For The Good Of The Game

FTGOTG S2, E16 | Welcome to another "Special Feature" episode!  In addition to being outstanding coaches on the field and awesome leaders off the field, our over-achieving guests this week also host their own podcasts...through which they entertain and contribute to the education of the larger coaching community!

Coach Darrin Sheffer is an Earth Science teacher and the Offensive Line Coach & Run Game Coordinator for Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, Virginia.  He is the host of the Armchair Coaching Podcast on Anchor, by Spotify.  Coach Sheffer started the Armchair Coaching Podcast in August 2020 doing Power 5 "Program Profiles."  He is passionate about triple-option football and loves watching the US Service Academy programs.  His 80+ shows offer a wide variety of football-related topics!

Coach Steve Kuchefski is the Asst Girls Track & Field Coach and Asst Boys Basketball Coach at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois; as well as an Asst Varsity Football Coach at Addison Trail High School in Addison, Illinois.  Despite coaching three different sports, Coach Steve makes time to host the Coach Steve Show (podcast).  The Coach Steve Show began in February 2020 with a great pilot entitled "Why Can't We Be Friends," which asked the tough question...  "Why is there so much hating between coaches?"  With over 130 episodes to date, Coach Steve covers a diverse array of football topics in addition to everything from Wandavision to Fighting Illini basketball!

In today's fast-paced world, I'm continually impressed by coaches who make time to follow their passion (helping young student-athletes grow) and share their craft with others.  Whether the intent is to entertain or educate, these podcasts share information from which other coaches may benefit.  Their energy and efforts are commendable and appreciated!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E15 | Throughout the last decade, we've seen a consistent drop in participation in Youth Sports.  For a variety of reasons, kids often drop out...or simply choose not to engage.  During this third "Special Feature" episode, we explore some of the more salient reasons why this "gap" in participation exists and some potential solutions to the problem.

While many individuals and organizations are actively involved in both researching and solving the reasons behind lagging participation, few have the experience of our guests in Episode 15.  Approaching the issues from two divergent perspectives, Matthew Young and Stephen Griffin offer their insights into the problem, as well as their opinions on how we might fix it!

Matthew Young is the founder of Quality Sport Hub, a Vancouver-based company dedicated to providing a pathway to a quality sports experience for athletes, parents, and coaches!  He is an accomplished athlete, father and family man, entrepreneur, keynote speaker and servant leader.  Matt's passion for sport is demonstrated in how he approaches life in both word and deed!  He has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Award Winner in both Vancouver (regionally) and Canada (Nationally).  You can find out more about Matthew and his company at Quality Sport Hub.

Stephen Griffin is an author, investor, and intuitive business leader.  He is a graduate of both Providence College (B.A.) and the University of Rhode Island (Masters in Accountancy).  Steve is a former CPA who has lived in the world of private equity and has invested in and been active across a number of industries; most recently focused on the sports industry.  His experiences in the sports industry led him to write FRONT ROW SEAT -  Greed and Corruption in a Youth Sports Company.  The book explores the growth of the Youth Sports market and some of the characters who seek to exploit it.  Learn more about Stephen's experience by reading FRONT ROW SEAT (available on Amazon).

For The Good Of The Game is part of the Sports History Network!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E14 | If you live in Western Pennsylvania, you attended Edinboro University or you're a huge Canadian Football League (CFL) fan, you're probably familiar with the Harris brothers.  Just in case you don't fit these categories, this interview will help you out!  Episode 14 is a "snapshot" look into the lives of these football brothers, both on and off the field.

Trevor Harris is currently the starting Quarterback for the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL.  He will be playing in his ninth CFL season when the league restarts in 2021.  Following his career at Edinboro, Trevor spent time in the NFL, then with the Toronto Argonauts and Ottowa Redblacks of the CFL, prior to signing with Edmonton.  Trevor is a 2-time Harlen Hill Trophy finalist and a 2-time Gray Cup Champion (2012 & 2016).

Cody Harris, who succeeded Trevor as Quarterback at Edinboro, was a 2-time All PSAC West honoree.  Cody works in the Health Services industry as a Physician's Assistant in Ohio.  Despite having "pro-level" talent, Cody chose to continue his Post-Graduate schooling and pursue a career as a PA, which he felt was his calling.

