Into the Boundary

Former IUP Offensive Lineman Rory Thomas discusses what it was like growing up in Beaver Falls, PA. He speaks about being raised in the projects by a single mother. Rory describes his environment as impoverished and filled of drug dealing and violence.  Rory excelled in the classroom as well as on the field, making him a high level recruit. Rory had received interest from major Division I Colleges such as Maryland, Wisconsin, etc. Rory struggled to get the required SAT scores to qualify at the Division I level and ultimately ended up at Indiana University of PA (IUP) a Division II powerhouse. He would go on to play every position on the offensive line and show tremendous leadership. During his sophomore year Rory fell in love with the college life and partied too much resulting in him being academically eligible. He would be forced to take a year off from school and return back home. Rory shares the story about altercation that resulted in a bunch of his teammates being suspended from school and making local news.  In 2007, Rory concluded his final season with All-Region and All-PSAC honors. He went on to have a shot at the NFL by going to mini camp with the Detroit Lions. He also pursued the opportunity to play arena football until injuring his shoulder and hanging it up. Rory talks about not being able to find a job during the recession, and using his gift of the gab in car sales. Currently, he resides in the Philadelphia area running his own business Thomas Financial Group and has real estate investments. He concluded with his purpose and talks about fatherhood. We want to thank Rory for being a sponsor of Into the Boundary, we appreciate all of his support.

Former Lock Haven University shooting guard Wali Hepburn joins us to discuss his experiences growing up in South Philadelphia. He describes the different dynamics of his upbringing between his parents’ separate households. From an early age Wali had an above average feel for the game, allowing him to play in higher age groups in organized basketball. These advantages helped him to play with his older brother, who was his inspiration to play the game. Wali attended St. John Neumann-Maria Goretti High School, a school flourishing into a powerhouse filled with many Division 1 Basketball players. Due to the competitive environment, Wali would have to adjust to not being a starter. During his high-school career he was a starter player for just one game (senior night); because of this college offers were minimal, changing his basketball future. He eventually attended Shippensburg University, where the lack of playing time started to affect his academics leading to his dismissal from the university. After taking some time away from the game, he suffered a tragic loss; one of his childhood best friends to street violence. This pushed Wali to enroll into school, attending Lock Haven University. At Lock Haven, he became one of the best players in the school’s history. Wali scored over 1,600 points, leading them to their first winning season in 20 years. Wali also won conference player of the year and many other accolades. Finally given the ability to showcase the talents he always possessed, Wali would graduate from Lock Haven embarking on his pro basketball career. A true underdog story, enjoy the journey.

Former indiana University of PA (IUP) Defensive Back and Track and Field Triple Jumper Ceasar Westbrook discusses starting his journey of playing sports at eight years old. Growing up in Lancaster, PA Ceasar ultimately began a three sport athlete in high school competing in football, basketball, and track and field. As he saw a great deal of success in each sport, he began a stand out athlete in both football and track and field. In track and field, he would finish in first place in the Triple jump and second place in the long jump at States his senior year. During College he would attempt to compete in both Track and Field, and football at IUP. Westbrook would struggle academically failing to find a balance between the two sports and doing school work. Being academically eligible would haunt Ceasar throughout his college career, keeping him from playing and reaching his full potential on the field. His athleticism is would separated him from other athletes, as he would win rookie of the year in track and field and later on become an All-American. Westbrook would eventually graduate with his degree in art. After working a normal job at a home improvement store, Ceasar made bold decision and became a full time Freelance Artist. Motivated by his young son, he decided to follow his dreams. Ceasar was able to maintain his living off of income from his art sells and builded a reputation in Erie, PA. Ceasar would go on to compete in art competitions, paint morales, design NBA G-League Jerseys and do art pieces for celebrities. Things become full circle as Westbrook was recently giving an opportunity to become an Art Teacher, providing a great balance between his passion and being able to provide for his son.

Former Manor Junior College Power Forward Mike Weaver, discusses his definition of success. He talks about his stance on going to college versus going to trade school and other alternatives. The messages he pushes is to explore all of your options when thinking about your future and picking the options that best fits you to succeed. He talks about how times has changed and how college was forced on this generations by their parents with no plan of how to pay off student loan debt. Mike speaks about playing sports at young age, and ultimately getting burnt out from it. He went through a phase of trying to figure out the direction he was headed because sports were all he knew. Mike grew an understanding for finance and credit and began helping people reach their goals. Some wanting to obtain a certain credit score, and others wanting to reach a point to be qualified to get a mortgage on a house. Mike eventually started his own business Next Level Credit repair and is a real estate investor.

We’re at the Midpoint of season 2... Part 2 with Lou Mobley

Former IUP Offensive Lineman and Creator & Host of “Into the Boundary” Lou Mobley, lets us into his life. He discusses what it was like growing up in South Philadelphia, his early struggles with being an athlete. He also dives into the things that his parents instilled in him that he carries with him today. Going to IUP he was considered a “favor” which he turned that into a solid 5 year career in which he was a starter for 4 years. While in college he would deal with multiple knee surgeries as well as the loss of his Father to kidney failure and respiratory complications. Persevering through it all Lou was able to obtain his Bachelors Degree from IUP and would later obtain his Masters Degree from West Chester University. He also takes you on his journey after college which includes, struggling to find a job in his field, various internships, coaching at his alma mater Neumann-Goretti High School, and building lifetime relationships along the way. This episode is hosted by Andres Moore and is dedicated to the life & legacy of Louis C. Mobley Sr. and Coach Steve Smith.  

