What is "Treasure Life" you may ask? Well, it's kind of an interesting story.

In 1999, I was asked to be a guest speaker at a special event in Canton. Upon my arrival, in became evident that the keynote speaker was delayed in Chicago and would not be able to make the trip down. Inside the gym, a group of kids and their parents were anxiously waiting to hear a motivational speech by an Olympic wrestler. My informal, guest introduction session was soon to be the main event!

Drawing on impromptu speaking fundamentals, I used "Treasure" as an acronym to outline eight traits that I felt were needed to build a strong character and to help establish a successful life.

(Teamwork, Respect, Education, Adversity, Sportsmanship, "You", Relationships, and Effort.)

Using my experiences as an athlete, coach, father and businessman, I was able to relate personal stories about each trait.

The message was well accepted. I started to get requests from other groups to do the program.

With the support of Caterpillar, the Peoria Pirates and WMBD TV 31, "Treasure Life" was officially launched during the 2000 arena football season.

The "Treasure Life" message is designed to reinforce positive character values. The program encourages students to be "Pirates" by filling their "Treasure" chest each day with life's most valuable traits, actions and experiences.

In the past several years, the program has reached a number of schools, community groups and businesses.

I was thrilled a few years ago when the Arena Football League recognized "Treasure Life" as one of the AF2's best Community Relations Program. The program was also presented to the NFL as an example of how AF2 teams were reaching out to their communities.

In 2008, I'll be working to keep up the momentum of the program.

The "Treasure Life" student nomination campaign will run again during the season with the help of my friends at WMBD TV 31. Parents, teachers, coaches and other adults will be asked to identify students who practice and exhibit the "Treasure Life" values.

Winners will be invited to a Pirates home game where they'll receive special, on-field recognition during half time.

Pirate players, staff and I will continue to do in-person "Treasure Life" programs.

We'll also be introducing a "Faith and Football" program within Treasure Life that will focus on high school age youth groups throughout the Peoria area.

Remember, "Treasure Life ... Everyday!"

Quote to remember:
"You build a successful life one day at a time."
- Lou Holtz -

Phone: (309)673-1000

Email: treasurelife@peoriapiratesaf2.com

Web: www.peoriapiratesaf2.com

"Treasure Life" is a positive life message created by Caterpillar manager and Peoria Pirates coach, Tony Johnson. The program encourages students to be "pirates" by filling their "treasure" chests each day with some of life's most valuable traits, values and experiences. The "Treasure Life" program has been recognized as one of the Arena Football League's best community relations program.