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. [Turning to Camera 2] And since were talking about speech, heres a word from our sponsor. David Oyelowo stars in this drama about a med student whose life is upended when her husband is incarcerated, from Selma director Ava DuVernay. Hopefully, this type of inspiration of young people is something repeated in the U.S. and other countries in sports and education year after year. As he settled into his new home, he maintained the life of a homebody. It made me rethink the choices that Ive made in the past, because I had a bad past. We won't share this comment without your permission. Thomas Valles runs in the 1986 CIF South Area championships at Hart Park in Bakersfield. These days, the announcing business looks nothing like it looked two generations ago. This finally gave me the strength to say, You know what? Jon Brand, being the tempered bully that he is, threatens to violently beat Mikey up unless he pays him $500, the estimated street value of his drugs. 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. Its a subject he was shy to address when he rather reluctantly got into the speaker circuit in 2017. Based on a true story, the movie stars Kevin Costner as the team's coach, who's determined to guide a bunch of farm workers' kids into a team that's good. On one of those occasions, is dehydrated and needs something to re-hydrate himself. Even high school wrestlers get more screen time than high school runners. Although there are a few mature themes regarding class and privilege, as well as a couple of instances of fist fights, a possible suicide attempt, a knife fight that lands a couple of kids in the hospital, and a father who's aggressive toward his family, there are also tons of positive messages about teamwork, cooperation, and community. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). But thanks to the film, hes been given a new lease on life. Like any sport, the playing field isnt always level. The savior is only the facilitator. Good responses include: 1) farm labor is very, very hard; 2) if you apply yourself, you can achieve great things; 3) families should stick together, even in hard times like the families of the workers and the coach's family; 4) there is a great value in Hispanic culture, especially in the strength of the family; 5) our country works best when there we accept people of all different cultures and combine together to be Americans, like coach White and his students. Many of the students are working in the fields by age 10 to help support their families. He has brown almost red hair and greenish-grey eyes. How does Coach Whites attitude toward the boys change during the course of the movie? Draw your own conclusions. In fact, when the studio gave Valles and his teammates a special sneak preview of the film, he left the theater unimpressed. Dozens of his runners have ended up going to college or into the armed forces, then returning to work as teachers at local schools or guards in one of the areas many prisons. What is the most remarkable thing about the story of the McFarland High School Cross-Country Team, the coach or the success of the boys who have made up the teams? His first game in the postseason that year was against the Seahawks, led by fellow rookie Russell Wilson. S.E. Thomas Valles, David Diaz and Amador Ayon are former McFarland cross country runners who continue to coach current runners. 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. They are both quite remarkable. 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. The boys manage to help their families and still run for the team. Christopher still possesses limited communication skills. class, Jim, who sits in the bleachers and barks out orders to run laps, notices how fast some of his students areeven after working in the fields before coming to school. Google best high school cross country running movies and you getwellyou get a 2008 documentary called The Long Green Line. With the draft almost here, lets break down the featured TV announcers for the major networks You can help us help kids by Underdog films proliferate around sport stories and this is no exception. Why is McFarland, USA rated PG? What actions does the coach take to help the boys better themselves? Puentes has been doing visits to local schools and speaking with the media in conjunction with the release of the film. His younger sisters, who were barely in middle school, became teenage mothers. As a parent herself, she believes parents play a powerful role in teaching media literacy in their homes. This is a poignant, uplifting tale, even though there's a certain predictability in movies about sports underdogs. USATF Mountain Running Championships Results, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Read on for the full list: Kevin Costner stars in this Certified Fresh sports drama, based on true events, about a high school cross country coach who leads his predominantly Mexican-American team to the state championship. Get personalized recommendations. Why did Thomas feel reluctant to trust White or the idea that the future could be better? Valles story is a special one because he grew up working in the fields with his family, so opportunities like these were very rare. He throws a beer bottle at a wall and then punches the wall as well. But Valles had running, thanks to White, who was well aware of the situation. He also is the prime example of friendship. Like a scene from the movie, he found himself at a bridge on the highway one night when hed had enough. And the results? 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. With that in mind, he does more than just push the boys on the race course. Craig Virgin, now 59, was a cross country monster in his day. Characters discuss people who have done prison time. Though Puentes doesnt see much of himself in the films portrayal, he says thats not whats important. Over the past year, thanks in part to the movie, Puentes began cleaning up his act and is no longer using drugs. One thing he doesnt like is fighting. 