les informations, l'actualit de la voile en Rhne. Not immigrant no more. Flying with the birds through the groves 'McFarland, USA' film revives long-buried memory for runner Jim Price, a janitor at the high school, let me live with his family. It was awkward doing the red carpet, he says, but it was a lot of fun.. 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, A journalist who covered the 1987 race remembers this moving moment when Thomas Valles, who is a prominent character in the film, ponders the deaths of Sylvia and Herlinda before the championship race: Here was the star runner, just a kid, bringing his hands to his face in prayer and keeping them there for what seemed an eternity before the start of his race The loss of Sylvia and Herlinda followed their teammates into 1987, the year of the boys first state cross-country victory., One of the runners, David Diaz, said this to the same journalist about the tragedys effect: The tragedy that happened to McFarland cross-country that year (1986), I believe, catapulted many of us to run with more heart in the following years. The community teams up with the White family to raise money for better uniforms for the cross-country team, and they throw a delightful quinceaera party for Julies 15th birthday. McFarland, USA (also known as McFarland) is a 2015 American sports drama film directed by Niki Caro, produced by Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray, written by Christopher Cleveland, Bettina Gilois and Grant Thompson with music composed by Antnio Pinto. The state championships arrive, and the entire town of McFarland comes to support the team. But lets talk about that race. I wish I could say I never fell short of working hard; I often do. Cardenas, however, returned recently from the movie's premiere in Los Angeles with mixed feelings. . The home theyve bought is old and run-down, and the family experiences culture shock. Cardenas admits hes had mixed reactions about the movie. Costner gives Whites lessons learned late genuine weight. You were and are a team player. Every word was right on. and it was also nice of Mr Cardenas to reply your letter this only shows how honorable man he is. 1 May 2023. (LogOut/ In 1999, police caught him driving a meth dealer around, and he was convicted of drug conspiracy. He then worked at an institution in Soledad, California, followed by a job at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility in Corcoran, California. His journey from McFarland was pushed by his love for writing. A part of the region of Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes situated in the eastern France, the town of Aix-les-Bains is a part of the Savoie department and is a small community established on an amazing natural setting, in the highlands of the Alps. They call us pochos sometimes.". "The main crop was almonds. A caption says what became of me, a sort of champ in my own life too, I guess. He would often buy shoes and food for his runners. : I love that his story continues to inspire so many people. Upon his release, he returned to college to continue his education and landed a quality job on a ranch. McFarland USA Film, Jose Cardenas' Poem. - YouTube KGET TV-17, an NBC affiliate in Bakersfield, California, created this Emmy-nominated segment that tells the story of McFarland High Schools legendary cross country program and the family, and coach, that helped mold a town. Learning from the film McFarland USA: As a leader, make a difference in Movies. He started coaching the high school cross-country teams in 1980, not 1987. By this point, the team and the sport have become the great pride and joy of the community. Its a beautiful story of perseverance, teamwork and community! You have permission to edit this article. Gang problems, as depicted in the film, were a real issue in McFarland. Your contribution is so appreciated. The rest of the film was shot around Los Angeles and in Camarillo, California. Damacio Diaz went to college, then became a police officer and a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department as a detective. He still follows local cross-country avidly and despite the artistic license of the film, he enjoyed the movie greatly. He's fighting to get back to the country he and his family have served for decades. The family quickly goes home. Coach Jim White, whom the team called "Blanco," persuaded Cardenas to switch from football to cross-country. He Served in the U.S. Military, But That Didn't Stop His Deportation. The reality is much less dramatic: he started teaching in the McFarland school district in 1964 and only middle school after graduating from Pepperdine University. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Andrea Riseborough flap prompts most significant Oscar campaign rules change in decades, Looking for fun this Cinco de Mayo weekend? You deserve the accolades and life you have been given due to your hard work! (Erika Aguilar/KQED News) The California Report They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. "They do kind of make fun of us because we dont speak the language. McFarland, USA Movie Photos and Stills | Fandango The land is ours. The father agrees. The final climactic race in the film happened exactly as it happened in real life, including all of the drama. I think its a pretty darn big deal.. McFarland, USA 2015 Stars: Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport Rating: PG Runtime: 129 minutes Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. Published 12:00 am Friday, March 27, 2015. The town and running are synonymous. Before the class ends, their mother forces the brothers to leave class to go work in the fields. McFarland, USA - Wikipedia Jim White retired from coaching and still lives in . He says McFarland, a small town south of Fresno, in California's San Joaquin Valley, was more urban and less ethnically polarized than is pictured in the movie. The movie opens Friday. McFARLAND, USA - Teach with Movies Mcfarland High School Class of 2011 Ricardo Carmona . Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France is located at France country in the Towns place category with the gps coordinates of 45 41' 18.5964'' N and 5 54' 55.0800'' E. Coordinates of Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France is given above in both decimal degrees and God Bless. I wish you and your family all the best. We are real close. All season we had dreamed of winning Californias first high school cross-country state championship. McFarland USA poem by Cardenas - YouTube Jim buys Julie a nice dress and has a wonderful time with Julie at the party, even dancing with his daughter who is overwhelmed with joy. Beautiful family. Im so glad my essay from 2015 found you in 2022. Jim White and his wife Cheryl have three daughters. Courtyard by Marriott has donated a room, and Cheerwine has donated bottled water for Saturday. Jim White represents the very best of the best, a quiet, graceful man who somehow let these kids know what was possible, he says. And there was cotton," he said. His teams won nine championships in 14 years. His wife Cheryl, who tirelessly supported her husband and his coaching, described the runners this way: These kids are like our own kids and grandkids. On the way home, Jim stops by the beach in Cayucos and lets the runners have an afternoon of fun there because theyve never seen the ocean before. Victor Puentes served a sentence at the penitentiary, but continued his education and got a good job. It happens to all runners at least once, she says. But I found no mitigation for my pain in the movie, which portrays the team as an upstart group of runners who start out losing races but improve quickly to win the state championship. McFarland, USA (2015) Vanessa Martinez: Maria Marisol. Jose Cardenas, left, and actor Johnny Ortiz attend the premiere of Disneys McFarland, USA at the El Capitan Theatre on Feb. 9, 2015, in Hollywood, California. He was drafted and served in the Army's 82nd Airborne division between 1970 and 1972. His arrest was a big shock to the community because he had been so well-loved and respected. The mantra at our house has all ways been that good luck and opportunity comes through HARD WORK. "They wanted the farm kids in the movie," Cardenas said. He also did find Thomas Valles on a freeway overpass and help him deal with his family problems. Running 8-12 miles a day, and going to school, AND working in the fields as much as time allowed. McFarland, USA (2015) - Plot Summary - IMDb Jose Cardenas - Fixed Asset Accountant & Receiving - LinkedIn When I got deported I didnt even know where I was," Cardenas says. John Ortiz as Jose Cardenas in "McFarland, USA." McFarland, USA John Ortiz as Jose Cardenas, Ramiro Rodriguez as Danny Diaz, Carlos Pratts as Thomas Valles, Sergio Avelar as Victor Puentes, Michael Aguero as Damacio Diaz, Kevin Costner as Jim White, Hector Duran as Johnny Sameniego and Rafael Martinez as David Diaz in "McFarland, USA." Damacio Diaz. He was an inspiration and a father figure to the boys, Cardenas says. Jose Cardenas Profiles | Facebook After three runners from McFarland cross the finish line, they peer back, searching for me, their usual fourth man, but I had fallen deep into the pack. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? "It was over two decades ago, and there it is - on film. I love the film as an example for human strengths and will power yours as well. The 67-year-old Cardenas was born in Mexico but moved to the United States when he was seven years old. The director, Niki Caro, chose to do this because she wanted to feature more family in the story. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. A few notches down from what the Whites are accustomed to, but the troublemaking Coach White, or at least hes perceived to be a troublemaker, has no other options left. Mr. White was our physical education teacher, and thats when he first encouraged us to run cross-country. His group painted a section of the border fence in Tijuana red, white and blue with the names of deported veterans. Thomas Valles attended and ran for the College of the Sequoias after he graduated from high school. Jose wrote an essay for the Los Angeles Times in March 2015 describing his experience with the McFarland team. McFarland, USA, its leading man Costner and the seven novice actors who play the storys cross-country team run their feel-good story to the finish line in inspirational style. Tambin es pizcador en las maanas. The actual trip, which included stops at Morro Bay and Cayucos after an Atascadero race, was even more moving than what we see in the film because it included the girls team. 10 McFarland USA Fun Facts That Will inspire You #McFarland Omissions? Cardenas was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970, served seven years in the U.S. military and was deported in 2009 after a drug conviction. I thank you and your fellow team mates for