Inspiring Real-Life Coach Jim White of Disney's 'McFarland, USA' Says Accomplishments Reflect Faith in God (Interview)
Disney's newest film "McFarland, USA" tells the true story of how cross country coach Jim White rounded up a group of Latino teens with uncertain futures and made them into champions — an achievement he says reflects God's glory.
During the '80's, McFarland, California, was a predominantly Hispanic farming town where residents aspired to little else besides working in the fields as "pickers" or joining violent gangs. Despite the odds stacked against his high school cross country team, including a non-existent budget and widespread prejudice, White was able to prove that "champions can come from anywhere," as McFarland High reached the California State Cross Country Championship of 1987.
Speaking to The Christian Post, White referred to his faith in God as a guide throughout his coaching career.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"We raised our kids in a faith-based home; we don't have to get into religion, but we know about God," the long distance running coach and his wife, Sheryl, explained. "We taught that, and it showed. I couldn't preach it to the [cross country team] but I just tried to live my life like a Christian should do. Our walk of life, we would hope, looks right into what [the runners] are doing. They could see who God is through us, by this means, He's always present with us."
"It's something we taught our kids, that God loves them and created them for His glory and He has a purpose for every one of us — that's what we tried to get right over to the [team]," White added.
As McFarland's cross country coach, White earned nine state championships out of 14 years with the school. The success of the cross country team propelled many of the runners to further their education and eventually serve their communities; an even greater accomplishment than any state championship title.
"It pleases me so much that these kids, our boys as we call them, are such spiritual people, that they are giving back to their communities," White told CP. "When I retired, there were six teachers on my campus that ran for me, and the superintendent ran with me. They want me to come back and speak to kids — the relationships honored us more [than the championship]."
Based on White's true story, Disney's "McFarland, USA" stars Kevin Costner as the celebrated cross country coach. White, who still lives in McFarland and has seen the inspirational film seven times now, revealed he sheds tears with each screening.
"It's an emotional thing for us and it is touching everyone the same way," he said. "It's a heartfelt movie, if the audiences gets into the theater, they will completely love the movie."
"McFarland, USA" hits theaters everywhere on Friday, Feb. 20. Watch a trailer for the film below.
