There's a whole lot going on!

DU Athletic Director Corey Bray

On this episode we catch up with former Missouri State University Men’s Basketball standout, Rodney Perry. Coach Perry discusses where he has been and how he has stayed involved in the game of basketball and is currently the assistant coach at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. We also caught up with former Liberty North coach and new Head Men’s Basketball Coach at William Jewel. Chris McCabe. We discussed his vision for William Jewel’s program and also how he feels about youth sports. Then, we welcomed Drury University’s new Director of Athletics Corey Bray and talked about his vision for Drury and how his path and experience has prepared him so well for his new post here in Springfield.

Next week we will celebrate the tremendous season of the Springfield Lasers! In two weeks, we will hear from our Cardinals and Royals correspondents Don Louzader and Ethan Bryan on how our Missouri baseball teams are doing.

"I wanna be like Mike."

None of these players said that, but they should have! Michael Jordan was the BEST. These athletes are on the trail to greatness. Already having multiple Division I offers and some a Junior NBA World Championship they know what it takes to crawl up to the top. Listen to how they got their start in basketball, what they love about it, what they are looking for in a school and how they stay humble. Interviews include Aminu Mohammed, Grady Dick, Sam Thompson, Taj Manning, Max Wisner, and Luke Kasubky. We caught up with them at the Midwest Showcase in Kansas City ran by six state associations and hosted by the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.

Next week, we catch up with Coach Rodney Perry, former Missouri State standout guard and current University of Missouri - Kansas City assistant coach We also will chat with Coach Chris McCabe, the new men’s basketball William Jewell coach. Also, joining us will be new Drury Director of Athletics, Corey Bray. We will talk about his plans and vision for Drury Athletics.

You Might Need a Jacket...A Straight-Jacket!

Tonight’s episode was a tribute to Hall of Famer Earl Austin Jr.s book series, You Might Need a Jacket, profiling short stories of crazy antics that occur in the stands during youth sporting events. Earl has covered high school sports for over 30 years in the St. Louis area and has heard and seen a lot of crazy behavior! This is a perfect fit into our Youth Sports series, as parents we have to be mindful of the experience we are providing our youth, and be mindful of the reputation and role modeling that evolves through that time in our lives. Little eyes are always on you!

My thanks to my youth athletes and their dads, who read some story’s from Earl’s book. These crazy stories coming to you from a child’s voice puts it into perspective and amplifies the ridiculous actions of “adults” at youth sporting events. My readers, Carter Riggs (Dad-Corey Riggs) and Brooklyn Friebe (Dad-Shane Friebe) did a tremendous job! They may be the next generation of sportscasters!

Next week, we are going to hear from some of the top Boy’s Basketball players in the country. Members from the Junior NBA World Championship team and other top recruits in the country took time to chat with us at the Midwest Basketball Showcase in June. Enjoy their interviews as they share their journey through the recruitment process.

Kicking off Our Youth Sports Series

Colin Barnett, Sam Plummer

In this episode we had a panel of youth sports organizations represented by Sam Plummer of the Boys and Girls Club and Colin Barnett from the YMCA. We discussed the mission of these organizations and the opportunities they provide for our youth. We also covered the training of youth coaches and expectations. Then, the big question, what is the role of a parent in youth sports? We discussed advice for parents and how to keep things in perspective for the sake of all involved. My guests did an excellent job expressing the desire to keep the focus on the kids and their experience and hope that coaches, officials and parents will positively partner with them in this mission.

On our next show, July 10, we continue with this series and host St. Louis Journalist Earl Austin Jr. and discuss his book, “You Might Need a Jacket.” that tells multiple stories of crazy (straight-jacket) parents and their antics at youth sporting events. You will not want to miss these stories!!

Happy Sports Father's Day!

Cool Dads: Ed Cleeton, Ryan Schafittzel, Tommy Burnett, Scott Hopkins, Joe Kruzel

Our studio was full with Sports Dads on this episode! We talked about how to be a productive, supportive, and positive sports parent. Great advice and valued perspectives from our dads! My thanks to my co-host, Tommy Burnett (my dad)-always enjoy his stories! We also had Springfield Cardinals Manager Joe Kruzel and enjoyed listening to his advice as a dad and what his take is on the Springfield Cardinals organization and how he plans to advance it. Also, in studio the amazing dad of four, Ed Cleeton, the wonderful dad and coach of his sons, Ryan Schafittzel, and the fantastic father of my children, Scott Hopkins. We also congratulated my daughter Hailey Jo on her college graduation and wished her Bon Voyage as she takes off to explore Europe for a year!