a real life example for ALL the young folks. In California, Cardenas notes, the movie is a lot bigger deal. His former team members are making the rounds, speaking at schools and churches. I was proud to get to play him.. On the Scene with Mrs. Kathy King a fully discloses by the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 Guide Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. "But they've taken some liberties with the facts.". By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Speak to recruitment advertising specialist, More than $15M in residential damage caused by EF-3 tornado in Virginia Beach, city officials say, Paradise Ocean Club unlikely to reopen this summer, owner says, citing slow progress on lease discussion, Former Virginia Beach sailor sentenced to 15 years for killing estranged wifes lover, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The inspirational message of the movie is essentially true. Also the challenges they all face in life, not to mention cross-country races against better-supported and -trained teams throughout California. In fact I was getting ready to post about the article Mr. Cardenas wrote during the movie about running through the groves. 1987 was a tragic year in many ways for McFarland, which made the teams cross-country title even more meaningful for a community struck by grief. Thanks for your comment! McFarland, USA (2015) Full Cast & Crew. An hour of discussions and plans and ideas followed and they all said: you gave it a try, you had so much heart and wanted to give victory to your team mates. In the movie and reality McFarland did barely win state when our usual sixth man, Danny Diaz, whose place in races had not counted all season, moved up to fifth, the last runner whose place counts. Finally, it eventually became something the whole town was involved in. As one of the runners said: McFarland was a more balanced community of Latino and white residents then. Jose Cardenas, 67, stands at U.S.-Mexico border fence in Tijuana that has been painted with the names of deported U.S. veterans. I enjoyed your essay as well. Jose has done speaking engagements as well since the movies release. If you listen to how the runners speak about him (including current runners), you can tell he made a lasting impact on their lives. Hell talk about the ins and outs of the movie, running and more as part of a spaghetti fundraiser Saturday night at the J.F. He joined the ROTC in high school in San Diego in hopes of following in the footsteps of his stepdad, an American citizen who sponsored him to become a permanent resident. Aix-les-Bains, city and Alpine spa, Savoie dpartement, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes rgion, southeastern France, southwest of Geneva. But Cardenas isn't that worried about the enduring connection to one of his most regrettable moments. Johnny Sameniego and the six other runners were all close friends and in an interview for the movie, he mentioned that they all grew up living within a quarter mile of each other and did everything together. David Diaz and Valles are still running buddies, and Diaz recently completed the 5K Fog Run in Bakersfield. McFarland also had a superb girls cross-country team. Well, they certainly cant afford cars. Thank you for being part of this community. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). I ran track in the spring of my freshman and sophomore years but played football in the fall. He can be reached at mal.vincent12@gmail.com. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Below are 10 McFarland Fun Facts that will inspire and give you a wonderful background about the movie. , THANK YOU FOR COURAGE. Jose Cardenas: Rafael Martinez . In the end, he says, its a Hollywood movie. It isnt an important hobby of mine, but what you had to say about it is very applicable to my life right now, so Id like to simply say thank you, Dear Gabriella, Its been an emotional roller coaster, but they put together a very good movie for a general audience, Cardenas says. That race is going to healyour daughtersheart some day. The all-Latino cross-country Cougar teammates at McFarland High School, residents of Californias farm-heavy Central Valley, arent the storys only underdogs. Well said! Sending love & good vibes your way, always. But like any movie based or inspired by a true story, not everything in McFarland, USA is literally true. Johnny Ortiz, 'McFarland USA' actor, charged with attempted murder Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France Geographic Information, Fontenay-sous-Bois, the le-de-France, France, Saint-Michel-sur-Orge, le-de-France, France, Fleury-les-Aubrais, Centre-Val de Loire, France, Saint-Genis-Laval, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France. This movie is based on the remarkable McFarland High School Cross-Country Team which, until it was recently forced to compete against much larger schools, dominated its division in the sport state-wide for more than 20 years. By the way, these are me and my kids two sonsfrom the burbs and a foster daughter from Guatemala the ones you are helping me to teach that anything is possible if they work hard enough. Despite winning their first race against local powerhouse Clovis, the father of the Diaz brothers pulls them from the team to pick in the fields. Yes. If I had run as well as I did the previous week on the same course when we won the regional championship, the state race would not have been