A Coach's Perspective

In this episode (#166) we continued with fitness talk and encouragement to elevate your health and fitness during this time. We also told some believable or unbelievable sports facts and stories and we asked our guests and you to be the judge on if they were true…or not. I was so glad to have Misty Ramsey join us as a co-host! She is always a lot of fun…and never at a loss of what to say! We hope to have her co-host more this summer. We were also thrilled to also host someone that is no stranger to coaches and athletes in the area. He has been in the sporting goods business for decades and has developed relationships all over this area. I want to thank BSN Representative Bryan Tucker for joining us. He also shared one of the many things that Varsity Brands is doing for our coaches, athletes, and really anyone in the community to keep spirits and attitudes positive during this time. Check out the video series hosted by Kevin Atlas at https://www.varsitybrands.com/believe-in-you - you will be very inspired!

In this episode, we focus on the segment: Input=Output. During this time, we are hounded by multiple ads on TV, Radio, social media, everywhere about this and that that will help you lose weight, build muscles, go sleeveless, bring you back to the ‘glory days’….28 day this, two-week transformation that….we needed to sift through the noise and find out what we can do to figure out what is best for you. Our panel gave some seriously great suggestions and some practical advice that you can implement into your life today. My thanks to Scott Lewis, Justin Gabossi, and Trudy Shepard for their knowledge, guidance, and thoughtful suggestions on how to channel a positive lifestyle and improve your overall health during this time.

In tonight's episode, we host Big 10 referee Dr. Ron Snodgrass, along with former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current director of instant replay for college football officiating Dean Blandino. Blandino is also a rules analyst for the NFL and NCAA games on FOX Sports. During this time, as we navigate through unchartered waters, we take a moment to look at what officials are going through at this time at the collegiate and professional levels. Officials are extremely busy increasing their skills through virtual training and professional development. They are continuing to train in hopes that this fall their season will be back to normal. We also spoke about replay and the logistics of how it works and how it has advanced the game. My thanks to both of these gentlemen for their valuable time and respected insights.

In this episode we welcomed Drury University Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Hesser and Evangel University’s Head Football Coach Chuck Hepola. We discussed the challenges of online recruitment and how they are handling virtual workouts with their players and how their programs are being impacted by our global situation. They gave some great advice for coaches and athletes, my thanks for their insights and valued efforts with their players and staff during this time.

In this episode, we have a ‘counseling session’ on missing the sport of baseball. Don Louzader and Nate Lucas join us as we talk about how much they are missing their favorite pastime. We validated, had guidance and a pep talk from Coach Bill Rowe, discussed controlables, and how to put in action what they control into coping mechanisms for each one. Coping mechanisms are personal and several great suggestions for channeling energy was expressed. Baseball, like other sports, will return, and we will be grateful and appreciate the value they hold in our community. In the meantime, get outside and play catch, watch a sports movie, read a sports book, host a virtual trivia night over your favorite sport, exercise, or explore an option that is intriguing to you. Don’t waste energy on trying to control something you do not. Sports will return, have faith!

We also chatted with Volleyball official (of 44 years!), Bob Horton, about a scholarship available to seniors in high school. Great opportunity. Visit here to apply: https://forms.gle/5nhSAnPEQUrPMGxU6

In tonight's episode, we catch up with broadcasting duo Tom Ladd and Dr. Lynne Miller. We discussed their broadcast partnership and the past, present, and future of Lady Bears Basketball. We talked about each one of their paths to this partnership, and how much they enjoy working together on the air! My thanks to Tom and Lynne for bringing energy and excitement to the Lady Bear broadcasts each and every time.

In this celebration episode, we celebrate the local college basketball and wrestling seasons and tonight we focus on Drury University’s Women’s Basketball team. Coach Molly Miller celebrates her team’s success by the numbers and by the pure joy she had coaching this special group. On the court and off the court the Lady Panthers represented themselves very well. Ranked #1 throughout the season in the nation and finishing 32-0 before their season was abruptly ended (and not within their control), the team has rallied together and tried to heal through these times of adversity. As we celebrate the accolades of this team, we also catch up with their three seniors. Two time NCAA Division II National Player of the year and two time All-American Hailey Diestelkamp, Two time All-American and three time Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Daejah Bernard and four year star Brooke Stanfield, as each one shows gratitude toward the village of supporters they have been able to enjoy throughout their four years at Drury.

During this global situation, as we try to navigate through it as one united team, we must stay informed and educated from multiple sources on how to cope and deal with our new normal. My thanks to Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Will Sistrunk, Administrative Director of Mercy Sports Medicine Jim Raynor and Missouri State University Director of Athletics, Kyle Moats for their valued input on this global topic. How COVID-19 is affecting our sports physically, mentally, and emotionally has to be addressed and we need to generate conversation with our coaches, athletes, officials, and fans on what we need to do as united Human Champions. No matter what team you cheer for, we are in this together as one planet. It is game day. We are ready for this. When a coach calls a timeout and asks you to step up, meet the challenge and do what you need to do for our team. Stay safe and healthy and remember you are loved and valued.

As we navigate through this new world and way of living in a unique world we pause to celebrate and pick back up our Sports Family Series. We celebrate the talented Harman family from Walnut Grove and not only the accolades collected by them, but the people and citizens they have become. We thank Russ and Dawn Harman for bringing in their daughters: Hannah, Heather, and Bailey, along with the daughters of Gene and Lynn Harmon, Lexi and Haley. These five ladies would make a tremendous starting five! All of them are very proud of representing their family, school, and community. The pride of representing ignited a drive in each of these athletes that propelled them into the record books and beyond.

Tonight, we catch up with Missouri State High School Activities Association administrators and preview the upcoming Show-Me Showdowns as teams take the court and go for that coveted state basketball championship. Dr. Kerwin Urhan and Kevin Gardner join us as we take a look at the behind the scenes of putting this event together and previewing the teams coming in this weekend for Class 1, 2, and 3. Next weekend, will be the championships for Class 4 and 5, all at JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. My thanks to Dr. Kerwin Urhan and Kevin Gardner for their time and efforts to make this community tradition a first-class event.