In Episode 63 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Southern Illinois coaching icon Ray Kauling, a Hall of Famer whose career spans more than two decades of leadership, program building, and postseason success.

Kauling spent 21 seasons as a head football coach at Mater Dei, Centralia, and Trenton Wesclin, compiling a 120–88 career record and leading his teams to 10 IHSA playoff appearances. His résumé includes a state runner-up finish in 2006, a semifinal run in 2008, multiple Coach of the Year honors, and induction into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2025. Through it all, Kauling built a reputation not just for winning, but for developing players, staffs, and programs the right way.

From small-town roots in Bessemer to playoff runs under the brightest Friday night lights, Kauling’s journey reflects the evolution of high school football itself. He discusses growing up at Mater Dei, playing college football at Illinois College, and the mentors who shaped his philosophy — along with the moment early in his career when he realized coaching was more than a job, but a calling.

Kerry and Kauling dive deep into the craft of coaching: learning at clinics, sitting in on game-planning meetings, evolving practice structure from “more reps” to “better reps,” and adapting schemes to fit personnel. Kauling shares insights into offensive philosophy, defensive innovation, and the constant balancing act between preparation, tempo, and player development.

The conversation also revisits some of the defining moments of Kauling’s career — including Centralia’s program turnaround, a memorable playoff run that culminated in a state championship appearance, and the high-pressure decisions that can define a season. He reflects on leadership under pressure, trusting assistants, and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks.

In this candid, thoughtful episode, Kauling offers perspective for young coaches navigating today’s landscape: the value of humility, the importance of listening before leading, and why passion for practice often matters more than the scoreboard on Friday night. It’s a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and love for the game — delivered by one of Southern Illinois football’s most respected voices.

In Episode 62 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with three of Southern Illinois’ most respected IHSA multi-sport officials: Shane Bennett, Jon Green, and Jim Kowzan. Together, they bring decades of experience, crew chemistry, and professional excellence to a job that is essential to every sport but rarely understood.

From Friday night lights to basketball hardwood to baseball diamonds, these officials have devoted their careers to managing games with consistency, communication, and steady leadership. Their journeys span youth leagues, high school varsity, college football, and countless postseason assignments — all built on the shared goal of serving athletes, coaches, and communities with integrity.

Shane Bennett’s officiating journey began in youth flag football before expanding into varsity assignments in both Washington and Illinois. Calm, communicative, and detail-driven, Bennett brings a balanced presence to every contest he works, whether he’s signaling a touchdown on Friday night or managing the intensity of a close basketball game.

Jon Green entered officiating early through youth sports and later spent several years coaching — an experience that transformed his approach to managing emotions, communicating with coaches, and understanding what teams need from an officiating crew. Level-headed and respected across Southern Illinois, Green prioritizes consistency, preparation, and the crew-first mindset required to officiate at a high level.

Jim Kowzan, the veteran white hat of the group, has spent decades anchoring officiating crews with professionalism, poise, and high expectations. A multi-sport official with college experience, Kowzan leads through preparation, film study, and clear communication — valuing honesty with coaches, trust within his crew, and composure in the biggest rivalry environments.

In this episode, Kerry and the trio dive deep into the world of officiating: the reality of working high-pressure rivalry games, the growing shortage of officials statewide, and the trust required among the five-person crew that serves as the “third team” on every field. They discuss the toughest calls they face, the misconceptions fans bring from watching college and NFL football, and why communication — both with coaches and with each other — is the key to getting the game right.

They also provide invaluable advice for young people interested in officiating: how to handle criticism, the importance of patience, and why confidence develops from preparation, not bravado. It’s a candid, honest conversation that shines a light on the people who keep sports running — often under intense scrutiny, and often without thanks.

It’s a masterclass in professionalism, composure, and passion for the games we love — told by three officials who have earned the respect of coaches, players, and communities across Southern Illinois.

In Episode 61 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with three of Southern Illinois’ most influential assistant football coaches: Jeff Cima, Jason LeGrand, and Kevin Helfrich. Together, they bring nearly a century of experience, steady leadership, and behind-the-scenes excellence that has shaped programs across the region.

From West Frankfort to Murphysboro to Carbondale and Carterville, these coaches have devoted their lives to teaching the game the right way, developing young men, and upholding the standards that make high school football special. Their journeys span multiple schools, eras, and systems — but they share one common thread: a relentless commitment to the craft of coaching.

Jeff Cima’s path began in the West Frankfort JFL program his father helped build, eventually leading him through coaching stops at Chester, Mount Vernon, Carterville, Columbia, Marion, and McCracken County. Known for his intensity, humor, and high expectations, Cima has long served as the “battery” of the coaching room — a dependable, technically sound defensive coach who brings energy every single day.

