First Down by CoachTools

Justin and Coach Jordan Gush discussed Jordan's background as a former football coach, athletic director, and current business owner near IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Jordan shared his passion for sports, his journey into coaching, and the importance of being versatile and adaptable. The discussion also covered Jordan's decision to start his own LLC specializing in athletic training, the importance of effective communication between strength coaches and position coaches, and Jordan's advice to be proactive in gaining knowledge and experience.

Justin and Coach Chace Johnson discussed Coach Johnson's football career, which started at Waynesburg University as an offensive lineman. After one season, decided tp step away from the game to focus on his studies.

Justin Nared shared his coaching journey, highlighting his experiences at several high schools and his Alma Mater, Tuskegee University. He discussed the challenges he faced at Tuskegee due to limited facilities and scholarships compared to division one. He also discussed the competitive nature of division 2 football and recent changes in transfer rules. Despite the challenges, Justin Nared emphasized the tradition and pride in the Tuskegee program. He stressed the importance of putting the team first and shared his approach to coaching, which includes being honest with his players about the realities of college life. When asked for advice to his past self, he suggested staying patient and persistent through challenges.

On Episode 45 of First Down by CoachTools, Justin interviewed Coach Scott Farley, an experienced high school athletic director with 35 years of football coaching experience. Coach Farley discussed his journey in high school athletics, highlighting his emphasis on staff and player development. He stressed the importance of building young men to be good fathers, husbands, and community leaders, and of developing players physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He also discussed his involvement with the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Board, including serving as a region director, Vice President, President, and Executive Director. Coach Farley shared his insights on the challenges of being a coach during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also detailed the challenges of the pandemic off season and season, with schools in Michigan shutting down in March and remaining closed until after Christmas. Justin and Scott discussed the importance of mentorship and leadership for aspiring head coaches and advised focusing more on these aspects rather than just the football part of the role.

Justin Titchenell and Coach Nicholas Walker had a detailed conversation about Walker's coaching career, which started in 2004 at John Mayer High School in Pasadena, CA.

Walker shared his journey from being a high school All-State linebacker to becoming a coach due to circumstances bringing him home from college. He emphasized his passion for helping students and making them successful, noting that his role is about putting them in a position to succeed.

Both Justin and Nicholas discussed the value of sports, particularly football, in preparing youth for life. They agreed that coaching beyond the game is essential to help young athletes understand the challenges of adult life, highlighting the mental aspect of the game as a key area of preparation. They also elaborated on how sports offer valuable teamwork and drive, pushing individuals past their perceived limits. Nicholas shared his experience of achieving his goals with the help of encouragement and constructive criticism from others. He used the metaphor of Gumbo to describe the process, emphasizing that initial efforts might not be good but will improve with time and persistence.

Join us as Justin sits down with head football coach at Ezell-Harding Christian Academy (Nashville, TN), Corry Stewart. Stewart is a former professional athlete turned high school head coach. In this conversation, Coach Stewart takes us on a journey through his coaching career, emphasizing the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

On Episode 42 of First Down by CoachTools, Justin sits down with Coach Austyn Carta-Samuels to discuss his journey from playing football at Wyoming to facing adversities in his career. The two delve into the transition from being players to coaches and emphasize the crucial role of mental health and self-awareness in sports. Austyn shares insights on his decision to leave coaching for personal growth and introduces the "Locked in Athlete" program, designed initially for quarterbacks but with a broader vision for all athletes. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of sports, growth, and mental well-being.

Listen to Episode 41 of First Down as Justin Titchenell sits down with Coach Paul Hanson, the head football coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Justin and Coach Hansen discuss his coaching journey and offer advice for aspiring head football coaches.

In Episode 40 of First Down by CoachTools, join us as Coach Carter Robinson dives deep into his football journey. Born and raised in Texas, Carter's passion for the game led him to play at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and later to the coaching field. Now serving as the Head Coach at Roosevelt High School in Lubbock, he sheds light on his previous experiences at places like Coronado and Simmons.

Coach Tom Wilson shared his extensive coaching career, which includes 19 years of coaching experience at the highest classification in Iowa. He started his career as a head football coach at a small school in Iowa at the age of 21. He then became a grad assistant at Ball State University, where they had significant success. He was then offered and accepted the job at Dowling Catholic, where he has been the head football coach and athletic director for the last 14 years. Coach Wilson also shared his experience as a Division 3 college football player at Buena Vista University. He emphasized the importance of his experiences, both as an athlete and a coach, in shaping his career.