Welcome to Into the Boundary!!! 

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 Creator & Host- Lou Mobley 

Director & Editor- Dahmerz 

Executive Producers- Andres Moore & Kadeem Custis

Former Delaware Valley University/ Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Defensive Back Dennis Kerstetter discusses marriage life and starting a family. He talks about some of the challenges he faced early on in fatherhood and shares some of his proud dad moments. Dennis discusses what it was like growing up with two deaf parents and sign language technically being considered his first language. He shares the story of making mistakes at Delaware Valley University and being made into an example for his behavior. After being dismissed from school, Dennis wondered if he would ever play again. Ultimately, he was able to transfers to IUP. After not making the football team, Dennis benefited from a head coaching change. Never giving up, he saw this opportunity as a fresh start to land a new impression on the new head coach. Dennis excelled at his second try out, which landed him a spot on the roster. He witness first hand, the effects of the double sword of a new coaching regime taking over a program. Upon graduation he embarks on a journey to become a head strength and conditioning coach at the collegiate level. Along this road, Dennis worked as a graduate assistant at multiple universities and even stopped pursuing his dream because of financial reasons.

Former New York Giants Defensive End Raheem Orr joins us to discuss the importance of having a “village” to raise children. He touches on becoming a young father and how that became his motivation. At Rutgers University, he would face adversity in many forms, but still managed to blossom into an All-Big East player. He takes us through his journey to the NFL and also Arena Football. After his football career he found his true passion which is doing humanitarian work. These days he runs a non-profit organization called “More Than A Sport” with the mission of helping young kids have a “village” to help them become successful in life. Raheem gives us many gems about life and a lot of lessons that he learned during his journey that he instills in the kids that he works with today.

Former Niagara University/ Hofstra University Point Guard Juan'ya Green shares his journey from North Philadelphia to playing professional basketball overseas. He discusses his decisions on why he chose to go to Archbishop Carroll instead of attending the traditional power house high schools in the city. He talks about wanting to compete against all the best players in the city, not playing along side of them. In high school, he would see a great deal of success winning a state championship, multiple All-State selections and being the Philadelphia Catholic league Co-MVP. Juan’ya speaks about the emergence of his Carroll Squad and the new rivalry with Neumann-Goretti HS. He attended Niagara University and was thrown into the fire as a true freshman. He would be among the nation’s leaders in minutes played as a freshman. Like a machine Juan’ya would score 1,000 points by the end of his sophomore year. His Head Coach would take a new coaching opportunity at Hofstra University, leaving Juan’ya with a big decision to make whether to stay or leave Niagara. Ultimately, Juan’ya decided to head to Hofstra University with his Head Coach, hoping to not have to start completely over and pick up where he left off. Due to transfer rules, Juan’ya had to set out one year. Once he returned back to the floor he would have two more dominant years. Once again scoring another 1,000 points in two seasons. He would become one of four players ever to score 1,000 points at two different Universities. After an amazing college career he would take his talents overseas to play professionally. He shares a personal story about the first time he was released from a team. He was embarrassed and contemplated being done with basketball.

Former Baltimore Ravens and Temple University Running Back Bernard Pierce shares his football journey with us. He discusses falling in love with the game of football at a young age, but following the wrong crowd landed him in trouble. Facing charges as a youth, Bernard was sent to Glen Mills School a reform school for juveniles delinquents for 2 and half years. Instead of solely focusing on his time, he excelled in track and football. He talks about not wanting his mother to come visit him because it was very difficult not being able to leave with her. Ultimately, Bernard earns multiple scholarships offers and chose to attend Temple University. His impact on the field as a playmaker was almost immediate. Bernard would go onto have a break out freshman year. Through his college career he would help the resurgent of the Temple football program, participating in two bowls games, All-American status and making the Heisman watchlist. These great accomplishments did not come with out lows, as Bernard would lose his father. Bernard tells a personal story of leaving school and contemplate playing football after losing his grandmother during the practices for Eagle Bank Bowl. He would declare for the NFL draft after his junior season as his son was on the way. He was selected in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens, and in his first season he would win a Super Bowl Championship. Bernard talks about still having the passion for the game of football and wanting to leave the game on his own terms.

Creator & Host: Lou Mobley

Executive Producers: Andres Moore & Kadeem Custis

Director & Editor: Dahmerz

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTUWM-

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Former Depaul University Guard Keisha Hampton joins us to discuss with us how the game of basketball has taken her all over the world. She grew a love for the game at an early age being the daughter of North Philly’s own John “Showboat” Hampton and growing up with her brother who shared a love for the game of basketball. She talks about the ups and downs she faced in high school, and the importance of the academic aspect when it comes to transitioning to college. Arriving at DePaul University she would prove to the coaching staff early that she was a high level player, earning a starting spot as a Freshman. She takes us through her college experience in which she would lead her team to multiple NCAA tournaments, and her outstanding play would secure her a place on the USA team that would compete in China at the World University Games. Despite suffering a knee injury that ended her senior season she would still hear her name called in the WNBA Draft being selected by the Seattle Storm. The Storm would cut Keisha before she ever played a game for them, she would embark on a long journey overseas with her goal being to make it back to the WNBA. With the odds stacked against her, she was able to beat the odds and 4 years from the moment she was drafted she would reach her goal and become a WNBA player with the Minnesota Lynx. So come along for the ride with us and enjoy this story of perseverance and triumph.

Creator & Host: Lou Mobley 

Executive Producers: Andres Moore & Kadeem Custis 

Director & Editor: Dahmerz