Next week - cheer on Joe Kruzel and the Springfield Cardinals - we are back on June 26th revisiting our series on youth sports. Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads - we love you and appreciate what you do!

Batter Up! Our Baseball Correspondents Panel CATCHES Us Up!

Lucas Harrell, Don Louzader, and Ethan Bryan

My thanks to our St. Louis Cardinals correspondent Don Louzader and his review on the redbirds and thank you to Ethan Bryan for our update on the Kansas City Royals. We also caught up with Major League Baseball Player Lucas Harrell . His player perspective is always appreciated. We also did a couple of Baseball 101 segments for those who need to brush up on the MLB basics. Home run!

I challenge Lucas Harrell (in a sling after shoulder surgery) to an arm wrestling match……he still won. {Duane Darr-photo bombs}

Next week, in honor of Father’s Day we will have our Sports Dads panel including Springfield Cardinals manager Joe Kruzel and co-host (my father) Tommy Burnett. Other panel members to be named soon! Wednesday, June 12th at 6:00 on JOCK 98.7FM.

LISTEN! THE COLLEGE COACHES ARE SPEAKING....

Jack Roberts, Chuck Hepola, Kelsey Keizer

On this episode, we explore the challenges that incoming freshmen athletes have when they transition from high school to college. athletics. Our college coaches panel advised athletes how to best prepare for that first year of collegiate competition. My thanks to Evangel Head Football Coach Chuck Hepola, Southwest Baptist University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Kelsey Keizer, and Missouri State University assistant Soccer Coach Jack Roberts for their valuable input.

Next week, cheer on the Springfield Cardinals! Back on June 5th we will catch up with our Major League Baseball gurus Don Louzader and Ethan Bryan, along with former Major League Baseball Player Lucas Harrell.

ANOTHER TRIVIA THROW-DOWN SHOWDOWN IN THE BOOKS!

Ron Snodgrass, Tom Ladd, Carly Deer Stubblefield, Art Hains, Don Louzader, Shane Friebe, Corey Riggs

The 3rd Annual A Coach’s Perspective Trivia Throw-down Showdown did not disappoint! The teams were competitive and it was touch and go for awhile….but the CHAMPIONS this year (by one point)…..(insert drum roll)….Art Hains and Don Louzader! Congratulations to the CHAMPS! (Cue the Bill Conti music-if you listened, you will get that!). Placing 2nd this year (again, by one point) Corey Riggs and Shane Friebe! Going home 3rd and with beautiful participation ribbons, our new team, Tom Ladd and Carly Deer Stubblefield!

“The Podium”

My thanks to the tap dancing producer of our show, Duane Darr and our official for the evening, Big 10 referee, Dr. Ron Snodgrass. Also, gratitude goes to JoBelle Hopper for cooking the meal! Thank you to the listeners that sent in questions and Coach Bill Rowe for calling in with some of his own. Start gathering more now and we will put them in next year!

Yo Mommas!

Our Sports Moms Panel did a fantastic job of expressing the importance of our youth being active and all of the rewards that come along with that involvement. They also provided some valuable advice for our youth coaches and youth parents. My appreciation to my co-host, JoBelle Hopper (my mom), Beverly Ramsey, Jill Widel, and Dawn Hale. Happy Mother’s Day!

Next week it is on! Our two hour trivia throw-down showdown featuring Art Hains, Nate Lucas, Corey Riggs, Shane Friebe, Carly Deer Stubblefield, and Tom Ladd-Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM. Send in your trivia questions to acoachsperspective@gmail.com!

Beverly Ramsey, JoBelle Hopper, Dawn Hale, Jill Widel

Swing and Hit!

Christina Ford

In this episode we were joining by Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter as he shared their new business model, events coming up, and how the team is expected to do this season in their league. Visit their website for more information! https://www.milb.com/springfield/

We also spoke with Christina Ford on her journey to assist women and children in the fight against domestic violence. Her and her husband, Dana Ford, have developed a foundation that provides housing and resources for those in need. This is an incredible journey, please check out their website at www.thereboundfound.org and get involved! Stay tuned for the next Rebound Challenge!

