About The guys
Johnny Samaniego
Johnny is portrayed as the football player in the movie that helps recruit Coach Whites state championship cross country team. In real life, Johnny was on the 1987 state championship cross country team and after receiving his degree, he returned to McFarland to take over Mr. Whites role as Physical Education Teacher and has helped coach track and girls varsity basketball for many years in Mc Farland.
Thomas Valles
Thomas is portrayed as the troubled teen in the movie and also the number one runner. In actuality, Thomas was the number one runner for the 1987 State Championship Cross Country team for McFarland. Thomas received a degree and served our country before returning to McFarland to raise a family and also help coach the McFarland girls cross country team and continues to be a part of this amazing community.
Speaking to Crowds Across the Country
Johnny and Thomas have shared their message of perseverance, dedication and success to thousands of elementary, middle middle and high school students, college students, business owners and crowds across the nation. They inspire and connect with many sharing the message that "Champions can come from anywhere." and sharing the vision that anything is possible as it is, "All in the attitude."
Presentations
Champions Can Come from Anywhere
This is a key message in the McFarland presentation.
Sharing this message allows students to envision a brighter future for themselves when they hear this very familiar story, many students can relate to the upbringing stories shared by Johnny and Thomas. This gives many students the vision and hope that they too can become champions of life!
It's All in the Attitude!
This is a message instilled in the guys from Coach White. As we all have situations that we can not control, the guys shared the idea that having a positive attitude can make all the difference in our daily lives. Johnny shares his story of modifying this message for his current McFarland Girls Varsity Basketball Team.
Sharing Their Success Strategies with Business Owners
Johnny and Thomas have shared their success strategies with many business owners and sales teams from Michigan to south Texas. Sharing the strategies to overcome hardships and obstacles have inspired sales teams to excel in a variety of industries.