The McFarland girls cross-country team ran in the California Interscholastic Federation South Area meet at Hart Park on Nov. 13, 1986, two and a half weeks after the accident that claimed teammates Sylvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez. who does coach white see sitting on the edge of the bridge. 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. Occupation Actress Years active 1985-present Spouse(s). White continues to be present in Valles life after high school and after the McFarland Cross Country teams historic run. "Danny, he passed up Jose out there somewhere," White recalled. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. She was a smart young lady and she tutored me in math because I could not pass math. In the early '90s Thomas appeared as Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire. The McFarland, USA true story reveals that, unlike the movie, he didn't come to McFarland on his last leg after being fired several times for losing his temper with players, superintendents, etc. -23ABC News. The effect of the teams success under Coach Jim White, immortalized by Disneys McFarland, USA in 2015, still lingers on the Cougars teams of today. They are portrayed to be 15 and 10, a few years younger than they actually were at the time of the first state title in 1987 (the girls were in college at the time). His team's won nine CIF-State cross country titles, five in a row between 1992-96 and three in a row between 1999-01. We still run the same roads, along the same fields, just with different kids. "But we'd try to run in the shade in the almonds," he said. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. 5, was not in the picture. Suspense: . High 47F. Its also a testament to parents, dont lower the bar for your kids, always aim higb. That made us work harder. 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 -LA Times, No. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. He later taught woodshop and physical education. Clockwise from top center is Dolores Plata, Herlinda Gonzalez, Gabby Perez, Alicia Herrera, Delfina Herrera and Magda Saragoza. The move to McFarland as a third grader is when Valles met White who introduced him to running. She eventually concluded that it was good for them as long as they still worked. Let's do it because it's the right thing to do. Quote Tweet. 'You're actually doing things for us that our mom and dad don't do. He might have been one of them had somebody who cared not intervened in his life. 1 runner on the 1987 championship team, and asked if he was still close with his high school teammates. thomas valles. And both CBN and Fox News announced that the "Asbury Revival" had spread to other schools, including Cedarville University. It was tough growing up in McFarland.". We sang those songs at the top of our lungs. We treated them just like our kids. " Though Sylvia and Herlinda and the rest of the girls team are omitted in the recent media publicity generated by "McFarland, USA," they've never been forgotten by their teammates or their home town. ", 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. She put him to bed for school the next day but not before telling him he would be like his dad. His mother answered and immediately saw the signs. Julie White Born Julie K. White June 4, 1961 San Diego, California, U.S. "Things that Mrs. Diaz did (in the film), that's what Cheryl was doing. Samaniego was 17th, Puentes 26th, Cardenas 37th, Damacio Diaz 43rd and Danny Diaz was 85th. White said there are hills around orange groves about six miles outside of town where the team goes for true hill training. Winds light and variable. This was the best of the best. What we are reminded of is that McFarland USA is based on a true story but it is not a documentary. They want to make a difference. Right now, you are writing your own story.. He never saw the money he made as it went to support his family. Pow. ", "That was Hollywood," Valles said. But hours and hours together with nothing to do but run mile after grueling mile together creates a bond. what score does the mcfarland cross country team get at the palo alto invitational. However, I believe the Diaz family did go 2 court & the school paid them an undisclosed amount. "She might hate me now. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. Here are five things that you may or may not have known about Julie White: Grew Up in Austin, TX. "We had no idea, with him not performing that day, if we'd actually won it. An avid runner, to say the least, Valles accepted . experience coaching the team. 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). Training throughout the sweltering McFarland summer with White trailing on his bike, the kids rose early in the morning to work the fields with their families. Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. "Just getting everybody to believe in themselves," Valles said was how White developed and maintained the program at such a high level. SKOTY. White said he started the McFarland track club in 1973 and launched the cross country program at McFarland in 1980. "He was our second dad. I didn't grow up telling my parents I loved them. "You couldn't tell if she was ever having a bad day, because she was always so uplifting and a pleasure to be around. I received a nice surprise today when my pal, longtime Bakersfield Californian photographer Felix Adamo, found these photos I shot of the 1987 McFarland boys cross country team. Everybody has a Mr. White, Valles said. He recently retired as a California State Correctional officer supervising adult males. Flora is Sylvia's younger sister. Tulare County Sheriffs deputies are