All rights reserved. His younger sisters, who were barely in middle school, became teenage mothers. Now more than 30 years later, he knows he disappointed her and White. NFL Live and SEC Nation host Laura Rutledge and college football expert Pete Thamel will provide additional commentary. WebWhere are McFarland runners now? Damacio Diaz, center, poses with his older brothers, all former McFarland High School cross country runners who were on the 1987 state-championship team. 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. I wish I had the time to start, Puentes says. NFL Draft Concert Series: Kansas City Headlining Acts Revealed, What Time Does the 2023 NFL Draft Start Today? The fact that the boys were able to learn and profit from his coaching and that many of them went to college and later worked in jobs their parents could only dream about, is the most important story. Were part of his life, Puentes says. Thomas gets in a fight with someone who insults his sister. Release date February 20, 2015 Violence C+ Sexual Content B Profanity B- Substance Use B- Why is McFarland, USA rated PG? Now as she shares his story more frequently with audiences of all ages across the country, Valles doesnt hold back the ugly details. You just know that Danny is going to save the day -- why else would the filmmakers bother to show him huffing and puffing over "hills" (McFarland has no natural hills, so they run over covered mounds of almond husks)? Without them, there wouldnt be a legacy.. Since Yankees Captain Derek Jeter's departure in 2014 following his epic, 20 year, 5 ring career, the Yankees have been a somewhat rudderless ship. And the results? What are the negative things? From 1987 to 2003, his team won nine state championships in Divisions III Mostly insults like "shut up," "jerk," and "loser." 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. I had positive people in my life through sport, said Valles. A mother cuffs her children to get them out of bed. (You're not going to expect them to lose if someone has bothered to make a movie about them.) Unlike many of his former teammates, Puentes no longer runs, but he misses it. Google best high school football movies and you can easily come up with a couple dozen films like Remember the Titans, The Blind Side and Friday Night Lights. Upset that his wife put him in jail, he got out and filed for divorce. Look no further than the sleek Smith Corona Corsair typewriter. Guy Ritchies stylish crime comedy stars Jason Statham, Stephen Graham, Brad Pitt, and an esteemed ensemble cast in a raucous caper centered around a stolen diamond. Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide. [Turning to Camera 2] And since were talking about speech, heres a word from our sponsor. 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. If you would like to take up cross-country running, here are a few steps to get you started. However, strong responses will include the following: long-distance running is a sport of endurance, where the athletes must endure fatigue and pain; the success of these students appears to be based on superior training (the consistent practices and the summer running, for example) and the fact that their tedious, hot, and painful work in the fields, hour after hour, forced them to learn how to endure physical discomfort; this combined with the natural talent of some of the runners seems to have made the teams successful. It made me rethink the choices that Ive made in the past, because I had a bad past. As Jim learns to coach runners and the guys learn to compete as a team, they set their sights on California's first statewide cross-country championship. Unable to afford to commute from a nicer neighborhood, Jim, his wife Cheryl (Maria Bello) and their daughters Julie and Jamie (Morgan Saylor, Elsie Fisher) move into the middle of the predominantly Hispanic community where many of the locals work as crop harvesters. However persuading the boys parents is even harder. 775 McFarland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004. And the boys -- it's hard not to fall in love with the lot of them, especially Pratts' broody Thomas (who naturally falls for Coach White's daughter) and eternal optimist Danny Diaz, who never gives up, despite being easily 30 pounds heavier than his brothers and teammates. 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. "Hollywood came calling one day and, you know, was interested in talking about our lives on the big screen," Valles said. Mikey is a small teenager with a big mouth that always gets him into trouble. Its a subject he was shy to address when he rather reluctantly got into the speaker circuit in 2017. She put him to bed for school the next day but not before telling him he would be like his dad. When you run long distance, you just lose yourself. And he told me this Paul Warfield kid can really fly., Is that right, David? Families can talk about the power of sports stories like McFarland, USA. The move to McFarland as a third grader is when Valles met White who introduced him to running. Coach Jim White challenged him and his peers to run. WebThe official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. Common Sense Media Reviewer His parents died when he was little so his brothers, Darry. With the draft almost here, lets break down the featured TV announcers for the major networks Everybody has a Mr. White, Valles said. MORE: How To Watch 2023 NFL Draft | 2023 NFL Draft Team Needs. And he considers Coach Whites wife, Cheryl, to be an unsung heroine of the story. The team changes and challenges the coach just as much as he guides and pushes them to look beyond the stereotypes of "pickers" and see what gifts hard work and discipline are -- not only in running, but in life. Disney took a few creative liberties with creating the feature film, Valles said. 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. Unfortunately, Mikeys sister is dating this bully. All rights reserved. Jim knows he has to make this school his last stophes out of options, with both his career and his family and finds himself in a diverse, economically-challenged community that feels worlds apart from his previous hometowns. 