A Coach's Perspective

Jen Rukstad, Doug Fessler

High School Basketball State Championships!  They have arrived and the electricity of this time of year is contagious!  All sports work year round to peak and perform at their best when it counts the most and the teams left for the sport of basketball are getting ready to show off on the biggest stage of the season to their schools and communities.  These events are not easy to conduct and the team at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA) have been working diligently to make sure the stage is ready.  Thank you to my guests, Jen Rukstad (Executive Director) and Doug Fessler (Assistant Executive Director) for joining us for a preview and discussion on the logistics and process that goes into post-season play.  Good luck to all the teams, coaches, officials and tournament workers!  

Missouri State Handball Reps

Bri Still, Christian Madsen, Trey Safford

In the studio for this episode are some of the competitors for the Missouri State University Handball Team.  The women’s team captured another national title this past week and the men finished 3rd in the nation, while they received runner-up in the combined category. We celebrated, yes, but we did not just talk about handball, but also the value of club sports and being a part of something in college and how it helps graduation rates and the physical and mental health of students. Being involved and socially interacting on a team can be a great retention variable for college students.  Joining us tonight representing Missouri State Handball: Christian Madsen, Trey Safford, and Bri Still. My guests do a great job of keeping their eye on the ball and staying focused on and off the court!

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.