Each of the Harris brothers was a standout leader, both on and off the High School field at Marion Pleasant HS in Ohio.  If that weren't enough, they also rewrote the football record books at Division II Edinboro University in Pennsylvania.  Trevor and Cody are either #1 or #2 in sixteen statistical categories and are #1 and #2 in seven of those sixteen!

As often happens, great young men have their roots in great homes!  Never has this been more true than with Trevor and Cody, growing up in an All-American family and strong Christian environment led by parents Tom and Suzanne Harris!  It has been my distinct pleasure to meet Tom, Suzanne, and Trevor...and get to know Cody, as a friend and roommate of my youngest son.  I'm equally pleased to share this candid interview with the Harris brothers!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres. 

FTGOTG S2, E13 | Melanie Redd is unique as a female Strength & Conditioning Coach but that alone doesn't draw clients!  What does is her reputation and blend of complementary skills and qualifications!  Episode 13 is an inside look at how she started and the relationships she builds as she continues her journey.

Coach Melanie Redd is a strength & conditioning expert, certified speed & agility coach, functional movement expert, and the owner of Melanie Redd Performance Training.  Coach Mel has been helping people achieve optimal strength and performance for over a decade and has developed and coached performance and strength programs for athletes and adults around the world!

She is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Chaminade Julienne HS and oversees strength and conditioning programs for all sports.  Coach Mel is best known for her work in football, however, her mission is to get all athletes from all sports in weight rooms across the country.

Finally, Melanie is skilled in Sport Coach Education, helping coaches around the globe execute safe and effective programs via her platform entitled the MRPT Performance Pack.

You can find her online at… www.mrperformancetraining.com and

on Facebook at… www.facebook.com/mrperformancetraining/ and

follow her on Twitter at... @coach_mel-redd

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E12 |  I'm excited to share our second "Special Feature" episode with two widely recognized leaders in the Youth Sports industry...Heath Eslinger and Gordon MacLelland.  Both gentlemen present perspectives on developing relationships with parents and coaches, but from different geographic and cultural areas.

Gordon MacLelland is the CEO of Working With Parents In Sport, a UK-based company that works with Sporting Organizations to help parents and coaches navigate the difficulties they face in today's environment.  Gordon is the author of three books: Two Hats - a book for parent coaches who are coaching or thinking of coaching their own children; Great Sports Parenting - a pocket guide for parents of children in sport; and Engage - a coaches' guide to building positive relationships with parents.

You can learn more about Gordon and Working With Parents In Sport at...
https://www.parentsinsport.co.uk/

Heath Eslinger is the Director of Business Development for A Better Way Athletics, a US-based company in Cleveland, TN (just outside of Chattanooga).  Heath's experience as both a High School and Div-1 wrestling coach afforded him the opportunity to see the "problem areas" in sports culture from the inside-out.  Now, as both a leader and gifted speaker, he travels and shares his contagious message of A Better Way to engage, educate and train both parents and coaches.  A Better Way Athletics offers a sophisticated platform and multiple curriculums for both parents and coaches to help them evolve and positively impact the young people they support!

You can learn more about Heath and A Better Way Athletics at...
https://www.abetterwayathletics.com/

While many individuals and organizations recognize the need for change, these gentlemen and their companies are leading the charge in changing the Youth Sports landscape.  Their perspectives are both unique and refreshing...and they provide a practical "way ahead" as we emerge from the pandemic and begin to reshape the future!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E11 | These self-proclaimed "Seminole brothers for life" epitomize our theme of relationships for Season 2!  This candid interview with former Florida State cornerbacks Bobby Jackson (BoJack) and Bobby Butler demonstrates how strong bonds formed in the locker room and on the field can last a lifetime!

Bobby Jackson didn't start playing "organized" football until he got into high school.  His natural talent and help from a high school teammate vaulted him into an opportunity at Florida State...an opportunity he maximized, to say the least.  He was drafted by the New York Jets in the 6th round of the 1978 NFL Draft and started all 16 games of his rookie season!  BoJack was ultimately selected to the "All-Time Jet Team" as one of the top three corners in the history of the New York Jets.  He finished his Jets career with 21 interceptions.  After a brief stay with the Atlanta Falcons and an untimely injury, he retired in 1986.  His stellar career at FSU ('74-'77) earned him induction into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1993. 

