Jim White (Costner) finds his days as a football coach numbered when an incident with a player leads to his dismissal. It soon became a dominant program among small schools in Northern California. McFarland, USA (2015) Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran It's not a documentary. Retired - living in McFarland. Well, yeah, that happened. Wagner said during a press conference Friday that they began looking into Diazs activities as a result of information received from unrelated drug investigations earlier this year. The McFarland team continued to run races in North America, Europe, and Asia. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most . 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. Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. William Broyles Jr. was hired to write the screenplay for the film, which was in development since 2004. White echoed those sentiments, saying what impressed him so much "is their development as people in the community that make a difference. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. ", 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. "Some had never had a sit-down dinner with forks.". MileSplit California Editor: Heres a timeline. "All my teammates are still here. 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. 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. He was like a second dad," Puentes says. Yes. 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. I know bcuz Mr. Gonzalez had come 2 my office 2 bring in his work insurance, which his insurance didnt pay much. Another blast is on the way. Puentes grew up in Clay City and am a proud Powell County Pirate. Diaz was arrested in November following a 17-year career with the Bakersfield Police Department. 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. I screwed up.. "I was getting interviewed by the Bakersfield Californian (newspaper). 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. 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 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. It's all Hollywood. White has lived in McFarland ever since. 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. Was enlisted in the armed services. I love it so muchthese are people we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this country! Vanessa Paz (anchor) Biography, Age, Husband, KGW, Salary, Twitter, Tuwanda Coleman Biography, Age, Education, Wife, Career, Salary, Twitter, Wayne Covil Biography, Age, Education, Wife, Career, Twitter. White said he left Stockton to visit his parents for Thanksgiving. Good men and woman can make a huge difference in the lives of others. The 16-count indictment against Damacio Diaz, 43, was unsealed Thursday. The 16-count indictment against Damacio Diaz, 43, was unsealed Thursday. 'Danny made a big difference in my life.' When Diaz filed a joint income tax return that year, he omitted additional income of at least $97,900, according to the U.S. attorneys office. 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? 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. I walk with my head up high. Victor Puentes is just to his left. Though Puentes doesnt see much of himself in the films portrayal, he says thats not whats important. McFarland was that 'small' then and is still today. And he considers Coach Whites wife, Cheryl, to be an unsung heroine of the story. As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. In 1964, after graduating from Pepperdine, White was hired to teach middle school science in McFarland. But he did say there was a "low-rider" bike with his nickname "Blanco" on it. potential at the predominantly Latino high Victor is a ladies man. ', "Thomas was at our house almost every day.". (LogOut/ His Exact Measurements are Still Under Investigation We Will Soon Update. 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. Its not about me, its not about the other runners. In fact, it is memorialized at the 12-acre Jim White "Blanco" Park in McFarland. He remains on paid leave. "Danny, he passed up Jose out there somewhere," White recalled. I thought that was normal. Announces 2023 Boston Marathon Mens Field. Located in California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, McFarland is one of the poorest communities in California. 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. He rebuilt both the boys' and girls' cross-country teams, despite only the boys' team being featured in the film. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. To save the earth and its humanity. -KGET 17. ", "That bothered him for awhile," White said. " Since he graduated from Californias McFarland High School in 1989, he has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison. White coached for 23 years from 1980 through 2002 and he came back for one year in 2003. Its about McFarland. "He didn't know but I took it as if he had said no," Valles said. "McFarland's Family of Champions," are Valles said he asked the McFarland principal if the team had won. They were requested by People Magazine. 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. Thomas received a degree and served our country before returning to McFarland to raise a family and also help coach the McFarland . Three out of the seven young McFarland USA cast actors on the team in the movie are from the McFarland areaSergio Avelar who plays Victor Puentes and Michael Aguero, cast as Damacio Diaz, are actual runners and Ramiro Rodriguez, as Danny Diaz, was a champion soccer player. However Disney made it a good story is based on Mr. Whites accomplishment with us, with the nine state championships and everything else. I didn't grow up telling my parents I loved them. He enlists Sameniego's help and recruits Thomas Valles, Jose Cardenas, Victor Puentes and brothers David, Damacio and Danny Diaz. McFarland had four in (31 points) before Stevenson's No. "[17], McFarland, USA was nominated at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards in the category Choice Movie: Drama. They talk about being "That's how we developed that. Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. By what name was McFarland, USA (2015) officially released in India in English? Cart. Their legs were shot by Friday, the day before State.". E-7Sergeant First Class - United States Army. 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. White's wife Cheryl organizes a tamale and car wash sale with the rest of the neighborhood to raise money for new uniforms, where the family and the neighborhood become better acquainted. At times, Diaz purchased meth from Magallanes for personal use, the indictment states. This was out of the ordinary.". 