investigating an early morning Memorial Day home-invasion robbery in Earlimart, Former Philippines, Earlimart, St. Marys Catholic School and Delano Union School District teacher Remedios E. Ubay passes away at 95, Mary Ann Ruiz Mateo-Laeno, 75 passed away on June 19, a Memorial Service is set for July 23 in Delano, Nick Ruiz, owner of Delanos San Joaquin Paint and Glass Co, passed away April 24, services set for Saturday, May 14, Former Delano Public Works director, community leader Eddie Ahumada, 81, passed away March 14, services set for April 29. Especially when you travel, people treat you like youre important, Valles said. It wasnt unusual for his father. Valles eventually enlisted in the U.S.Coast Guard. We still run the same roads, along the same fields, just with different kids. Although he retired, Jim is still a pillar of the . Like a scene from the movie, he found himself at a bridge on the highway one night when hed had enough. Bottom row, from left: Herlinda Gonzalez, Delfina Herrera, Sylvia Diaz, Gabby Perez, Dolores Plata, Magda Saragoza, Norma Lopez and Raul Diaz. ". White and his wife, Cheryl, welcomed the boys into their own family, many of whom did not have a traditional family at home. 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). Nine boys state titles is tied with Jesuit (SJ) for the most boys team titles in state history. : The actress is best known for her role as Lulu Hogg, the wife of Boss Hogg, on the classic "Dukes of Hazzard." She was also on "The Waltons" and "Step by Step." "Grace Under Fire" would be her last acting job as she retired after the show's cancellation and passed away on February 5, 2011, at the age of 89. "Thomas didn't have anger management and Danny wasn't fat," White said when asked about inaccuracies in the film. Jim gets Julie a pretty dress, and she loves the party. 'What's going on?' She was the real (team) mother hugging their sweaty bodies when they came in.". johnny sameniego. Bottom, from left: Thomas Valles, Danny Diaz, Victor Puentes, Jose Cardenas. The McFarland high school team was fast, and Valles was at the forefront of the 87 championship team. ", "That bothered him for awhile," White said. " ', "Thomas was at our house almost every day.". They grew up in broken homes. The team with coach Jim White on the day of the impromptu trip to the beach. Seneca School, Sure, Ill help as best I can. 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. Forgot." It was all to beat the guy next to themthe guy who had not had to overcome what they overcame, had not had to work as hard. I guarantee I wouldn't have missed. Victor Puentes is just to his left. They talk about being Ayon is the current McFarland boys coach. March 29, 2022, 12:48 PM PDT. 1. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. 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. "All my teammates are still here. During his time there, he noticed the stories of these incarcerated men were similar to his own. Feel free to email jeffrey.parenti@flosports.tv. "I didn't ride the Barbie bike," White said. As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. Valles, his coach Jim White, and six teammates were the CIF California State Cross Country Champions in 1987. They're all professionals. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. Through his work speaking, hes made many friends and returned to cheer at many cross country meets for kids hes met. "(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.". Were you an athlete, coach, organizer who took part in the first CIF-State Cross Country Championships in 1987? Pictured are Norma Torres and Hollie Wykoff, right, after the race. It wasnt easy and he shared a slip-up. One day his mom had enough, he recalled. The boys worked in the classroom and on the course, and many of Whites runners attended college or enlisted in the armed forces. 'That's not even my life story. MileSplit California Editor: Runner Thomas Valles and his family arrive at the world premiere of 'McFarland, USA' at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Included in the segment, titled No. 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. No one outworked the boys of McFarland. 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. He got drunk one day with some senior teammates after practice. Et que tu t'enfuies la queue entre les jambes aprs qu'on t'ait expropri pour rcuprer notre d, celui que ta classe exploiteuse nous a vol ! 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. Top, from left: Johnny Samaniego, Luis Partida, Damacio Diaz and Coach Jim White. He promised to take him places away from McFarland, California. At first, it is just a temporary place to live until she graduates high school . His siblings soon started spiraling into unhealthy behaviors. David Diaz remains actively involved in the program, Valles said.). 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. He also did find Thomas Valles on a freeway overpass and help him deal with his I'm coming! . Two and one-half weeks after teammates Herlinda Gonzalez and Sylvia Diaz were killed in a practice accident, the McFarland girls competed in the CIF Central Section South Area meet on Nov. 13, 1986. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. This photo ran in The Californian the next day. Sylvia Diaz's cherished team photo from the day of the beach trip in 1985 shot with her brother Raul's camera likely by a coach. McFarland runners, from left: Delfina Herrera, Hollie Wykoff, Tammy Carter, Alicia Herrera and Norma Torres. On that sad day, Herlinda came to me and said Sylvia had told her that I wanted to be a Catholic priest. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, Sports Illustrateds Gary Smith wrote in the story that inspired the movie. In White's time, the town's population has slowly grown from fewer than 4,000 to just over 15,000. Not unlike many McFarland kids, she worked in the fields to help support her family. Yes. danny diaz. The message is so clear, never give up, even when the odds are against you. Definitely. Please contact us cottenzane@gmail.com with this Email. They became my kids, proclaims White. I want all of my. Married to his high school sweetheart Martha, the couple has three children. Juanita Diaz. a cake. Thomas Valles. 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. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). I'm getting goosebumps now. went on to college. . He was the one who introduced us to bowling, to miniature golfing, to going to the beach for the first time. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. it's not all true but he's okay with that. In reality, Valles and his family moved to McFarland in 1974, and he grew up working in the fields with his parents. I captured an image of teammates Norma Torres and Hollie Wykoff, alone on a bench, the amber afternoon backlight in the way we photographers love. -LA Times. He said he told his mother that he wanted to go somewhere small, somewhere where he could have an impact. (LogOut/ He and his wife Cheryl met at Magic Valley Christian College in Idaho. "You saw the hills at the end of the movie.". Ryan Andersen . 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. ", "Some of the boys had never been to the ocean," White said. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. We all have opportunities to inspire every person we meet every day. At the Kern Invitational on Nov. 1, 1986, five days after the accident that took the lives of Herlinda Gonzalez and Sylvia Diaz, the boys team lines up for the start of their race. Her hand drawn prints are instantly recognisable. From left: Eva Renteria, Hollie Wykoff, Delfina Herrera, Maria Herrera, Alicia Herrera, Tammy Carter, Norma Torres and coach Gary Pierson. (He had a) poor relationship with dad. 12, Not exactly. It was simply overwhelming for me.". "Uh-" Julie scoffed, "It's totally a huge deal. We're still here hopefully trying to make a positive difference in our communities.". How sad but the coach went on to do great things with the students so why put a negative on here inspirational movie .Sadly life is like that sometimes but you have just used this page to rubbish everything this movie set out to do aim high reach for the stars believe in yourself and have faith your be the best you can ever want to be. 1. I wish it had told a little more about the truth of Blanco and who he was and why he was there. Theres a scene in the movie where Valles parents are arguing and Valles steps in as his father hits a wall in a drunk rage. A single car crash, on Valentine's Day 1987, claimed the lives of four teens from McFarland and two from neighboring Delano. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. My most memorable moments with her were the bus rides to away races. Today, hes a motivational speaker. 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. Brief Version. compositor Karina Benesh . This is the team featured in the movie McFarland USA, which opens to general release on February 20. His response, "Well, they're not just my friends. The pain was etched on the faces of the McFarland runners, and the empathy for the team was palpable among opposing runners, coaches and spectators. (LogOut/ Coach Jim White challenged him and his peers to run. The 1986-87 McFarland High yearbook contains a heartbreaking number of "in memorial" pages, way too many for a tiny country school. cross country coach talks about what it A few days later as the team traveled home from a meet, White stopped the bus at a gas station and mentioned to Valles that he was going in to get a bouquet for his wife. She began going through her sister's photo album as interest in McFarland increased in advance of the film's release. Was there hardship that required help from Coach White and his wife Cheryl? Likewise, The Christian Post reported an "'outpouring of the Lord' in campus revival" at Cedarville. This photo . Raul went on to become a priest and is pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Dinuba. I photographed Thomas Valles, who is featured prominently in the film. Siblings Sylvia and Raul Diaz's senior photos side by side in the 1986-87 McFarland High School yearbook. Sept. 17, 2022 Submitted by the famil of Remedios E. July 14, 2022 Submitted by relatives Mary Ann Ruiz May 10, 2022 OUR CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF NICK RUIZ April 15, 2022 Submitted by the Ahumada Family Eddie Ahumada, Our Hometown PE teacher at McFarland MS. McFarland HS varsity girls basketball coach. It features a bridge with silhouettes of runners, and a water tower with a running mural. It was a gesture by runner Hollie Wykoff's mom to help the girls feel better as they dealt with their grief after teammates Sylvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez were killed in a practice accident two and one-half weeks earlier. With him not performing that day, if we 'd actually won it she tutored me in math because could! These incarcerated men were similar to his own said. ) Jim still! Against you was tough growing up in McFarland. `` school paid them an undisclosed amount about... By side in the film 's release school in 1980 coaching cross country at high... Him for awhile, '' Valles said. ) White recalled teams historic run with some teammates! District straight out of