Bobby Butler chose Florida State based on a single (unofficial) visit and a very impactful conversation with Coach Bobby Bowden.  In his mind, he felt playing at FSU for Coach Bowden was "meant to be."  As it turned out, the example and mentorship shown by BoJack were hugely instrumental in Bobby's long-term success...at FSU and in the NFL.  He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 25th overall pick in the 1st round of the 1981 NFL Draft.  Bobby played his entire 12-year career with the Falcons, playing in 169 games during which he accumulated 27 interceptions!  He retired after the 1992 season.

Despite being smaller athletes, both men possessed world-class speed and were known for ferocity in their manner of play.  While they were fortunate to play for legendary head coach Bobby Bowden at the beginning of his FSU career, they leveraged the opportunity to achieve success.  Both BoJack and Bobby excelled in the system and culture under Coach Bowden and created their respective niche...each in his own class!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E10 | Episode 10 features my interview with Professional Sports Agent and author J. Drew Pittman.  As a principal for Shark Sports Management, his clients include both professional athletes and coaches.  Drew allows his faith and relationship with God to guide his life and professional endeavors.  His integrity and authenticity have allowed him to be highly successful despite being part of an industry known more for slick, smooth-talking (sometimes greedy) extroverts!  (thank you Jerry Maguire, aka Tom Cruise)

As fellow Texans and alumni of JJ Pearce HS in Richardson, Drew and I got reacquainted after over 43 years as members of a Zoom Bible study.  I was interested in speaking to him about his book First Team Dad, but also the magnitude of "relationships" within his business.  We explore how the book came to be and the unique way he "tested" the principles, prior to publication.  Drew's transparency in the book and during our chat point to why he's managed to be so successful.

Becoming a Professional Sports Agent was a natural move for Drew, if not part of his destiny.  As a D-1 Soccer athlete at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Drew excelled in sports.  He was also blessed to marry Layne Teaff Pittman, daughter of legendary Baylor University (football) Head Coach, Grant Teaff.  His understanding of the game, while valuable, became almost secondary to his reputation as an honest, hard-working family man and Christian.

Drew's clients, as well as readers (of his book), benefit from his experience and wisdom.  His 28 years as a successful Sports Agent speaks for itself, but his faith and family relationship are contributors to that success!  I strongly endorse First Team Dad and highly recommend it to parents interested in building a stronger family...whether in or out of sports!

First Team Dad, Your Playbook for a Winning Family  - by J. Drew Pittman

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E9 | I'm pleased to share this "Special Feature" episode...an interview with three coaches who are not only standout leaders and prolific authors, but also host their own Podcasts / YouTube channels!

Coach Kenny Simpson is the head football coach at Searcy HS in Searcy, AR.  Prior to Searcy, he helped rebuild and grow two programs...as the head football coach at Southside Charter HS and before that as the head coach at Alabama Christian Academy!  Coach Simpson is an innovative coach and prolific author, having published five books to date.  He provides a wealth of instruction and conducts super-informative interviews on his YouTube channel.  Not only is Kenny an awesome family man, but he is also a tireless promoter of the game and dedicated to helping coaches improve!

Coach Dustin Mills is a Social Studies teacher and the head football coach at James M. Bennett HS in Salisbury, MD.  He hosts the Anchor Down Leadership Podcast, where he discussed such life skills topics as Mindset, Mental Health, Respect, and Problem Solving.  Dustin also owns Anchor Down Leadership Consulting...dedicated to developing high-level, value-based leaders, who will impact and grow their organizations.  Coach Mills promotes five "anchors of leadership," which include: Selflessness, Commitment & Competency, Respect in Relationships, Positivity, and Ownership!

