The Prospector Way
Film Project
The Prospector Way
Preserving a Story That Deserves to Be Told
The Prospector Way is a feature-length documentary celebrating the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Coach Art Thunell.
For more than three decades, Coach Thunell built one of Oregon's most respected high school baseball programs. His teams earned championships, his players achieved remarkable success, and his coaching philosophy became known throughout the state.
Yet this film is about much more than baseball.
It is the story of a teacher, mentor, and leader whose influence extended far beyond the playing field, and the community who supported his vision. Through personal interviews, historic photographs, archival footage, and the voices of former players, students, colleagues, and community members, The Prospector Way explores the lasting impact one individual can have on countless lives.
Produced by Hum Babe Productions LLC, this documentary is being created not only to honor Coach Thunell's accomplishments, but to preserve his story for future generations.
Our Vision
Our goal is to produce a documentary worthy of Coach Thunell's legacy.
Produced by Hum Babe Productions LLC, the film will capture the history of Grant Union baseball while telling a much larger story about leadership, character, perseverance, mentorship, and the enduring values that shaped generations of students and athletes. It will also provide plenty of community input, as it was the community of John Day that made it possible to carry out the vision of Coach Thunell.
We believe these lessons deserve to be shared far beyond Grant County.
Support the Documentary
Producing a feature-length documentary requires significant resources, including:
Travel throughout Oregon
Professional cinematography and audio production
Archival research and licensing
Editing and post-production
Color grading and sound design
Music licensing
Festival submissions and distribution
Your support helps make this project possible.
Every contribution directly supports the production of The Prospector Way and helps ensure this important story is preserved with the quality and care it deserves.
Important Information About Donations
Donations made in support of The Prospector Way are used to help fund the production of the documentary.
These contributions are not tax-deductible charitable donations.
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution supporting the broader mission of preserving Coach Thunell's legacy, please visit the Art Thunell Legacy Fund donation page.
Help Preserve Coach Art's Legacy
By supporting The Prospector Way, you are helping preserve a remarkable story for future generations.
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to completing a documentary that honors a coach, a teacher, and a community whose influence continues to be felt today.