Coaches At Crown Brew Getting Coffee

In Episode 68 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 Mount Vernon head football coach Dan Mings for a powerful, candid conversation about leadership, rebuilding programs, and what it truly means to develop young men through sport. Mings reflects on his 32-year coaching journey, including 23 seasons as a head coach at Fairfield, Edwards County, Johnson City, and two separate stints at Mount Vernon. The discussion revisits his 14 playoff appearances, six conference championships, and the unforgettable 2005 undefeated regular season that propelled Mount Vernon to the IHSA quarterfinals. But beyond the wins and championships, the heart of the episode centers on culture — how to take over struggling programs, how to recruit hallways instead of waiting for athletes to show up, and how to build a team identity rooted in toughness, accountability, and unity. Raised in rural Raleigh near Eldorado, Mings shares how growing up in a farming family shaped his blue-collar mindset and relentless work ethic. From playing nose guard at Greenville College to becoming an NAIA national qualifier in the hammer throw, his competitive edge has always been part of his identity. That same intensity now fuels his approach to mentoring players — blending hard truth, personal responsibility, and deep care for the kids he coaches.

Martin and Mings dive into the realities of coaching at larger schools in smaller regions, navigating travel challenges, staff loyalty, assistant coach development, and the emotional toll of fighting daily battles to grow a program. Mings speaks openly about the importance of assistant coaches, the value of community trust, and why adapting to the needs of each individual athlete — from “silver spoon” kids to those facing tougher circumstances — is critical to building lasting success. Throughout the episode, Mings emphasizes that championships are temporary, but relationships endure. For him, the greatest victories come years later when former players return to share milestones — marriages, careers, children — proving that the lessons learned on Friday nights carried far beyond the field. It’s an honest, intense, and deeply reflective episode about resilience, loyalty, small-town pride, and the responsibility that comes with shaping the next generation.

In Episode 67 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 is joined by longtime Southern Illinois sports broadcaster Darren Kinnard for a wide-ranging conversation centered on storytelling, credibility, and the evolution of local sports media. Kinnard reflects on more than three decades covering high school and collegiate athletics, sharing how he fell in love with sports broadcasting, the mentors and moments that shaped his career, and what it was like to cover an era when Friday-night games and postseason runs united entire communities. The discussion highlights the responsibility that comes with covering student-athletes, coaches, and programs where expectations run high and memories last a lifetime. The episode explores how sports media has changed over the years — from appointment-viewing television and print coverage to today’s digital-first, on-demand landscape. Kinnard offers insight into adapting with the times while maintaining journalistic standards, trust, and fairness, and why authentic local coverage still matters more than ever in small towns and tight-knit communities. Martin and Kinnard also dive into the behind-the-scenes realities of the job, including access, criticism, preparation, and the challenge of telling stories accurately in an age of instant reaction and social media noise. Throughout the conversation, Kinnard emphasizes the value of relationships, consistency, and respect for the game and the people who make it special. The episode closes with reflection on the enduring power of local sports — not just as competition, but as a shared community experience that connects generations. It’s a thoughtful, reflective, and media-focused episode that celebrates the past, examines the present, and looks ahead to the future of covering the games we all love.

In Episode 66 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, Treign Athletic Apparel, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin is joined by Jon Wofford and Stan Stout for a special Super Bowl Preview edition that blends nostalgia, insight, and a lifelong love of the game.

The conversation spans generations of football, as the trio reflect on how they first fell in love with the sport, the teams and players that shaped their fandom, and the moments that made the NFL such a powerful part of American culture. From legendary dynasties and unforgettable Super Bowl finishes to iconic players, nicknames, and rivalries, the episode captures the storytelling and emotion that define football at its best.

Wofford and Stout bring decades of experience as coaches, educators, and broadcasters, offering perspective on how the game has evolved — from old-school physicality and classic broadcasts to modern schemes, analytics, replay, and presentation. Along the way, they revisit favorite plays, broadcasters, and “where-were-you” moments that still resonate today.

As the Super Bowl approaches, the discussion turns to the present, with the group breaking down the matchup, evaluating strengths, trends, and storylines, and ultimately giving their picks and predictions for the big game Sunday. Their analysis is rooted in football intelligence, history, and appreciation for preparation — rather than hype alone.

The episode closes with reflection on why the Super Bowl remains unmatched as a sporting event, bringing together generations of fans through shared memories, debate, and anticipation. It’s a thoughtful, entertaining, and football-centric conversation that celebrates the game’s past while looking ahead to its biggest stage.

In Episode 65 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 Carterville Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Brett Diel, one of the most accomplished and respected multi-sport coaches in Southern Illinois.

A Carterville native and member of the Lions’ 1996 state championship football team, Diel’s career reflects a deep connection to the program and community that shaped him. After earning his degree from the University of Illinois, he began his coaching journey at Unity High School under legendary coach Scott Hamilton, where he developed a detailed understanding of scheme, teaching, and preparation that would define his coaching philosophy.

Diel later returned home to Carterville, spending 14 seasons as a classroom teacher and defensive coordinator under Dennis Drust. During that stretch, the Lions captured eight conference championships, made 26 playoff appearances, and reached five quarterfinals, with Diel earning recognition as one of the area’s premier defensive minds.

Beyond football, Diel built one of the most successful softball programs in school history. From 2003 to 2015, he guided Carterville softball to a 342–106 record, seven conference titles, five sectional championships, two Elite Eight finishes, and the 2008 IHSA state championship. His work across multiple sports established him as a program builder focused on culture, accountability, and sustained excellence.

Since taking over as head football coach in 2019, Diel has continued Carterville’s tradition of winning, compiling a 50–18 record with three conference titles, multiple playoff runs, and a 9–0 regular season in 2025. Now serving as Athletic Director, he oversees an athletic department defined by consistency, development, and community pride.

Kerry and Diel dive deep into the craft of coaching — from lessons learned as a player and young assistant to adapting schemes to personnel, emphasizing football intelligence, and building trust within a staff and locker room. Diel reflects on mentorship, preparation, leadership, and the balance between confidence and humility required to sustain success over time.

In this thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation, Diel offers insight for coaches, parents, and athletes alike, emphasizing preparation, accountability, and relationships as the true drivers of winning programs. It’s a candid look at leadership, longevity, and the responsibility of guiding the same program that once guided him — from championship player to head coach and Athletic Director.

In Episode 64 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 legendary Mount Vernon basketball coach Doug Creel, the winningest coach in program history and one of the most respected figures in Southern Illinois basketball.

Creel spent 19 seasons as head coach of the Mount Vernon Rams, compiling 348 career wins — the most in school history — while leading the program to eight regional championships, four sectional titles, one super-sectional crown, and a trip to the IHSA State Tournament. Coaching in one of Illinois’ most competitive basketball environments, Creel built teams that were consistently prepared for postseason play and known for their discipline, toughness, and execution.

A Mount Vernon native, Creel’s journey reflects both the tradition and evolution of the program he later led. After high school, he played two years at Rend Lake College before continuing his collegiate career at Jacksonville State University. Following college, Creel began his coaching career in Georgia, teaching and coaching for one year at Walker High School in the Atlanta area before returning home to Southern Illinois.

Kerry and Creel dive deep into the craft of basketball coaching — from learning through clinics and assistant roles to understanding how tempo, shot selection, and half-court execution win games in March. Creel discusses adapting systems to fit personnel, defining roles within a team, and the importance of guarding, rebounding, and valuing possessions against elite competition.

The conversation revisits key moments from Creel’s career, including his early years at Thompsonville, nine seasons as an assistant under Lee Emery at Mount Vernon, and the pressure of leading a high-expectation program steeped in tradition. Creel reflects on navigating tough seasons, earning trust within a locker room, and the balance between preparation and performance on game night.

In this candid, reflective episode, Creel offers perspective for young coaches and parents alike — emphasizing effort, coachability, and being a great teammate as the true foundations of success. It’s a thoughtful examination of longevity, leadership, and love for the game — delivered by a coach whose impact on Southern Illinois basketball continues to be felt long after the final buzzer.

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.