Getting mental with two of the top in the field!

In this episode, premier sports psychologist Dr. Patrick Cohn joins us and talks about the value of pre-game routine and preparation for maximum production. He also discussed the challenges with handling with perfectionism and playing with a fear of failure.  His tips for effective coping skills were valued and are also outlined on his website peaksports.com. He also has a great podcast on Apple iTunes.  We also caught up with Missouri State University softball coach, Holly Hesse as she explained the value and implementation of the DISC test and how it can make your athletes more coachable. 

Dr. Patrick Cohn

Coach Holly Hesse

Next week, we catch up with West Virginia Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins as he fondly remembers his friendship with Charlie Spoonhour.  We also speak to East Tennessee State University Men’s Basketball coach, Steve Forbes about his vision for his basketball program and how important it is to recruit quality people as well as quality athletes.

Hall of Famers in the House!

Tim Blasi and Mark Stratton

On this episode, we are joined by future Springfield Area Sports Hall of Famers Mark Stratton and Tim Blasi. Both of these gentlemen have accumulated many accolades over the years, but the most important ones are the influences they have had on their teammates and players. We had some tremendous guests call in and offer their heartfelt and genuine congratulations to them both. My thanks to Mark Bailey, Scott Bailes, Mark Resz, and Neil Chambers. Also, thank you to Christie Blasi and Sara Stratton Kaderly for helping arrange our special guests!

Next week, nationally renowned sports psychologist Dr. Patrick Cohn will be here as we pick back up on our Sports Psychology series. He will talk about pre-performance routines, combating perfectionism, maintaining focus and answer some of our college athletes questions. We will also welcome back Missouri State University softball coach Holly Hesse back to the show to talk about the DISC test and how you can use it to motivate your players.

Staying MENTAL!

Corey Bray, Hailey Diestelkamp, Connor Sechlor

In this episode, we continue to explore the mental side of the game in our Sports Psychology Series. We are joined by Drury University’s Director of Athletics Corey Bray, standout women’s basketball player, and NCAA Division II Player of the Year, Hailey Diestelkamp, and all-MVC and standout pitcher for the Missouri State University Bears baseball team, Connor Sechlor. Insights and discussion included mental preparation, dealing with anxiety, pressure, playing perfect, and tuning out negative voices. The positive message from the panel gave advice and guidance for athletes, coaches, and other contributors of athletic programs.

Next week, we catch up with Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame inductees Tim Blasi and Mark Stratton. We may also have some surprise guest callers. We congratulate all of the inductees which also include Rich Johanningmeier, Bill Jasinski, Joyce Mahoney and Dick Jones. The banquet will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Oasis Convention Center, 5:00 reception with a 6:00 dinner and program.

We are getting MENTAL!

Don Keeton, Holly Hesse, John Schaefer

In this episode, we are kicking off a series on Sports Psychology. We assembled a panel of coaches to take us through their techniques for mentally training athletes for peak performance. We discussed visualization, using the mind’s eye, goal setting, dealing with anxiety, fear of failure, and many more. They gave out some excellent techniques and advice for athletes and coaches. We even talked about coaches holding their composure (which is not easy). My thanks to the talented panel that joined us including Coach Holly Hesse with Missouri State University Softball, Coach John Schaefer with Logan-Rogersville Boys Basketball, and Track and Field legend Coach Don Keeton.

Join us next week as Director of Athletics at Drury University Corey Bray and break down the mental side of sports even further as we continue with this vital topic!

Home Run!

My Cardinals (Don Louzader) and Royals (Ethan Bryan) correspondents duke it out on the night the Cardinals and Royals play.

Our trusty baseball correspondents, Ethan Bryan and Don Louzader, joined us in studio to update us on the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. We also congratulated Don on his Fun Acre Open Championship and Ethan for making the Grip and Rib Baseball League! Check them out on Sundays! Follow Ethan’s journey at www.ethanbryan.com. We also told some W.O.W. (WHAT or WHY?) stories, too fun! My thanks to Chris Adams for his stories that he sent in (not that I gave him a choice) and to Matt Wright for sending in his story.

Next week, we are kicking off our Sports Psychology Series, we will be diving into the ins and outs of the mental and emotional side of sports. No pressure, but you better join us for these!

Celebrating Champions!

Paul Nahon, Don West, Corey Riggs

In this episode, we celebrate the back to back World Team Tennis Champions, the phenomenal Springfield Lasers. General Manager Paul Nahon joined us and recapped the championship season along with Springfield Lasers producer and broadcaster Corey Riggs and Don West. we discussed how the circuit is organized, how they fill their roster and a lot of other angles involved in running this championship program.

Next week we will have our baseball correspondents on, Don Louzader and Ethan Bryan, and we will CATCH up on the Cardinals and Royals. We will also talk about the new Grip and Rip league and will have some W.O.W (WHAT or WHY?) baseball stories!

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.