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. McFarland High School, in California, boasts only a group of disadvantaged students until a coach (Kevin Costner) sees the potential to transform some of the kids into cross-country runners. Since he graduated from Californias McFarland High School in 1989, he has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison. Mikey, with his nonchalant attitude, unwisely trashes his marijuana. Im from McFarland and Im proud to be from McFarland.". His first game in the postseason that year was against the Seahawks, led by fellow rookie Russell Wilson. Who Is Singing Lift Up Your Voice and Sing at the 2023 NFL Draft? A cross-country runner portrayed in Disneys McFarland USA, who is now grown up and working as a Bakersfield Police Detective, was arrested Friday for conspiring with a drug dealer to help him escape arrest.. Federal authorities say 43-year-old Damacio Diaz took bribes from a narcotics dealer, and, in exchange, provided the names of police Danny does not understand why his father does this, and is in constant torment because of it. Its about McFarland. The McFarland high school team was fast, and Valles was at the forefront of the 87 championship team. The word "picker" is used both pejoratively and matter-of-factly to describe the farm workers. David Oyelowo stars in this drama about a med student whose life is upended when her husband is incarcerated, from Selma director Ava DuVernay. The point is, you cannot save anyone who doesn't want to be saved. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Coach White is dismissed after throwing a cleat too close to his QB's head, making the player's cheek bleed. He also attended California State University, Bakersfield and was the first person in his family to get higher than a sixth-grade education. The program, which is run by Eddie Subealdea, chief juvenile probation officer for Hale County, is an alternative placement program. Dozens of Coach Jim Whites runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. His father was an abusive alcoholic, he said. Thomas Valles is a McFarland legend who was at the forefront of the 1987 championship team and now coaches the girls cross country team at McFarland high school and will be participating in the 50th annual New York City Marathon. To the contrary, it's the abuelitas and mamas who come to the rescue when Coach White flakes on his daughter's 15th birthday. He admittedly partied too much during his sophomore year and became ineligible. Newly available for purchase this week on streaming video, weve got an inspirational Disney sports drama starring Kevin Costner, the latest Liam Neeson-powered crime thriller, and a small but well-received teen drama. Valles is now a motivational speaker and speaks at schools all over the world. Craig Virgin, now 59, was a cross country monster in his day. One day he got a call from White reminding him why he was in school. All rights reserved. Based on the British sitcom of the same name, this comedy sequel reunites Will (Simon Bird), Simon (Joe Thomas), Neil (Blake Harrison), and Jay (James Buckley) as the foursome meet up in Australia on holiday. Over the past year, thanks in part to the movie, Puentes began cleaning up his act and is no longer using drugs. Director Niko Caro (Whale Rider, North Country) changes that and turns the camera on the sport of distance running in McFarland, USA. Now he has nothing but the highest regard for White. Its the last six miles that get you.. Why are these important character strengths? Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. 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. But he never truly felt he made amends for that with his mom. And then of course Kevin Costner. Also, A couple of adult characters drink bottles of beer, Parents need to know that McFarland, USA is an inspiring sports drama about a Mexican-American cross-country team from rural California. Ponyboy,Dally,Two-Bit,Soda,Darry,and Steve, all the members of the gang, The Greasers,were the brothers that he never had and, the best friends that a boy could ask. The true hero is the person who takes the facilitator up on his offer and does the hard work. Additionally, Suzy Kolber will be on point with drafted players, getting their immediate reactions after theyre selected. It was bittersweet. He cared and he showed it. Gaelan Connell stars as a David Bowie-obsessed kid whos asked to manage the band of a would-be singer-songwriter (Alyson Michalka). Its then he asks the principal to let him organize a cross-country team. Here are the latest criminal case disposition reports for 64th DC for 11-month-old daughter of Lorenzen Wright dies. The NFL Draft has taken on a life of its own an extension of the NFL that, in its own unique way, has become an event nearly on par with the sports biggest game. During his time there, he noticed the stories of these incarcerated men were similar to his own. Hes also the youngest. 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. He throws a beer bottle at a wall and then punches the wall as well. In what ways do the members of the community reach out to the coach and his family? As a parent herself, she believes parents play a powerful role in teaching media literacy in their homes. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. Pony boy Curtis- The narrator of the story. Thomas Valles, David Diaz and Amador Ayon are former McFarland cross country runners who continue to coach current runners. The community puts on a touching quinceaera for her, making it clear that White -- whom the kids affectionately call Blanco -- is one of them. Alcohol / Drug Use:Characters drink beer in a social setting. Terry Zwigoffs funny, haunting, brilliant documentary about underground cartoonist Robert Crumb is a fascinating portrait of a cranky, influential artist and his deeply dysfunctional family. The NFL is about to witness human flight?, No, Chet, its a figure of speech. Hie Father Mr.Cade, abusive and his Mother Mrs.Cade pretended that he never existed. Live TV Schedule and Coverage for Rounds 2 & 3. Who Is Singing the National Anthem at the 2023 NFL Draft? Along the way, Jim and his family realize that they finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream. Where is Billy Fyre now? "However Disney made it a good story is based on Mr. Whites accomplishment with us, with the nine state championships and everything else. NEW YORK (WABC) -- As a boy, Thomas Valles could never have imagined that his running ability would shape the course of his life or someday inspire a Hollywood movie, but that's exactly what happened. So, it's not a classic "white savior situation.". What did the boys learn from their experience running for the McFarland High School Cross-Country Team? What challenges did Coach White and his wife face living in McFarland? 