Next week, it is our annual Mothers Day celebration! My mom, JoBelle Hopper, will co-host and we will have our panel of sport moms in to answer your questions. Send in to acoachsperspective@gmail.com.

Cardinals and Royal...or Royals and Cardinals....either way baseball is in full swing!

In this week’s episode we caught up with Mr. and Miss ShowMe Basketball. Isiaiah Mosley, future Missouri State Bear, and Haley Frank, future Missouri Tiger, and they shared with us what their future holds and how grateful they were for their high school success. We also heard from Columbia Rock Bridge Coach Jill Nagel on her induction into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Don Louzader, Shane Friebe, Ethan Bryan

We also had the knowledgeable umpire Shane Friebe on to go over the new baseball rules at the college and professional level. THEN we had our resident St. Louis Cardinals guru, Don Louzader, and our resident Kansas City Royals guru, Ethan Bryan, here to talk about their teams and the expectations for them this season. They also touched on key elements and possible challenges for their teams this season.

Next week, Dan Rieter from the Springfield Cardinals will be here to talk about some of their upcoming events. We will also have Christina Ford here to talk about The Rebound Challenge. Keep enjoying the spring!

MBCA Hall of Famer Interviews!

On April 13, the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) inducted their Class of 2019! For a full list of inductees and their bios, please visit www.mobca.org. We caught up with a few of them and put those interviews together for you on this episode. Hear what Don West, Steve Frank, Kevin Cheek, Jill Nagel, Dennis Cornish, and Scott Womack had to say about their careers, the induction, and advice to younger coaches.

We also caught up with the MBCA Vice President and National Basketball Coaches Association President (that’s right!) Chris Nimmo about the Division I Showcases that the MBCA and the Missouri High School Activities Association are partnering together to put on this summer.

Next week, we hear from Mr. ShowMe Basketball (and future Missouri State Bear), Isisah Mosley and Miss ShowMe Basketball (and future Missouri Tiger), Haley Frank. We will also catch up with umpire Shane Friebe about the new college and professional baseball rules. Don Louzader and Ethan Bryan will also be here to preview their favorite teams the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals! Wednesday Nights - 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM!

TWS and MBCA!

Happy Anniversary, Talking Women’s Sports! We appreciate the show and congratulate you on your six year anniversary! Reba Sims, Becky Oakes, and Lisa Tinkler joined us as they shared the history, interesting guests and mission of the show. Catch it on 98.7FM on Thursdays from 3-4pm.

Executive Director of the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) Denny Hunt joins us and we preview the upcoming MBCA Hall of Fame Inductions and annual Awards Banquet. Congratulations to all of the inductees and award winners. Visit www.mobca.com for the entire list.

Next week we will hear from some of the Hall of Fame inductees.

Tournament Time!!!

Coach Mike Keltner

Our thanks to tonights guests - Danita Moore from St. Louis sharing her valuable insights on officiating today and what we need to do in order to retain quality officials. Her encouraging words were motivating to anyone interested in getting into the profession. Coach Mike Keltner gave us his preview and predictions of the NCAA Final Four Men’s and Women’s Brackets. We always appreciate his conversation and opinions. He always throws a good story (or two) into the chat! He is a machine of facts and trivia, so fun! Thank you, Coach Keltner!

Next week - YES! They will be here! We will dedicate the entire show to Coach Kelli Harper and the Missouri State Lady Bears and their incredible season and, in particular, Missouri Valley Conference Championship and Sweet 16 run in the NCAA.

State Players of the Year in Basketball and Volleyball

Hayley Frank, Aminu Mohammed, Birdie Hendrickson

Missouri Gatorade Players of the Year in Basketball Hayley Frank (Strafford), and Aminu Mohammed (Greenwood), join us along with Volleyball Player of the Year Birdie Hendrickson (Logan-Rogersville) and shared their insights on their sport. They also gave out some valuable advice to young athletes and we took a peak at their future. All three athletes exhibited positive gratitude for their success and appreciation for those along the way that have helped them on their journey. Gatorade Players of the Year are judged on sport skill, academics and character and all three of these athletes have excelled in each area. Our congratulations to these role models and best wishes in their future endeavors.

Next week, we catch up with Danita Moore, St. Louis area official and talk about her career. We will also have our resident NCAA expert, Coach Mike Keltner, and chat up his previews on the NCAA Final Fours.

