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. Coach White had never even coached cross country before creating the team at McFarland; he's winging it just as much as the boys, who really only know how to run fast at first -- with no notion of pacing or hill and speed work. Did you know you can flag iffy content? He showed Valles how running could set him free. Ponyboy Curtis is from the novel The Outsiders. 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. V3.1. During the school-wide drug sweep, a big, drug-dealing bully named Jon Brand, afraid to get caught with his weed, forces Mikey to take his drugs. Upset that his wife put him in jail, he got out and filed for divorce. And he considers Coach Whites wife, Cheryl, to be an unsung heroine of the story. Possible suicide attempt. JJAEP is an alternative school based in Plainview (independent from any local school districts) that takes in students from around the region that have had run-ins with law enforcement or disciplinary issues at school. I like Danny, because he never gave up even though he was not the best on the team at first, and I do not really identify as this character. WebCarlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Sergio Avelar, Johnny Ortiz, Rafael Martinez, Michael Aguero and Ramiro Rodriguez were cast to play the seven man cross-country running team in the latest front-runner in theaters in North America for McFarland, USA. Liam Neeson plays Jimmy, a broken-down mob assassin with a long personal and professional history with crime boss Shawn (Ed Harris). 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. Note: McFarland, USA is known as McFarland in Canada. Coach White (Kevin Costner) and his family have to relocate to McFarland, a town populated by farm growers. Out of all the 1987 team, Victor was definitely the smartest of all of us, Diaz told 23ABC News. In the movie, Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a high school teacher and coach who lets his temper flare up way too often. * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a News Tip, Karl Lagerfeld legacy showcased in Met exhibit, Tips for dealing with flood-related losses after the storm, Manhunt enters 3rd day for alleged Texas mass killer. He was named an all-state athlete in his freshman year. Its just something to be proud of. The move to McFarland as a third grader is when Valles met White who introduced him to running. In conclusion Darry always sticks around his buddies in bad times and good times. Mostly insults like "shut up," "jerk," and "loser." But Valles had running, thanks to White, who was well aware of the situation. The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ESPN and this ABC station. "However Disney made it a good story is based on Mr. Whites accomplishment with us, with the nine state championships and everything else. The Disney film 'McFarland, USA' was released in 2015 and is based on the true story of a team of novice runners from a predominantly Latino high school in rural California which guided to greatness under the leadership of an outsider, coach Jim White. In the neighborhood where he lives there is an expressed tension between the different sects of Judaism, of which Hasidism is thought to be an outcast even of them. I eventually enjoyed this film even though it glides over systemic issues that would help explain why the small town is so depressed, but you knowDisney doing what Disney does, mainly wallpapering over depictions of why things are the way that they are and focusing on how one singular person can make a difference against a few token odds. Valles once participated in a run to End Duchenne at the 2021 New York Marathon and raised about $3,000 to support the cause and is excited to have the opportunity to run again and do it for a cause. For fun, he enjoys playing with Legos, watching movies, going to the pool and playing video games. And thats a boon for viewers seeking a flood of knowledge about every player and every team. I broke my moms heart at 13, he told the kids. Like a scene from the movie, he found himself at a bridge on the highway one night when hed had enough. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. After learning about Valles, Subealdea and Albert Salinas, another administrator at the JJAEP campus, felt his story would resonate with the kids. The MPAA rated McFarland, USA PG for thematic material, some violence and language. Currently, theres one McFarland runner in the COS team. He also attended California State University, Bakersfield and was the first person in his family to get higher than a sixth-grade education. Unfortunately, Mikeys sister is dating this bully. In 1987, Valles was captain of the legendary McFarland High School running team that became unlikely champions by winning California's first cross country state title and for Valles, it was a transformative achievement. Everybody is important. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Since he graduated from Californias McFarland High School in 1989, he has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison. Live TV Schedule and Coverage for Round 1. Im done. Coach White is dismissed after throwing a cleat too close to his QB's head, making the player's cheek bleed. Enter disgraced high-school coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), who in 1987 moves his wife (Maria Bello) and two daughters to McFarland to teach gym. They are both quite remarkable. McFarland USA, released in 2015 and starring Kevin Costner, is based on the McFarland High School cross-country team that won the California championship in 1987. How does his view of the boys change after he spends the day working in the fields with them? In which scenes is it shown? As he settled into his new home, he maintained the life of a homebody. Both gangs think that the other gang is totally different than they are, but they come to find out that they share a lot more traits than they thought. What follows is a disquieting journey into the depths of the soul, and one of Ingmar Bergmans greatest achievements. The best part of the movie, though, isn't just the sports: it's that the filmmakers don't portray the community as in need of the White family's generosity. Read more about how we rate and review. He throws a beer bottle at a wall and then punches the wall as well. Over the past year, thanks in part to the movie, Puentes began cleaning up his act and is no longer using drugs. Valles went to the College of the Sequoias in Visalia and was on their cross country team. Jim is hired to teach physical education and life science, but his goal is to put in just enough time to repair his resume and get a better job at a more prestigious school. Where is Billy Fyre now? First, it is true that the real Coach White was a facilitator by which the boys saved themselves. Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide. What did the boys learn from their experience running for the McFarland High School Cross-Country Team? There is no one correct answer of which TWM is aware. Kerry Bennett is interested in media from both a journalist and parent perspective. Read on for the full list: Kevin Costner stars in this Certified Fresh sports drama, based on true events, about a high school cross country coach who leads his predominantly Mexican-American team to the state championship. The first time Valles got real with an audience, a kid approached him afterward. Why do you think it's so meaningful to root for the underdog? "We persevered, especially me, through sport. She put him to bed for school the next day but not before telling him he would be like his dad. Ponyboy is a greaser from the east side of town and has long, greasy hair. WebWhere are McFarland runners now? Did you know you can flag iffy content? Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Hie Father Mr.Cade, abusive and his Mother Mrs.Cade pretended that he never existed. Like ESPNs Suzy Kolber, Melissa Stark will interview the draftees after theyve been picked. Like any studio, Disney has had some hits and misses over the years. suggesting a diversity update. Letting their boys give up time in the fields to practice running doesnt make sense, especially after the team takes dead last at their first meet. On their first night there, the family goes to a small restaurant and leaves to find a large gathering of Latinos in cars surrounding the place. A mother cuffs her children to get them out of bed. Who Is Likely to Run World Championships Marathon? During the game Danny meets an Orthodox Jew who is excellent at pitching, on the other team, Throughout high school he focused more on sports than he did on anything else. I dont need it, I dont want it, Puentes says. [Turning to Camera 2] And since were talking about speech, heres a word from our sponsor. Here's who we can expect to see on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. This coming-of-age drama stars Michelle Hendley as a young transgender woman navigating the complex relationship she forms with another woman whos engaged to a soldier. Well, Chet, I spoke with Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes on the telephone the other day. But he never truly felt he made amends for that with his mom. His older brothers started getting mixed in the wrong crowds and experimenting with drugs. Mr. and Mrs. White kiss and hug. He doesnt see any point in it. Thomas Valles, David Diaz and Amador Ayon are former McFarland cross country runners who continue to coach current runners. class, Jim, who sits in the bleachers and barks out orders to run laps, notices how fast some of his students areeven after working in the fields before coming to school. All rights reserved. Liam Neeson plays Jimmy, a broken-down mob assassin with a long personal and professional history with crime boss Shawn (Ed Harris). He admittedly partied too much during his sophomore year and became ineligible. Its an opportunity for 32 teams to partially transform their rosters essentially overnight. These days, the announcing business looks nothing like it looked two generations ago. Some were even speculating that Sanchez could be the possible heir apparent to Jeter as a future Yankee captain, such was his impact on offense, defense, but most importantly how he had handled the pitching, Ms. Chavez, Christopher's mother, expressed deep concern about his developmental state. The Whites and this team became my family, my second family," Valles said. For the past several months, Puentes work on a 220-acre ranch, where he helps maintain an almond crop, has kept him busy. For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film McFarland, USA, life has not exactly followed a Hollywood storyline. Puentes said his troubles didnt begin until after high school. We were her sons, Puentes says. He also works with students living in low-income neighborhoods. 1. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. Danny does not understand why his father does this, and is in constant torment because of it. Ellysa Harris is the editor for the Plainview Herald. Jim White, Coach Behind McFarland Movie: Its a Running Town Now, .css-17zuyas{display:block;font-family:Sailec,Sailec-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-17zuyas:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-17zuyas{font-size:1.2rem;line-height:1.4;}}.css-17zuyas h2 span:hover{color:#CDCDCD;}USATF Mountain Running Championships Results, These High School Boys Have Run Sub-4 Minute Miles, Watch: 96-Year-Old Clocks a 24-Second 100 Meters, Stephanie Bruce Sneaks In a Race at Big Sur, Ultramarathoner Runs to Destigmatize Incontinence, Mark Zuckerberg Just Ran a Surprisingly Fast 5K. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. A character is shot in an off-screen gang fight. McFarland, USA is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic material, some violence and language. Looking back, he said, his teammates helped him come to the realization that he was in denial. WebJimmie "Jim" White (born May 14, 1941, in Sweetwater, Texas) is an American track and field coach, a former high school cross country coach at McFarland High School. When we needed something, she tried her best to provide for us, even though we had our own families. Coach White isn't perfect but means well and is devoted to his runners, and the portrayal of the students and their families is nuanced and uplifting -- most of the boys have hardworking, loving, intergenerational families. Its an opportunity for 32 teams to partially transform their rosters essentially overnight. This event and his hatred of Jon ties into Shayne Blank as it becomes the starting point in their friendship. Parents need to know that McFarland, USA is an inspiring sports drama about a Mexican-American cross-country team from rural California. The move to McFarland as a third grader is when Valles met White who introduced him to running. He is Mexican and despite his troubled attitude, he is quite intelligent. As a parent herself, she believes parents play a powerful role in teaching media literacy in their homes. While it takes away from the harsh reality of life in this small town, those imbalances, that include crime, impoverishment and domestic abuse, are glossed over in the story making the film more accessible to a much wider and younger audience. Best Horror Movies