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. Why do you think it's so meaningful to root for the underdog? His parents died when he was little so his brothers, Darry. They still have a home in McFarland, and after Jim retired, they bought one in the nearby mountains, too, "where the air is cleaner." He gave of himself, fully, year after year, with sensitivity and insight. I like Danny, because he never gave up even though he was not the best on the team at first, and I do not really identify as this character. When we needed something, she tried her best to provide for us, even though we had our own families. 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. ABC will feature a second set, with Sunday NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder joining Robert Griffin III for more insights and analysis. One of Ozus finest works, Late Spring is the tale of a widower who pretends to be engaged so he can convince his lonely daughter to enter into a marriage of her own and leave the family nest. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. Here's who we can expect to see on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. He is a mysterious kid and not much is known about him and his background at the start. Its not about me, its not about the other runners. Possible suicide attempt. Wondered what he did and what he was like? Did you know you can flag iffy content? I just dont need it anymore. 1. Here are the latest criminal case disposition reports for 64th DC for 11-month-old daughter of Lorenzen Wright dies. In Caminar Carlos,the main character is very risking-taking and very honest.Imagine that danger is going on in your village and nobody is man enough to step up and try to stop it but you are the only one that is and you have to risk your life to save your lovely village. I had positive people in my life through sport, said Valles. Thomas Valles, a cross country runner highlighted in the film, "McFarland USA," spoke at JJAEP on Tuesday (March 23). But that doesn't mean you don't tear up when it finally happens. The other main employer in town is a prison. Danny Diaz is now a counselor at McFarland High School. Live TV Schedule and Coverage for Rounds 2 & 3. Who Is Singing the National Anthem at the 2023 NFL Draft? A man loses his job because of his temper. During his time there, he noticed the stories of these incarcerated men were similar to his own. One day he got a call from White reminding him why he was in school. Coach White is dismissed after throwing a cleat too close to his QB's head, making the player's cheek bleed. Darry is important to me because he shows how to be a good person. The NFL is about to witness human flight?, No, Chet, its a figure of speech. If you expect greatness from someone, they'll try to achieve it; but if you expect nothing, they won't try at all. One day, White follows one of his students, Thomas (Carlos Pratts), who can run an almost five-minute mile. Valles admits he didnt quite understand at the time. In 1987 he was a runner for the McFarland High Cross Country team. I eventually enjoyed this film even though it glides over systemic issues that would help explain why the small town is so depressed, but you knowDisney doing what Disney does, mainly wallpapering over depictions of why things are the way that they are and focusing on how one singular person can make a difference against a few token odds. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland follows high school coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), whose job-hopping leads him to predominantly Latino McFarland High School, located in an agricultural community in Californias farm-rich Central Valley. My character, Ponyboy Curtis, is an intelligent and caring kid who is the youngest child in the Curtis family. The boy contemplates suicide. Its hard to believe those two guys faced off in their first playoff appearances, and that Washington actually led 14-0, with Seattle finally taking the lead midway through the fourth quarter. Based on a true story, the movie stars Kevin Costner as the team's coach, who's determined to guide a bunch of farm workers' kids into a team that's good enough to compete in the state's first cross-country championship. Director Niko Caro (Whale Rider, North Country) changes that and turns the camera on the sport of distance running in McFarland, USA. Its about McFarland. The principal is hesitantunderstandably. See the estimate, review home details, and search for homes nearby. With the draft almost here, lets break down the featured TV announcers for the major networks covering the event. But when Jimmy kills Shawns kid in order to save his sons life, he finds his old buddy gunning for him. On ESPN, two-time host Mike Greenberg will be back for a third straight year, providing play-by-play insights for the first two days of the draft. Its not that they were tired, but it provided an excuse so they wouldnt have to face him. You can also check with your school or look for local running groups to join. Hinton, author of The Outsiders, tells a story about two gangs in Oklahoma that hate each other. Valles went to the College of the Sequoias in Visalia and was on their cross country team. Liam Neeson plays Jimmy, a broken-down mob assassin with a long personal and professional history with crime boss Shawn (Ed Harris). A mother shouts at her husband and asks whether he's going to hit her. A knife fight lands a couple of kids in the hospital. Liam Neeson plays Jimmy, a broken-down mob assassin with a long personal and professional history with crime boss Shawn (Ed Harris). The movie made me a better person, Puentes told Runners World Newswire. He admittedly partied too much during his sophomore year and became ineligible. He also enjoyed acting and took the lead in several church and school plays. I had a career with the California Department of Corrections after serving in the coast guard for four years," Valles said. Its changed my confidence. Enter disgraced high-school coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), who in 1987 moves his wife (Maria Bello) and two daughters to McFarland to teach gym. Valles grew up in a migrant family. By Sandie Angulo Chen, He later joined the U.S. Coast Guard. Im not cocky. What are the positive things? Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. They took him home and knocked on his front door. 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. Like any studio, Disney has had some hits and misses over the years. Therefore, the gang was the closest thing to a family he had. Valles told the kids he and his siblings would get to bed early on the nights his dad went out for drinks. They had to work in the fields in the early morning and still had to find time to train in a rural community in California. In which scenes is it shown? WebMcFARLAND, 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. The program, which is run by Eddie Subealdea, chief juvenile probation officer for Hale County, is an alternative placement program. 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. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. Challenges viewers not to judge others by stereotypes and to move past whatever antiquated notions they have about what and who is "American." (You're not going to expect them to lose if someone has bothered to make a movie about them.) He shows a lot of good traits like kindness and perseverance. * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a News Tip, Karl Lagerfeld legacy showcased in Met exhibit, Tips for dealing with flood-related losses after the storm, Manhunt enters 3rd day for alleged Texas mass killer. All rights reserved. Suggested Response: They learned the value of discipline and that with hard work they could compete with and beat students from wealthier and more privileged backgrounds. Violence: A man throws a shoe at a boy and causes a bloody cut on his face. I give my thanks to her because shes the foundation of [that] home and she opened her doors to every single runner that went through [the program].. Disneys McFarland stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, Chris Ellis, Johnny Ortiz, Hector Duran, Sergio Avelar, Michael Aguero, Rafael Martinez and Ramiro Rodriguez and is directed by Niki Caro with screenplay by Grant Thompson. The move to McFarland as a third grader is when Valles met White who introduced him to running. 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. Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. A character is shot in an off-screen gang fight. And thats a boon for viewers seeking a flood of knowledge about every player and every team. 'McFarland' Movie Helps One of Original Runners Get Back On Track, For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film. He sees that he's been prejudiced about McFarland; by the end of the movie, he knows it's his home. 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. The movie downplayed the circumstances in which Valles grew up. Underdog, fish out of water, and the sentimental feel goods that encourage just a tear or twothis film has all of that. Dozens of Coach Jim Whites runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide. If the NFL had been this big in the mid-1960s and had been televised on NBC, Chet Huntley and David Brinkley might have tag-teamed on all 20 rounds, with Huntley providing straight commentary and Brinkley bringing the pizzazz. 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. 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. Will falls for one of the bands new members (Vanessa Hudgens), and finds he must navigate the minefield of his emotions while preparing his charges for a battle of the bands. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Thomas Valles, one of the real-life runners featured in the Disney film 'McFarland, USA,' is taking part in his first New York City Marathon. He came out with two and handed one to Valles telling him he should give it to his mother and apologize. In conclusion Darry always sticks around his buddies in bad times and good times. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. By the time he hit junior high, he was one of the fastest runners among his peers and White took notice. Where is Billy Fyre now? suggesting a diversity update. All Rights Reserved. "We persevered, especially me, through sport. How did the other teams underestimate the McFarland boys? 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. The Disney film 'McFarland, USA' was released in 2015 and is based on the true story of a team of novice runners from a predominantly Latino high school in rural California which guided to greatness under the leadership of an outsider, coach Jim White. He said your story back then is mine now, Valles recalled. A man is shown washing blood off of a parking lot. Thomas Valles runs in the 1986 CIF South Area championships at Hart Park in Bakersfield. Available now on: Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play. Shayne offers to help Mikey solve his problem with Jon by using his ninja-style combat skills. 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. Some things he enjoys are watching movies, and running. 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. A mother cuffs her children to get them out of bed. WebWhere are McFarland runners now? He was more than a coach. In Chaim Potoks The Chosen, Danny Saunders is a Hasidic Jew with an amazing mind, who lives with his tzaddik father, Rebbe Isaac Saunders, and all of his followers. In the movie, Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a high school teacher and coach who lets his temper flare up way too often. His father was an abusive alcoholic, he said. He also works with students living in low-income neighborhoods. I kind of feel the aches and pains in my calves, in one of my knees," Valles said. Disney took a few creative liberties with creating the feature film, Valles said. Which brand-named product was featured in this film? His mom called White who hopped in his vehicle and set out to find Valles and talked him down when he found him. NFL Live and SEC Nation host Laura Rutledge and college football expert Pete Thamel will provide additional commentary. Ponyboy Curtis is from the novel The Outsiders. He coached Valles in elementary physical education. He was inspired by how far Valles had come. He stressed the importance of Whites impact. A girl is also injured in it. He is Mexican and despite his troubled attitude, he is quite intelligent. How does his view of the boys change after he spends the day working in the fields with them? Hes also the youngest. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The McFarland runners take off at the start of the South Area championships at Hart Park in Bakersfield, California on November 13, 1986. Jim White is, in truth, a man who made an amazing impact on the community of McFarland. Jon becomes very abusive to Mikeys sister, Marie, which is something she does not realize until a long time. Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide. Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Lots of Coke (also Cherry Coke) in the movie. "Hollywood came calling one day and, you know, was interested in talking about our lives on the big screen," Valles said. On Tuesday, Valles shared a more in-depth version with students at the JJAEP with the hope of inspiring them. The point is, you cannot save anyone who doesn't want to be saved. It was rare to stay in one place longer than a year. The runners of McFarland developed chemistry in the fields, yes, but in their own Latino culture as well. Dallas Winston is a violent, wild, and bitter kind of guy. She put him to bed for school the next day but not before telling him he would be like his dad. 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. The community puts on a touching quinceaera for her, making it clear that White -- whom the kids affectionately call Blanco -- is one of them. From 1987 to 2003, his team won nine state championships in Divisions III Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. He especially loved football and was liked for his enthusiasm and pride. Leonel Manzano The Real people of McFarland USA- You may remember the Disney Movie McFarland USA, the story about a high school cross country team who defied the odds. Parents need to know that McFarland, USA is an inspiring sports drama about a Mexican-American cross-country team from rural California. The reason his role is different is because he is the unspoken leader. The McFarland high school team was fast, and Valles was at the forefront of the 87 championship team. Valles held him to that promise. Since he graduated from Californias McFarland High School in 1989, he has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison. What did the boys learn from their experience running for the McFarland High School Cross-Country Team? One day his mom had enough, he recalled. After losing his job in Boise, his only option is to move his family to McFarland, California where he gets a position in a high school beleaguered with poverty, teen pregnancy and gangs. Late during the 2016 campaign, rookie catcher Gary Sanchez exploded on the scene, blasting home runs at a record pace (he hit 20 in only 201 at-bats) after his call up to the big leagues in early August. Now is your chance. trying to go anywhere after about 3 oclock is a nightmare. Ponyboy is a greaser from the east side of town and has long, greasy hair. She knew that some of us needed a little bit more. But most of all, Darry portrays a person with a nice caring. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. 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 He is a drug addict who is physically violent to Marie and gets her to start using drugs. Coach White isn't perfect but means well and is devoted to his runners, and the portrayal of the students and their families is nuanced and uplifting -- most of the boys have hardworking, loving, intergenerational families. His older brothers started getting mixed in the wrong crowds and experimenting with drugs. Foster said the five former McFarland runners were trailblazers in another way. Valles is now a motivational speaker and speaks at schools all over the world. Disney took a few creative liberties with creating the feature film, Valles said. Now in teal., MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades. Gaelan Connell stars as a David Bowie-obsessed kid whos asked to manage the band of a would-be singer-songwriter (Alyson Michalka). [4] The film also stars Maria Bello and Morgan Saylor . 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. Valles said his coach, Jim White, recruited him and his classmates in middle school to start running and they received a lot of support from the community. Did you know you can flag iffy content? At a cross-country race almost 30 years ago, the gun sounds and the seven boys from McFarland High burst across the starting line amid a stampede of runners from around the state. Valles went on to earn a criminal justice degree. Shows that you can befriend your neighbors and be part of a community, as long as that community is welcoming. My parents always encouraged us to work hard.. But when Jimmy kills Shawns kid in order to save his sons life, he finds his old buddy gunning for him. And he considers Coach Whites wife, Cheryl, to be an unsung heroine of the story. How do the characters in McFarland, USA demonstrate teamwork and communication? Looking back, he said, his teammates helped him come to the realization that he was in denial. 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. Why are these important character strengths? Puentes said his troubles didnt begin until after high school. Release date February 20, 2015 Violence C+ Sexual Content B Profanity B- Substance Use B- Why is McFarland, USA rated PG? Like ESPNs Suzy Kolber, Melissa Stark will interview the draftees after theyve been picked. But sports movies seem to be one genre where the studio consistently captures the spirit of the underdog, the incredible work ethnic needed to succeed and the strength of a team. NFL Draft Concert Series: Kansas City Headlining Acts Revealed, What Time Does the 2023 NFL Draft Start Today? Mikey, with his nonchalant attitude, unwisely trashes his marijuana. 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. Jim is hired to teach physical education and life science, but his goal is to put in just enough time to repair his resume and get a better job at a more prestigious school. Danny Diaz is now a counselor at McFarland. His mother answered and immediately saw the signs. One man makes suggestive motions toward Julie, prompting the family to leave faster.