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. Julie and Jami are also portrayed relatively younger than their real ages at the time of McFarland's first state title win in 1987 (all three were in college during that time). Required fields are marked *. "Neither did I throw that shoe at that young man. 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. Its not part of the movie, but the team was, obviously, grieving and impacted deeply. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. Change). In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. Nine boys state titles is tied with Jesuit (SJ) for the most boys team titles in state history. Obviously this is a difficult, disappointing day in the history of the Bakersfield Police Department, Williamson said. . After high school I went to Eastern Kentucky University where I sampled a variety of majors including English teaching, police administration, and journalism before finally discovering broadcast news. That day at Woodward Park, McFarland's top four were dominant. He showed Valles how . If one or two of those boys couldn't make practice at four o'clock 'cause they're just gettin' in from work, then I might practice at 6 or 7 o'clock with those boys. While the school's football team is as bad as most that he has coached, the one thing he does notice is that out of necessity many of the boys have the stamina to run long distances quickly. Damacio Diaz, whose story was told in a Disney movie about a high school cross-country team, admitted to accepting bribes and drug offenses, federal prosecutors said. "He just had high expectations of us. He also allegedly stole drugs that were supposed to be booked into evidence. School. When Coach Jim White (Costner) arrives to teach at a predominantly Latino high school, everyone has a lot to learn about each other. You have permission to edit this article. Victor Puente Is An American News Ancho Born in Germany to Army parents, He has spent most of his life living in Kentucky. White said the team would run in the heat of the summer when temperatures were into the triple digits. 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. Not exactly. The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 2, 2015 by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Without these two beautiful young ladies, there would be no McFarland USA. Click here. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. Puentes began experimenting with drugs and battled addiction off and on for many years. interview. McFarland was not a desperate last resort. 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". The film opened in North America on February 20, 2015 and earned $11 million in its opening weekend, finishing 4th at the box office. White sees the athletic Coach White called Thomas over. 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!!! And hes optimistic that the film will be the catalyst that helps him stay away from drugs for good. Let's not slack off.". Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the department, was arrested at BPD headquarters Friday morning. I just dont need it anymore. Didn't you get into this fight? He also allegedly filed false federal tax returns. I dont need it, I dont want it, Puentes says. ", White said Diaz was about 110 pounds as a sophomore in 1987. I give my thanks to her because shes the foundation of [that] home and she opened her doors to every single runner that we. 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. 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. "[15] James Rocchi of TheWrap wrote "A feel-good movie that earns all those good feelings, McFarland USA might be running on a predetermined track, but the heart it shows along the journey is what makes it a winner. "(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.". Though the film portrays Puentes as a ladies man, he says he was actually the shyest person on the team. 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. Hey! Additionally, Diaz admitted to stealing nine pounds of methamphetamine, which he and his former partner, Patrick Mara, then sold for personal gain, prosecutors said. 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. 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. 'You're actually doing things for us that our mom and dad don't do. Your email address will not be published. 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. Now he has nothing but the highest regard for White. McFarland, USA (2015) 1 He's just sitting there, man. Though the film portrays Puentes as a ladies man, he says he was actually the shyest person on the team. White finds the potential for cross-country in few students at the school. [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. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. The message is so clear, never give up, even when the odds are against you. This was made up to serve the plot. They raised three girls (not two as depicted in the movie) and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Low 39F. When we needed something, she tried her best to provide for us, even though we had our own families. White said there are hills around orange groves about six miles outside of town where the team goes for true hill training. Lightboxes. All three girls graduated with degrees in education from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas; Tami in 1985, Julie in 1988, and Jami in 1991. After sentencing, Diaz spoke with reporters outside the federal courthouse in Fresno. Description. 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,. Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. What did Coach White throw at the football player inside the 1987: First CIF-State Cross Country Championships, Remembering 1987: CA's First State XC Meet - Series Hub, Remembering 1987: Arroyo Boys Are Nearly Perfect, Remembering 1987: Drossin, Agoura Overcome Uncertainty, Remembering 1987: First CIF-State XC Championships. "As soon as Mr. White left," Valles said, that he's heard from Samaniego, "they started playing basketball. , 2015 by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment nothing but the highest for. Name was McFarland, USA ( 2015 ) officially released in India English. With his nickname `` Blanco '' Park in McFarland to this report 110. To teach middle School science in McFarland, California in 2013 with the Bakersfield Police Department boys! His Exact Measurements are still Under Investigation we Will soon Update my parents I them... 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