Get Home Safe

Vern Sparling is the Supervisor of Football Officials for the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). He is a former Division 1 football official himself and will talk about his officiating journey. Vern takes great pride in the resources he provides his staff and has established the SCIAC officials as the best trained of any Division 3 conference in the entire country. We chat about his vision for running a conference with high standards and the constant pursuit of pushing his guys to the next level. Additionally, we discuss keeping priorities in the right order.

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-In #62. Bill Barnes and I react to some of the sad stories that have recently occurred in Southern California and San Jose. We talk a little bit about the upcoming NCAA Baseball Postseason and why it's easy to have conversations with coaches off the field. Bill is also furious over the Tweet from Vice President Kamala Harris regarding Memorial Day. We take a few questions from listeners regarding defensive shifts in baseball, vaccine "incentives," and possible Executive Orders if we were the Designated Survivor. We would like to welcome a few new listeners and are always grateful for our loyal fans that tune in every week!

I share details from my memorable Memorial Day morning in Norco, CA at a very special ceremony. I attended to watch my girlfriend Valerie Byrnes play the bagpipes as part of the festivities and was blown away by the incredible patriotism I witnessed. I also wanted to talk about the things I think about every Memorial Day and why we should treat all other days more like it. As far as sports topics, I break down the 64 team NCAA Baseball Bracket that was revealed on Monday morning and give my projections of the 16 Regional winners. "Our flag does not fly because the wind blows it; it flies with the last breath of Every Solder who died defending it."

I'm joined by my roommate and good friend Mike Jarboe as we go head to head in a Draft of fast food establishments. We break down the pros and cons of those who made our rosters in a way that would make NFL Scouts proud. Prior to the Draft, Mike and I discuss the recent accomplishments of Joe West and Phil Mickelson. We also share a few drive thru war stories and chat about drive thru etiquette. Mike Jarboe is an NCAA Baseball Umpire who will be working in the Regionals next weekend.

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-In #61. Bill Barnes and I talk a lot of baseball and answer questions from listeners. We discuss the umpires selected for the College World Series and pay tribute to MLB umpire Joe West setting the record for most games worked at 5,376. We are both also eagerly anticipating the opening of California and lifting of mask mandates. Additionally, Bill receives his first piece of apparel from Rio Hondo Prep at the beginning of our show today.

PGA Championship, NHL Playoffs,

Jr Welterweight Undisputed Champion, NCAA Baseball Conference Tournament & Standings,

Lebron's Purple Heart, RHP Baseball, RHP Softball, RHP Volleyball, and Ballpark Food

Randy Betten has been the Head Coach for the Cal Poly Pomona baseball team since 2011. He has had quite a baseball journey both as a player and a coach. We discuss how his program is doing after a shortened season in 2020 and a canceled season in 2021. Randy will reflect on his baseball career and offer insight on his vision for his program moving forward. Additional topics include the importance of academics, the recruiting process, loving baseball, and interactions with umpires.

Weekly Wednesday Weigh-In #60. Bill Barnes and I bounce around some various topics today. We talk a lot about stress and some ways to avoid letting it weigh you down. Bill and I share when we first got the itch to umpire. We also discuss eliminating Covid mandates by June, the new Pac 12 Commissioner, and former LA Mayors.

I share some memories of a good friend and mentor, Pete Clark, who is in the hospital after a serious medical emergency over the weekend. Pete is a teacher and coach who has touched countless lives. He also unknowingly had a big influence on me pursuing umpiring. Pete is an incredible person and it's hard to say his name without smiling. We here at the Get Home Safe podcast are praying for a speedy recovery. Additionally, I talk about the NFL Schedule, FCS National Championship, Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua being official, baseball ejection protocol, and my vision for MLB realignment.

John Martin is the Executive Director of Kare Youth League. He is also a CFO for Minuteman Transportation and a Board Member for Pasadena City College. John has been in leadership roles all throughout his life and loves working alongside other passionate people. He shares a variety of stories with us which include playing on the first championship football team at Rio Hondo Prep, the future of Kare Youth League, and a minor connection to Tom Brady. John Martin always reminds me of ESPN's Tim Kurkjian or perhaps it's the other way around.