Coach Anthony Stone is a PE teacher at Gregory Elementary and a varsity assistant coach at Boylan Catholic HS in Rockford, IL.  He has coached at every level of football from youth through College.  Anthony hosts the Coach Stone Podcast on JC Hawks Radio and publishes the Quarterly Digital CSF Magazine!  He hosts the Coach Stone Football: Back to the Basics YouTube channel and is the author of the Back to the Basics football drill manual series.  And if that isn't enough, he also runs a Back to the Basics football camp series which has been featured across the United States and Internationally!

While many coaches struggle to accomplish all their routine daily tasks, these coaches go above and beyond training athletes...to grow the game and develop coaches!  They each set a standard of professional excellence for other coaches to emulate!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E8 | After hearing Episode 8, many listeners may agree that it was Coach Nathan McPeek's "destiny" to coach football.  His grandfather started the youth football league in their hometown and served as an official for many years.  Coach McPeek's dad coached him in Little League and one of his Uncles was a head football coach for over 20 years.  Even Coach McPeek's mother was an avid football fan!  If modeling behavior and environment play a significant role in our development as we grow up...Coach McPeek is walking proof of those influences!

Nathan McPeek played his High School football at Russell HS in Kentucky and was a tri-sport athlete, playing basketball and football, as well as pursuing field events in track.  Despite offers for track scholarships, he chose to pursue his true love (football) and play for the Marshall University Thundering Herd.   Coach McPeek set the standard for reliability and availability while at Marshall, achieving recognition for 52 straight starts during his college career!  Following his career at Marshall, he got a look from the NFL's Green Bay Packers, but ultimately chose to begin coaching HS Football in 2004.

In his 18-year career as a football coach, Nathan McPeek has shared his energy and expertise with athletes at Boyd County HS (KY), Fairview HS (KY), Tucker HS (GA), Bryan Station HS (KY), and since 2017 at Frederick Douglass HS in Lexington, KY...first as the Offensive Coordinator and now as Head Coach!  He is 70-15 in seven seasons as a Head Coach and has had the honor of coaching 20+ athletes who've gone on to play Division 1 football.

What is evident throughout this interview is the degree to which Coach McPeek loves the game and his athletes.  He works tirelessly to "give back" to the game, leveraging his relationships to assist in the development and recruitment of his players.  He truly goes "above and beyond" to assist the Frederick Douglass athletic community!  Coach Nathan McPeek is not only a credit to Bronco Nation, but to the coaching profession and the game of football!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E7 | Episode 7 demonstrates why the game of football and the coaching profession are a perfect marriage.  Our conversation with Coaches Art Kehoe and Mark Evans is not just about University of Miami football.  It's a celebration of the memories and respect two colleagues (former coach and player) can build and maintain!

Coach Art Kehoe played as a 2-year letterman and Captain at the University of Miami.  He began his coaching career as a Student Assistant for the Canes in 1981, while finishing up his degree.  Art spent the next 20+ years working his way up through the staff at Miami, culminating with being the Assistant Head Coach & OL Coach from 2002 - 2005.  He's had the honor and privilege of coaching All-Conference honorees, All-Americans, as well as Outland and Remington Trophy award winners...not to mention the 20+ players he coached and mentored on their way to playing in the NFL.  Coach Kehoe was on the staff for all five of Miami's National Championships and he was appropriately enshrined in the UM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002!

Coach Mark Evans is a School Counselor and the current Head Football Coach at Manheim Township HS in Lebanon, PA.  With 23+ years as a Counselor and High School Head Coach, he has accumulated a tremendous track record of success both on and off the field.  The students and athletes who join Mark's "huddle" benefit from his experience, calm demeanor, as well as his confident, caring approach.  Coach Evans' start in football was anything but typical, having played only his Senior year in High School.  After graduating, he ventured to Scottsdale Community College in Arizona to hone his skills and seek opportunities.  Mark's hard work and relative improvement garnered multiple D-1 offers, but he chose to join "The U" to pursue his college career.  His friendship with Coach Kehoe began in Arizona during a recruiting visit and (as they say)...the rest is history!

Regardless of how long they go between conversations, these two maintain a strong bond of respect for one another.  Their relationship is emblematic of the trust and loyalty that is possible in the great game of football...two competitors learning and growing together, each changing the game...and the world in his own unique way!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.