The Winning Formula, a new book documenting the remarkable history of Seneca Valley High School football, is now available to purchase.
Written by former Seneca Valley athletic director Ray Sacramo with research and editing contributions from legendary head coach Terry Changuris, the book chronicles the rise of one of Maryland’s most successful high school football programs and the principles that helped sustain its success across multiple decades.
According to the book, Seneca Valley’s football program flourished under three iconic head coaches: Al Thomas, Terry Changuris, and Fred Kim. The program’s success was built around five core principles that became known as “The Winning Formula”: Pride, Innovation, Preparation, Repetition, and Learning from Mistakes.
The book traces the foundation of what became a football powerhouse. Under Al Thomas, Seneca Valley captured state championships in just its second varsity season and repeated as champions the following year, including a season in which the defense did not allow a single point. Thomas helped establish what became known as “Pride in the Valley,” a culture that united players, coaches, students, families, and the broader Germantown community.
When Thomas moved on after winning five state championships, Changuris took over as head coach and further developed the program’s winning philosophy. By 1992, he had formalized “The Winning Formula,” a system that helped guide Seneca Valley to seven state championships over an 11-year span and contributed to an overall head coaching record of 158-31.
Fred Kim later continued the tradition as the program’s third head coach. Combined, Thomas, Changuris, and Kim compiled an extraordinary 374-79 record while building a championship legacy that extended well beyond the football field.
Changuris is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished coaches in Maryland high school football history. During his 27 years at Seneca Valley, including 16 seasons as head coach, he guided the Screamin’ Eagles to seven state championships and was part of 14 state title teams overall. He was inducted into the Maryland High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012.
The book also explores the extensive coaching tree that emerged from Seneca Valley, highlighting the influence of Thomas and longtime assistant John Harvill throughout western Montgomery County and Frederick County. It concludes by examining how former players and coaches carried those lessons forward, including Changuris’ son, TJ, who later coached at Quince Orchard High School.