Jason LeGrand, a Murphysboro Red Devil for life, returned home after working across the country and began coaching in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, he remains the backbone of the Red Devils’ defensive identity. LeGrand’s story is one of transformation — a young athlete whose coaches helped change his life, now passing those same lessons on through discipline, accountability, and unwavering loyalty to his hometown program.

Kevin Helfrich adds more than three decades of offensive line expertise, shaped by a childhood spent in both Illinois and football-rich Alabama. After starring at Sneed High School and playing baseball at John A. Logan, Helfrich built a respected coaching career at Carbondale and Carterville. Soft-spoken but detail-driven, he’s a technician of the trenches — a coach who teaches purpose, precision, and toughness with a calm, steady presence.

In this episode, Kerry and the coaching trio dive deep into the art of being an assistant coach: the importance of trust from the head coach, the pride of running your own position room, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes success possible. They discuss the evolution of high school football, the lessons that shaped their careers, the challenges young coaches face today, and the significance of finding the right mentors — and being one.

The conversation also takes a meaningful turn when the coaches talk about the importance of “ringing the bell” — showing up for your community, giving back, and finding purpose beyond the field. Listeners who want to learn more or get involved can visit: https://www.registertoring.com/.

It’s a conversation about loyalty, consistency, gratitude, and the passion required to pour into others — a masterclass in coaching from men who have spent their lives doing it the right way.

In Episode 60 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Cameron Wright, the Olympian, five-time All-American, former SIU head coach, and Southern Illinois native whose journey is one of relentless drive, faith, and personal growth.

From his small-town beginnings in Anna to clearing 7'1" for a state championship, Wright rose to become one of SIU’s most decorated athletes, earning five All-American honors and setting a Missouri Valley Conference record that still stands three decades later. In 1996, after battling self-doubt and disappointment at several national meets, Wright delivered the jump of his life at the U.S. Olympic Trials — punching his ticket to the Atlanta Games and fulfilling a lifelong dream.

But his story doesn’t end on the track. Wright went on to coach at SIU, eventually leading the program as head coach, before making a major life shift into pharmaceutical sales. There, he climbed to the top once again, earning six national sales awards and induction into the Pfizer Hall of Fame. Through every chapter, his commitment to growth, humility, and putting people first has remained constant.

In this episode, Kerry and Cameron explore the mindset of elite performance, the power of visualization, and the courage it takes to face failure head-on. They discuss the importance of culture in coaching, the sacrifices and rewards of family life, and the profound personal lessons learned from both victory and adversity. Wright also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Olympic Games, his coaching philosophies, and how faith has guided his journey.

It’s a conversation about grit, gratitude, and the pursuit of excellence — on the track, in leadership, and in life.

In Episode 59 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Darren Lindsey, the veteran coach who has turned Marion High School Wrestling into one of the top programs in Southern Illinois.

Since taking over in 2017, Lindsey has guided the Wildcats to a 168–38 record, four South Seven Conference titles, and two regional championships, while also pioneering the school’s girls’ wrestling program—now one of the fastest-growing in the state. But his story goes far beyond wins and losses. A former Herrin High standout, college All-American, and Illinois State Police SWAT officer, Lindsey’s life has been defined by grit, service, and mentorship.

In this episode, Kerry and Coach Lindsey dive into the values that wrestling teaches—resilience, discipline, and mental toughness—and how those lessons apply to life long after the final whistle. They talk about building a program from the ground up, the balance between toughness and compassion, and the evolution of the sport, from backyard beginnings to the booming rise of girls’ wrestling.

It’s a conversation about character, community, and competition—and how the sport that tests you more than any other can also shape who you become.

In Episode 58 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, Kerry Martin sits down with Jim Miller, the coach whose presence, standards, and expectations shaped Carbondale basketball for nearly thirty years. With more than 550 career wins, including 445 at Carbondale, Miller didn’t just rack up championships and postseason hardware—he built a day-to-day identity for what it meant to be a Terrier. He believed in structure, discipline, practice habits, and the power of players understanding and embracing their roles. And in a conference as competitive as the South Seven, where every road trip feels like a rivalry and every gym has a history, that foundation mattered. In this episode, Kerry and Coach Miller talk about how you create culture and then protect it through changing personalities, changing eras, and changing expectations. They discuss the challenge of coaching in a community that cares deeply, the lessons that come from losing as much as winning, and the emotional transition from always thinking about the next practice, the next scout, the next game—to finally having time to reflect on what it all meant. It’s an honest look at leadership, pressure, growth, and the relationships that make coaching worth the hours most people never see.

In Episode 57 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee—presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography—host Kerry Martin welcomes longtime Sparta High School cross country and track coach Mark North, whose career has become synonymous with excellence, mentorship, and community.