of 2023 Ranked New Scary Movies to Watch, All 52 Billion-Dollar Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer. In 1987 he was a runner for the McFarland High Cross Country team. What are the dangers of stereotyping and discrimination? He also attended the films premiere in Los Angeles with his daughters and wife earlier this month. "We grew up working in the fields, in agriculture. We'll get to Coach White in a minute? "I realized had somebody not intervened in my life at a young age, I would have been one of those statistics and I would have been wearing the orange jumpsuit instead of wearing the uniform and the badge.". We were recruited young. I screwed up.. Strongly positive messages centering on teamwork, Coach White isn't perfect, but he's devote, Coach White is dismissed after throwing a cleat to, Julie and Thomas flirt, dance, hold hands, hug, an, Lots of Coke (also Cherry Coke) in the movie. What is responsible for the fact that this one small high school, year after year has so many good long distance runners? Will falls for one of the bands new members (Vanessa Hudgens), and finds he must navigate the minefield of his emotions while preparing his charges for a battle of the bands. Strongly positive messages centering on teamwork, communcation, and cooperation. Common Sense Media reviewers include writers, editors, and child development experts. The word "picker" is used both pejoratively and matter-of-factly to describe the farm workers. This is a poignant, uplifting tale, even though there's a certain predictability in movies about sports underdogs. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Craig Virgin, now 59, was a cross country monster in his day. Christopher interacts properly with his family members and, Danny Diaz is now a counselor at McFarland High School. "In the movie, it kind of shows two hours and nine minutes in length, the challenges we had growing up in the community and we're still there trying to give back to kids that are still struggling with some of the challenges we had," Valles said. White continues to be present in Valles life after high school and after the McFarland Cross Country teams historic run. Jon Brand, being the tempered bully that he is, threatens to violently beat Mikey up unless he pays him $500, the estimated street value of his drugs. He came out with two and handed one to Valles telling him he should give it to his mother and apologize. My wife reminds me who I am when I get home.. It was a domestic violence situation, Valles told The Herald prior to his address to the kids on Tuesday. Mikey is a small teenager with a big mouth that always gets him into trouble. WebThe official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. Mikey, with his nonchalant attitude, unwisely trashes his marijuana. If Valles wanted to travel, he had to maintain good grades and stay out of trouble. After losing his job in Boise, his only option is to move his family to McFarland, California where he gets a position in a high school beleaguered with poverty, teen pregnancy and gangs. Im a better person because of this movie and because of my wife, family, and everybody else. He was more than a coach. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). He cared and he showed it. Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More, 50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More, 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12, YouTube Kids Channels for Kids Who Love Cartoons, Exploring and Celebrating Multicultural Families with Entertainment. You dont feel your feet hitting the [ground] anymore, you dont feel that youre out of breath. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Darry doesn't keep his emotions all in,lets them out and is sensitive. Because of running and thanks to White, Valles consistently came in at the top at every cross country meet and maintained good enough grades to get him in to college. Suggested Response: It seems to be Coca-Cola. Valles went on to earn a criminal justice degree. Wondered what he did and what he was like? One of McFarlands top runners missed a portion of the season in September with COVID-19 and is now just getting back into his stride. By Sandie Angulo Chen, The McFarland team went on to win various State Titles. Copyright 2019-2023. Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio star in this classic 1980s flick about a bullied high schooler in a new town who finds an unlikely father figure when his apartments maintenance man agrees to train him in karate. WebThey settle down in McFarland, California in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. A boy is beaten up defending his mother from her abusive husband. White sees the athletic potential at the predominantly Latino high school and decides to put together a cross country team. He gave of himself, fully, year after year, with sensitivity and insight. Language: Infrequent mild profanities and some scatological slang are used. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. My family [came] first, Puentes says. The script also explores the disparity between the McFarland runners and their competitors from much wealthier school districts. He especially loved football and was liked for his enthusiasm and pride. 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. Now more than 30 years later, he knows he disappointed her and White. He was inspired by how far Valles had come. The true hero is the person who takes the facilitator up on his offer and does the hard work. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. class, but he knew I was going through some tough times in school because I'm dyslexic, grew up in a home with domestic violence, my dad was an alcoholic. Danny Diaz is now a counselor at McFarland High School. The first 20 miles are easy, said Valles. Valles told the kids he and his siblings would get to bed early on the nights his dad went out for drinks. Here are the start times for TV coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft. Copyright Fandango. Open Document. The runners of McFarland developed chemistry in the fields, yes, but in their own Latino culture as well. The movie downplayed the circumstances in which Valles grew up. Now is your chance. Run All Night 59%. Jon becomes very abusive to Mikeys sister, Marie, which is something she does not realize until a long time. Soon something beyond their physical gifts impresses Whitethe power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. He recalled one trip up to Oregon in which White took Valles and his teammates to watch a leg of the Olympic torch relay.

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