One Hometown — Alternate Realities

He never really felt he belonged, except on the team. And they called him a “Token.”

A few years ago, I watched the movie McFarland, USA. The film is about a cross country team in a mostly agricultural, small town in the San Joaquin valley. The McFarland Boys Cross Country team won the first annual California State Cross Country Championship in 1987.

I was excited to watch it because I was part of the Clovis High Varsity Cross Country Team from 1981 — 1984. We were 4-year Valley Champions and had also placed at the NorCal meet. I had heard the movie mentioned Clovis, and I thought it would bring back great memories.

I enjoyed the movie, but I was offended by the portrayal of the all-white Clovis High team acting racist toward the McFarland team.

My coaches had taught our team good sportsmanship and, although we were predominantly white, there were always teammates who were Hispanic and a smaller number who were African American.

At the time, I was years away from learning about white privilege, and I know I thought we were all treated equally. I later heard the film had taken some artistic license and the McFarland coach confirmed the Clovis High team was respectful. My reality was confirmed.

I grew up in Clovis, California, a suburb of Fresno. I attended Clovis schools from 1st…