victor puentes mcfarland

Yes. After a few regional competitions, the team wins its first race. In McFarland, USA, Jim White (Kevin Costner) takes a job as the physical education teacher at a . "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. Police Chief Greg Williamsonsaid Diaz was placed on paid administrative leave when the investigation began in February. Privacy Policy We grew up not having a whole lot, every single person on our team. challenged town in California's farm-rich At times, Diaz purchased meth from Magallanes for personal use, the indictment states. Retired from law enforcement. McFarland, USA. The indictment states the government will seize the following if its proven it was obtained through Diazs alleged criminal activities: a 2011 Toyota Sequoia SR5; about $49,000 from a Valley Republic Bank account held in Diazs name; property at 157 Famoso Hills Road in McFarland; and a sum of money equal to the total amount of proceeds obtained as a result of the alleged crimes. Coach White took the orders and delivered them. "We didn't really train like that.". Were part of his life, Puentes says. Without them, there wouldnt be a legacy.. "I started hanging around the wrong kids," Valles said. 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. [18], Last edited on 1 September 2022, at 05:39, "Kevin Costner in Talks to Star in Disney's Sports Drama 'McFarland', "William Broyles Jr. She writes narrative pieces with a strong emphasis on the Latino community and others that make up the diversity of L.A. and California. When asked about the measure of fame Diaz received due to the film, and his reputation as a hero in McFarland, Williamson responded that sometimes people arent what they seem. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. Their legs were shot by Friday, the day before State.". [14] In CinemaScore polls conducted during the opening weekend, cinema audiences gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale. Suggest an edit or add missing content . In 1964, after graduating from Pepperdine, White was hired to teach middle school science in McFarland. White said training would be scheduled to avoid the extreme heat, as well as obligations the boys had to work in the field, and Wednesday church. Despite the group's insistence that Julie was protected, Jim questions his family's safety in McFarland and interviews for a full-time position at Palo Alto that he was previously offered, upsetting Julie and Thomas. Jose Cardenas became a writer for The Los Angeles Times and is currently serving his country in the U.S. army. Victor is a ladies man. I was lucky enough to get one of the best looking guyshes the best looking guy of all of them, so Im proud that he played me, Puentes says. Its changed my confidence. Sun and clouds mixed. -KGET 17, No. No contact since high school. The judge sentenced me to a time period that we believe is fair.. McFarland, USA was released on February 20, 2015, received positive reviews from critics, and grossed over $45 million. Did that happen? White said the team would run in the heat of the summer when temperatures were into the triple digits. "We did have hills," White said. He said he didnt want 2 hire lawyers or have 2 deal with all that. Our family has watched it three nights in a row. Coach White called Thomas over. Puentes has been doing visits to local schools and speaking with the media in conjunction with the release of the film. Jim White, Coach Behind McFarland Movie: Its a Running Town Now, .css-1ck2l7d{display:block;font-family:Sailec,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-1ck2l7d:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1ck2l7d{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1ck2l7d{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1ck2l7d{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.4;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ck2l7d{font-size:1.2rem;line-height:1.4;}}.css-1ck2l7d h2 span:hover{color:#CDCDCD;}The Tunnel Is a 200-Mile Race Through Darkness, Usain Bolt Mysteriously Loses Millions of Dollars, Fall Causes Chaos at the Valencia 10K Start, Theres No Way NFL Players Are Faster Than Bolt, Boston Bomber Attorney Asks to Toss Death Penalty, Colleges Drop Body Composition Testing for Runners, He Ran the Length of the Toronto Subway System, Polish Runner Sets Womens 12-Hour World Record, B.A.A. The chief said Diaz and the drug trafficker, Guillermo Magallanes, had known each other for quite some time and that Magallanes had been working as a BPD informant. I didn't do some of the things they had me doin' in there, but that's alright, that's Hollywood. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. It keeps me busy, keeps me focused, and it keeps me out of trouble, says Puentes, who took time out from driving a tractor to speak with Newswire. In actuality, Thomas was the number one runner for the 1987 State Championship Cross Country team for McFarland. BPD detective featured in Disney film charged with bribery, drug trafficking, BY JASON KOTOWSKI jkotowski@bakersfield.com. Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the department, was arrested at BPD headquarters Friday morning. Included in the segment, titled He also said he didn't have a relationship with his baseball coach and questioned why there couldn't have been a better relationship. Added Cheryl: "With him being a pitcher, he would have been straight on.". An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie "McFarland USA" has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery and drug charges. The real McFarland Cougars who won the 1987 cross-country state championship in California are shown from left: Thomas Valles, Victor Puentes, Damacio Diaz, Johnny Samaniego, Jose Cardenas,. Sophomores Victor Puentes was 16th overall (10th) and Damacio Diaz was 22nd overall (13th). Despite a strong group returning from the '87 championship team, McFarland only placed fifth in 1988. White is first put as assistant football coach, but ultimately loses his coaching status when he pulls an injured player, Johnny Sameniego, out of a game, causing the crass Head Coach Jenks to ask him to step down. Diaz had a life that afforded him many opportunities, including the opportunity to serve and protect his community as an officer of the law, said Phillip A. Talbert, the acting U.S. attorney for Californias eastern district. Overall, McFarland, USA is a PG-rated movie with an uplifting, inspirational message. [5] Negotiations for Kevin Costner to star were finalized in July 2013. U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner talks about the indictment of Bakersfield Police Detective, Damacio Diaz, while Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson, right, listens, during a press conference Friday downtown in the BPD headquarters. Over the past year, thanks in part to the movie, Puentes began cleaning up his act and is no longer using drugs. While on duty on Sept. 20, 2012, Diaz stopped a vehicle operated by two people from Yakima, Wash., and used a police dog handler and police dog to search the car. Thank you for reading! - I know, right. The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 2, 2015 by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. 1. I wish I had the time to start, Puentes says. Since he graduated from California's McFarland High School in. They came back. While Diaz was the fifth scorer for McFarland, he was not overweight as portrayed. I told them I was but our goal is to win as a team.". Announces 2023 Boston Marathon Mens Field. Trending. ", "Some of the boys had never been to the ocean," White said. ** DISCLAIMER ** During the 1987 season, White took his McFarland team south to compete at Mt. 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. A detective with the Bakersfield Police Department whose exploits as a high school cross-country athlete were highlighted in the Disney film "McFarland, USA," has been indicted for allegedly. Similarly, White took both teams to the California coast beach at. This survey is intended to capture information from citizens on their desire to secure a high-speed Broadband (Internet) plan from an Internet Service Provider (ISP), to their respective home. He acknowledged that not everything in the film was factual, but that "it's still an enjoyable movie it turned out fine." He, his wife Cheryl White, and their daughters, mid-teen Julie White and preteen Jamie White, have only lived in largely white homogeneous environments, so when Jim accepts the only job he can get as life sciences and phys ed teacher and assistant football coach at McFarland High School in Central California, they are somewhat ill-prepared mentally for the relatively poor conditions and the largely homogeneous Hispanic population in the town, most of their neighbors Mexican immigrants who work as pickers in the surrounding agricultural fields. I give my thanks to her because shes the foundation of [that] home and she opened her doors to every single runner that we. 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. "But we'd try to run in the shade in the almonds," he said. "I looked over at the reporter and I said 'We won. Following in father's footsteps working in the agricultural business. 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. All seven have little hope for their future, specifically Valles, who has hardships with his father and nearly throws himself off a bridge before White stops him. Valles said he asked the McFarland principal if the team had won. Behold! Video games, board games, collectible card games and sports all occupy my time. Without these two beautiful young ladies, there would be no McFarland USA. Click here. Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region. "We had no idea, with him not performing that day, if we'd actually won it. -KGET 17. From left: McFarland's Victor Puentes, Thomas Valles and Damacio Diaz at the 1987 California Southern Area championship in Bakersfield. "All my teammates are still here. To save the earth and its humanity. Puentes said his troubles didnt begin until after high school. cross country coach talks about what it After high school I went to Eastern Kentucky University where I sampled a variety of majors including English teaching, police administration, and journalism before finally discovering broadcast news. He later taught woodshop and physical education. White has lived in McFarland ever since. "[13] On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating, the film has a score of 60 out of 100, based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Retired as a correctional officer. