Final Four and CHAMPS

Dr. Julie Leeth, Becky Oakes, and Greg Stephenson

In this fun episode we learned from former Executive Director of the Missouri Sports High School Activities Association, and retired National Federation administrator, Becky Oakes how YOU can be involved as a team host at this years Show Me Showdowns in March. Listen to the details she gives and call the Springfield Sports Commission to apply!

We kept Becky around and spoke with her, Greg Stephenson, and Dr. Julie Leeth about the new local mentoring program they are involved in called CHAMPS. We learned about the mission, vision, logistics and explored how important it is to have a mentor and even more important to BE a mentor.

Next week, we are going to make an obvious statement. We are going to talk about how athletes make the best employees to hire and to prove it we are going to speak with three highly successful business executives. Joe Turner from Great Southern Bank will be here! Along with Missouri State University professor and retired Springfield-Greene County Parks Director Jodie Adams, and owner of Creator Designs and Creator Delights Dwain Banner. Wednesday, February 20, 2019 from 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM.

Catching Up With....Former FB Bears!

Ryan Touhey

In this episode, we first hear from Seattle Seahawk player and former Lebanon High School and University of Missouri standout Justin Britt about his career and how he keeps his career rolling in the NFL.

Then we caught up with former All-Missouri Valley Conference Missouri State Football Bears, Ryan Touhey-who coached after his college career and is now successful in the medical field-and Jason Whittle-Missouri Sports Hall of Famer and 11 season veteran of the NFL and is now successful in Real Estate. We spoke about their time with the Bears and how it has continued to shape them as men, husbands, and fathers. Each one is also a sports parent and is enjoying their new role in sports. Coach Jesse Branch also joined us as our surprise celebrity guest and talked about why he recruited each of these talented players and how proud he is of the men they have become.

Next week, Becky Oakes joins us as we talk about team hosts for the Final Four teams and a new mentoring program in the area called CHAMPS.

NFL Discussions with Dean

Dean Blandino

In this episode, former Vice President of NFL Officiating and current Fox Sports Rules Analyst Dean Blandino shares his interpretations and insights in to professional and college officiating. Mr. Blandino does an excellent job expressing the process and procedure of trying to get the calls right. We appreciated his in depth review of recruiting quality officials, getting the calls to be as accurate as possible, preparing for the Super Bowl, and evaluating multiple angles in order for officials to be a vital part of the National Football League. We covered a lot in this episode! Our gratitude to Mr. Blandino.

Staying with our Super Bowl fever, next week, Seattle Seakhawk, and Lebanon High School graduate, Justin Britt joins us. We also catch up with former NFL player Jason Whittle along with former Missouri State player Ryan Touhey in our “Catching up with…” segment. We will see what these former Bears have been doing since representing Missouri State University on the field. Wednesday nights - 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM.

Catching up with Callie

Callie Carroll and Nate Lucas

Tonight we caught up with the multi-talented Callie Carroll on her path as a producer, anchor, reporter, reality star, and now, back home with the Bears as the Director of Athletics Development. Check out her role on “Breaking Greenville” on Amazon! My thanks to Callie for her time and conversation. Also, thank you to the accomplished Nate Lucas as my co-host in this episode. We always appreciate his discussion and two cents!

Next week…it is SUPER BOWL time! We are going to look at a few angles that relate to the Super Bowl.

3...2...1...It's Tournament of Champions Time!

Andy Taylor and Don Louzader

Josh Scott, Marty Marsh

What a fun show! One of the best, and highest attended, high school basketball tournaments is coming up this weekend (1/17-1/19), the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (TOC) at JQH Arena! My thanks to Marty Marsh and Josh Scott for providing the tournament information and team previews. Thank you to my co-host, Don Louzader and the TOC Stadium Announcer, Andy Taylor for talking about the added energy and entertainment for the tournament. Thank you to Don and Andy, too, for showing me “how it is done” in our voice off contest. Two legendary talents and tremendous gentlemen!

Next week, Nate Lucas co-hosts as we catch up with Callie Carroll. Wednesday nights, 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM.

This Just In.....Broadcasters in the Studio!

Don West, Scott McCauley, Trevor Casterlin

What a fun show, reminiscing on memories of games, teams, and experiences throughout the decades of covering sports. Don West, Scott McCauley, and Trevor Casterlin showed that they are definitely used to on air chemistry together and had a lot of fun talking about their past broadcasts. We thank these gentlemen for their dedication and energy in covering local high school and college sports.

Next week we will dive into the Tournament of Champions and preview some of the matchups. In two weeks, we are going to catch up with Callie Carroll!

Straight to the Source!

