McFarland People

Victor

He was a runner. Known for wearing the white tank top and always wearing khakis.

José Cardenas

He was on the team as a runner. He also wrote in his journal about how much he likes to run, and how he wants to graduate college.

Tomás Valle

He was the captain of the team. He was more worried about keeping his family together, while his father beat up his sister for having a baby. He also almost died jumping off a bridge, before Jim had to talk him out of it. He had aspirations of going to college for running. During one of the practices, he cried and left the team, because of anger towards Jim.

Lupe

Javi's girlfriend, who helped Cheryl when her car was broken, and kept the 3 girls busy while Jim prepared Julie's quinceanera. She also has a self portrait on the hood of Javi's car. She called the white girls "gringas."

Jim (Entrenador) White (Blanco)

Jim White is basically the main character. He was fired from his last job so he moved to McFarland, California to teach again. He was hired as the football coach, but had a disagreement with the other coach, Coach Jenks, so he was told to do just P.E. He than became the cross country coach, and won state for many years to come after.

Cheryl White

Jim's wife, who was a major role in Jim's decision making of his daughter's birthday and if he should take the job in Palo Alto.

Javi

Lupe's boyfriend, and he has her portrait painted on the hood of his car. He was the one driving during Julie's quinceanera, when a gang stopped them and attacked them, sending Javi to the hospital.

Damacio Díaz

One of the Díaz brothers.

David Díaz

One of the Díaz brothers.

Señora Díaz

The Díaz boys' mother. She has 7 kids. She was known for cooking very good Mexican food, and having everyone listen to her.

Julie White

The eldest daughter of the family. She disliked McFarland very much when they first moved their. during the movie she started to like it more, and then she had her quinceanera, and she was badly injured but saved by her father's team.

Danny Díaz

The fat brother, who was the anchor of the team. He was the main reason they won state, because of his relentlessness to win his race.

Entrenador Jenks

The other football coach that Jim had a disagreement with, and he wanted Jim off the team.

Director Camillo

The principal of McFarland High School. He agreed to let Tomás not get suspended if he runs cross country.

Jamie White

The youngest daughter who would admire the paintings on the wall, and told Jim what to do a lot during the movie.