I was an outsider, an observer trained to record emotion without much feeling of my own and then move on to the next assignment. At the Kern Invitational on Nov. 1, 1986, five days after the accident that took the lives of Herlinda Gonzalez and Sylvia Diaz, Thomas Valles prays before the start of the boys race. 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. went on to college. While the idea for the motion picture was conceived in the 1990s, it was not made until Disney bought rights to the story and actor Kevin Costner, who played Mr . If Valles wanted to travel, he had to maintain good grades and stay out of trouble. Victor Puentes is just to his left. I know because as a young Californian photographer during the 1980s, I was part of the journalism team that covered it. Taff Jones initially suspected that Sheila Caffell had killed her family before taking her own life (Photo: ITV) ', "Thomas was at our house almost every day.". Through his work speaking, hes made many friends and returned to cheer at many cross country meets for kids hes met. From left: Eva Renteria, Hollie Wykoff, Delfina Herrera, Maria Herrera, Alicia Herrera, Tammy Carter, Norma Torres and coach Gary Pierson. The team with coach Jim White on the day of the impromptu trip to the beach. Sylvia had just made her first communion a week before and that got Herlinda all excited. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically Thomas gives her a bracelet that his grandmother made. However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. Raul would walk across the graduation stage that spring without his sister, her hopes and dreams a memory preserved by his photographs. His family was dysfunctional. josecardenas; coachwhite; jimwhite +15 more # 3. yours - thomas valles x . -23ABC News. We're still here hopefully trying to make a positive difference in our communities.". They want to make a difference. Durning the season, the boys are not supposed to play basketball. -BakersfieldCalifornian.com, Yes. A mass of athletes, competing in the purest level of competition racing. What about this one? Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. was like to have a movie made about his The legendary former McFarland Update, February 18, 2015: I have located my original images from the 1986 Kern County Invitational, the first race the McFarland girls and boys ran following the tragic . We became a real family, and we're still family.. It was bittersweet. After learning about Valles, Subealdea and Albert Salinas, another administrator at the JJAEP campus, felt his story would resonate with the kids. Kevin Costner plays a high-school football coach who ends up leading a cross-country track team made up unlikely students to a state championship. In this photo by Raul Diaz the day the teams went to the beach, the girls form a cheer pose. White said the team would run in the heat of the summer when temperatures were into the triple digits. White said he started the McFarland track club in 1973 and launched the cross country program at McFarland in 1980. In fact, when the studio gave Valles and his teammates a special sneak preview of the film, he left the theater unimpressed. I love it so muchthese are people we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this country! By every account from their friends, relatives and teammates, these were two special and deeply-loved girls. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. In 1964, after graduating from Pepperdine, White was hired to teach middle school science in McFarland. Thomas is portrayed as the troubled teen in the movie and also the number one runner. Herlinda Gonzalez's sophomore photo in the 1986-87 McFarland High yearbook. "Some had never had a sit-down dinner with forks.". Two weeks later, at the CIF Central Section south area meet, both McFarland teams arrived by limousine, rented by one of the parents as a gesture of sympathy. Dad didnt want us in the calles, in the streets, Valles said. 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. They're men of color. experience coaching the team. 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). E-7Sergeant First Class - United States Army. From left: Victor Puentes, Johnny Samaniego, Damacio Diaz, Thomas Valles and David Diaz. November 06, 2021. They're my brothers.. "You saw the hills at the end of the movie.". Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. As a boy, Thomas Valles could never have imagined that his running ability would shape the . On Tuesday, Valles shared a more in-depth version with students at the JJAEP with the hope of inspiring them. If youve watched McFarland USA, you may know a little of his story already. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. The movie downplayed the circumstances in which Valles grew up. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. She was on the 1985 team and became a cheerleader in 1986, but her teammates wanted her in this photo. Friends remember Herlinda as bright and outgoing. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. Coach Jim White challenged him and his peers to run. 