Mikayla Pilley, Collin Clark, Allie Burnett, Tommy Burnett

In this episode, we went straight to the source. We have talked about youth sports and if we are doing it right, but never actually asked any youth athletes! Well, that is not that case anymore! Tonight we had a wonderful panel of insightful and interesting youth athletes, Tommy and Allie Burnett, Collin Clark, and Mikayla Pilley, did a wonderful job of telling us what they expect from coaches, parents, and spectators for a positive experience in youth sports. Awesome job, panel!

Next week, we will catch up with Trevor Casterlin and Don West on what they have seen so far this winter in sports and what is coming up soon. It is always fun to chat with broadcasters, they have the next best seat in the house! Yes….Coaches have the best! HaHa!

The Art of Scouting with College Coaches

Coaches Caira Dortch, Chuck Hepola, and Kelsey Keizer

In this episode, we study a vital variable in successful coaching and that is the art of scouting your opponents. All of the hours of film, the thousands of variables observed and documented and compiling all of it for the ultimate game plan that gives your team the advantage. Coach Chuck Hepola from Evangel University football, Coach Caira Dortch from Southwest Baptist University Volleyball, and Coach Kelsey Keizer from Southwest Baptist University Women’s Basketball give us a small peak into their scouting style and routines. These college coaches, known for their diligent preparation, shared valuable tips on scouting and how they utilize it as a part of their success.

Next week, we have had series on youth sports and if we are doing it right…well, we are going right to the source to find out if we are! We will have youth athletes on and talk about their experience so far in sports. Happy New Year, everyone!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...and Holiday Tournament Time!

In this episode, we preview the traditional holiday tournaments in the southwest Missouri area. The Pink and White Lady Classic has a terrific field this year and Tournament Coordinator Marty Marsh gave an excellent preview of this historic girls tournament. Robert Vestal, local basketball historian, helped us preview the Blue and Gold and gave us a top ten of fun facts about the Blue and Gold. At Parkview, the Kinloch Wrestling Tournament will be in full swing and Coach Willie Russell previewed it for us.

Spend time with family and friends and enjoy this holiday season….then catch some great action in the area! Next week…the art of scouting! Happy Holidays, everyone!

Suit Up! It's Gear Time!

Bryan Tucker

My gratitude to BSN Representative Bryan Tucker for talking with us tonight about sports equipment and gear, plus (bonus!) bringing in trivia questions and giving away some very cool stuff! He also talked about what it was like to be a sports parent at the high school and college level with his talented sons and offered some valuable advice. Great show because of a great guest!

Next week….it’s tournament time!!! We will preview the traditional holiday tournaments, Blue and Gold, Pink and White Lady Classic, and others around the area, plus the Kinloch Wrestling tournament! In two weeks, the art of scouting, thanks for listening, Wednesday’s from 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM.

Stan Van Gundy!

Coach Stan Van Gundy speaking at the MBCA Clinic, September 2018

On this episode, we welcomed long time NBA coach and current ESPN Analyst, Stan Van Gundy. We discussed a wide range of topics including his career, college basketball, NBA basketball, and he answered questions sent in by high school basketball players. Coach Van Gundy did an excellent job sharing his experiences and perspective.

Next week, Bryan Tucker will be here from BSN with some cool gear to give away with trivia questions. In two weeks, we will have a coaches panel on the art of scouting. Thanks for listening!

Know your rules...

My thanks to MSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kevin Garner and Southwest Missouri Coordinator of Officials and MSHSAA Observer Kelly Holt for clarifying and interpreting the new rule changes and reminders for points of emphasis for this high school basketball season. We were able to review and refresh on some of the rules of the sport.

Next week, NBA Coach Stan VanGundy will join us to talk about the state of college and professional basketball. We will talk about his career and what direction he sees the NBA heading. Join us on Wednesday’s from 6:00-7:00 pm on JOCK 98.7FM.

Kelly Holt

Springfield Area Sports HOF Board Members at Ebbett's Field!

Tonight we hosted a room full of sports contributors. The Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors met and then stayed for the show which was on location at Coach Terry Allen’s own Ebbett’s Field. We had several there that joined us on air to answer questions and play Head’s Up, sports style. Art Hains (who was crowned champion of the games), Corey Riggs, Don West, Tom Mast, Ray Meyer, Bill Rowe, Mark Stillwell, and Tim Blasi all braved the airways while Lynne Miller, Don Keaton, Ned Reynolds, Becky Oakes, and Ron Snodgrass cheered them on. It was a successful night and I appreciated the good sports!

Next week - Ever have a coach that was also a great mentor? Want to thank them? Write a paragraph giving an example and send it in to acoachsperspective@gmail.com and we will show coaches some gratitude next week.

"Coach, I was wondering....."

