McFarland, USA was released on February 20, 2015, received positive reviews from critics, and grossed over $45 million. "We couldn't go out there and run those things," White said. 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. The answers are in chronological order. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White I wish it had told a little more about the truth of Blanco and who he was and why he was there. He was like a second dad, Puentes says. The 16-count indictment against Damacio Diaz, 43, was unsealed Thursday. Also check out the incredibly moving real photos from the beach scene depicted in McFarland USA from the personal album of Silvia Diaz. Victor is a ladies man. was like to have a movie made about his A series of texts shows that under White's guidance, the team becomes outstandingly successful, winning nine state titles over fourteen years. He took us to church once in a while. The film was co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mayhem Pictures. GREAT GREAT GREAT MOVIE! David, however, graduated the year before McFarland's first state title win. Were part of his life, Puentes says. Their oldest daughter, Tami, does not appear in the film. For the filming of McFarland USA, director " Niki Caro " used locals as extras in the movies and cast McFarland resident Sergio Avelar for the role of "Victor Puentes". [6] Principal photography took place in Camarillo, California, and many of McFarland's residents were extras in the movie. He rebuilt both the boys' and girls' cross-country teams, despite only the boys' team being featured in the film. BPD detective featured in Disney film charged with bribery, drug trafficking, BY JASON KOTOWSKI jkotowski@bakersfield.com. He was like a second dad," Puentes says. [14] In CinemaScore polls conducted during the opening weekend, cinema audiences gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale. Puentes is proud to be recognized for his role in the teams accomplishments nearly 28 years later, and that the film has put his hometown on the map. "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. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. However, I believe the Diaz family did go 2 court & the school paid them an undisclosed amount. Added Cheryl: "With him being a pitcher, he would have been straight on.". Donald trump is right lets import the hard working immigrants and keep the bad ones out! Thus began the relationship that was depicted -- sometimes painfully -- in the film. I give my thanks to her because shes the foundation of [that] home and she opened her doors to every single runner that we. I actually realized what true love was. All seven Diaz Puentes said his troubles didnt begin until after high school. "Neither did I throw that shoe at that young man. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. 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. "(It is) things like that that have touched our lives," White said. ", White, the former baseball player, was a right-handed pitcher. ", "That bothered him for awhile," White said. " 1. McFarland tragedy gave boys heart to win. McFarland was not a desperate last resort. Likely not. We just set a record. His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. There was alcohol or drug abuse in their homes. He also allegedly stole drugs that were supposed to be booked into evidence. (He had a) poor relationship with dad. Jim's devotion to the team leads to him alienating his family, including forgetting to pick up his daughter Julie's birthday cake. "As soon as Mr. White left," Valles said, that he's heard from Samaniego, "they started playing basketball. You dont feel your feet hitting the [ground] anymore, you dont feel that youre out of breath. It's based on a true story, but not everything's very factual, but it's still an enjoyable movie. However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. "She was crying and hugging Danny. It made me rethink the choices that Ive made in the past, because I had a bad past. I dont need it, I dont want it, Puentes says. (LogOut/ (David Diaz and Amador Ayon were both seniors on the 1986 team and didn't get the chance to compete for a state championship. They asked me if I was happy with my place. They worked hard. 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. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." And hes optimistic that the film will be the catalyst that helps him stay away from drugs for good. Excellent, no trash or language. 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. What we are reminded of is that McFarland USA is based on a true story but it is not a documentary. By what name was McFarland, USA (2015) officially released in India in English? inspired to strive for something beyond David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. Victor Puentes, member of the 1987 McFarland cross country team, has battled drug addiction. "I was getting interviewed by the Bakersfield Californian (newspaper). 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. 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. The film shows White taking the team to fields for simulated hill training on mounds of raw almonds. Ayon is the current McFarland boys coach. Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. Another blast is on the way. "I looked over at the reporter and I said 'We won. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Were part of his life, Puentes says. I wish I had the time to start, Puentes says. Based on the 1987 true story, McFarland USA movie follows the lives of athletes from McFarland, a predominately Latino community in California Central Valley as they build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner). He remains on paid leave. "He took care of us, he fed us, he clothed us. As the boys manage to reach one goal after another on the march to the state championships, their newfound support as a collective may be threatened by the realities of McFarland and Jim catching the attention of other, more prestigious schools in predominantly white, upper middle class communities. 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. McFarland USA Interview - Victor Puentes (2015) Interview with Victor Puentes (Real Life Character) for McFarland USA. it's not all true but he's okay with that. Its about McFarland. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. 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. I walk with my head up high. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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 told 23ABC News, He made some bad choices and hes the first to tell you, You know what? 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? 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. Available for both RF and RM licensing. The 16-count indictment against Damacio Diaz, 43, was unsealed Thursday. 