Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/602151
Today, he urges educators to go the extra mile if they truly want to make a difference in young lives. is includes coaching sports, tutoring, offering extra encouragement and simply caring. "Don't be afraid to take a little extra time," says White, who does motivational speaking around the world. "Some kids just need a helping hand." Diaz decided to become a counselor at his old school so he could give back to the community he loves. He coached basketball for a decade. He doubts he would have become a teacher if he hadn't met Coach White. "Coach taught us that it wasn't just about being a champion on the playing field — it was about being a champion in life," says Diaz. "And education is the way to be a champion in life." Two of Diaz's brothers were portrayed in the film. One of them, David, became a teacher in the McFarland School District and is now a vice principal for Kern Valley State Prison school; he also coaches the girls' cross-country team at McFarland High School. All seven of the Diaz children were coached by White, and they all graduated from college. Five earned their master's degrees. Diaz's father was so inspired by his children's accomplish- ments that he earned his GED, or high school equivalency credential. "He gathered us in the living room while we older ones were in college," recalls Diaz. "He wanted to set an exam- ple and show us that if he was going to preach the importance of education to us, then he had to also walk the walk, so he took GED classes at night after spending 10- to 12-hour days in the fields. at truly inspired us to give it our all." Samaniego believes his experiences on the cross-country team played a key role in his success. "I'm indebted to the McFarland community, so the least I could do is become a teacher and give back to the kids. To me, it's basically about capturing kids' hearts and treating them like your own son or daughter. You show up at their games. You work to build a relationship with them — and Just the Facts H O W T H E M O V I E D I F F E R E D F R O M R E A L L I F E , P L U S A F E W T I D B I T S : • Coach Jim White was never fired from his previous job, nor did he ever throw a shoe at a student. • Danny Diaz was overweight in the movie, but in reality he was thin. However, as in the movie, he was the seventh runner and instrumental in helping the team become champs in 1987. • The school, unlike in the movie, is not across the street from a prison. But there is a prison just down the road. • The movie was filmed in McFarland, and many of the town's residents were extras in scenes. • Coach White taught at the middle school and coached at the high school, while the movie portrays him as teaching at the high school. • Runner Jose Cardenas became a writer for the Los Angeles Times. He is now in the U.S. Army. • Life didn't turn out perfect for everyone. Runner Victor Puentes developed a drug problem and served time in prison. But he continued his education and is now back on track. • Kevin Costner met with White to learn more about the role. Costner grew up in nearby Visalia in the Central Valley, and was excited to be part of a story about an underserved population that he had observed laboring in the fields as a youth. • Just as in the movie, the team's first uniforms had the mascot misspelled: Cougers instead of Cougars. • Coach White and former students were bused to Hollywood by Disney for the premiere. While Disney took a few liberties with their story, White and his team members feel positive about the film and are proud of the message it sends about doing your personal best. Actors Sergio Avelar, Rafael Martinez, Michael Aguero, director Niki Caro, and actors Kevin Costner, Johnny Ortiz, Hector Duran, Carlos Pratts and Ramiro Rodriguez at the Santa Barbara Film Festival in February. Photo by Jesse Grant / Getty Images 31 November 2015