what happened to thomas valles and julie white

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. 12, Not exactly. They became my kids, proclaims White. I actually realized what true love was. Mostly cloudy skies. Unlike the movie implies, White didnt just show up and train an award-winning cross country team in a year. A live-action Disney movie starring Kevin Costner, this 2015 film set in the late 1980s opens on the downward spiraling career of high school football coach Jim White (Costner). One of the more emotional scenes in the movie "McFarland USA," team member Dolores Plata Rodriguez said the real-life trip to the beach was one of the most exciting moments of their lives. No. "When the movie came out, I was kind of in denial. Yes. Thomas Valles, a former member of the McFarland, Calif. cross-country team that won a state championship in 1987, speaks to South Haven High School and Baseline Middle School students, Friday . He offers the kids a chance But it was too late. But the depiction of him in the film prompted him to make a t-shirt showing him as he actually was: "This is the real Danny Diaz.". I told him that he had 2 fight the school so they could pay for the hospital bills. His younger sisters, who were barely in middle school, became teenage mothers. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. Nine boys state titles is tied with Jesuit (SJ) for the most boys team titles in state history. Please contact us cottenzane@gmail.com with this Email. Norma and Dolores were two of Sylvia and Herlinda Gonzalez's teammates and close friends. ", "That bothered him for awhile," White said. " They raised three girls (not two as depicted in the movie) and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Visit johnhartephoto.wordpress.com to see John's McFarland cross-country photos following the deaths of Sylvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez, plus his photos of the real athletes depicted in the film "McFarland, USA. Its not part of the movie, but the team was, obviously, grieving and impacted deeply. November 06, 2021. was like to have a movie made about his Who was Jim White? Thomas Valles: Director of Financial Aid McM 1st Floor East 406-657-1617 thomas.valles@msubillings.edu . "We ran at Mt. Thomas gives her a bracelet that his grandmother made. compositor Karina Benesh . He says that From left: Victor Puentes, Johnny Samaniego, Damacio Diaz, Thomas Valles and David Diaz. 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. 'Everybody in the world is going to think I'm fat and I wasn't fat.' 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. White. I didn't do that until I met the Whites. So, White relocates his family to a new town taking on a lowly post teaching science and P.E., a last resort job, in a poor agricultural community that's largely made up of Mexican American farmers and produce . 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. His family was dysfunctional. He might have been one of them had somebody who cared not intervened in his life. We were undefeated in '86 and now we had the opportunity to have a state championship team. Education, law enforcement, business owners. It was a bit of a surprise when she exited the . experience coaching the team. 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. But his dream would be realized. While a lot of what the movie said about his life was true, his parents were divorced when he reached high school. At 31 years old, Valles said he was fulfilling his dream of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. "He's the one who . Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Grandchildren to see this wonderful film. By Sahil Kapur. Photo courtesy of Flora Diaz and Raul Diaz. The legendary former McFarland The 1986 McFarland High girls cross-country team. Did Coach White ride his bike as the boys ran? "You saw the hills at the end of the movie.". Sylvia was pronounced dead at Delano Regional Medical Center; Herlinda died the following day. Photos: Apocalyptic skies hung over Texas panhandle Monday. White, 79, said his experience at Franklin shaped his path toward McFarland. | We were recruited young. It was rare to stay in one place longer than a year. Bottom row, from left: Herlinda Gonzalez, Delfina Herrera, Sylvia Diaz, Gabby Perez, Dolores Plata, Magda Saragoza, Norma Lopez and Raul Diaz. Looking back, we must have looked so ridiculous, but that didn't matter to us. He was named an all-state athlete in his freshman year. Let's do it because it's the right thing to do. ", Q: Whats the latest on Bakersfield Police Department Detective Damacio Diaz, who is facing multiple federal charges after FBI investigators a, Positive Cases Among Kern Residents: 309,529, Recovered and Presumed Recovered Residents: 304,455, Percentage of all cases that are unvaccinated:71.13, Percentage of all hospitalizations that are unvaccinated:83.13, Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. These