A Carbondale native and 2015 Illinois Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, North guided Sparta’s boys and girls programs to decades of dominance, including 20 boys’ conference titles, 14 girls’ conference titles, 18 regionals, six sectionals, and a 2004 state championship. His teams consistently ranked among the best in Illinois, while standout athletes like Becky Garrett captured individual state titles under his guidance.

Known as both an inspiring coach and a beloved history teacher, North built his legacy on enthusiasm, consistency, and genuine care for his students and athletes. His programs were defined not just by wins and trophies, but by camaraderie, character, and the simple joy of running. Since retiring from coaching, North has remained deeply involved in the sport as an IHSA starter and referee, continuing to give back to the next generation of competitors.

In this heartfelt episode—Coach North reflects on his upbringing in Carbondale, the mentors who shaped his philosophy, and the memories that defined more than three decades of teaching and coaching. From state championships to classroom lessons, from Sparta’s muddy cross-country courses to IHSA state meets, his story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

Don’t miss this conversation with a true Southern Illinois coaching legend whose life in education and athletics continues to inspire those who’ve had the privilege to call him “Coach.”

In Episode 56 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with Southern Illinois University head baseball coach Lance Rhodes.

From his roots in Sikeston, Missouri, to his playing career at Saint Louis University and Southeast Missouri State, to his rise through the coaching ranks at Wabash Valley College, SEMO, and the University of Missouri, Rhodes has built a career marked by recruiting success, program-building, and consistent winning. Since being named the eighth head coach in SIU baseball history in 2019, he has transformed the Salukis into one of the nation’s most dynamic programs, guiding them to their first 40-win season since 1990, a school-record winning streak, and national recognition as an offensive powerhouse.

Known as a proven recruiter and steady leader, Rhodes emphasizes culture, relationships, and accountability as much as player development and on-field results. His teams have broken program records, produced top national offensive numbers, and achieved some of the highest fielding percentages in school history—all while reflecting the hard-working, grounded personality of their coach.

In this episode, Rhodes reflects on his coaching journey, from his early years learning the game and competing alongside future pros, to the lessons gained at Missouri and Wabash, to the opportunity and challenges of leading Saluki baseball. He also shares his thoughts on recruiting, sustaining success, the evolving landscape of college athletics, and the balance of tradition and innovation in today’s game.

Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a coach whose vision and leadership have revitalized Saluki baseball and inspired players and fans throughout Southern Illinois and beyond.

In Episode 55 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with one of Southern Illinois’ most respected coaches and athletic directors—John Kretz.

From his early playing days at Christopher High School and Rend Lake College, to launching new programs as a young coach, to leading both basketball and football teams across the region, Kretz built a career defined by integrity, discipline, and consistency. Best known for his 14-year tenure as head football coach and athletic director at Christopher High School (1993–2007), he also guided successful basketball programs at Ziegler-Royalton and Du Quoin, while serving as an assistant on the 1982 Z-R state championship football team.

Throughout his journey, Kretz became known not just for wins, but for valuing every player, running efficient and focused practices, and mentoring both athletes and young coaches. His legacy continues through his family, including his granddaughter Amiah Hargrove, a rising basketball star at the University of Nebraska.

In this episode, Kretz reflects on his decades in coaching, the lessons learned from mentors and peers, the Black Diamond Conference battles that shaped his career, and the joy of watching his former players succeed on and off the field. Don’t miss this conversation with a coach whose influence reaches far beyond the scoreboard—into the lives and communities of Southern Illinois.

In Episode 54 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with one of Southern Illinois’ most successful basketball coaches—Randy Smithpeters. From his early years learning the game in McLeansboro’s golden era of hoops, to volunteering under Hall of Fame mentors, to becoming the longtime head coach at Harrisburg High School, Smithpeters built a career defined by fundamentals, discipline, and winning basketball. Over three decades, he guided the Bulldogs to more than 500 victories, 12 regional titles, six super-sectional appearances, seven Sweet Sixteens, three Elite Eights, and the program’s crowning achievement—a 2013 state championship. His teams became synonymous with postseason success, dominating at the Eldorado Holiday Tournament and setting records at the Carmi White County Invitational.

In this episode, Smithpeters reflects on his coaching journey, the challenges and triumphs of building Harrisburg into a powerhouse, and the mentors who shaped his philosophy. He also opens up about family—how his wife Patricia held things together at home during his long coaching career, and how his sons Tyler and Kyle have carried the Smithpeters legacy into the college ranks at John A. Logan College and the University of Missouri. Don’t miss this conversation with a coach whose impact goes far beyond the win-loss column, shaping athletes, programs, and communities across Southern Illinois.