In this episode of Beyond the Bench we unpack a lot on the subject of Character Driven Coaching and Leadership.  We discuss parts of two different articles and a video (audio) clip.  The titles and links are listed below.  Give us a listen and then share your thoughts with us at [email protected].  1) "8  Coaching Mistakes I Wish I Never Made" by John O'Sullivan of Changing the Game  Project.  https://changingthegameproject.com/8-coaching-mistakes-wish-never-made/ 2) "Why Character Beats Results in the Long Run" by Amy Manson of Positive Coaching Alliance.  https://devzone.positivecoach.org/resource/article/why-character-beats-results-long-run 3) "Heather Petri on the Meaning of Character from Positive Coaching Alliance."  https://devzone.positivecoach.org/resource/video/heather-petri-meaning-character Thanks for listening.  Please let us know what you think.  #beblessed

You won't want to miss this weeks guest is Nick Easley. From Newton HS to IWCC to preferred walk on at the University of Iowa and the 2019 Outback Bowl MVP. Nick shares some great insight into the following: 1) What has motivated him? 2) How he went from a 2nd team all state receiver to the Outback Bowl MVP. 3) Advice for coaches and AD's. 4) Advice for players with a dream and much more. You'll enjoy and learn from this podcast. I know we did.

In this week's episode we are joined by Jason L. Parker, AD from Sapulpa, OK. Jason has a wonderful story, is passionate about leadership and developing leaders. You won't want to miss this episode as we talk with Jason about how he develops leadership in the coaches, students and himself.

In this episode our main topic is sportsmanship. Join us as we peel a layer off and talk about the different roles and responsibilities we all play in promoting good sportsmanship. We would love to hear your thoughts. Email us at [email protected]

In this weeks episode we give some thoughts on the Super Bowl and some thoughts on multi sport athletes. Then, we talk about exciting coaches professional development opportunities in Ankeny and outstanding student leadership programming at Kennedy. You won't want to miss this.

In this episode Aaron, Scott and Todd talk with sports editor J.R. Ogden from the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Hear his fascinating story and hear insights as we talk about the following: 1) His journey to where he's at now. 2) Some of his favorite memories/stories over the years. 3) Why and how the Gazette has kept a focus on high school coverage. 4) His perspective on the strengths of HS sports and some concerning trends. 5) His work with developing sportswriters at the high school level.

In this special episode Aaron and Todd are joined by one of Iowa's all time best. Basketball coach and Athletic Director Mitch Osborn from Harlan, Iowa. We talk with Mitch about his 35 year journey, what has helped Harlan Community become one of the most successful and consistent overall programs in the state and the keys to being a successful Athletic and Activities Administrator. You won't want to miss this one.

In this episode Scott, Aaron and Todd talk about a recent cake auction that Scott just did in Ankeny (Yum!). We then talk about our expectations of our coaches and ways we can support them. We then wrap up talking about some leadership principles learned from Dabo Swinney.

Thanks for joining us. Today we meet Todd Gordon and learn about his 34 year journey in education and then talk about if our role of an Athletic Director is one of a manager or a leader.

Todd flies solo in this episode and talks about: 1) Christmas Eve Memories and 2) How long would Santa survive on the North Pole? Merry Christmas from Aaron, Scott, Todd and our families and have a great Christmas break.