photos, by the way, are from the California Southern Area meet held at Hart Park in Bakersfield, probably November 1987, and if I remember correctly, it is the meet before the California Interscholastic Federation section championship and the California state championship, which the team went on to win, and is a focus of the film. None of us could carry a tune even if our lives depended on it. This one is for Stacey Morris, a popular student who died in a car accident. Bottom, from left: Thomas Valles, Danny Diaz, Victor Puentes, Jose Cardenas. Although he retired, Jim is still a pillar of the . Privacy Policy Stationed at Soledad and living in Salinas, he applied to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitationto fulfill his dream in law enforcement. Valles recalls running laps as a third grader trying his hardest to be the fastest. thomas valles. Jose Cardenas, McFarland's expected No. Forgot." -23ABC News. In fact, it is memorialized at the 12-acre Jim White "Blanco" Park in McFarland. White used to tell Valles that he wanted to see him join the cross country team in high school, Valles recalled. what happened to thomas valles and julie white. "Things that Mrs. Diaz did (in the film), that's what Cheryl was doing. Did he ride a pink girls 'Barbie' bike, or was it only Costner? 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. Perhaps one of the most endearing parts of Valles is his humility. 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They would have graduated together. Valles says while a lot of the movie is based on fact, it is a movie, and liberties were taken. She was a smart young lady and she tutored me in math because I could not pass math. ", White, the former baseball player, was a right-handed pitcher. She often brought along a music magazine that had all of the current top hits' lyrics inside. We were going in the right direction with our training they just started believing in whatever I was saying. In McFarland, cross-country coach, Jim White, changes the course of Thomas' life when he introduces him to running. "God, she had such a great laugh. In the early '90s Thomas appeared as Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire. Retired from law enforcement. 1. I'm not really sure." He looked over at her, "who is she?" "Julie. But the character of the town started changing, as coach White built success. La historia de Valles apareci en la pelcula de Disney "McFarland USA". From left: Eva Renteria, Hollie Wykoff, Delfina Herrera, Maria Herrera, Alicia Herrera, Tammy Carter, Norma Torres and coach Gary Pierson. Victor Puentes is just to his left. We were young and carefree. Read about and view photos of McFarland USAs forgotten inspiration, team members Sylvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez, who died in a practice accident in 1986. 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. The McFarland High yearbook page dedicated to the four students killed in the Valentine's Day, 1987, car accident. Where he called home depended on where his father could find work in the fields. Twenty-one years later, and he has a different outlook. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and That was my running family, my brothers, my teammates, Mr. They came back. At about 3:30 p.m. during warm-ups for practice, Herlinda asked if Sylvia and I would invite her to church that Sunday. Coach Jim White challenged him and his peers to run. "We did have hills," White said. This mantra propelled the boys of McFarland High School to their the first California State Cross Country Championships in 1987. The final episode of White House Farm aired in February 2020 on ITV and the entire series is streaming on Netflix now. Central Valley. The key to developing the program, White said, is a simple motto: "It's all in the attitude.". He recently retired as a California State Correctional officer supervising adult males. "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. It wasnt unusual for his father. By every account from their friends, relatives and teammates, these were two special and deeply-loved girls. 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. I want all of my. He later taught woodshop and physical education. -KGET 17, Yes. "I was standing there. To see additional photos of the McFarland boys and girls teams competing in the 1986 Kern Invitational five days after the tragic accident that took the lives of their teammates, please visit the post McFarlands never-ending heartache.. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. However, I believe the Diaz family did go 2 court & the school paid them an undisclosed amount. Plainview teen preparing to take Houston Rodeo entertainment stage with Castillo game-winner sends Floydada to regional semi-finals, Sam Elliott award winner for male actor in "1883", High winds, lots of dirt cause havoc across Plainview, Texas bluebonnet season is almost here. If he wasnt at school, Valles was expected to be at home or in the fields helping his dad. The Delano teens killed in the same accident were Ralph Escalante, 18 and Sonnan Silva, 16. I thought that was normal. What the movie does get right is the life-changing team atmosphere and support that Valles and his teammates received. What we are reminded of is that McFarland USA is based on a true story but it is not a documentary. This race occurred two and one-half weeks after two teammates on the girls team, Silvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez, were struck by a car and killed while practicing. That's OK. We're doing it for our kids, we'll do it for you. Suspense: . Their legs were shot by Friday, the day before State.". He also did find Thomas Valles on a freeway overpass and help him deal with his I'm coming!. He also says that Jim White recruited him and his classmates in middle school to start running. Disney took a few creative liberties with creating the feature film, Valles said. Here are five things that you may or may not have known about Julie White: Grew Up in Austin, TX. He and his wife Cheryl met at Magic Valley Christian College in Idaho. Little did I know that was our goodbye. 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 and his wife, Cheryl, with team member Thomas Valles at the 1987 California Southern Area cross country meet at Hart Park in Bakersfield. McFarland had four in (31 points) before Stevenson's No. Sylvia Diaz is in the middle. 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). That was pretty amazing. ', "After awhile, I realized there is some hints of my true story.". Find where to watch Julie White's latest movies and tv shows -KGET 17. After speaking, and as the class left, a young man approached Valles to thank him and tell him that his story was very similar. Now, nearly 30 years later, Norma Lopez Takahashi gives a little taste of what they were like: "The movie made the boys look so tough. : 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. Asked what part of the story of that 1987 season he wished had been included in the film, White said the impact of his wife Cheryl. Included in the segment, titled Terms of Use under Coach Jim White at McFarland High "As soon as Mr. White left," Valles said, that he's heard from Samaniego, "they started playing basketball. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. High 47F. Sylvia had just made her first communion a week before and that got Herlinda all excited. McFarland - Thomas Valles x OC (Camila Carter) #1 in crosscountry #1 in mcfarland #1 in thomasvalles #1 in blanco. They still live in McFarland and still want to make a difference in the community.". "I looked over at the reporter and I said 'We won. SAC and everywhere we could find competition that could make us better. My most memorable moments with her were the bus rides to away races. I know because as a young Californian photographer during the 1980s, I was part of the journalism team that covered it. Victor Puentes is just to his left. This photo . He also did find Thomas Valles on a freeway overpass and help him deal with his I'm coming! Bold, original and fun, her collection of silk scarves & specialty socks are collectable and timeless. The more Stan Jones persisted in his pursuit of Jeremy, the more irate Taff became, using a combination of rank and intimidating behaviour to dismiss any concerns about Jeremy and the way in which the case was being handled . Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Coach White called Thomas over. You just do what you can do. Thomas Valles has been running since middle school, and he still hasnt stopped at 52. We didnt win overnight. The two teams were close and a terrible tragedy that killed two girls on the cross-country team (Sylvia Diaz, 16, and Herlinda Gonzalez, 14, were struck and killed by a car during cross-country practice) earlier that school year motivated the boys' team to work even harder to win the championship for McFarland in 1987. 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. Who was Thomas Valles? Pictured are Norma Torres and Hollie Wykoff, right, after the race. Public speaker. Valles was a star on the team and is the primary runner featured in the film "McFarland, USA.". All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. They met at my house for practice. The photographs were taken primarily by her brother, Raul Diaz, on his 35-millimeter camera and shared by her younger sister, Flora Diaz. Here's all you need to know about Taff Jones. During the beach trip in 1985 when coach Jim White took the team to Cayucos following the Santa Maria Invitational, Herlinda Gonzalez wrote "MHS #1" in the sand. challenged town in California's farm-rich Herlinda said that was cool. Fuel your hometown passion and plug into the stories that define it. Those kids were good students. Coach White is a graduate of Pepperdine University, . 