Coach Art Thunell
A Teacher. A Coach. A Mentor. A Legacy
About Coach:
For more than three decades, Coach Art Thunell dedicated his life to his students, and players of Grant Union High School and the John Day community. While he became one of Oregon's most successful high school baseball coaches, those who know him best will tell you that wins and championships were never his greatest accomplishment.
His true legacy lives in the thousands of young people whose lives he influenced—on the baseball field, in the classroom, and throughout the community.
Coach Thunell believed in discipline, humility, accountability, and doing things the right way. Those lessons extended far beyond baseball, shaping students into better teammates, neighbors, parents, and leaders.
Today, his influence continues to be felt by generations of alumni who still carry those lessons with them.
More Than Baseball
Although Coach Thunell's teams earned championships and statewide recognition, his classroom reached far beyond the baseball diamond.
Students who never wore a baseball uniform remember him as a teacher who challenged them, encouraged them, and expected their very best.
Parents trusted him.
Fellow educators respected him.
Athletes admired him.
His standards were high because he believed every student was capable of more than they often believed themselves.
A Legacy of Excellence
3 X State Baseball Champion (1990, 1992, 2005)
2 X State Baseball Runner-Up (1988, 2003)
22 League Championships
1 Oregon State Legion Baseball Championship (—-)
4 X Oregon State Coach of the Year
14 X League Coach of the Year
2005 National Coach of the Year (NHSACA)
2006 Grant Union Hall of Fame Inductee
Inducted into the Oregon High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2006)
Eastern Oregon University Mountaineer Athletic Legacy Award (2017)
591 Victories
*During his last 3 season from 2003-2005, Coach Thunell compiled a record of 82 wins and 3 losses, culminating with an undefeated season and State Championship in his final season in 2005, earning him National Coach of the Year Honors.