a nail-biter. We still enjoy the whole running thing. Not immigrant no more. "Life is not just one race," he said. However, just when it seems like the team will lose, Danny, the overweight runner on the team who typically never finishes fast enough to score points, picks up speed and reaches the finish line fast enough to secure the needed points for McFarland to win the championship. Your child will strive, and will sometimes fail. And White wasnt the only adult who looked after the kids. Its taken me awhile to warm up to it., Jim White, portrayed by Kevin Costner, was the team coach. The state championship aside, McFarland, USA suggests my teammates became winners in life. Ten years later, I was a reporter at this newspaper when a movie company purchased the rights to an article about McFarland, a small, poor and predominantly Mexican American town in the farming heartland, going for an unprecedented sixth straight state championship. Stay in touch. Regardless, all opinions are honest and our own. Please note: On the Scene with Mrs. Kathy King receives compensation of one or more of the products and banners that you will see on this post and or site. You might have miscalculated your strengths, but you took out energy from others as well who tried to follow you. Its sulfur and alkaline springs were exploited by the Romans, to whom they were known as Aquae Gratianae, and they are still the basis of modern health resorts. Jim White and his wife Cheryl, depicted as kind, caring people in the film, were that way in real life. It inspires me & my children. The cornerstone facts are true, but the story itself is not necessarily very accurate. Jose, you are a success & a hero. . We went on to better our lives.. Whites road to reinvention comes to him almost as a vision. The climb upward from despair for Coach White isnt easy. "I never had any live chickens around where I lived and, in the 1980s, we listened to the same music as other kids - Madonna and Michael Jackson and pop things like that - in addition to Hispanic music.". Their oldest daughter, Tami, is not depicted in the film. Appreciate your different philosophical way to look at things. It gives me great pleasure to hear from you, and that you found something you needed in my letter to Jose Cardenas. Eventually, his love for the water led to the Army. I think its really inspirational for people, and we did come from humble beginnings, he says. Currently, he is a correctional officer at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano, California. Its amazing how everybody is connected to it. McFarland, USA - Rotten Tomatoes Johnny Sameniego: Sergio Avelar . "The life out there and the life in here is totally different," he says of living in Mexico. Cardenas was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970, served seven years in the U.S. military and was deported in 2009 after a drug conviction. Learn how your comment data is processed. Jose Cardenas became a writer for the Los Angeles Times and at the time of the films release, was serving his country in the military. Check out the latest entertainment and arts news, then plan your weekend with a look ahead at what's happening around Hampton Roads. I told you we would win with or without you, our coach, Jim White, told me on the bus ride home from Fresno. Thomas Valles . He served four years in the Coast Guard and did maritime law enforcement. In response to his essay, Laura Nicole Diamond wrote an open letter to Jose to encourage him and let him know how an inspiring example he was to people. Pace yourself. Its good to hear from you. Jose Cardenas became a writer for The Los Angeles Times and is currently serving his country in the U.S. army. Even that teaches everyone who sees your story to see these truths: 1. The inspirational movie, which opened last week, is building word-of-mouth momentum as a minor hit in the shadow of the current box office titan, "Fifty Shades of Grey.". I took it for granted that I would go. The running scenes in the orchards were filmed on-location in McFarland, in the same place where the real team trained. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. You saw the film as being about your disappointment. Yours sincerely, Bettina, Johnny, Alexis and Natalia from Paraguay. The runners begin their training with doubt about their white coach, whom they nickname Blanco. Eventually sophomore Danny Diaz crossed in 91st (68th) to close out the scoring. The Cougars finished sixth last week at the CIF Central Section Championships at Woodward Park in Fresno. I google searched Jose Cardenas after watching McFarland, USA out of curiosity, because as you may see, my last name is also Cardenas. The lake also has the largest and the most beautiful natural lagoons of the country. You see I was in the same boat as I was growing up in Salinas Ca. Jose read the blog post and responsed: Thank you Laura for your take on my essay. Change). 