Disney's McFarland in Theaters Today

 

 I will be the first to admit I am not a big fan of any sport, but I do appreciate the commitment and dedication of the athletes.   McFarland, USA, a true story, is no exception.

For those who may  not know the story of the McFarland Cross Country Team:

Inspired by the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.

Three out of the seven young actors on the team in the movie are from the McFarland area—Sergio Avelar who plays Victor Puentes and Michael Aguero, cast as Damacio Diaz, are actual runners and Ramiro Rodriguez, as Danny Diaz, was a champion soccer player. 

Like the real McFarland team, all seven young actors had to train to become champion runners. Although some had more track and field experience than others, all of them took their drills very seriously. Mark Ellis, the coach hired to train them for the film, would have it no other way and the team evolved over time. But training them wasn’t as simple as merely putting shoes on their feet. Every morning at 8 a.m. the runners showed up for practice, which was literally running and more running to build up endurance.

Kevin Costner, who plays Coach White, was a great hit with the young actors. He quietly mentored them and offered advice if they wanted it but for the boys, listening to Costner’s stories and watching movies with him in his trailer was a highlight. They felt so comfortable with the famous movie star that they even nicknamed him “KC.”

McFarland, USA is an inspiring story that leaves you rooting for the underdog.  It is amazing the dedication that both these boy and Coach White have given to the sport. 

Personally, living in a farming town of 3,200 I was most drawn to the way the community of McFarland, CA (apx 12,500) welcomed the White's with opened arms and made them part of the family.  I know that it can often times be hard for people to adjust to a new town and especially one that may be different that the one they came from.

I trust that you will find McFarland to be a family film that with any luck will have your theater receiving a round of applause from the viewers like ours did.

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