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Director Julio Quintana's film "The Long Game" tells the true story of the San Felipe Mustangs, a golf team that overcame incredible odds to win a championship in a predominantly white-dominated sport during the 1950s.
The film explores themes of identity, exclusion and belonging, portraying the journey of five Mexican American high school boys who faced significant hardships but persevered. The story is rooted in real-life events, inspiring viewers to learn more about the actual people and outcomes that shaped this remarkable narrative.
Based on Humberto G. Garcia's 2010 novel Mustang Miracle, The Long Game provides a cinematic portrayal of the formation, struggles and triumphs of the San Felipe Mustangs.
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While the film captures the essence of their journey, it's not a perfectly accurate historical account. The real-life stories of these individuals are powerful, shedding light on their enduring legacy and where they are today.
Exploring details about The Long Game characters in real life and where they are today
1) J.B. Peña (Coach)
Portrayed by Jay Hernandez in the movie, J.B Peña was an ex-army World War II serviceman and enthusiast for golf who later became superintendent of schools at Del Rio.
He played an instrumental part in forming and coaching the San Felipe Mustangs. It was not until his death that he stopped coaching the San Felipe golf team because he loved it so much.
2) Joe Treviño
Joe Treviño, one of the key members of the Mustangs, died in 2014 at the age of 75. He worked at California’s Laughlin Air Force Base and Travis Air Force Base but found joy in working on golf clubs and giving lessons.
Treviño's passion for golf extended beyond his competitive years, and he left behind a legacy of dedication to the sport, as well as four children.
3) Gene Vasquez
Gene Vasquez, another vital member of the Mustangs, died in 2023 at the age of 83. He dedicated his career to teaching at San Felipe public schools and later ventured into the real estate industry.
Vasquez's contributions to his community and commitment to education and family are remembered by his seven children, 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
4) Felipe Romero
After high school, Felipe Romero went to PGA Business School in San Antonio, Texas, where he worked at Metropolitan Transit Authority in Houston while playing on different golf tours.
He has always been passionate about golf and was present at The Long Game premiere in March 2023 that celebrated the movie, which depicted an unbelievable journey of himself together with other teammates.
5) Mario Lomas
Mario Lomas worked on the PGA Tour as a caddie and later as a greenskeeper at a country club.
His career in golf extended beyond his high school years, but he lost touch with some of his former teammates, including Romero and Lupe Felan, after their time together on the team.
6) Lupe Felan
Lupe Felan spent many years working for the Marine Corps and later the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Despite his professional commitments, Felan's love for golf never waned, and he still enjoys playing the sport. He attended The Long Game screening, reflecting on the journey he and his teammates undertook decades ago.
More on the San Felipe Mustangs who inspired The Long Game
The San Felipe Mustangs were a real golf team in the 1950s. These Mexican-American boys from Del Rio, Texas, went to segregated schools in the San Felipe Independent School District. However, these boys defied all odds by utilizing their passion for golf to become a force to reckon with.
Their intellectual capability and zeal as well as determination made them experts in the sport, but they had no background of physical experience despite their use of hand-me-down clubs.
The Mexican-American community rejoiced in the success of The Mustangs, who also demonstrated their interest in competing on equal terms.
Viewers interested in watching The Long Game can stream it on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