4. He transferred to Humboldt State University, in Arcata, Calif., and earned a journalism degree. Jose, one of their key runners, starts out too fast. We all know different moments of defeat and victory. Then you spent afternoons running miles upon miles upon miles. Damacio Diaz recalled fondly in an interview for the film that he would often jog with his dad, Paul Diaz, who worked hard for his family. The latitude of Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France is 45.688499, His work will appear occasionally in The Pilot and on HamptonRoads.com. The team really did call Jim Blanco as a nickname. Maria Marisol: [reading Jose Cardenas's paper] We fly like blackbirds through the orange groves, floating on a warm wind. The company also supplied soft drinks for a gift basket for the speaker, which also includes goodies from Catawba College and the Y. All together now: Ommmm and Just Win,Baby, Never a Dull Moment, With The Big QuestionsKid, Open Letter to Jose Cardenas, One of McFarland, USAs Real LifeChampions, View lauranicolediamondauthors profile on Facebook, View @LauraNDiamond1s profile on Twitter, View laurandiamonds profile on Instagram, DELIVER ME: True Confessions of Motherhood, McFarland, USA - The 1987 McFarland Cross Country Team, Open Letter to Jose Cardenas, One of "McFarland, USA"'s Real Life Champions, Forget spring cleaning in a soon-to-be empty nest. He does a great job. We speak the birds' language. Jose Cardenas became a writer for The Los Angeles Times and is currently serving his country in the U.S. army. Again, thanks for your article, and thanks to Mr. Cardenas for your inspiration. Joe Vaughn is best known for leading the Buena High, California girl's basketball team to 500 plus victories. Still, my heart began to sink when a screening of McFarland, USA rolled around to its climax. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Es uno de los tres hermanos Diaz, lo ms gordito, el ancla del equipo. We speak to the gods. She eventually concluded that it was good for them as long as they still worked. The movie was about much more than a state championship race, it was about the people you became. White taught fifth-grade science and seventh- and eighth- grade PE and woodshop. Like many such projects, the movie was in the works for years. As his addiction became worse in the 90s, he got in trouble with the law and served time in a penitentiary. Showing all 2 items Jump to: . ", Perhaps for "dramatic" reasons, the all-Hispanic team's opposition in the movie is made up exclusively of blond, privileged, preppy snobs. For now, Cardenas says there is one other way deported veterans like him can eventually get back to the United States. Cardenas and his wife, Melody who has family in Rowan County attended the movies premiere, and got to meet the actor who portrayed him, as well as Costner. He competed in the 1,500-meter and 800-meter races and was a part of the team that won the conference in 1994. Photo by RON PHILLIPS -- From left, Johnny Sameniego (Hector Duran), Victor Puentes (Sergio Avelar), Damacio Diaz (Michael Aguero), Danny Diaz (Ramiro Rodriguez), Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), Jose Cardenas (Johnny Ortiz), Thomas Valles (Carlos Pratts) and David Diaz (Rafael Martinez) share a scene in 'McFarland, USA.' Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France Lat Long Coordinates Info. "Actually, lettuce didn't grow there, but that's a minor thing. Because his citizenship application never went through, Cardenas was deported to Mexico after serving 10 years in federal prison. The McFarland, USA true story confirms that at first, the mother of the Diaz brothers -- David, Damacio and Danny -- forbid them from competing. We push too hard and flame out. The head coach complains to Principal Camillo and has Jim removed from his post as assistant coach. Jose Cardenas, left, and actor Johnny Ortiz attend the premiere of Disney's "McFarland, USA" at the El Capitan Theatre on Feb. 9, 2015, in Hollywood, California. Johnny Ortiz, an actor who held roles in the Kevin Costner-led film "McFarland USA," and "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie," has been charged with attempted murder, Fox News has confirmed. We speak to the gods. McFarland, USA (2015) Johnny Ortiz as Jose Cardenas. The community has been real supportive of his being here, Marsh says. Marsh says she also appreciated the scene where Cardenas took off too fast in a race and hit the wall. For me, the story of the championship year and a path to a better life started in middle school. Then. One of these leaders was. I saw the film as being about your tenacity, determination, loyalty, perseverance, athleticism, and strength. This may be in the form of affiliate post, sponsored giveaways, sponsored post and other forms of advertising. McFarland, USA (2015) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb He states that the movie has changed his life and helped him become a better person. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), First Minority Business Trade Show helps spread word for entrepreneurs, Salisbury City Council to discuss new fire station on Mahaley Avenue at Tuesdays meeting, License plate reader cameras assist area law enforcement. Coach White took care of the young runners - sometimes getting them shoes or letting people stay with his family, as did the community. Hurley Family Y. The latitude of Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France is 45.688499 , and the longitude is 5.915300 . Maria Marisol: [reading Jose Cardenas's paper] We fly like blackbirds I hope to write a book one these days. Those were my parents. Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. Despite the setback, the boys stick with Jim and continue training. Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France is located at France country in the Towns place category with the gps coordinates of 45 41' 18.5964'' N and 5 54' 55. .
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