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!!! "We're going to go out and try to win the state title.". Johnny is an educator and is still coaching. I grew up with domestic violence and that's what I knew. They said we won! The Whites had three daughters. -23ABC News. He and his family relocate to his new job at McFarland High School in McFarland, California, which is predominantly Latino. Please contact us cottenzane@gmail.com with this Email. Obviously this is a difficult, disappointing day in the history of the Bakersfield Police Department, Williamson said. He and his wife Cheryl met at Magic Valley Christian College in Idaho. Their legs were shot by Friday, the day before State.". We were going in the right direction with our training they just started believing in whatever I was saying. No. He also allegedly stole drugs that were supposed to be booked into evidence. Central Valley. Didn't you get into this fight? At times, Diaz purchased meth from Magallanes for personal use, the indictment states. Yes. We were her sons, Puentes says. 'McFarland' Movie Helps One of Original Runners Get Back On Track, For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film. "That's their livelihood. Diaz had a life that afforded him many opportunities, including the opportunity to serve and protect his community as an officer of the law, said Phillip A. Talbert, the acting U.S. attorney for Californias eastern district. Victor Puentes is just to his left. White finds the potential for cross-country in few students at the school. Our family has watched it three nights in a row. 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. They were requested by People Magazine. Mara pleaded guilty to related charges in June and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 17. 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. "Just getting everybody to believe in themselves," Valles said was how White developed and maintained the program at such a high level. Did that happen? 1. 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].. The judge sentenced me to a time period that we believe is fair.. They still live in McFarland and still want to make a difference in the community.". But, no, that title did not immediately begin the school's run of state championships. I guarantee I wouldn't have missed. "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 didn't really know what those sports were," Valles said. White continued teaching and coaching in McFarland until his retirement in 2003 and after that he continued living in McFarland. Though the film portrays Puentes as a ladies man, he says he was actually the shyest person on the team. He later taught woodshop and physical education. Out of all the 1987 team, Victor was definitely the smartest of all of us, Diaz told 23ABC News. He was the one who introduced us to bowling, to miniature golfing, to going to the beach for the first time. You have permission to edit this article. 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. After the race, Jim turns down the Palo Alto position and embraces his family and the team. It reminds me of another good one, Glory Road. Juanita Diaz. In fact, it is memorialized at the 12-acre Jim White "Blanco" Park in McFarland. Jim White, a high school teacher and football coach, has been fired from one job after another, as the desired end of getting people to do the right thing in his mind has not always justified his sometimes impetuous and spontaneous actions as the means. Video games, board games, collectible card games and sports all occupy my time. What about this one? Without them, there wouldnt be a legacy.. Yes, McFarland is an inspirational story. And he considers Coach Whites wife, Cheryl, to be an unsung heroine of the story. 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. The alleged offenses took place from April 2012 to February of this year, he said. 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. We're still here hopefully trying to make a positive difference in our communities.". [4] The film also stars Maria Bello and Morgan Saylor. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos. 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. - Yeah. But thanks to the film, hes been given a new lease on life. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. But he did say there was a "low-rider" bike with his nickname "Blanco" on it. I dont know if it changed everybody else, but it changed me.. - That's what. We developed a program. The movie made me a better person, Puentes told Runners World Newswire. Definitely. "Thomas didn't have anger management and Danny wasn't fat," White said when asked about inaccuracies in the film. 1. From left: McFarland's Victor Puentes, Thomas Valles and Damacio Diaz at the 1987 California Southern Area championship in Bakersfield. Police Chief Greg Williamsonsaid Diaz was placed on paid administrative leave when the investigation began in February. 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. The film released on February 9, 2015 (Hollywood) and received positive reviews from critics. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. We were undefeated in '86 and now we had the opportunity to have a state championship team. Oct. 5, 2016 7:45 AM PT 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. The actor rode the pink bike, not the coach. He attended California Polytechnic State University for two years, but he had to drop out because he didnt have enough money to continue and his mother was sick. That day at Woodward Park, McFarland's top four were dominant. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. [10][11] The film was released in Canada under its original title, McFarland. IMDb's Most Anticipated New TV Series of 2023. White said there are hills around orange groves about six miles outside of town where the team goes for true hill training. 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. 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. Three suspects in custody following fatal shooting in South L.A. Man who set five wildfires in San Diegos back-country gets 9 years in prison, Man serving life sentence for raping and killing San Bernardino 9-year-old charged with murder in second cold case. For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film McFarland, USA, life has not exactly followed a Hollywood storyline. You just do what you can do. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. 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. (LogOut/ (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Damacio Diaz. That was my running family, my brothers, my teammates, Mr. 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. He also attended the films premiere in Los Angeles with his daughters and wife earlier this month. Custom Content. White has lived in McFarland ever since. 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. According to the indictment, Magallanes paid Diaz to tip him off to law enforcement investigations and in general to protect him from arrest and prosecution. "He didn't know but I took it as if he had said no," Valles said. Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. In seventh grade, Valles said his PE teacher (White) introduced himself and said he coached cross country and track. If convicted of the charges in the indictment, Diaz faces a maximum statutorypenalty of life in prison for the conspiracy, 10 years in prison for each count of bribery, 20years in prison to life for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, fiveyears in prison for each count of intentional disclosure of wiretap information, and threeyears in prison for each count of making a false income tax return. If you need Internet, this is your call to action! Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. Im not like, Hey, Im Victor from the movie. I just feel a little bit better about myself because something good finally happened in my life, besides my children being born. It made me rethink the choices that Ive made in the past, because I had a bad past. He took us to church once in a while. [5] Negotiations for Kevin Costner to star were finalized in July 2013. On occasion, he said, the boys would have to work in the fields on a Saturday morning before going off to a meet that afternoon. Now he has nothing but the highest regard for White. 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. I told him that he had 2 fight the school so they could pay for the hospital bills. While a course at Griffith Park has been used for meets in the past -- meets White said that included McFarland -- it was never used for the CIF-State Meet. 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,. 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. White has lived in McFarland ever since. PE teacher at McFarland MS. McFarland HS varsity girls basketball coach. For the past several months, Puentes work on a 220-acre ranch, where he helps maintain an almond crop, has kept him busy. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. Puentes is proud to be recognized for his role in the teams accomplishments nearly 28 years later, and that the film has put his hometown on the map. Yes, the McFarland High boys did win a team title at the first CIF-State Cross Country Championships held in 1987. When Coach Jim White (Costner) arrives to teach at a predominantly Latino high school, everyone has a lot to learn about each other. Discovering that some of his students are strong runners, White has Principal Camillo authorize cross-country as a sport and organizes an all-boys team. 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. Wagner said he doesnt believe anyone was physically harmed by Diazs actions, but what he did put lives at risk. He was, however, the seventh person on the team and still instrumental to its 1987 state title win. Winds light and variable.. Yeah, that happened. 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? He offers the kids a chance The. Yes, the nickname the boys gave him, as depicted in the film, was real. It was tough growing up in McFarland.". Mejia was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2021 in local reporting for her investigation with colleague Jack Dolan that exposed failures in Los Angeles Countys safety-net healthcare system. McFarland, USA. I screwed up.. "We did have hills," White said. Without Mrs. White, I dont think any of this would have happened. From left: Johnny Samaniego, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, Jim White, Kevin Costner, Thomas Valles, Daniel Diaz and Victor Puentes will appear in McFarland, which began production this week. Facts about McFarland USA 1: General Information This amazing movie produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mayhem Picture based on the true story of 1987 cross country team from majority Latino high school in McFarland, California. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. We grew up not having a whole lot, every single person on our team. A struggling coach and teacher who has had to move around for different incidents in his career finally comes to one of the poorest cities in America: McFarland, California. country team. Athena and Victor go through life at McFarland High together. I didn't do some of the things they had me doin' in there, but that's alright, that's Hollywood. -LCU.edu, Yes. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. Out of all the 1987 team, Victor was definitely the smartest of all of us, Diaz told 23ABC News. "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. - It wasn't my fault. "You saw the hills at the end of the movie.". Though the film portrays Puentes as a ladies man, he says he was actually the shyest person on the team. 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. Trending. I want all of my. . Plainview Herald. The most points ever scored against this school, and it's halftime. Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. ", "It was a great accomplishment," White said. McFarland, USA. Included in the segment, titled Education, law enforcement, business owners. It's all Hollywood. She's the one girl that changes his mind and he wants to date her. Valles explained that White had observed him going for a six-mile jog-walk record "trying to be the top guy. That's the legacy I see with that time. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. ", "Some of the boys had never been to the ocean," White said. I'm getting goosebumps now. Its about McFarland. He takes full responsibility for that now. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. 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. He looked after us, he made sure that if we got out of line, he corrected us.. Jim White attended Franklin High in Stockton and Magic Valley Christian community college in Idaho before completing his education at Pepperdine. Did the boys have to get up with the sun to work in the fields only to return later in the day to train there? Coach Jim White challenged him and his peers to run. They're men of color. For the past several months, Puentes work on a 220-acre ranch, where he helps maintain an almond crop, has kept him busy. The film also shows a chubby runner named Danny Diaz rallying late to secure the team title. At first, it is just a temporary pla McFarland, USA | Preferences and Imagines. Hi there! Listen Closely (Victor Puentes/McFarland USA Fanfic). Mar 14, 2015. Jim White, a school football coach at odds with the system and players, takes a job as an assistant football coach at McFarland. She wrote Victor every chance she could get. Durning the season, the boys are not supposed to play basketball. Cart. Jim White coaching photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport. 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. children ran for Jim White and all seven Only he doesn't know how to speak ASL and couldn't really talk to her. This finally gave me the strength to say, You know what? Im from McFarland and Im proud to be from McFarland.". Overall, McFarland, USA is a PG-rated movie with an uplifting, inspirational message. He takes full responsibility for that now. 'Everybody in the world is going to think I'm fat and I wasn't fat.' Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Yes. This finally gave me the strength to say, You know what? White sees the athletic Although the State Meet has always been held at Woodward Park in Fresno, the film includes the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles in the background of what was portrayed as the State Meet course. I spent almost six years as a news videographer at another local TV station before being given the opportunity to report and shoot video at WKYT. Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year.
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