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. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. That's OK. We're doing it for our kids, we'll do it for you. He was a baseball player, a pitcher, in high school and in college. -LA Times, No. We had birthday parties with them. My most memorable moments with her were the bus rides to away races. I missed out -- we all missed out -- because I would have loved knowing these past 28 years what I've learned about them these past few months. Right now, you are writing your own story.. The film also shows a chubby runner named Danny Diaz rallying late to secure the team title. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. They were requested by People Magazine. 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. "We didn't really train like that.". His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. Similarly, Carlos' life was changed by his teacher, Mr. Wood. Valles, his coach Jim White, and six teammates were the CIF California State Cross Country Champions in 1987. "Danny, he passed up Jose out there somewhere," White recalled. Yes, the nickname the boys gave him, as depicted in the film, was real. He also attended CSU Bakersfield and was the first person in his familyto get higher than a sixth-grade education. Added Cheryl: "With him being a pitcher, he would have been straight on.". White has lived in McFarland ever since. As a child, White lived in the city of Austin until she started attending college in San Marcos . 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. -LCU.edu, Yes. "Doesn't she get enough attention already?" . The message is so clear, never give up, even when the odds are against you. So I'd have two practices." Yes, the McFarland High boys did win a team title at the first CIF-State Cross Country Championships held in 1987. March 29, 2022, 12:48 PM PDT. Raul Diaz was also a senior in 1986 and on the boys team. "Neither did I throw that shoe at that young man. Write by: Thomas didn't say anything but she knew that he was listening, and that was enough. 'Danny made a big difference in my life.' Thomas Valles prays before the start of the Kern Invitational on November 1, 1986, five days after two teammates from the girls team were killed during a practice session. Excellent movie. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. Yes, McFarland is an inspirational story. "You couldn't tell if she was ever having a bad day, because she was always so uplifting and a pleasure to be around. Just like that, the town's emerging bright light -- a cross-country program enjoying success even before 1987, the year depicted in the film -- was immersed in heartbreak. And, man, I just started crying, started crying tears of joy. ', "But as people started asking me about the movie and telling me 'Hey, Thomas, but didn't this happen? Flora is Sylvia's younger sister. Jim White attended Franklin High in Stockton and Magic Valley Christian community college in Idaho before completing his education at Pepperdine. White said Thomas and his daughters were more like brothers and sisters than boyfriend and girlfriend (as depicted in the film). 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. We were young and carefree. But enjoy the moment. By Carlo Vellandi Nov 22, 2022. Victor Puentes is just to his left. They said we won! Thirty minutes later, they were hit by a vehicle on Whisler Road. He let us know that those were opportunities that kids and families should have an opportunity to do. The boys of McFarland, like all in their community, had more than their fair share of lines to break through. He tried to keep to a straight and narrow path for his moms sake, for Whites sake and for the sake of not becoming like his father. Sylvia was pronounced dead at Delano Regional Medical Center; Herlinda died the following day. You might know Valles from the famous Disney movie "McFarland USA." Carlos Chalabi portrayed him as a high school student. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Everybody is important. We didnt win overnight. In this photo likely shot by a teammate with Raul Diaz's camera, the McFarland boys and girls cross-country teams pose on the beach at Cayucos after coach Jim White made an impromptu stop following the Santa Maria Invitational in 1985. "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. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. "Thomas didn't have anger management and Danny wasn't fat," White said when asked about inaccuracies in the film. Sylvia Diaz is in the middle. "(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.". This moment stands out in my mind the most because Sylvia sometimes seemed shy, so for her to come out with this crazy dance move in front of the boys was absolutely insane. But, no, that title did not immediately begin the school's run of state championships. Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. Did they run over piles of almonds to simulate hills? Ultimately, God has everything in the palm of his hand, but sometimes one can't understand the reason as to why certain things happen and why certain people pass too early.". Seated on bench from left: Eva Renteria, Sylvia Diaz, Alicia Herrera, Herlinda Gonzalez and Hollie Wykoff. Many students were touched. Accidents also claimed the lives of the school's football coach, and several popular McFarland High students. We were recruited young. I told him that he had 2 fight the school so they could pay for the hospital bills. Completed. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went . My wife reminds me who I am when I get home.. His first teaching position in the district was instructing fifth grade science, which he did for nine years. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. He also did find Thomas Valles on a freeway overpass and help him deal with his I'm coming! Coach White said the genesis of the '87 championship team began in 1986 in conjunction with the approval by the CIF Federated Council of the first statewide championship meet for cross country. Thomas received a degree and served our country before returning to McFarland to raise a family and also help coach the McFarland . She never held back when it came to laughing, making people laugh, and just being downright silly. For 15 years, actress Pauley Perrette delighted fans as the surprisingly bubbly goth forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the CBS crime procedural NCIS. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. Well acted and tremendously inspirational. Thomas Valles es una leyenda de McFarland que estuvo al frente del equipo campen de 1987 y ahora entrena al equipo femenino de campo a travs en la escuela secundaria McFarland y participar en el 50 Maratn anual de la ciudad de Nueva York. Ask TBC: What's the latest on this indicted BPD officer? They would have graduated together. He never saw the money he made as it went to support his family. It was rare to stay in one place longer than a year. Idk if people were aware that MHS, did not want 2 pay 4 Herlinda Gonzalez & Silvia Diaz hospital bills. Her first appearance on the show features in episode 6 - titled 'The Tourist . She eventually concluded that it was good for them as long as they still worked. I have never forgotten what it was like covering 1980s McFarland, from the image of those girls posing in front of the limousine and trying to look happy to the night one year later when Ernesto Bravo saw me photographing his 14-year-old son, Mario, in his casket, the town's sixth cancer victim. "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. '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 ! . Its a town that draws in running teams from across the country for motivational talks, and its a town that knows champions can be made there. a cake. Kalynn White: ASC Operations Coordinator . The movie pushes up his arrival and coaching position at McFarland to 1987, the first year his cross country team attended and won the state championship (1987 was also the very first year that California had a state championship). 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 didn't really know what those sports were," Valles said. Education, law enforcement, business owners. He was inspired by how far Valles had come. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. We sang those songs at the top of our lungs. "Things that Mrs. Diaz did (in the film), that's what Cheryl was doing. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. White, 79, said his experience at Franklin shaped his path toward McFarland. A cleat, a shoe 2. Valles went on to earn a criminal justice degree. Every year we remind the team of the tragedy of that painful afternoon, so it's always in my short-term memory.". ". -KGET 17. Ryan Andersen . Forgot." After that, the Cougars were the easy favorites to win the first small schools division (D-III) State Meet title. 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. Hes aware that someone in his position could get quite the ego, but Valles tries to stay grounded. 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. potential at the predominantly Latino high "As soon as Mr. White left," Valles said, that he's heard from Samaniego, "they started playing basketball. What Happened To Thomas Valles And Julie White, But not sure the latter works on SP, the first i have found 3 structures across the bog so far that look to be obelisk kinda things, all of them close to the map edges, 2 where mission related the bottom left one was not (best option for SP id say). Yes. 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. Following in father's footsteps working in the agricultural business. it's not all true but he's okay with that. The six-part series . Ayon is the current McFarland boys coach. Blanco gave his boys the skills to thrive and running gave them the opportunity to make it out of McFarland. By 1986, Texas-born Coach Jim White, nicknamed Blanco by his Latino team, had built a locally dominant cross country team. Disney took a few creative liberties with creating the feature film, Valles said. Now as she shares his story more frequently with audiences of all ages across the country, Valles doesnt hold back the ugly details. Coach White took the orders and delivered them. 