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. Valles went on to earn a criminal justice degree. Valles grew up in a migrant family. A staple on lists of the greatest movies ever made, Jean Renoirs The Rules of the Game is a dark satire set in an opulent country estate, where aristocrats and servants intermingle with occasionally explosive results. Valles is now a coach at McFarland High School, a motivational speaker, and he's training for his first New York City Marathon. We'll get to Coach White in a minute? 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. Open Document. Poignant story about Latino runners a winner for families. The runners of McFarland developed chemistry in the fields, yes, but in their own Latino culture as well. And hes optimistic that the film will be the catalyst that helps him stay away from drugs for good. Valles always says we tend to think back and wish we could have done this or that, but we need to enjoy the moment and write our own story. We thought that was normal, Valles said. She knew that some of us needed a little bit more. Although all of the facts may not be accurate, this movie depicts the taxing individual effort it takes to compete in an endurance sport where running fast is less important than running fast for a long time. He dresses in black and rides an old BMW motorcycle. The circumstances brought Valles to a low point. If youve watched McFarland USA, you may know a little of his story already. Why is McFarland, USA rated PG? 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. Highway 99 cut straight through its center, the heartbeat of agriculture, its weary sign proclaimed. The movies about Mr. White. This finally gave me the strength to say, You know what? An interesting thing about this story with the fictional Coach White is that the boys saved him, as much as he saved them. Disney took a few creative liberties with creating the feature film, Valles said. Ellysa Harris is the editor for the Plainview Herald. Admittedly, the White family and the students have a lot to learn about each other but when Coach White notices the boys exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Costner is in fine form as a grumpy older coach unsure of what to make of his unfamiliar surroundings and his team full of boys who've been working fields since they were 10 or 11. He was more than a coach. Challenges viewers not to judge others by stereotypes and to move past whatever antiquated notions they have about what and who is "American." The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The first significant event that occurs in the novel is a drug sweep in the school where a junior named Mikey, the second main character of the novel, runs in to trouble. But Diaz believes Puentes has the tools to turn his life around. The 100 Best Asian-American Movies of All Time, All Guy Ritchie Movies Ranked by Tomatometer, Movies Leaving Netflix at the End of August 2021, New on Amazon Prime Video in September 2020, Weekend Box Office Results: Super Mario Joins the Billion-Dollar Club, 30 Most Popular Movies Right Now: What to Watch In Theaters and Streaming, Copyright Fandango. Currently, theres one McFarland runner in the COS team. Have you ever wondered about the character Dallas Winston from the book The Outsiders? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. Google best high school cross country running movies and you getwellyou get a 2008 documentary called The Long Green Line. Some embracing and kissing are shown. 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. However in P.E. Im done. When Valles entered third grade in 1979, his dad bought a home in McFarland. Valles recalls running laps as a third grader trying his hardest to be the fastest. His household walked on eggshells around his dad. All text and audiovisual content, unless otherwise attributed is One Voice Communications LTD. All Rights Reserved, 8 Kevin Costner Movies You Wont Want to Miss, 10 Inspiring Teacher Movies to Watch as Your Kids Head Back to School, 10 Best Teacher Movies for Back-to-school Time, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always, Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World, Three Family Films for Black History Month, Movie Reviews Made Especially For Parent and Family Magazines. So he kind of helped me and took me under his wing. We didnt win overnight. Coach White isn't perfect, but he's devoted to his runners and helps them run their best, realize what makes them special, and focus on the possibility of education as a way up. 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. Also Gatorade, Coleman camping equipment, Mayflower truck, U-Haul. Live TV Schedule and Coverage for Round 1. Everybody is important. The boy contemplates suicide. WebA good way to organize the responses is that they will be either about young people, Mexican-Americans, or about the country as a whole. 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. Many of the students are working in the fields by age 10 to help support their families. The McFarland team went on to win various State Titles. First, it is true that the real Coach White was a facilitator by which the boys saved themselves. From the Studio: He came out with two and handed one to Valles telling him he should give it to his mother and apologize. USATF Mountain Running Championships Results, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. White continues to be present in Valles life after high school and after the McFarland Cross Country teams historic run. I dont know if it changed everybody else, but it changed me.. These days, the announcing business looks nothing like it looked two generations ago. We were recruited young. Christopher interacts properly with his family members and, Danny Diaz is now a counselor at McFarland High School. 