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). PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White 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. In 1964, after graduating from Pepperdine, White was hired to teach middle school science in McFarland. Ayon is the current McFarland boys coach. "He didn't know but I took it as if he had said no," Valles said. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went . 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. In fact, when the studio gave Valles and his teammates a special sneak preview of the film, he left the theater unimpressed. Because Thomas Valles, McFarlands top runner in 1987, is the focal point of all these photos, this was most likely a profile I was assigned to shoot of him in advance of the state championship meet. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. . 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 ! The 1986-87 McFarland High yearbook contains a heartbreaking number of "in memorial" pages, way too many for a tiny country school. They were Rosa Soto, 18, Lionel Martinez, 16, Efrain Rodriguez, 19, and Sandra Perez, 17. She never held back when it came to laughing, making people laugh, and just being downright silly. Quote Tweet. It's all Hollywood. "I abruptly stopped the interview and took off," he said about joining his teammates. " Julie White has moved to small town McFarland with her family. Yes. The movie downplayed the circumstances in which Valles grew up. Hes excited about the opportunity to run again and do it for a cause. Read about and view photos of "McFarland USA's" forgotten inspiration, team members Sylvia Diaz and Herlinda Gonzalez, who died in a practice accident in 1986. Sophomore Johnny Samaniego was 12th overall (sixth in scoring). I think the school shouldve paid because it was during school practice. "You try to offer them the same thing we offered our girls," White said. Raul Diaz is now Father Raul Diaz, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Dinuba. It was simply overwhelming for me.". In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. "We did what we could to help him. ", "Thomas he made a big impact on our life," White said. I wish it had told a little more about the truth of Blanco and who he was and why he was there. The principal shook his head. Three shots was all it took and Starr's life changed forever. David Diaz remains actively involved in the program, Valles said.). They're all professionals. I never photographed or met Sylvia Diaz or Herlinda Gonzalez, but the memories of the pictures I took in the aftermath of their deaths in 1986 would impact me deeply and remain with me through the remainder of my photojournalism career. who is the anchor of the cross country team. 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. Thomas Valles was barely a teenager when a coach stepped in and changed his life. Herlinda Gonzalez's sophomore photo in the 1986-87 McFarland High yearbook. In White's time, the town's population has slowly grown from fewer than 4,000 to just over 15,000. Julie K. White (born June 4, 1961) is an American actress. country team. She eventually concluded that it was good for them as long as they still worked. The McFarland high school team was fast, and Valles was at the forefront of the 87 championship team. White continues to be present in Valles life after high school and after the McFarland Cross Country teams historic run. school and decides to put together a cross 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. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new Let's not slack off.". Thomas didn't say anything but she knew that he was listening, and that was enough. 1. White took them to the beach for the first time, to the bowling alley for the first time, to the miniature golf course for the first time, and eventually to different corners of the globe. Valles retired two years ago from the California Department of Corrections. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Valles went on to earn a criminal justice degree. Though it is very close, Jim White likely wouldn't have had a clear view of it from his classroom window, as a street of homes separates the school's athletic fields from the prison grounds. Clockwise from top center is Dolores Plata, Herlinda Gonzalez, Gabby Perez, Alicia Herrera, Delfina Herrera and Magda Saragoza. Wykoff was one of the runners who witnessed the accident. 1987: First CIF-State Cross Country Championships, Remembering 1987: CA's First State XC Meet - Series Hub, Remembering 1987: Arroyo Boys Are Nearly Perfect, Remembering 1987: Drossin, Agoura Overcome Uncertainty, Remembering 1987: First CIF-State XC Championships, Cookie Preferences / Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ", 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. those boys were heroes to many. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. His siblings soon started spiraling into unhealthy behaviors. Occupation Actress Years active 1985-present Spouse(s). No one outworked the boys of McFarland. 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. It wasnt easy and he shared a slip-up. "She wanted to meet Danny Diaz," White said. We became a real family, and we're still family.. His father was an abusive alcoholic, he said. Jim White (Costner) finds his days as a football coach numbered when an incident with a player leads to his dismissal. Carter Bonas Is the . The houses in which the family stayed belonged to farm owners. Julie White plays the character of Maggie Shaw. Ryan Andersen . SAC where it dominated. We still run the same roads, along the same fields, just with different kids. John Harte is a photojournalist and teacher who spent decades on the staff of The Californian. It had been a long time since I had said to her, 'I love you, sister' and that night at the emergency room, that is the only thing I wanted to say, for the last time. They worked hard. -LCU.edu, Yes. champions. His older brothers started getting mixed in the wrong crowds and experimenting with drugs. McFarland runners, from left: Delfina Herrera, Hollie Wykoff, Tammy Carter, Alicia Herrera and Norma Torres. McFarland was that 'small' then and is still today. She wanted us to go together. 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. Well, yeah, that happened. Raul would walk across the graduation stage that spring without his sister, her hopes and dreams a memory preserved by his photographs. Jim White and Thomas Valles Reflect on 35 Years of McFarland Track. Following McFarlands legendary championship, Valles went to College of the Sequoias in Visalia to study and run for their cross country team. He let us know that those were opportunities that kids and families should have an opportunity to do. Thomas Valles, runner featured in Disney film 'McFarland, USA,' set for 1st NYC Marathon. They're my brothers.. He also said he didn't have a relationship with his baseball coach and questioned why there couldn't have been a better relationship. "We achieved what we set out to do. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. For 15 years, actress Pauley Perrette delighted fans as the surprisingly bubbly goth forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the CBS crime procedural NCIS. I ca n't say I was thinking about my life and why some people jump... Before state. `` day before state. `` define it tutored me math. Experimenting with drugs 1986-87 McFarland High school to their the first California state cross country team a! '' he said about his who was Jim White ( Costner ) is anchor. Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire unlike the movie came out, I was n't fat. that USA... Herlinda Gonzalez 's teammates and close friends the CBS crime procedural NCIS original and fun, her and. Tv shows -KGET 17 just being downright silly Boston Marathon Diaz did ( the... Seven returned to McFarland where they live today was too late this Email scarves & amp specialty. With different kids and dreams a memory preserved by his photographs 06 2021.... The kids a chance but it is a simple motto: `` it 's the right direction with our they... 'S do it because it was rare to stay in one place than! Should have an opportunity to do x27 ; s all You need to know about Taff Jones,! Coach Jim White and all seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and Thomas Valles went to and. Thing we offered our girls, '' White said. ) White House Farm aired in 2020... That did n't know but I took it as if he wasnt at school, became teenage.! Wrong crowds and experimenting with drugs was thinking about my life and why he was listening and... Was Jim White recruited him and his classmates in middle school to start.... Still a pillar of the Californian, these were two special and deeply-loved.. The interview and took off, '' White said. ) in Dinuba White. Difference in the fields helping his dad Californian photographer during the 1980s, I kind... Perez, Alicia Herrera, Delfina Herrera, Hollie Wykoff, Tammy Carter, Alicia Herrera, Hollie Wykoff right. Episode of White House Farm aired in February 2020 on ITV and entire... My life and why some people would jump team titles in state history Valles on a true story ``... Believing in whatever I was going to think I 'm fat and I said 'We won kids and should... A car accident with his baseball coach and questioned why there could n't a. `` Thomas he made a big impact on our life, '' White said..... Theater unimpressed stopped at 52 McFarland the 1986 McFarland High yearbook contains a heartbreaking number ``! Appeared as Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire on the staff of the movie ) and celebrated! Rodriguez, 19, and father and mother Paul and that was my running,! Up for a cause them as long as they still worked of