Thank you to all that sent in questions for our college coaches panel. Our panel did an excellent job contributing to the questions. Missouri State Softball coach Holly Hesse, Missouri State Track and Field coach Jordan Fife, and Drury University Wrestling coach James Reynolds gave some excellent insight and advice. Listen to it under Previous Shows or on Apple iTunes Podcast.

Next week, we are going on location! We will be at Ebbett’s Field from 6:00-7:00 and will be visiting with the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame board members. There are so many potential interviews that I cannot even begin to list the names! Join us next Wednesday night on JOCK 98.7FM.

Trick-or-Treat Trivia!

Wow! The listeners of this show know their sports! Thank you to everyone that called in on our Halloween trivia show. Impressive listeners! Thank you to my gracious co-host, Art Hains for sticking around after his show and helping out. Also, gratitude to my generous sponsors for providing the prizes, Great Southern Bank, Hiland Dairy, and Rib Crib. Thank you, also, to Missouri State University and Drury University Athletic Departments for donating the tickets. We appreciate your contributions, we couldn’t do it without you! Also, a gigantic shout out to my wonderful and talented producer, Duane Darr. He did an amazing job multi-tasking and making this show happen. Sports trivia - gotta love it!

Next week will be our two year anniversary - wow! We will have our college coaches panel on to answer your questions. Send them in to acoachsperpective@gmail.com - Happy Halloween!

Ask the Coaches, TAKE TWO!

In this episode, we continued answering your questions to our high school coaches panel. We covered a lot. Thank you for sending them in! Bill Gunn from Kirkwood High School and Jenny Perryman from Nixa were back along with Landon Cornish from Parkview. Great insights by all!

Next week…don’t be scared…but it is Halloween and we are doing a “Trick or Treat Trivia Show” - we will put listeners to the test and give away some prizes. Art Hains will be my co-host - listen, answer the trivia, and win! Wednesday’s 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM.

Ask the Coaches!

Jenny Perryman, John Hartley (Not pictured: Bill Gunn)

Ever have a question for a high school coach? Curious how they select their teams, the levels, or communicate their expectations? We are answering them! First of all, THANK YOU, to all of the questions that were sent in. We did not get to all of them so we are going to have our panel back next week and continue answer your questions. If you have one, send it in to acoachsperspective@gmail.com. Our thanks to our panel: Coach Bill Gunn, Coach Jenny Perryman, and Coach John Hartley.

Next week will be take two answering your questions. In two weeks, we will have a college coaching panel on, send in your questions for them, too!

RUNNERS TO YOUR MARK!

Carmelita Jetter

Olympic Champion Carmelita Jetter joined us for this episode and shared her experience as a professional Track and Field Super Star. She gave energetic and inspiring insight into her career and her transition into coaching and how she will bring her unique style to Missouri State University as their new assistant coach. She describes going from her first track practice in high tops to standing on the biggest stage in sports (the Olympic podium) to coaching and mentoring her student-athletes. Her inner courage through her sports journey is inspiring,

Next week, we will have a panel of coaches on to discuss some of the various topics that effect athletic programs. Our coaches panel will answer some of your questions and scenarios. Email questions to acoachsperspective@gmail.com.

Sports, Law, and Athletic Programs

Jill Patterson

Thank you to attorney and Title IX Coordinator at Missouri State University, Jill Patterson, for educating us on the various laws that effect athletic programs at the high school and college level. Her insights were informative and generated some excellent conversation on what athletic programs need to be aware of and how to handle certain situations.

Next week, new Missouri State University assistant track coach and “fastest female alive” Carmelita Jeter will join us about her phenomenal career and her transition to coaching. We will also catch up with some coaches from the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association’s annual clinic.

Heads Up! Let's Play Catch...

Ethan Bryan, Caleb Cole, Lisa Tinkler

In this episode we chat with Lisa Tinkler and Caleb Cole about their new youth training facility in Springfield, RedLine Athletics. Individual and team training are available and their facility has a new, fresh flavor on how to train athletes from ages 8-18. Check them out at www.redlineathletics.com

My other guest fascinates me! He has been on quite a journey this year. We welcomed back to the show, talented author Ethan Bryan. You may remember him on our Superfan show where he represented the Kansas City Royals. Baseball is a huge passion for Ethan and on New Year’s Day he decided to play catch with his daughter and that game of catch developed into playing catch with a variety of people every day for 365 days. He spoke with us about the friendships that have evolved and the travels that his endeavor has produced. What a cool ride! We appreciated his story and sharing it with us. Oh…and yes, I am now on his list! We played catch before the show and during the show! Best of luck to him as he closes the year out.

Next week we are going to explore several topics that coaches are facing nation wide…it may get deep….so be ready! Wednesday’s 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM.