Coach Sundance Wicks
In this episode, we exploded onto the scene of mental coaching in college athletics. Former Missouri Western Men’s Basketball coach and current assistant at the University of Wyoming, Coach Sundance Wicks fuels our motivation to have this conversation and coach the total person, not just the player. His energy and enthusiasm is incredible, buckle up for this one!
JoBelle Hopper
In this episode, we shared the 2023 class of the Missouri State University Athletics Hall of Fame and celebrated with the Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications, Rick Kindhart and the Don Payton Inductee, JoBelle Hopper. We had congratulatory messages sent in to JoBelle from Randy Ball, Barry Hinson, Keith Guttin, Jon Leamy, Jesse Branch, and Bill Rowe. Congratulations to all of the inductees and thank you to my guests for their contributions and valued insights.
We were pleased to host the nationally ranked Drury University Women’s Basketball program. Head Coach Amy Eagan joined us along with player representatives Kaylee DaMitz-Holt, and Allie Clevenger. What is the secret to Drury Women’s Basketball and their continual success? Coach Eagan and her players share their insights as we celebrate another year contending for a national championship. My thanks to these talents and sharing their perspectives tonight, best of luck to them and their endeavors.
In this episode, our series continues in January on some top high school athletes in the area. Tonight, we have a sample of the talent in this area on the boys side. We welcome this week:
Jake Lafferty, Junior from Sparta, Mo -Basketball
Karon Johnson, Senior from Willard, Mo (Committed to Brown University) - Track & Field/Football
My thanks to these talents and sharing their perspectives tonight, best of luck to them and their endeavors. There is no doubt they will be successful people!
In this episode, our series continues in January on some top high school basketball players in the area. Tonight, we have a sample of the talent in this area on the girl’s side. We welcome this week:
Kaemyn Bekemeier – Republic, Missouri
Norah Clark, Nixa, Missouri
Macy Mays, Eldorado Springs, Missouri
Anna Trusty, Greenwood, Arkansas
Mady Cartwright, Greenwood, Arkansas
Reagan McCowen, Lebanon, Missouri
Allyssa Joyner, West Plains, Missouri
My thanks to these talents and sharing their perspectives tonight, best of luck to them and their teams the rest of the season.
In this episode, a new series kicks off in January on some top high school basketball players in the area. Thank you to Wyatt Wheeler, Don West, and Corey Riggs for their input on who is performing at the top of their game right now. Tonight, we have a sample of the talent in this area. In two weeks, we catch up with some female players, and round out the series with some more male players at the end of the month. We welcome this week:
Curry Sutherland, Rogersville
Nick Burri, Greenwood
My thanks to these talents and sharing their perspectives tonight, best of luck to them and their teams the rest of the season.
Brandon Clark, Josh Scott
In this episode, we peak into the critical role of an Athletic Director and what a vital part they play in the world of sports and activities. Josh Scott (Springfield Public Schools), recent NIAAA Distinguished Service Award winner, and Brandon Clark (Nixa Public Schools) share their point of view on athletics to budgeting, hiring coaches, discussions with parents, and what they want for the global experience of the program, team, and individual. My thanks for all that they do and a shout out to all athletic directors…we see you, and appreciate you!
Casey Garrison
Wow! In this episode, we catch up with a total champion. Coming off a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame induction the day before, Casey Garrison Powell, joins us to talk about her career and how she has used her experience in sports to be a successful parent and person. It is no surprise that this champion has impacted so many and continues to be an inspiration. My thanks to Casey for taking a deeper dive into sports and what they have meant to her.
In this episode, we celebrate the annual basketball luncheon for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Byron Shive, President of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, gives us a preview of the inductees and the Filbert Five award winners. My thanks to Byron for the time and all of the efforts he puts into a successful Hall of Fame event. We also welcomed Rick and Honey Pickren as this dynamic duo, and husband and wife, are both being honored for the Filbert Five Award. My co-host, Jent Pickren did a tremendous job, too! Congratulations to all of the award winners! Listen HERE
In this episode, I walked the walk. I am always saying reach out to your coaches and mentors and tell them what they mean to you and express that gratitude. Well…it was time to walk the walk. I cold called some of my former coaches and mentors, some names you will recognize, and thanked them for everything they have done in my life. Thank you for answering your phones! I appreciate all of you and the leadership you have had in my life, and some of you in my kid’s lives: My parents (Dr. Tommy Burnett and JoBelle Hopper), Dr. David Oatman, Jane Lindsey, Julie Leeth, Mark Fisher, Kent Hedgpeth (daughter’s basketball coach), and John Pinney (son’s boxing coach). Gratitude needs to be expressed, it brings joy to those you express it to, and it brings an inner peace and happiness to your own lives. Make the call to your former coaches and mentors. Also, thank you to my producer (pictured), Abbey Linton, you are appreciated! Listen HERE
In this episode, we caught up with Evangel Men’s Basketball head coach, Bert Capel, assistant coach, Jackson Capel, along with players Josh Pritchett, Broc Smith, Garrett Davault, and Autry Acord. With a mix of talented veterans, rookies, and a national ranking this program is headed in the right direction with leadership on the sideline and on the court. We talked about what makes this team special, how they handle pressure, and how they embrace their roles. My thanks to the entire crew that joined us, they all did a tremendous job!