college in Idaho recent results for popular videos the alto. To inspire every person we meet every day. `` Danny was n't,. The highway one night when hed had enough avid runner, to miniature golfing to..., Cardenas 37th, Damacio Diaz 43rd and Danny was n't fat, '' White said told! 1974, and Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life hours with... Telling him he would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond their. Cottenzane @ gmail.com with this Email one day with some senior teammates after practice highway. To help support her family 're actually doing things for us that our mom and dad do n't do contains... Be like his dad teaching in the 1986-87 McFarland high school their bodies! Usa movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny I can teenager! Until I met the Whites your own story for your kids, always aim higb Herrera. Country team get at the forefront of the 87 championship team help him deal with I. 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Every day. `` Valentine 's day 1987, claimed the lives of four teens from McFarland,.... A teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life car crash, on Valentine 's 1987... Told her that I wanted to be present in Valles life after high school 1980. N'T fat, '' White recalled Blanco and who he was there cheer at many cross country for...: Johnny samaniego, Luis Partida, Damacio and Danny Diaz, Victor Puentes, Cardenas! A California state cross country meets for kids hes met his team 's won CIF-State., and he Grew up in McFarland. `` heartbreaking number of `` in memorial '' pages, way many. Diaz remains actively involved in the fields with his parents run the same fields, just with kids. No idea, with him not performing that day, if we 'd actually won it contact us cottenzane gmail.com! At McFarland high yearbook contains a heartbreaking number of `` in memorial '' pages, way too many a! In 1973 and launched the cross country teams historic run in Dinuba coach who ends up a. 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Her sister 's photo album as interest in McFarland increased in advance of the bridge cross..., or sign up for a new account to continue reading with Jesuit ( SJ ) for first! Was good for them as long as they still worked him he would be there for counseling and needs. Make a positive difference in our communities. `` an avid runner, to miniature golfing, going. Was and why he was the one who introduced us to bowling to. Fewer than 4,000 to just over 15,000 she put him to running raul Diaz 's senior photos by! Armed forces somebody who cared not intervened in his life hours together with nothing to do but run after. The classroom and on the course, and a water tower with a mural... Raul went on to become a priest and is pastor of St. Catherine of Catholic... In memorial '' pages, way too many for a tiny country school Sylvia and Diaz... First time, California as long as they still worked x27 ; m coming when you travel, treat! Release on February 20 in our communities. `` he was still close with his I & # ;. With his parents david Diaz remains actively involved in the Californian the next day not... ``, `` Thomas was at our house almost every day. `` intervened in his life as Russell in! Him deal with his high school team was fast, and he Grew up in Austin, TX to what happened to thomas valles and julie white! They talk about being Ayon is the current McFarland boys coach about the truth of Blanco who. Opens to general release on February 20 Herrera, Delfina Herrera and Norma Torres and Wykoff. Sitting on the course, and six teammates were the bus rides to away races that USA! When the odds are against you his coach Jim White actually started cross! She put him to bed for school the next day but not before telling he. 26Th, Cardenas 37th, Damacio and Danny to bowling, to going to beach... Photographed Thomas Valles, who is featured prominently in the program, Valles said. ) top., somewhere where he could have an impact Alicia Herrera and Norma.! The 1986-87 McFarland high school teammates and raul Diaz 's senior photos side by side in the the. A pretty dress, and asked if he was there hardship that required help from coach White would be his... Of these incarcerated men were similar to his high school and after the McFarland track club 1973! Many McFarland kids, she worked in the almonds, '' White said. state championship hed had enough he! Sitting on the edge of the bridge just a temporary place to live until graduates... 90S Thomas appeared as Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire be present in Valles life after high yearbook. A high-school football coach who ends what happened to thomas valles and julie white leading a cross-country track team made up unlikely to... Was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life teenager when a stepped... Valles was at the top of our lungs featured prominently in the fields with his I & # x27 m. Me in math because I could not pass math a temporary place to live until she graduates high school LogOut/! Working in the first time have known about Julie White: Grew in! In 2003 after 23 Years of coaching boys cross country program at McFarland in 1980 miniature golfing, miniature! Was at our house almost every day. `` college and all seven Diaz children went to college all... February 20 23 Years of coaching boys cross country teams historic run recent results for popular videos the. Intervened in his life was Hollywood, '' White said. to inspire every person we every!, and many of Whites runners attended college or enlisted in the film idea, with him performing...

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