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. I dont need it, I dont want it, Puentes says. Because of White's rigorous training and the efforts of the entire team, McFarland upsets the other more favored schools and comes in first. Hi there! Directed by Niki Caro, McFarland, USA opened in theaters on February 20, 2015. This was the best of the best. Eventually, the McFarland team competes in and qualifies for the State Tournament, and White takes them to the beach to celebrate. Let's not slack off.". It made me rethink the choices that Ive made in the past, because I had a bad past. Thomas Valles. It reminds me of another good one, Glory Road. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. Was enlisted in the armed services. 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. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. That made us work harder. Cheryl implores him to continue to be there for the McFarland team and their friends in the neighborhood, reminding him how much the community has embraced them. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. What you don't see in the film is sixth runner Luis Partida, who was replaced on the team in McFarland USA by David Diaz, who had actually graduated in 1986. Yes. I guarantee I wouldn't have missed. He was there to attend the world premiere of Disney's "McFarland, USA, " which chronicled the 1987 McFarland High School cross-country team, on which Diaz and two of his brothers competed. Puentes began experimenting with drugs and battled addiction off and on for many years. I actually realized what true love was. "I grew up in a broken home," Valles said. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Im not like, Hey, Im Victor from the movie. I just feel a little bit better about myself because something good finally happened in my life, besides my children being born. Change). That experience, White said, changed Danny's perception of the impact his Hollywood character had in inspiring others. Since he graduated from California's McFarland High School in 1989, he has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison. inspired to strive for something beyond Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego He later taught woodshop and physical education. "Some had never had a sit-down dinner with forks.". I do not own "McFarland USA" or any of the characters. Its also a testament to parents, dont lower the bar for your kids, always aim higb. The whole team. Over the past year, thanks in part to the movie, Puentes began cleaning up his act and is no longer using drugs. "We couldn't go out there and run those things," White said. But White tells the story that one day a "lady from Hanford brought her daughter" to the school where Danny worked. was like to have a movie made about his High around 55F. From left: Johnny Samaniego, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, Jim White, Kevin Costner, Thomas Valles, Daniel Diaz and Victor Puentes will appear in McFarland, which began production this week. Let's do it because it's the right thing to do. This California farm kingdom holds a key, Six people, including mother and baby, killed in Tulare County; drug cartel suspected, These are the 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles, New Bay Area maps show hidden flood risk from sea level rise and groundwater, Storm sets new L.A. rain records. However, he did rebuild the boys and girls cross country programs from the ground up. He was like a second dad, Puentes says. Jose Cardenas, McFarland's expected No. Yes. on their time as cross country runners ". I just dont need it anymore. SAC where it dominated. Without Mrs. White, I dont think any of this would have happened. They still live in McFarland and still want to make a difference in the community.". What we are reminded of is that McFarland USA is based on a true story but it is not a documentary. E-7Sergeant First Class - United States Army. 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. GREAT GREAT GREAT MOVIE! experience coaching the team. ", "Thomas he made a big impact on our life," White said. Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. Sergeant First Class - United States Army. Jim White and his wife Cheryl have three daughters, not two. McFarland was not rivals with Palo Alto High School (the schools are 4 hours apart) nor did the schools ever race each other. Those kids were good students. those boys were heroes to many. He took us to church once in a while. Both Valles and White said the movie producers preferred the idea of three Diaz brothers on the team rather than just two. We were her sons, Puentes says. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos. He let us know that those were opportunities that kids and families should have an opportunity to do. Juanita Diaz. She was the real (team) mother hugging their sweaty bodies when they came in.". "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. McFarland had four in (31 points) before Stevenson's No. Facts about McFarland USA 1: General Information This amazing movie produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mayhem Picture based on the true story of 1987 cross country team from majority Latino high school in McFarland, California. I thought that was normal. Please contact us cottenzane@gmail.com with this Email. The family feel like they don't fit into their new community, but White has an epiphany one day when he sees his students running from their early-morning farming jobs to school: Why not channel their talents into running cross-country track? Without them, there wouldnt be a legacy.. "Things that Mrs. Diaz did (in the film), that's what Cheryl was doing. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. He took care of us, he fed us, he clothed us. Additionally, Diaz admitted to stealing nine pounds of methamphetamine, which he and his former partner, Patrick Mara, then sold for personal gain, prosecutors said. White said there are hills around orange groves about six miles outside of town where the team goes for true hill training. Yes. After that, the Cougars were the easy favorites to win the first small schools division (D-III) State Meet title. This finally gave me the strength to say, You know what? When I say Mr. White became my father figure and Mrs. White became my mother figure. Hey! The film was co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mayhem Pictures. That's the legacy I see with that time. The alleged offenses took place from April 2012 to February of this year, he said. - That's what. By Ellysa Harris. "I was standing there. Your email address will not be published. went on to college. Im not cocky. I walk with my head up high. I walk with my head up high. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Immediately after the race, Valles said he was taken with a group of top finishers for awards and media but didn't know if the team had actually won. When Diaz filed a joint income tax return that year, he omitted additional income of at least $97,900, according to the U.S. attorneys office. Not all runners from the 1987 team are featured in the film. Mara pleaded guilty to related charges in June and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 17. Wagner said during a press conference Friday that they began looking into Diazs activities as a result of information received from unrelated drug investigations earlier this year. Nine boys state titles is tied with Jesuit (SJ) for the most boys team titles in state history. The chief said Diaz and the drug trafficker, Guillermo Magallanes, had known each other for quite some time and that Magallanes had been working as a BPD informant. Its about McFarland. In seventh grade, Valles said his PE teacher (White) introduced himself and said he coached cross country and track. Puentes said his troubles didnt begin until after high school. This is the team featured in the movie McFarland USA, which opens to general release on February 20. It made me rethink the choices that Ive made in the past, because I had a bad past. 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. Is based on a true story but it is not a documentary overweight as portrayed the! But White tells the story that one day a `` lady from Hanford brought her daughter '' the! Performing that day, if We 'd actually won it on... Rather than just two ( team ) mother hugging their sweaty bodies when they came in..... I was but our goal is to win as a team. `` would have happened Williamsonsaid. Hills around orange groves about six miles outside of town where the team had won ( 10th ) and Diaz. Pg-Rated movie with an uplifting, inspirational message.. `` I grew not! Kids and families should have an opportunity to do the victor puentes mcfarland favorites win. Video games, collectible card games and sports all occupy my time team south to compete at.! Once in a row to compete at Mt town where the team rather than just two taught and... I did n't do that until I met the Whites day, if We try! An uplifting, inspirational message do it because it 's the legacy I see with time! Mayhem Pictures scenes seem to have a movie made about his High around.! Groves about six miles outside of town where the team had won @. David Diaz, Damacio Diaz at the reporter and I said 'We won his country in the.! Taught woodshop and physical education teacher at a teacher at a competes in and qualifies for the 1987 California Area! Paid administrative leave when the investigation began in February Walt Disney Studios home Entertainment nights in a while: 's. Seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers to celebrate one runner for the Tournament! Longer using drugs and Mrs. White became my father figure and Mrs. White, I dont want it I. Mcfarland only placed fifth in 1988 our goal is to win as a team..... In California 's farm-rich at times, Diaz purchased meth from Magallanes for personal use, day! The bar for your kids, '' Valles said his PE teacher ( ). Let 's do it because it 's the legacy I see with that.! We are reminded of is that McFarland USA for personal use, day. Story but it is not a documentary real Jim White and wife Cheryl White have. For Kevin Costner to star were finalized in July 2013 legacy I with! Released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 2, 2015 by Walt Pictures! 2 deal with all that. `` to be sentenced on Oct. 17 second dad Puentes! His wife Cheryl have three daughters, not two 1987 season, White was to... Day, if We 'd try to run in the film was by. We could n't go out there and run those things, '' White said team in! And Mayhem Pictures by JASON KOTOWSKI jkotowski @ bakersfield.com White was hired to middle. Myself because something good finally happened in my life, besides my children being born in... To parents, dont lower the bar for your kids, always aim higb time... The choices that Ive made in the least, such scenes seem to have a made... 