Lady Panthers in the HOUSE!

Coach Molly Miller, Daejah Bernard, Hailey Diestelkamp, Paige Robinson, Peyton Richards, Brooke Stanfield, and Lauren Holmes

Coach Molly Miller brought in six of her Drury Lady Panthers as we celebrated their #1 National ranking, their undefeated season SO FAR, their trip to the Elite Eight this weekend, their defense causing 1,000 turnovers, and I could go on and on with numbers and accolades, but at the end of the day these ladies just love to compete. They love to win and they love to play together. It was evident that they respect each other on and off the floor and have a common vision and mission this season. Daejah Bernard, Hailey Diestelkamp, Paige Robinson, Peyton Richards, Brooke Stanfield, and Lauren Holmes all shared their love of the game, team, and how motivated they have been to be the best team they possibly can be. Each owning their roles and staying focused as they continue to shine Drury in the national spotlight.

We also send a huge congratulations out to the Missouri State University Women’s Team for making it to the NCAA Tournament and winning the Missouri Valley Tournament!

Next week, Missouri Gatorade Players of the Year will be here! We welcome Hayley Frank and Aminu Mohammed.

Show Me the Showdowns!

Shane Friebe, Carter Riggs, Corey Riggs

ShowMe Showdown for Class 1, 2, and 3 is in the books and Class 4 and 5 are this weekend. Corey Riggs and Shane Friebe joined me as we recapped last weekend and previewed this coming weekend. Co-host Carter Riggs was a huge help, too! Congratulations to all of the State Champions and teams in the Final Fours - you represented your schools and communities well!

Yes, I have to say it for so my son doesn’t get mad….a special congratulations to Hayden and his Greenwood Bluejays team! Good luck to all of the Class 4 and 5 teams!

It's ShowMe Showdown time!

Jason West, Dr. Kerwin Urhan, Kevin Garner

What an exciting time of year! This weekend the Class 1, 2, and 3 high school basketball teams of the Missouri State High School Activities Association will crown new state champions, while Class 4 and 5 will hand out titles next weekend. We had the triple threat in studio with Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhan, Assistant Executive Director Kevin Garner, and Communications Director Jason West. Go to MSHSAA.org for all of the information.

Next week, we will catch up with the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and Executive Director Denny Hunt about the awards and recognitions they have coming up.

Thank you, also, to President Clif Smart for speaking to our mentoring group, CHAMPS!

Batter Up! Yep...it's that time again!

Lucas Harrell and Bill Rowe

Spring training has arrived! This strong tradition for so many has become a routine vacation because of many reasons, but mainly because fans get the sneak peak at their favorite players and teams. Coaches get to experiment with different rotations and positions and players get to feel some heat while they battle for positions, levels, and spots on that major roster. It also helps that the weather is spectacular in Florida and Arizona! Former Missouri State University Coach and Athletic Director Bill Rowe joins us along with former veteran Major League Baseball player Lucas Harrell. Lucas gives us his insight into how players prepare and view spring training.

Next week, we will have the Missouri State High School Activities Association gurus in studio to promote and discuss the ShowMe Showdowns coming up as each classification gets to crown their next state basketball champion. Kerwin Urhan, Kevin Garner, and Jason West will be with us in studio.

Suit Up! From the Arenas to Boardrooms

Joe Turner, Jodie Adams, Dwain Banner

In this episode, we explore the obvious statement of why athletes make the best employees. Joining us on our panel: President and CEO (and presenting sponsor for our show!) from Great Southern Bank Joe Turner, Missouri State University professor and retired Director of Springfield-Greene County Parks and Recreation Department Jodie Adams, and Owner of Creator Designs and Creator Delights Dwain Banner. We explore Christina DeMarias article on inc.com “Seven Reasons that Athletes Make the Best Employees” while each executive expressed the important characteristics of valuable employees. No surprise that the intangibles expressed are the same characteristics that one may obtain from being involved in co-curricular activities. Our panel did an excellent job dissecting these traits and relating them to how they may serve us as we move throughout our career endeavors. My thanks to an excellent panel and their insights!

Next week, Spring Training is here! Baseball season has arrived and we are going to speak with Bill Rowe about the importance of Spring Training to Major League Baseball and to Lucas Harrell and get a players perspective of what it means for team development.