Danny also has twins, Seth and Sammy, who are juniors and top runners for the boys. YWCA ATX. How many state titles has McFarland High won in the span of 14 years? “I was lucky enough to get one of the best looking guys—he’s the best looking guy of all of them, so I’m proud that he played me,” Puentes says. I’m done. 125.5k Followers, 2,086 Following, 22 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from DANNY DIAZ (@whatswrongdanny) He started off as a junior varsity runner but made the varsity squad as a freshman, working his way up from being the team’s number four runner to being the number two runner by the time he graduated. McFarland was not rivals with Palo Alto High School (the schools are 4 hours apart) nor did the schools ever race each other. Now he has nothing but the highest regard for White. This was made up … You’re just thinking about your life or whatever is going on around you at the time.”, Puentes’ former McFarland cross country teammate Danny Diaz recently told 23ABC News, “He made some bad choices and he’s the first to tell you, ‘You know what? He took us to church once in a while. When you’re driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and you’ll miss it. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Jose’s out of it. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. Runner Danny Diaz attends the world premiere of "McFarland, USA" at The El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Now, dozens of criminal cases could be in jeopardy - All of … Working in the fields and running helped shape our work ethic and our appreciation for things. Danny also has twins, Seth and Sammy, who … Their excitement was clear as I saw the smiles on the faces of Coach Jim White, and former Cougar running brothers, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz. You don’t feel your feet hitting the [ground] anymore, you don’t feel that you’re out of breath. “We learned early on to have the mindset to overcome, not give up and give more,” Diaz said. He was happy, however, to have Sergio Avelar, a former McFarland High School cross country runner himself, play him. Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. But his dreams of success were far greater than the days he spent working after school in the fields. But Diaz believes Puentes has the tools to turn his life around. … Jim White and his wife Cheryl have three daughters. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. “He was like a second dad," Puentes says. Play this game to review Spanish. McFarland senior Alyssa Diaz is the daughter of Danny Diaz, another runner from the ’80s. Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. Danny Diaz was his counselor in high school. And Sameniego was his 8th grade P.E. “I was the slowest one on the team, being the seventh runner, but I made it to the top five and we won the race,” Diaz said. Colton Misono, Danny Diaz, and Justin Brown-Pinizzotto in the Varsity race. “It’s changed my confidence. Danny Dias was a contestant from Road Rules: X-Treme. *As reported by community healthcare providers. Danny Diaz related that, while he was the slowest runner on his team, he was not fat, as he was por-trayed in the movie. That mindset led Diaz to join the McFarland cross-country team in 1986 — a story that inspired the major motion picture “McFarland USA.” Diaz was on the team for four years and led the team to victory in 1987 after being known as the slowest runner. He was, however, the seventh person on the team and still instrumental to its 1987 state title win. Sign Up. Johnny Sameniego= first member to join the team. Sat November 21, 2015 Fort Hunt Park , Alexandria, VA 22308 US Directions. I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. Thank you! “I grew up with it, and it was a different time. Let's Hit It Again. Danny and Damacio run 3 … There wasn’t ever a time when Danny Diaz didn’t dream of becoming more than ... Diaz was on the team for four years and led the team to victory in 1987 after being known as the slowest runner. Family. David Diaz Hector Duran. He looked after us, he made sure that if we got out of line, he corrected us.”. I screwed up.’”. Nov 30th, 2020 by Puentes has been doing visits to local schools and speaking with the media in conjunction with the release of the film. Danny Diaz, the runner who lead the 1987 team to victory, is a counselor at the high school; he counsels those students who are on the verge of dropping out. Jim White, Coach Behind ‘McFarland’ Movie: “It’s a Running Town Now”, BTC Runners Rewrite 10,000-Meter All-Time Lists, Here’s How to Make Your Mask More Effective. Close. In fact, 25 years later, his mother still expects the entire extended family to gather at her home for breakfast every morning. He has been a teacher at McFarland High School for 12 years. High 73F. Señora Diaz Omar Leyva. I recall looking at all the agriculture in McFarland and it brings me back to the days where my siblings and I would work in the fields. Danny Diaz (tucu) See Photos. Also pictured is Danny Diaz, left, and David Diaz, right, at the premier of “McFarland USA” at Maya Cinemas in Bakersfield on Feb. 15, 2015. Where my house is now is built adjacent to those same fields. 24. “Slowly we became better and better at it,” Puentes says. It’s a poor community. Find your friends on Facebook. Growing up in McFarland, we didn’t have much. Cheryl White Morgan Saylor. 00:43 Antonio Pinto. “The movie’s about Mr. White. … He takes full responsibility for that now. Sunny skies. Danny Diaz. Javi= Victor’s uncle. “When we needed something, she tried her best to provide for us, even though we had our own families. Cheryl= Coach White’s wife . What a legacy! Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Damacio Diaz Diana Maria Riva. See Photos. 223 Views. -23ABC News How many state titles did McFarland win? People named Danny Diaz. He competed on The Gauntlet 2. Principal Camillo Danny Mora. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. For the past several months, Puentes’ work on a 220-acre ranch, where he helps maintain an almond crop, has kept him busy. I’m not cocky. “The movie made me a better person,” Puentes told Runner’s World Newswire. David Diaz= runner. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. I don’t know if it changed everybody else, but it changed me.”. Runner Groups Find A Participant Donate Results Refund Policy Sponsors 14th Annual 1-mile Fox Trot Fundraiser. Puentes is proud to be recognized for his role in the team’s accomplishments nearly 28 years later, and that the film has put his hometown on the map. You have permission to edit this article. ... Find out which animated TV show character would love to date you! Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report. 00:53 Antonio Pinto ... Palo Alto Runner: Connor Weil: Director: Niki Caro: … What is your favorite memory in McFarland? McFarland senior Alyssa Diaz is the daughter of Danny Diaz, another runner from the ’80s. But thanks to the film, he’s been given a new lease on life. After visiting all these towns, there is still one place I want to come to and that’s McFarland. Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. GO for the Joy! #FinishTheRun, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Get premium, high resolution news photos at … She knew that some of us needed a little bit more. Kern County Public Health Services Department. See Photos. “It made me rethink the choices that I’ve made in the past, because I had a bad past. Jose Cardenas= runner. He also said that his mother was much more strict than she appeared on film. I’m not like, ‘Hey, I’m Victor from the movie.’ I just feel a little bit better about myself because something good finally happened in my life, besides my children being born. That's Not Danny Diaz. The next day, the donors got briefings from senior Bush aides including Bradshaw, campaign manager Danny Diaz and finance director Heather Larrison. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Low Fat or Low Carb? Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. Running on the hills is the best place to run. What state does the movie take place in? Negotiations begin Friday. And he’s optimistic that the film will be the catalyst that helps him stay away from drugs for good. McFarland, USA (2015) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Which team wins 1st place at the CIF State Cross Country Championship? Puentes said his troubles didn’t begin until after high school. Puentes began experimenting with drugs and battled addiction off and on for many years. There’s nothing to do in McFarland. … With two top runners out with injury, these Marauders stepped it up to qualify for the state meet. There wasn’t ever a time when Danny Diaz didn’t dream of becoming more than the field worker he was in his early teens. My brothers and I have been traveling a lot recently as guest speakers for many events. Señor Diaz Valente Rodriguez. or. Should Proffee Be Your New Go-To Recovery Drink? I walk with my head up high. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. He remembers growing up sharing a pair of shoes with his siblings and working countless summers under the hot McFarland sun with his family. I love McFarland with all my heart. “Without Mrs. White, I don’t think any of this would have happened. December 23, 2020. It's Not That Simple, How Taking Time Off From Running Affects Your Body, For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film. There wasn’t ever a time when Danny Diaz didn’t dream of becoming more than the field worker he was in his early teens. Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. "He took care of us, he fed us, he clothed us. Danny Diaz= slowest runner on the team. Since Coach White’s involvement at McFarland High School, home of the Cougars, the school now has a new logo, one that includes the outline of a runner with the words “Tradition. He entered the academy on a dare from a friend who asked him if he was too scared to try out. In truth, David Diaz had graduated the year before the team won the state championship. Danny Diaz. Um, (Laughing) when we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people was the population. The director, Niki Caro, chose to do this because she wanted to feature more family in the story. It’s grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. Damacio Diaz- runner. Danny Diaz – Photo Credit: Film Frame ©Disney 2015. Johnny Sameniego Sergio Avelar. Over the past year, thanks in part to the movie, Puentes began cleaning up his act and is no longer using drugs. Unlike many of his former teammates, Puentes no longer runs, but he misses it. He is a founding partner of FP1 Strategies LLC, a public affairs, media relations, digital communications and advertising firm based in Washington, D.C.. Diaz’s corporate efforts have included transportation, health care, retail and education issues. I’ve lived here all my life so I can’t think of just one memory. Critical Thinking: Hollywood versus Real Life The following facts were changed in the movie: The real … Which McFarland Runner is Yours? “I wish I had the time to start,” Puentes says. It’s just something to be proud of. In June 2015, he was named the campaign manager for Jeb Bush for President. For Victor Puentes, one of the subjects of the Disney film McFarland, USA, life has not exactly followed a Hollywood storyline. … It wasn’t for me,” Diaz said as he leaned back in his office chair. Danny Diaz was not overweight as a child. Sammy Rosaldo Maria Bello. We’re part of his life,” Puentes says. Growing up, John “Danny” Diaz, the new president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, never wanted to be a police officer like his father was. Unity, and Excellence. Also pictured is Danny Diaz, left, and David Diaz, right, at the premier of “McFarland USA” at Maya Cinemas in Bakersfield on Feb. 15, 2015. February 9, 2017 RobinLace . “I’m a better person because of this movie and because of my wife, family, and everybody else. Without them, there wouldn’t be a legacy.”. Danny Diaz Carlos Pratts. danny diaz mcfarland now. My whole family lives here. Jamie= Coach white’s youngest daughter. 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. Jose Cardenas Rafael Martinez. Victor Puentes, member of the 1987 McFarland cross country team, has battled drug addiction. It’s no surprise that the demand for mental health services has increased significantly throughout the year. Though Puentes doesn’t see much of himself in the film’s portrayal, he says that’s not what’s important. Over the years, Puentes says he has remained close to his cross country teammates, many of whom, like himself, still live in McFarland. When Jim handpicks his team, he specifically chooses Danny Diaz, the slowest runner, on the basis that Danny will bring his faster brothers, and for this Danny is labeled as the anchor of the team. Your message was posted to Facebook. After graduating from McFarland High School, he went on to attend Bakersfield College and California State University, Fresno. In addition, the real Jim White and Damacio, David and Danny Diaz, the three ‘real’ Diaz brothers, also attended. I don’t need it, I don’t want it,’” Puentes says. Julie White Elsie Fisher. Danny Diaz … « The Famous Gardner’s Seafoods Ski Show. Disney Pictures is calling McFarland, USA “the feel-good movie of 2015” and … It’s about McFarland. Sammy= friend who runs the market. Lupe= Javi’s girlfriend. The movie has really inspired people and they want to know our story. Which runner gets 5th place at the CIF State Cross Country Championship? I love that there isn’t a lot of people and that it’s peaceful. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. I give my thanks to her because she’s the foundation of [that] home and she opened her doors to every single runner that went through [the program].”. Two corrupt cops joined forces with drug dealers. Puentes’ former McFarland cross country teammate Danny Diaz recently told 23ABC News, “He made some bad choices and he’s the first to tell you, ‘You know what? Diaz and his brother Danny were on the championship team; a third brother, David, had graduated by then but was included in the movie version. "However Disney made it a good story is based on Mr. White’s accomplishment with us, with the nine state championships and everything else. Find A … So that was my experience for the first time at state having the pressure. One runner, Luis Partida, was replaced with David Diaz, the brother of Damacio and Danny Diaz. It’s on Mast Avenue. Unity. And he considers Coach White’s wife, Cheryl, to be an unsung heroine of the story. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear. His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. Thomas Valles Johnny Ortiz. I’m from McFarland and I’m proud to be from McFarland.". I just don’t need it anymore. I … Danny Lopez Diaz (born 1975) is a national communications consultant and political strategist for candidates of the Republican Party. Now he has nothing but the highest regard for White. … I don’t want to leave McFarland. He attended California Polytechnic State University for two years, but he had to drop out because he didn’t have enough money to continue and his mother was sick. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez “It keeps me busy, keeps me focused, and it keeps me out of trouble,” says Puentes, who took time out from driving a tractor to speak with Newswire. I screwed up. Since graduating from high school, all of the members of the Diaz … https://www.politico.com/story/2015/10/danny-diaz-jeb-bush-profile-215387 Since he graduated from California’s McFarland High School in 1989, he has battled drug addiction and spent time in prison. Ahmaud Arbery Was Killed a Year Ago. teacher, so he knew him pretty well too, but it was an amazing experience to get to know him more. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez We were her sons,” Puentes says. It’s not about me, it’s not about the other runners. Positive Cases Among Kern Residents:101,738, Updated: 02/21/2021. Victor Puentes= runner. Julie= Coach white’s oldest daughter. The first time Ramiro went to go see Diaz he wasn’t recognized because Ramiro had a wig on. Though the film portrays Puentes as a ladies’ man, he says he was actually the shyest person on the team. “Out of all the 1987 team, Victor was definitely the smartest of all of us,” Diaz told 23ABC News. Tweet. Given numerous opportunities to move away, why do you still live in McFarland? Justin B-P had a big 17:19PR in 26th place. The Debate Continues, Two Oregon Runners Break the NCAA Mile Record, Why Running Seems Easier When It’s Cold Out, Beatrice Chepkoech Breaks the 5K World Record, Kamala Harris’s Stair Workout Is Cooler Than Yours, Meet PJ Thompson: The Newest Runner’s World Coach, Is Fat But Fit Really A Myth? He is currently an at-risk counselor and has been for the last eight years. 23. Enter your Tweet. This is heavily emphasized when the Diaz brothers quit the team in order … Just ask Danny, David or Damacio Diaz, who, along with their 1987 cross country teammates are portrayed in the new movie, “McFarland, USA,” … 22. Low near 45F. Danny: I can answer that. It took all of us to make this—every runner who won a state championship from McFarland made this happen, not just myself or the seven runners. I like to say that McFarland is where champions reside. Where’s the best place to run in McFarland? As you pull into McFarland, you will know notice a silhouette of a runner running through an open field. “This finally gave me the strength to say, ‘You know what? Victor Puentes Michael Aguero. No. From what university did Danny Diaz graduate from? Excellence.” We could all stand to focus on life with that approach. And there’s not … He also attended the film’s premiere in Los Angeles with his daughters and wife earlier this month. So, at that point I was running the sixth man and so I became fifth man and I was, for the first time in my life in the top five. As Jim trains the young men, he begins to see students for who they are, individuals with families and issues. “When you run long distance, you just lose yourself. John “Danny” Diaz, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, has selected a new negotiation team, composed mostly of internal union leaders, for collective bargaining talks with the City. Log In.