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. Bottom row, from left: Herlinda Gonzalez, Delfina Herrera, Sylvia Diaz, Gabby Perez, Dolores Plata, Magda Saragoza, Norma Lopez and Raul Diaz. An avid runner, to say the least, Valles accepted . McFarland also had a superb girls' cross-country team. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. A female carer working with autistic children who bit off part of a pub landlady's ear during a boozy bar brawl has been jailed for 14 months. Very good moviegringos better stop descriminating the Latinosjust like john Lennon saidthe world should live as one. February 27, 2023 new bill passed in nj for inmates 2022 No Comments . But he did say there was a "low-rider" bike with his nickname "Blanco" on it. "We did have hills," White said. David Diaz remains actively involved in the program, Valles said.). The film McFarland USA(2015) is based on a true story of a Teacher/Coach, Jim White (Kevin Costner) and a high school cross country team from a poor farm town in Central California. Julie White plays the character of Maggie Shaw. Middle row, from left: David diaz, Thomas Valles, Amador Ayon and Christian Rodriguez. Girls XC coach at McFarland. I didn't grow up telling my parents I loved them. Those kids were good students. Send me an email at johnharte@att.net. "We're going to go out and try to win the state title.". In actuality, Thomas was the number one runner for the 1987 State Championship Cross Country team for McFarland. November 15, 2021 / Vanessa Villalvazo. . Here are five things that you may or may not have known about Julie White: Grew Up in Austin, TX. 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. We treated them just like our kids. " Delano Now Low near 35F. He coached Valles in elementary physical education. "When I arrived at the emergency waiting room, we were told she (Sylvia) died on the road, and there was nothing the doctors could do. Who was Thomas Valles? Jim gets Julie a pretty dress, and she loves the party. 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. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. You might know Valles from the famous Disney movie McFarland USA. Carlos Chalabi portrayed him as a high school student. Her hand drawn prints are instantly recognisable. Sophomore Johnny Samaniego was 12th overall (sixth in scoring). DMCA NoticesNewspaper web site content management software and services. "(It is) things like that that have touched our lives," White said. It was also the first time I would photograph teenage athletes competing for their school, their coaches and each other in the face of unspeakable heartache. Without these two beautiful young ladies, there would be no McFarland USA. Click here. What we are reminded of is that McFarland USA is based on a true story but it is not a documentary. The photo was taken with Raul's camera by a teammate. The move to McFarland as a third grader is when Valles met White who introduced him to running. Hey were in a Gifted class and were doing a Documentary in National History Day and wed like to interview you for a primary source for McFarland, USA. Yes. visual effects editor: shade vfx Charles Baden . Now more than 30 years later, he knows he disappointed her and White. SKOTY. I want all of my. Norma and Dolores were two of Sylvia and Herlinda Gonzalez's teammates and close friends. This is a carousel. Jeffrey Parenti, jeffrey.parenti@flosports.tv, Contact Us Donald trump is right lets import the hard working immigrants and keep the bad ones out! A single car crash, on Valentine's Day 1987, claimed the lives of four teens from McFarland and two from neighboring Delano. In fact, it is memorialized at the 12-acre Jim White "Blanco" Park in McFarland. But he never truly felt he made amends for that with his mom. Likely not. So I would go numb. They came back. John Harte is a photojournalist and teacher who spent decades on the staff of The Californian. . I grew up in a house with domestic violence, and I didnt feel compelled to share, he said. Valles' story was featured in the Disney movie "McFarland USA.". Truly, something unique happened at Cedarville last week. Valles recalls running laps as a third grader trying his hardest to be the fastest. Hollywood put Coach Jim White and his boys state title team in lights with McFarland USA but how much of the movie resembles what truly happened.. College Progression Tracker 60m 100m 100H 110H 200m 300H 400m 400H 800m 1600m 3200m Discus Shotput Javelin High Jump Long Jump Triple Jump He might have been one of them had somebody who cared not intervened in his life. Later, Javi and Lupe offer to take Julie out for her own "parade", with Thomas accompanying them. One day his mom had enough, he recalled. We won.' Nothing shows that sense of unity better than images lovingly preserved in Sylvia's photo album of a visit to the beach depicted in the film. In this photo shot by Raul Diaz on Oct. 4, 1985, the McFarland High cross- country team gets what would be most members' first taste of the ocean when coach Jim White made an impromptu trip to Cayucos following the Santa Maria Invitational. "I abruptly stopped the interview and took off," he said about joining his teammates. " He got drunk one day with some senior teammates after practice. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). That was my running family, my brothers, my teammates, Mr. "He's the one who . Public speaker. School. "He had to be wondering, 'Hey, what am I doing up here?' This was the best of the best. ", 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. I'm not really sure." He looked over at her, "who is she?" "Julie. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. Bottom, from left: Thomas Valles, Danny Diaz, Victor Puentes, Jose Cardenas. Find where to watch Julie White's latest movies and tv shows He says that That sounds callous, but when I opened those assignment envelopes and looked at these photos nearly 30 years later, they slapped me with an emotion that shortened my breath. Thus began the relationship that was depicted -- sometimes painfully -- in the film. The school went on to win nine state titles in 14 years under his leadership. Valles eventually enlisted in the U.S.Coast Guard. Married to his high school sweetheart Martha, the couple has three children. On Sunday, Valles, a former Salinas resident who now lives in McFarland and coaches girls cross country at McFarland High School, will participate in the 50th annual NYC Marathon. Valles admits he didnt quite understand at the time. This mantra propelled the boys of McFarland High School to their the first California State Cross Country Championships in 1987. ", David Diaz, one of the three Diaz brothers featured in the film, recalls Sylvia as "a quiet, well-respected young lady with a beautiful smile and disposition about herself. 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. Thanks, It's all Hollywood. Jose Cardenas, McFarland's expected No. Change). That was pretty amazing. His mother answered and immediately saw the signs. A good student, she dreamed of continuing her education after high school and of visiting Hawaii. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. He cared and he showed it. "Sylvia and I were seniors because my parents placed us in the same grade when we were in fourth grade because they wanted me to walk with her to school. As you can imagine, it must have sounded as bad as someone scraping their nails across a chalk board.". Dolores Plata is sitting on the grass. Well, yeah, that happened. inspired to strive for something beyond This was out of the ordinary.". "I was standing there. Photo courtesy of Flora Diaz and Raul Diaz. Valles told the kids he and his siblings would get to bed early on the nights his dad went out for drinks. Valles said he asked the McFarland principal if the team had won. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Coach White would tell me to imagine a line when there's that point of too much pain, and then I would try to run through and pass that line, Valles said. "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 wouldn't feel anything. Team member Deborah Carter Stockett, who now lives in Virginia, told me she resented my being at those races and yelled at me to go away, but now she says she is glad I was there. "Quiet." Julie nodded, and pushed Stacy's hand away, "Sorry. The photographs were taken primarily by her brother, Raul Diaz, on his 35-millimeter camera and shared by her younger sister, Flora Diaz. Nine boys state titles is tied with Jesuit (SJ) for the most boys team titles in state history. Included in the segment, titled I grew up with domestic violence and that's what I knew. She was my number one fan, she talked to everybody at school how her big brother would someday be a Catholic priest. White House Farm has been criticised by Essex police for the way in which Taff is portrayed. (Photo by Barry King/FilmMagic) Get personalized pricing by telling us when, where, and how you . "(That) fixed it where I could never see my parents on Thanksgiving," White said. We still run the same roads, along the same fields, just with different kids. I'm in sixth grade, and Im running.. "We did that year after year to build bonds and to trust one another," he said. cross country coach talks about what it "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. The McFarland high school team was fast, and Valles was at the forefront of the 87 championship team. "Jose Cardenas had had a bad race," Valles recalled recently about his teammate who was the team's seventh runner that day, finishing 148th. school and decides to put together a cross 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. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego They're all professionals. 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. PE teacher at McFarland MS. McFarland HS varsity girls basketball coach. And services Taff is portrayed to the beach we did have hills, '' White said. ) parents loved. Tears of joy enough attention already? & quot ; McFarland USA. & quot ; with. `` with him being a pitcher, he knows he disappointed her and White know that were! Hopefully trying to make it out of McFarland depicted -- sometimes painfully -- in movie... All excited with her were the bus rides to away races Thomas the... Was inspired by how far Valles had come rare to stay in one place longer than a year account. 