Jay Artigues joins Dan Canevari on Coaching to the Standard to discuss leadership, coaching, and what it takes to build a winning culture in college athletics. The longtime athletic director and former college baseball coach shares his approach to hiring coaches, developing successful programs, improving facilities, and creating a culture that keeps athletes and coaches invested.

Artigues also breaks down how NIL and the transfer portal are changing college sports, especially for FCS and mid-major athletic programs. He explains why recruiting the right student-athletes, retaining players, and building strong relationships have become even more important in today's college athletics landscape.

Dan and Jay also discuss college baseball, football, athletic administration, facility development, and Louisiana sports, along with the lessons Jay has learned transitioning from a successful baseball coach into athletic department leadership.

Lane Pitre of USSSA joins Dan Canevari on Coaching to the Standard to talk youth baseball, tournament baseball, rec league development, and how coaches and parents can create better opportunities for young players. From choosing between recreational and travel/tournament baseball to running USSSA events, developing umpires, and keeping kids engaged in the game, Pitre offers an inside look at youth baseball in Louisiana and across the country.

As a longtime youth baseball organizer in the Baton Rouge area with responsibilities in USSSA baseball at both the Louisiana and national levels, Pitre has spent more than two decades around young players, coaches, parents, leagues, and tournaments. He explains what actually goes into producing a youth baseball tournament, including pool play, bracket seeding, scheduling, travel considerations, weather, facilities, and the challenge of recruiting and developing umpires.

Dan and Lane also dig into an important issue for baseball parents and youth coaches: player development. When should a child move from rec league baseball to tournament baseball? Does playing more tournaments automatically make a young player better? And how much competition is appropriate for 9- and 10-year-old players?

Pitre argues that recreational baseball still has an important place in the game and that parents should evaluate what is right for their individual child and family. The conversation explores why young players need time to learn fundamentals, overcome the fear of being hit by a pitch, understand baserunning and defense, and develop a genuine desire to keep playing before baseball becomes an overwhelming commitment.

The episode also includes the Coaching to the Standard Louisiana sports report, with Dan and Lane discussing LSU, Southeastern Louisiana and Tulane athletics, along with the importance of coaching to a consistent standard regardless of the opponent.

Delgado baseball coach and athletic director Joe Scheuermann joins Dan Canevari to explain why JUCO baseball may matter more than ever in today's college recruiting landscape. From NIL and the transfer portal to changing eligibility rules and recruiting strategies, Scheuermann breaks down how the path from high school baseball to college has evolved.

The conversation also explores the history of Delgado baseball, the Scheuermann family's connection to the program, Kirsch-Rooney Stadium, and the continued investment in facilities and player development. Joe shares how junior college can give players an opportunity to develop, compete, earn transferable college credits, and position themselves for their next step.

Dan Canevari and Joe also discuss Louisiana sports and programs including LSU, Tulane and Southeastern Louisiana, along with Skip Bertman's impact on baseball across the state. They examine how better facilities, instruction and coaching have helped transform Louisiana baseball and create more opportunities for young players.

In the very first episode of Coaching to the Standard, we honor the life, legacy, and lasting impact of legendary LSU Baseball coach Skip Bertman through the stories of the people who knew him best.

Skip Bertman didn't just win championships. He built a culture, transformed LSU Baseball into a national powerhouse, and established a standard of excellence that influenced generations of players, coaches, and leaders.

Hosts Dan Canevari and Tommy Krysan are joined by an incredible group of former players, coaches, colleagues, and friends who share personal stories about Skip, his leadership, preparation, attention to detail, sense of humor, and the lessons he taught that stayed with them long after baseball.

Featured guests include:

Bhrett McCabe — Former Player, Sports Psychologist, The MindSide
Pete Bush — Former Player, Horizon Financial Group
Ronnie Rantz — Former Player, Louisiana Hall of Fame, Radio & TV Broadcaster, Baton Rouge Rougarou
Herb Vincent — Former LSU Assistant Athletic Director, SEC Associate Commissioner
Mike Archer — Former University of Miami & LSU Football Coach
Dave Scott — Former Assistant Coach, University of Miami
Mike Daly — Former Player, San Diego Padres
Mike Bianco — Former Player & Coach, Head Baseball Coach at Ole Miss
Doug Thompson — Former Player, CEO of the Louisiana Firefighters Association

Together, they take us behind the championships and into the stories that made Skip Bertman an LSU Baseball legend. From his time at the University of Miami to building one of the greatest programs in college baseball history at LSU, you'll hear firsthand accounts of the moments, relationships, coaching philosophies, and expectations that defined his career.

Some stories will make you laugh. Others reveal just how deeply Coach Bertman impacted the people around him.

This isn't simply a look back at a legendary baseball coach. It's a conversation about leadership, coaching, relationships, expectations, and what it truly means to coach to a standard.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Coaching to the Standard.

Ep. 01: Skip Bertman — The Stories Behind an LSU Baseball Legend