"STL In The Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter Podcast

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In this episode of STL in the Huddle, hosts Ken Leach, Tom Swoboda, and Sherri Farmer Hebert sit down with the legendary Coach Z — Ron Zetcher — a St. Louis sports icon who's been inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Coach Z shares stories from a remarkable career spanning coaching, officiating, and teaching at every level. Hear about his encounters with Bobby Knight (including a priceless lesson learned as a young referee), what it was like to officiate Larry Bird's senior year at Indiana State, and his days calling games in the Big Eight and Missouri Valley conferences alongside coaches like Nolan Richardson and Dick Versace.

The conversation also covers Coach Z's time as a freshman football coach at Ladue working under the legendary Ed Velton, his substitute teaching in kindergarten (and why he stops at fourth grade), and the thrilling Eureka vs. Ladue overtime game he watched this season. Plus, he offers candid advice for young people considering a career in officiating — know the rule book, earn your stripes with JV games, and be patient.

Coach Z also talks about his own podcast, Then and Now with Coach Z, where he's interviewed everyone from Bob Costas to UC Berkeley head coach Charmin Smith, and shares a great story about running into Gus Otto — who played in Super Bowl II for the Oakland Raiders — at the golf course.

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.

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Our latest episode of St. Louis in the Huddle features an in-depth conversation with award-winning writer, Tom Danyluk! 📚 Dive into the ’90s NFL era with his new release, ‘Echo Warfare: Pro Football of the 1990s,’ and don’t miss out on classics like ‘Majesty and Mayhem: Pro Football of the 1980s’ and ‘The Super ’70s: Memories from Pro Football’s Greatest Era.’

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newbie, Tom’s stories will have you hooked. Check out more about Tom and his incredible work at tomdanylukbooks.com

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.

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Ever wondered what it’s like to officiate a Super Bowl? Join hosts Ken Leach, Tom Swoboda and Sherry Farmer-Hebert as they chat with retired NFL Official Joe Larrew, who shares the behind-the-scenes action of working the big game! From the intensity on the field to the unique challenges faced by referees, this episode is packed with insights only a pro could offer. Don’t miss this chance to hear from someone who’s been at the heart of football’s greatest spectacle!

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/SuLoX5ZV4j8

Thank you to our sponsor Peoples National Bank 

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.

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🏈 Ready to take your game to the next level? Tune into our latest episode of “STL in the Huddle” where Christine Sather, fitness guru and nutritional coach, joins hosts Ken, Tom, and Sherry! 🎙 We’re diving deep into back-to-school nutrition strategies perfect for athletes hitting the field this season. From the importance of eating breakfast to staying hydrated and choosing the right fuel for your body, we’ve got you covered! Plus, get tips tailored for different age groups. Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights! 🥗💪

Facebook- Christine Sather

Instagram - christine_n_sather

We site - My.advocare.com/130220048

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.

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Hosts Tom, Ken and Sherry  sit down with Rockwood Summit High School head coach Eric Stewart for an in-depth look at the 2025 football season. Coach Stewart — now in his 13th year leading the program after 21 years at Summit — breaks down this year's talented but young roster, a brutal non-conference schedule opener against Festus, and the evolving landscape of Missouri high school football districts and playoff seeding.

The conversation covers Summit's deep-rooted junior football program, wide receiver route-reading techniques, standout players to watch (including safety Mason Caso and long-snapper Clayton Macy), and plenty of laughs about mascots, officiating, and Coach Stewart's Truman State days. It's a wide-ranging conversation blending X's and O's with the community spirit that's made Summit football a St. Louis staple.

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.

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NFL Network's Steve Wyche joins Tom, Ken, and Sherry on STL In The Huddle for a hometown homecoming episode. A Parkway South High School grad and St. Louis native, Steve reflects on his journey from local newspapers (Miami Herald, Washington Post, Atlanta Journal-Constitution) to NFL Network, sharing career-defining moments covering legends like Dan Marino, Michael Jordan, and Patrick Mahomes.

The conversation covers his recent induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame, life as a grandfather balancing family and a demanding travel schedule, favorite St. Louis nostalgia (Imo's Pizza, Ted Drewes, Noggles), a pivotal high school football memory that shaped his path to college ball at Missouri, and thoughts on soccer's growing popularity in the U.S. following the World Cup.

A fun, heartfelt conversation full of hometown pride, football history, and behind-the-scenes media insight.

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.

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STL In The Huddle – Episode 4: Legends, Education & Farewell

In the final installment of our four-part conversation with Rudy Ruettiger — the real-life inspiration behind the iconic film Rudy — we wrap up with some of the most memorable moments yet. Rudy shares personal stories about legends like Stan Musial, Tom Brady's dad, Kobe Bryant, and Christopher Reeve, reflecting on the unexpected connections that define a life well-lived. The conversation turns to education, trades, and the power of developing real-world skills — a message as relevant today as ever.

Thank you to Rudy Ruettiger for giving so generously of your time across all four episodes. Your stories, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm for life have been an inspiration. And a heartfelt thank you to Pat for making this incredible series happen. To our listeners — we know your time is valuable, and we're truly grateful you invested it with us over these four episodes. We hope Rudy's message stays with you: give 100%, develop your skills, and never, ever quit.

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In the third installment of our conversation with Rudy Ruettiger, we dive into the far-reaching impact of his story — from Hollywood to the White House. Rudy shares remarkable behind-the-scenes moments from the film's release, including a private screening for President Bill Clinton, encounters with Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, and an unforgettable visit to the Oval Office.

But the episode goes far beyond politics. Rudy reflects on how his story has inspired some of the biggest names in sports — from Kobe Bryant, who credits the film with keeping him from quitting basketball, to Jason Kelce, who watched Rudy with his brother during tough times at the University of Cincinnati. He also shares heartwarming stories of connecting with Milwaukee Brewers players, speaking at military academies, and even being chanted for by inmates during a prison ministry.

Rudy also opens up about what's next — a newly pitched film project called The Interruption, inspired by a near-death experience in his own family, and his thoughts on today's college football culture, NIL, and what coaches like Dabo Swinney are doing right.

A powerful, inspiring conversation about legacy, perseverance, and the unexpected ways one story can change the world.

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In this episode, the Ken, Tom and Sherry sit down with Rudy Ruettiger — the real-life inspiration behind the iconic 1993 film Rudy — to hear the unfiltered story of how a blue-collar kid from a large family with no college expectations found his way to Notre Dame. Rudy shares candid memories of working in a power plant, the role Notre Dame football played in his working-class household, and the persistence and unlikely connections that ultimately got him onto the field and his story onto the big screen. From tracking down the screenwriter Angelo Pizzo to getting the film greenlit with Notre Dame's blessing in 48 hours, this episode is a compelling behind-the-scenes look at one of sports cinema's most beloved stories — and the real lessons in resilience, collaboration, and faith that made it possible.

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.

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What does it take to earn your place — on the field, in the military, and in life?

In this debut episode, host Tom sits down with Pat Sarb, Notre Dame alum and Naval Academy veteran, and Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, the real-life inspiration behind the iconic film Rudy. Together, they unpack the grit, loyalty, and character it takes to succeed when the odds are stacked against you.

The conversation dives into college football culture, NIL and athlete mentality, military discipline and leadership, and why chasing passion — not money — is the only path to a life well lived. Rudy shares how the movie continues to inspire fans worldwide, and Pat reflects on walk-on perseverance, family, and paying it forward.

Whether you're a football fan, a veteran, a coach, a parent, or someone chasing a dream others said was impossible — this episode is for you.

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"STL In the Huddle" The National Football Foundation Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter.