Public speaker. "I didn't really know what those sports were," Valles said. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. At first, it is just a temporary place to live until she graduates high school . Please contact us cottenzane@gmail.com with this Email. "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. a cake. 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. 'Danny made a big difference in my life.' She wanted us to go together. A former . Bottom row, from left: Herlinda Gonzalez, Delfina Herrera, Sylvia Diaz, Gabby Perez, Dolores Plata, Magda Saragoza, Norma Lopez and Raul Diaz. Plainview Herald. Jim White and Thomas Valles Reflect on 35 Years of McFarland Track. While the Disney film "McFarland USA" depicts the inspirational story of the team and . So, White relocates his family to a new town taking on a lowly post teaching science and P.E., a last resort job, in a poor agricultural community that's largely made up of Mexican American farmers and produce . ", "That was Hollywood," Valles said. Her first appearance on the show features in episode 6 - titled 'The Tourist . I wept and wept, and did not go inside. 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. Likely not. It was bittersweet. Yes, McFarland is an inspirational story. "I would not have been surprised if she had ended up becoming a doctor or some top-notch lawyer," says Plata Rodriguez. But he did say there was a "low-rider" bike with his nickname "Blanco" on it. Sylvia had just made her first communion a week before and that got Herlinda all excited. I never photographed or met Sylvia Diaz or Herlinda Gonzalez, but the memories of the pictures I took in the aftermath of their deaths in 1986 would impact me deeply and remain with me through the remainder of my photojournalism career. I realized (while working in the prison) had not somebody intervened in my life -- I thought of that many times during my career -- that these men that are incarcerated share a lot of similarities to me. 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. Thanks, Looking back, he said, his teammates helped him come to the realization that he was in denial. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. johnny sameniego. Excellent, no trash or language. Jim White coaching photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport. "That's their livelihood. You might know Valles from the famous Disney movie McFarland USA. Carlos Chalabi portrayed him as a high school student. "He was our second dad. I photographed Thomas Valles, who is featured prominently in the film. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. At 31 years old, Valles said he was fulfilling his dream of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Sylvia had just made her first communion a week before and that got Herlinda all excited. You might know Valles from the famous Disney movie "McFarland USA." Carlos Chalabi portrayed him as a high school student. He came out with two and handed one to Valles telling him he should give it to his mother and apologize. Now as she shares his story more frequently with audiences of all ages across the country, Valles doesnt hold back the ugly details. We were recruited young. We had birthday parties with them. A good student, she dreamed of continuing her education after high school and of visiting Hawaii. 5, was not in the picture. A mass of athletes, competing in the purest level of competition racing. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. He coached Valles in elementary physical education. He cared and he showed it. He was more than a coach. Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. We thought that was normal, Valles said. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. Jeffrey Parenti, jeffrey.parenti@flosports.tv, Contact Us During cross-country practice on Oct. 27, 1986, Sylvia Diaz, a 16-year-old McFarland High senior, and Herlinda Gonzalez, 14, a sophomore, were struck by a car on Whisler Road in McFarland. David Diaz remains actively involved in the program, Valles said.). school and decides to put together a cross Valles' friend Ernie Bueno, who introduced Valles to Killian, asked Valles to participate in a Run to End Duchenne at the 2021 New York Marathon. Thomas is portrayed as the troubled teen in the movie and also the number one runner. Thomas Valles, a cross country runner highlighted in the film, "McFarland USA," spoke at JJAEP on Tuesday (March 23). When I say Mr. White became my father figure and Mrs. White became my mother figure. Julie White poses during the arrivals for the opening night performance of "Red" at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ryan Miller . Yes. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in The Little Dog Laughed in 2007. One in particular, Thomas Valles (Carlos Pratt), can run a 5-minute mile. "All my teammates are still here. Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. In actuality, Thomas was the number one runner for the 1987 State Championship Cross Country team for McFarland. "Jose Cardenas had had a bad race," Valles recalled recently about his teammate who was the team's seventh runner that day, finishing 148th. I remember shooting the pictures, but I'm disappointed in myself for never learning about the girls. I thought that was normal. They would have graduated together. 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. 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. 'That's not even my life story. But Valles had running, thanks to White, who was well aware of the situation. Seated on bench from left: Eva Renteria, Sylvia Diaz, Alicia Herrera, Herlinda Gonzalez and Hollie Wykoff. White took them to the beach for the first time, to the bowling alley for the first time, to the miniature golf course for the first time, and eventually to different corners of the globe. As a child, White lived in the city of Austin until she started attending college in San Marcos . Similarly, Carlos' life was changed by his teacher, Mr. Wood. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. None of us could carry a tune even if our lives depended on it. In the early '90s Thomas appeared as Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire. They raised three girls (not two as depicted in the movie) and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. We all have opportunities to inspire every person we meet every day. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. Yes. They attack the group, while they push Julie out of harm's way. Hollie Wykoff and Alicia Herrera, right, raced in the CIF Central Section South Area meet at Hart Park on Nov. 13, 1986. Stationed at Soledad and living in Salinas, he applied to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitationto fulfill his dream in law enforcement. -KGET 17. Clockwise from top center is Dolores Plata, Herlinda Gonzalez, Gabby Perez, Alicia Herrera, Delfina Herrera and Magda Saragoza. Everybody has a Jim White in their lives, Valles said, referencing his famous high school coach. country team. That's OK. We're doing it for our kids, we'll do it for you. SKOTY. By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy. What you need to know. Sylvia Diaz at work in the agricultural fields of McFarland in 1985. Included in the segment, titled "McFarland's Family of Champions," are Danny Diaz, daughter Delia Diaz, Gabriel Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Juanita Diaz. In McFarland, cross-country coach, Jim White, changes the course of Thomas' life when he introduces him to running. '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 ! They raised three girls (not two as depicted in the movie) and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Carter Bonas Is the . Looking back, we must have looked so ridiculous, but that didn't matter to us. Now. We'd love to share your memories of that meet and that experience. But the character of the town started changing, as coach White built success. Hes excited about the opportunity to run again and do it for a cause. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. I love it so muchthese are people we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this country! Jim White attended Franklin High in Stockton and Magic Valley Christian community college in Idaho before completing his education at Pepperdine. What did Coach White throw at the football player inside the locker room? The message is so clear, never give up, even when the odds are against you. Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. Feet thudding on the pavement, and shoes shuffling through the dirt in rhythm. A cleat, a shoe 2. Sylvia was pronounced dead at Delano Regional Medical Center; Herlinda died the following day. "However, we have never forgot and most importantly, we will always remember Sylvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez for their ultimate and personal willingness to endure this great sport we love here in McFarland and hopefully in the whole USA.". Valles admits he didnt quite understand at the time. Nine boys state titles is tied with Jesuit (SJ) for the most boys team titles in state history. However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. But it was too late. Yes. A particularly poignant photograph shows Sylvia and Raul, Delfina Herrera and Herlinda holding up her index finger, showing off the "MHS #1" she has just scrawled in the sand at Cayucos. He showed Valles how . Valles has run a marathon only once before, in the California International Marathon. Update, February 19, 2015: I found these additional photos from my coverage of the 1986 South Area championship at Hart Park. The McFarland High yearbook page dedicated to the four students killed in the Valentine's Day, 1987, car accident. We became a real family, and we're still family.. His first teaching position in the district was instructing fifth grade science, which he did for nine years. By Carlo Vellandi Nov 22, 2022. . Google 'McFarland USA fact vs. fiction' and you get quite a few options that separate the true story of the upstart cross country program at the rural Central California high school and Hollywood's spin on it in the 2015 film starring Kevin Costner as coach Jim White. When Valles entered third grade in 1979, his dad bought a home in McFarland. Excellent movie. 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. 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? "Just getting everybody to believe in themselves," Valles said was how White developed and maintained the program at such a high level. GREAT GREAT GREAT MOVIE! 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. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. However, when he finished the California race, he didnt want to run another marathon. Romance: Thomas Valles (Carlos Pratts) and Jim's daughter, Julie White (Morgan Saylor), have some serious chemistry. "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. Occupation Actress Years active 1985-present Spouse(s). Middle row, from left: David diaz, Thomas Valles, Amador Ayon and Christian Rodriguez. He also explored parts of California, Nevada and took an overseas trip to Taiwan places he might not have been able to visit had it not been for White. Diaz, now a vice principal at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano, says he regrets taking Herlinda's upbeat nature for granted. She was the real (team) mother hugging their sweaty bodies when they came in.". Now, nearly 30 years later, Norma Lopez Takahashi gives a little taste of what they were like: "The movie made the boys look so tough. 1. -KGET 17, Yes. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Flora is Sylvia's younger sister. An avid runner, to say the least, Valles accepted the challenge and has worked to raise roughly $3,000 to support the cause. Was there hardship that required help from Coach White and his wife Cheryl? The movie downplayed the circumstances in which Valles grew up. White has lived in McFarland ever since. "He didn't know but I took it as if he had said no," Valles said. As part of our series looking back at that first CIF-State Cross Country Championships in 1987, we also wanted to provide some clarity between Hollywood's version of the story, depicted in the popular McFarland USA, and the McFarland High boys cross country team coached by Jim White. They met at my house for practice. -LA Times. Sophomore Johnny Samaniego was 12th overall (sixth in scoring). 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, Cookie Preferences / Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Julie White plays the character of Maggie Shaw. He was a baseball player, a pitcher, in high school and in college. They grew up in broken homes. Below we tell the story of White, Valles and the 1987 championship team and point out areas of Hollywood fiction. No. Many of White's former runners credit him with inspiring them to achieve personal and career goals they would have otherwise deemed impossible (People.com). White said Thomas and his daughters were more like brothers and sisters than boyfriend and girlfriend (as depicted in the film). 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. I know bcuz Mr. Gonzalez had come 2 my office 2 bring in his work insurance, which his insurance didnt pay much. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. Following in father's footsteps working in the agricultural business. Raul went on to become a priest and is pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Dinuba. WASHINGTON Democrats in Congress are turning up the heat on Justice Clarence Thomas, with some calling for him to step back from cases involving . Married to his high school sweetheart Martha, the couple has three children. Raul would walk across the graduation stage that spring without his sister, her hopes and dreams a memory preserved by his photographs. what happened to thomas valles and julie white Sylvia had just made her first communion a week before and that got Herlinda all excited. Three shots was all it took and Starr's life changed forever. Coach White called Thomas over. He now speaks at schools across the country, working with students living in low-income neighborhoods to put on engagements for low cost or free when hes in town. Let's do it because it's the right thing to do. children ran for Jim White and all seven David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. The circumstances brought Valles to a low point. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Grandchildren to see this wonderful film. "The tragedy that happened to McFarland cross-country that year (1986), I believe catapulted many of us to run with more heart in the following years," Diaz said. "I started hanging around the wrong kids," Valles said. "She was nerdy, funny and wanting to please. White's daughter." Thomas laughed, a strange bitter sound. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. (LogOut/ The 1986 McFarland High girls cross-country team. It was a great honor to win that first one.". And point out areas of Hollywood fiction of athletes, competing in the Little Laughed. Out areas of Hollywood fiction footsteps WORKING in the program, Valles said. ) inspirational story the. To go home, '' Valles said. ) story by watching the jim White and Cheryl... Disney movie McFarland USA & quot ; McFarland USA shots was all it took Starr... 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