Josh Pritchett, Autry Acord., Jackson Capel, Garrett Davault, Broc Smith, Coach Bert Capel
In this episode, we are joined by Alexis Fibble out of New York. Coach Fibble is an educator, coach, mental health consultant for athletes, college recruitment consultant, and certified life and health coach. We thoroughly explore how coaching has changed, how physical and mental skills have counteracted each other, and the ever-evolving college recruitment process. Coach Fibble gives valuable insight and practical tips for coaches, athletes, and parents to help navigate athletics today.
In this episode, we caught up with University of Arkansas Women’s Basketball coach, the talented Mike Neighbors as we discuss Mental Coaching. It is no secret that collegiate athletes are excited and ready to roll for basketball season! It is also no secret that some of them are dealing with some very real and impactful issues. Coaching the entire athlete can help develop the lives of these young athletes and help them reach that coveted potential. Coach Neighbors is that kind of coach and has elevated the University of Arkansas Women’s Basketball team to new heights. Listen to this episode and you will see why.
Tonight, we have another segment on Panel Power. We talked about support and guidance and the importance of having mentors and being mentors to others. We profiled the mentoring and leadership program CHAMPS with some of the mentors in the program. My panel tonight included: Ned Reynolds, Greg Stephenson, Becky Oakes. For more information on CHAMPS, visit: HERE
Tonight, we had a special show to show some love and appreciation for our friend, Art Hains. We had a panel of people that love Art and are fighting with him during this challenging time. In case you have been in a cave, or you are not from this area, Hall of Fame broadcaster, Art Hains, is currently battling some rare side effects of West Nile Virus.
I want to thank my co-host, Art’s daughter, Kathleen Hains, for joining us, we were very grateful to have her in studio. Along with my co-host, we had some wonderful friends here for Art and some that sent in well wishes. It is only an hour show, but we packed in a lot of love, thank you to my guests: Rick Jester, Tom Mast, Wyatt Wheeler, Mike Keltner, Ned Reynolds (recorded message), and Corey Riggs (recorded message). Also, thank you to Abbey Linton for producing, too!
We wish Art the best and had fun telling some stories tonight and encourage you all to do what you can to support this endeavor with the family. Please visit this GoFundMe page to assist - ART
On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame inducted St. Louis Cardinals physician, Dr. Brian Mahaffey and Olympic medalist Courtney Frerichs! We catch up with both inductees to chat about their careers and the path they took to accepting a Hall of Fame induction. From high school Cross Country to the Olympic podium, Frerichs has ran her way into the hearts of so many with her perseverance and fortitude during competitions. Dr. Mahaffey has impacted lives at every level from the Missouri State University Bears to the Springfield Cardinals, and now with Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals. His diligence and caring spirit have athletes gravitating toward him and craving his knowledge and empathetic attitude. Thank you to both of my guests for joining us, and for what you do in our world of sports!
Last night, Tuesday, October 4, 2022, the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame inducted Darrell “Smitty” Smith into their Hall of Fame. A successful boxer in his own right he had taken his skills along with two college degrees, law enforcement involvement, and military experience and created a mecca of mentoring with “Smitty’s Mid-West Boxing Gym & Youth Center”. Opening the gym in 2012, Smitty has helped and coached over 1,500 kids using the sport of boxing as a powerful platform. My guest has a heart of gold for kids and will do anything to help them succeed! Thank you, Smitty, for what you do in our community and for what you do for our youth! Also, thank you to his son Israel for helping out with the interview!
Next week (Tuesday, October 4, 2022) the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame will induct six individuals and one Era of Excellence Award. This year’s Era of Excellence award recipient is the Greenwood Laboratory School Football Program – Mullins Era. Coach Paul Mullins, along with quarterbacks Jim Ferguson, Steve Harman, and Alan Rosen from the Greenwood Football Program joined us as we talked about the secret of success of that program and how Coach Mullins and Coach Purvis built a culture around their program. Young coaches and young athletes – listen up and take notes – this is a great episode on building a program!
We are thrilled to have the University of Missouri Men’s Basketball Coach Dennis Gates on tonight to speak about his vision for the Tigers basketball program. We also will be replaying my interview from University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Self from last night’s Boys and Girls Club Steak and Steak Fundraiser. Thank you to KOLR 10 and Brett Piper for the audio of the Coach Self interview. Coach Gates and Coach Self will face each other in the infamous “Border War” game at Mizzou Arena on December 10, 2022.
Two successful and impactful coaches join us in this episode to discuss getting back on the sideline after retirement. Todd Mercer and Mark Vert have a wealth of knowledge and experience and share their perspectives on different areas of coaching. My thanks to my guests and sharing their valued wisdom.
