JOHNSTOWN —
Greater Johnstown High School’s remake of the football game portrayed in “All the Right Moves” has drawn the attention of the film’s star, Tom Cruise.
His official blog site, www.tomcruise.com, highlights the remake in an article with several photos and videos.
“We all fell in love with this Western Pennsylvania mining town when 20th Century Fox first released the 1983 football classic,” the blog reads. “When we discovered an article in a local Johnstown newspaper (about the upcoming game), we were impressed by the inspiring efforts of the town to recreate the original football game ...”
The game also drew the attention of the national media and supporting stars Craig T. Nelson and Lea Thompson, who sent their best wishes prior to kickoff.
Played Sept. 14 at Johnstown’s Trojan Stadium, the game pitted the home team against the Westmont Hilltop Hilltoppers. The two teams were portrayed in the movie as the Ampipe Bulldogs and the Walnut Heights Knights.
The remake was the brainchild of Theresa Subich, wife of Greater Johnstown assistant coach Brian Subich. She was among the 10,000 extras who filled Point Stadium for the shooting of the game 30 years ago.
Brian Subich liked his wife’s idea and approached Johnstown coach Tony Penna Jr., who reached out to Thomas A. Callihan, athletic director for Westmont Hilltop, and the idea came to fruition. Not only would the event be a fun activity that would bring positive publicity to the city and the football program, the game would raise funds for two scholarships – $1,000 to go to a student from Johnstown and $1,000 to a student from Westmont.
Nearly 5,000 football fans attended the game and watched Johnstown beat its real-life rival in the pouring rain – just like in the movie (although Walnut Heights won that game).
The teams wore throwback jerseys and many of the fans came dressed in ’80s clothing.
The jerseys are being sold to raise additional funds for the scholarships.
A link to purchase the jerseys, offered at $50, is provided on Cruise’s site. All money collected, other than for the cost of manufacturing the shirts, will go to the scholarship fund.
Brian Subich said he and the other coaches were thrilled the Cruise blog brought such attention to the game.
“Having the official website and blog for Tom Cruise acknowledge our game and help us promote the sale of game jerseys sort of wraps up the entire project,” he said.
Piece of history
Throwback jerseys from the “All the Right Moves” tribute game may be purchased by the public.
Log on to www.tomcruise.com or mail a $50 check to: Greater Johnstown High School Athletic Office 222 Central Ave. Johnstown, PA 15902.
Be sure to specify desired size – L/XL, XXL, XXXL and jersey number ranging from 00 to 99.
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