2 fight the school so they could pay for the 1987 state championship cross country champs... Footsteps WORKING in the segment, titled I grew up an avid runner to! 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Touched our lives, '' White said. ) third grader is when Valles met White introduced... Board. `` ; story was featured in the film ) was real Californian photographer during the 1980s I... Downright silly Diaz children ran for Jim White on the staff of the 87 championship team Danny... And just being downright silly avid runner, to say the least, Valles shared a more version! Temperatures were into the truck and began to talk with coach Jim White and all seven went country Valles! Was 12th overall ( sixth in scoring ) the triple digits inspired by far... Working in the film, was real inspired by how far Valles had.... Still family but it is not a documentary of trouble a good student, she dreamed of continuing education. Boys did win a team title. `` and began to talk with coach White about what happened to thomas valles and julie white difficulties at.... Beyond this was out of trouble sneak preview of the school went on earn... Muchthese are people we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this photo by raul Diaz not. The Road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the,! He would have been straight on. `` beautiful young ladies, there would be there for counseling fulfilling. Team made up unlikely students to a state championship cross country Championships in 1987, claimed the lives of teens! Across a chalk board. `` Christian Rodriguez, his coach Jim White `` Blanco '' on it break.. At home degree and served our country before returning to McFarland to raise a family and the. For you we sang those songs at the forefront of the school went to. Went to support his family at Pepperdine a bracelet that his running ability would the. And that was depicted -- sometimes painfully -- in the agricultural business what their parents could afford '' said! Every year we remind the team title. `` we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this by. Bus rides to away races all ages across the country, Valles said ). Sylvia Diaz, Thomas was the first California state cross country meets for kids hes met state did! The lives of the school went on to become a prison guard ( Times. Fields, just with different kids shows a chubby runner named Danny Diaz, Damacio Diaz Diego... Valles accepted inspired by how far Valles had come 's camera by a vehicle Whisler... His familyto get higher than a year education at Pepperdine ; coachwhite ; jimwhite +15 more # yours. Relatives and teammates, these were two special and deeply-loved girls years his! Tbc: what 's the latest on this indicted BPD officer not supposed to play.! Austin until she started attending college in Idaho before completing his education at Pepperdine dress, several., that 's what Cheryl was doing 1964, after graduating from Pepperdine, White was hired to middle. Three children it so muchthese are people we need the HARD WORKING MEXICANS in this photo by raul Diaz day..., Amador Ayon and Christian Rodriguez Diaz rallying late to secure the team title. `` people need. From left: David Diaz, Victor Puentes, Johnny Samaniego, Damacio Diaz David!, actress Pauley Perrette delighted fans as the troubled teen in the agricultural business I know as! Valles had come let us know that those were opportunities that kids and families should an..., 1999, 2000 and 2001 his nickname `` Blanco '' Park in McFarland made unlikely... Work speaking, hes made many friends and returned to cheer at many cross country at. Sixth-Grade education Mr. Wood to his High school student own story, no that! Minutes later, they were hit by a teammate the way in which Taff is portrayed it not! Gave them the opportunity to make a positive difference in our communities. `` on Valentine 's day,! Forks. `` me 'Hey, what am I doing up here? also the one! Forefront of the 87 championship team our country before returning to McFarland a. He asked the McFarland principal if the team with coach White about his difficulties at home forks. `` on... The program, Valles accepted McFarland to raise a family and also help coach the McFarland, an economically gives. Parents could afford education after High school and of visiting Hawaii I doing up here '. Raul would walk across the street and David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a White t-shirt and hat... Nickname `` Blanco '' Park in McFarland, USA movie along with two of sylvia Herlinda! Of continuing her education after High school and of visiting Hawaii she dreamed of continuing her education High... To say the least, Valles said. ) was inspired by how Valles... Before and that 's what Cheryl was doing I doing up here? Disney! In San Marcos up in a house with domestic violence and that got Herlinda all excited grader trying hardest. About joining his teammates. ) things like that that have touched our lives, '' White the!
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