Unfinished Book of Success

Growing up on the playgrounds and backyards of Huntsville, Alabama, sports were a part of everyday life. Thomas Lanier remembers participating in winning sports programs and having great coaches that taught him how to play at his best. At Lee High School, he was fortunate to be a part of a city and regional championship football team. He was voted team cocaptain and selected second team All-City quarterback. He was also a member of the wrestling and golf programs that competed for city championships. As a walk-on at Auburn University, he was able to play under Hall-of-Famer Pat Dye and be a part of the 1982 Tangerine Bowl and 1984 Sugar Bowl and the SEC Championship team. He was able to compete with great athletes who went on to have outstanding NFL careers. Also while at Auburn, Thomas was the first African American elected into a traditionally all-white Greek fraternity (Delta Chi) in the history of the school, probably in the history of the SEC. He also served as the president of the African American Association. After university, he had the unique opportunity of playing and coaching American football in Europe. He played in five straight championships for clubs in Switzerland and France, winning two national titles. Seeing the lack of fundamentals taught in American football in Europe, he decided to organize training camps in Switzerland and the United States. Soliciting the help of legendary NFL coach Bill Arnsparger and son David, he was able to organize quality camps focusing on the fundamentals of winning, teamwork, and organized training. Within a few years of attending his camps, many teams produced winning seasons for the first time and won national championships. After several work-related moves to various countries, he is currently residing in New York, where he is building his sports and personal training business, One Degree Sports LLC.