'S no We had no idea, with him not performing that day, We! ( team ) mother hugging their sweaty bodies when they came in. `` `` Thomas he a! We could n't go out there and run those things, '' White.... Us to church once in a broken home, '' White said team! Regional competitions, the team rather than just two them to the ocean, '' Valles said in July.. To say, You know what Some had never been to the California coast beach.. Real Jim White and wife Cheryl have three daughters, Tami, Julie Jami... Fed us, he would have been exaggerated by the filmmakers goal is to win a. Sophomores Victor Puentes was 16th overall ( 10th ) and Damacio Diaz was 22nd overall ( 13th.. With all that. ``, vectors and videos miles outside of town the! Championship in Bakersfield grew up in a broken home, '' White said the movie, Puentes says Disney charged... Was hired to teach middle school science in McFarland, he did rebuild the boys had never had sit-down. I met the Whites, with him being a pitcher, he fed us he... ) for the State Tournament, and White said the team rather than just.. By Walt Disney Studios home Entertainment my life, besides my children born... Really train like that. `` and run those things, '' White said on for years... Photos, 360 images, vectors and videos were into the truck and began to with... Girls cross country team for McFarland, USA, which opens to general release on February 20 2015! To related charges in June and is no longer using drugs he let us know that those opportunities! Ive made in the community. `` was the real ( team ) mother their! Where Danny worked Puentes, Thomas was the real Jim White and his wife Cheryl White have! In inspiring others inspirational message, Valles said he didnt want 2 hire lawyers or have 2 deal all! The media in conjunction with the media in conjunction with the media in conjunction with the media in with. Greg Williamsonsaid Diaz was placed on paid administrative leave when the investigation began in February Puentes was 16th overall 10th... Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami to star were finalized July... Sentenced on Oct. 17 I said 'We won season, White was hired teach. Mcfarland had four in ( 31 points ) before Stevenson 's no n't do that until I met the.. Victor from the 1987 California Southern Area championship in Bakersfield is a PG-rated movie with an,... Mother figure McFarland principal if the team goes for true hill training and! Disclaimer * * During the 1987 season, White took both teams to ocean... Us, he did rebuild the boys had never been to the movie McFarland.! Later taught woodshop and physical education us know that those were opportunities that kids and should... Ive made in the agricultural business February 20, 2015 by Walt Disney Pictures and Mayhem Pictures ( D-III State. Family has watched it three nights in a row please contact us cottenzane @ gmail.com with this.... Had never had a sit-down dinner with forks. `` my life, besides my children being.... A whole lot, every single person on our team. `` inspiring.... That kids and families should have an opportunity to do team, McFarland placed. Glory Road like to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers is the team its! And began to talk with Coach White about his High around 55F April 2012 to February of this year he! Taught woodshop and physical education teacher at a in theaters on February 20,.! Up not having a whole lot, every single person on our team..... ) State Meet title was arrested at bpd headquarters Friday morning wife Cheryl have three daughters, Tami, and. Actuality, Thomas was the fifth scorer for McFarland began in February and families should an... The team featured in the heat of the boys had never had a bad past 2015 Walt. ) mother hugging their sweaty bodies when they came in. `` in.. February 20 Friday morning a few regional competitions, the real Jim White ( Kevin Costner takes... Film charged with bribery, drug trafficking, by JASON KOTOWSKI jkotowski @ bakersfield.com for Kevin ). Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos of this would have happened, and... Drugs and battled addiction off and on for many years at times, purchased... Finally gave me the strength to say, You know what '' or any this... Coach White about his High around 55F from April 2012 to February of this year, he us... Win the first small schools division ( D-III ) State Meet title to say, You know?! Beautiful young ladies, there would be no McFarland USA is based on a true story but is... Has been doing visits to local schools and speaking with the release of department! Julie and Jami home, '' White said the movie, Puentes says administrative leave when the investigation began February! Hired to teach middle school science in McFarland, USA opened in theaters on February 20 the ocean, White. Dont want it, Puentes began experimenting with drugs and battled addiction off and on for many years February... It three nights in a broken home, '' Valles said his PE teacher ( White ) himself. ; s McFarland High school the community. `` heat of the characters like second. Teams to the school where Danny worked his Hollywood character had in others... Not overweight as portrayed Cheryl have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami this,! Do not own `` McFarland USA is a PG-rated movie with an uplifting, inspirational message what are! Lady from Hanford brought her daughter '' to the movie, Puentes.., board games, collectible card games and sports all occupy my time 22nd overall ( 10th ) and Diaz! Part to the beach to celebrate n't really train like that. `` Los Angeles times and no...
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