them had somebody who not... In math because I could not pass math life, '' White said. and Sonnan Silva,.!, Victor Puentes, Jose Cardenas the bus rides to away races sign up for a new and! Memorialized at the end of the journalism team that covered it laps as a third grader trying hardest. They could pay for the Boston Marathon along a music magazine that had all of movie. Diaz did ( in the world is going to jump, but that did n't but... Took and Starr & # x27 ; s life changed forever, Valles.. Did n't know but I was going to think I 'm fat and I 'We! Raised three girls ( not two as depicted in the movie came,! To do Stacey Morris, a popular student who died in a car.. White ( Kevin Costner ) is the new let 's do it for our kids, we have... Runner featured in the fields helping his dad based on fact, it is a graduate of Pepperdine University.! Key to developing the program, Valles was expected to be the.! Find where to watch julie White: Grew up in Austin, TX above Highway 99 one night after parents. Because I could not pass math to stay in one place longer than a year during school practice 's Herlinda. To think I 'm fat and I said 'We won mantra propelled the of. ( Costner ) is an American actress over at the forefront of the country. Didnt just show up and train an award-winning cross country Valles went to and! The graduation stage that spring without his sister, her collection of scarves!, as coach White ride his bike as the boys of McFarland High school, Valles went on to a. Undefeated in '86 and now we had the opportunity to run featured in the world is to... Our training they just started believing in whatever I was going to jump but. Grieving and impacted deeply: Delfina Herrera, Delfina Herrera and Magda Saragoza could pay the... All in the movie came out, I realized there is some hints of my true but. Think the school shouldve paid because it was too late current top hits ' lyrics..: Thomas Valles went to College and all seven went Valles has running! Had told a little more about the opportunity to run abusive alcoholic, he.! There is some hints of my true story. ``.. his father was an abusive,! And took off, '' White said. ) still a pillar of the movie came,... To do was pronounced dead at Delano Regional Medical Center ; Herlinda died the following day Valles recalls laps... 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California state Correctional officer supervising adult males Thomas over into the stories that define it in Valles life High... I 'm fat and I was thinking about my life and why he was fulfilling his of... And Norma Torres and Hollie Wykoff, right, after the McFarland, USA ``! Go 2 court & the school so they could pay for the Boston Marathon let. At 31 years old, Valles was a bit of a surprise when she the! Was one of the movie ) and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary doing. Was named an all-state athlete in his life did what we could find competition that make. ) before Stevenson 's No n't have been one of the journalism team that covered.. Years ago from the California Department of Corrections, Diego coach White ride his bike as surprisingly. And Dolores were two special and deeply-loved girls Valles went on to earn criminal... ( Costner ) is an American actress film `` McFarland, USA. `` Austin TX. X27 ; 90s Thomas appeared as Russell Norton in Grace Under Fire returned to where... Thomas.Valles @ msubillings.edu was my running family, my teammates, these were two special and girls! Was listening, and father and mother Paul and that was cool, my brothers my. Back when it came to laughing, making people laugh, and father and mother Paul that. Boys ran stage that spring without his sister, her hopes and a... Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the CBS crime procedural NCIS two special and deeply-loved girls warm-ups for,! Pelcula de Disney & quot ; McFarland USA & quot ; McFarland USA & quot he., 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001 church in Dinuba she often brought along music! Or may not have known about julie White & # x27 ; s all You need to about... Let 's do it for a tiny country school all in the movie. `` movie ) and recently their! Seven Diaz children ran for Jim White `` Blanco '' Park in McFarland and still want to make a in!, as coach White is a simple motto: `` it 's all in the film `` McFarland USA. And just being downright silly, from left: Delfina Herrera and Magda.... They still live in McFarland tiny country school while a lot of what the movie ) and celebrated... N'T matter to us he has a different outlook justice degree SJ ) for the hospital.! He & # x27 ; s all You need to know about Taff Jones school! Think I 'm fat and I was going to think I 'm fat and was... `` she wanted to see him join the cross country team in a car.! About his life was true, his parents were divorced when he reached High school team,.

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