Sideline Roots

On this episode of Sideline Roots, WHSV's Connor Burgan sits down with former Eastern Mennonite men's basketball head coach Kirby Dean for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey through the game. Dean traces his roots from his days as an assistant at VMI working alongside Kenny Brooks, to taking the reins of the Royals program in 2003 and building it into something special — eventually becoming EMU's all-time wins leader and guiding the program to the NCAA Division III Elite Eight in 2009-10. But basketball is only part of the story. Dean also opens up about life beyond the sidelines, including his role as Rockingham County Parks and Recreation Director and his work as the color commentator for JMU men's basketball on ESPN+

In the newest edition of Sideline Roots, JMU men’s basketball head coach Preston Spradlin shares his journey into coaching from his time working at the University of Kentucky, his first head coach opportunity at Morehead State to his current tenure as head coach for the Dukes.

On the latest edition of Sideline Roots, WHSV's Connor Burgan sits down with Spotswood Girls Basketball head coach Chris Dodson, a six-time state champion whose impact stretches far beyond the hardwood.

Dodson opens up about his journey into coaching, the moments that shaped his philosophy, and the stories both on and off the court that have defined who he is as a coach and a person.

On this edition of Sideline Roots, WHSV Sports Anchor Connor Burgan sits down with JMU Football head coach Billy Napier. From learning under coaching legends Dabo Swinney and Nick Saban to navigating the highs and lows of his own head coaching journey, Napier reflects on the experiences that shaped him and how they're influencing his vision for the Dukes as a new era begins in Harrisonburg.

On this edition of Sideline Roots, WHSV Sports Anchor Connor Burgan sits down with Bridgewater Football head coach Scott Lemn. From his time as a standout center for JMU to entering the coaching realm, Lemn discusses those who left an impact on his coaching career, the stories he learned along the way that've helped mold him throughout his tenure as head coach.

In the debut episode of Sideline Roots, WHSV's Connor Burgan sits down with JMU Women’s Basketball head coach Sean O’Regan to share the story behind his journey in coaching. From his early days around the game to the experiences that shaped his path, O’Regan reflects on the moments that ultimately led him back to his alma mater.