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. Like any sport, the playing field isnt always level. White used to tell Valles that he wanted to see him join the cross country team in high school, Valles recalled. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Yes, this is a familiar story -- most sports movies are -- but see for yourself what it means to be American in the Fruit Bowl of California, where running together and running fast lead a bunch of boys to a sense of accomplishment and a coach to a sense of home. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. Over on ABC,SportsCenter anchor Rece Davis will be the primary host, partnering with senior analyst Todd McShay and analysts Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit on the first two days. Akira Kurosawas masterpiece about a ragtag group of wandering samurai who team up to protect a village from marauding bandits has influenced everything from Star Wars to Inglourious Basterds. On Tuesday, Valles shared a more in-depth version with students at the JJAEP with the hope of inspiring them. Therefore, the gang was the closest thing to a family he had. Your privacy is important to us. Valles story is a special one because he grew up working in the fields with his family, so opportunities like these were very rare. Then, on the subscription side, Netflix offers up an Ava Duvernay drama and a popular recent musical comedy, while Fandor unleashes a number of acclaimed classics from the likes of Kurosawa, Fellini, Ozu, Godard, Bergman, and Renoir, and Crackle gives us a handful of fan favorites and a new Lifetime series. One day his mom had enough, he recalled. 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. suggesting a diversity update. This is a poignant, uplifting tale, even though there's a certain predictability in movies about sports underdogs. Here's who we can expect to see on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. Whether youre traveling home from work, or running to get some bagels, traffic around here piles up, and man is it slow. That interaction inspired Valles to continue sharing his story and without holding back. Violence: A man throws a shoe at a boy and causes a bloody cut on his face. Want suggestions based on your streaming services? A boy is beaten up defending his mother from her abusive husband. Accordingly, she reported that Christophers progress has been evident, especially on his sharing skills toward peers and other people and that he has learned to perform daily activities such as setup and choose within Netflix shows. When we needed something, she tried her best to provide for us, even though we had our own families. For the past several months, Puentes work on a 220-acre ranch, where he helps maintain an almond crop, has kept him busy. WebBased on the true story of a 1987 cross country team from a mainly Latino high school in McFarland, California, the film stars Kevin Costner as Jim White, the school's coach, who leads the team to win a state championship. 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. 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. He also understands that athletic achievements can lead to academic accomplishments. Danny nevertheless convinces his father to allow him to create a baseball team, on the grounds that they defeat an Orthodox Jew's team led by a Coach Galanter (the other best team in the league), at their own game. Ponyboy is a greaser from the east side of town and has long, greasy hair. We won't share this comment without your permission. Valles went to the College of the Sequoias in Visalia and was on their cross country team. WebThey settle down in McFarland, California in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. "We persevered, especially me, through sport. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Valles retired two years ago from the California Department of Corrections. How can athletic success lead to academic opportunities? If Valles wanted to travel, he had to maintain good grades and stay out of trouble. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Draw your own conclusions. He is a mysterious kid and not much is known about him and his background at the start. Other teachers/coaches help their students rise to their potential in Remember the Titans, To Sir With Love, and Stand and Deliver. He sees that he's been prejudiced about McFarland; by the end of the movie, he knows it's his home. My wife reminds me who I am when I get home.. This, of course, occurs without the necessary context and the questions that arise from his confession, the who? and the what?, remain unanswered for some time. In fact, when the studio gave Valles and his teammates a special sneak preview of the film, he left the theater unimpressed. Now is your chance. All Rights Reserved. But that doesn't mean you don't tear up when it finally happens. Shows that you can befriend your neighbors and be part of a community, as long as that community is welcoming. 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. Jon becomes very abusive to Mikeys sister, Marie, which is something she does not realize until a long time. He was inspired by how far Valles had come. Its an opportunity for 32 teams to partially transform their rosters essentially overnight. Mr. White found me and recruited me in junior high to run because I was in his P.E. Common Sense Media. trying to go anywhere after about 3 oclock is a nightmare. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. Lots of Coke (also Cherry Coke) in the movie. His oldest brother accuses him of lacking common sense but, ponyboy is a reliable and observant character. He was like a second dad," Puentes says."He took care of us, he fed us, he clothed us. Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. McFARLAND, USA is based on the true story of a town in rural Northern California that had nothing going for it except fields to pick and a prison that reminded its youth that their options were limited. They are both quite remarkable.
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