Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Mr. Austin “LA” Haynes. Former D-II runner, avid outdoorsman, and man of Christian faith.

Austin resides in “The Gateway City,” also known as Laredo, TX, or the “meadow" or "sandy place” and works as a Project Specialist at Schneider Electric.

Austin takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year faith and sport journey: 

• Going to nationals as (surprise) an in-line skater;
• Running competitively at D-II Southwest Baptist University;
• Experiencing deep relational loss;
• Stepping back from faith and apathetically coasting along;
• And finally, pivoting back to his faith after hard reflection on at least one particular question. 

Join Austin as he reflects on:

• his early sport years,
• his D-II collegiate success and challenges 
• his relational loss and its life impact and finally 
• on his spiritual slide and rebound back to God who helps him frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.

Meet Austin – Take-me-out-to-the-ballgame – the Davy Crockett of South Texas – Haynes.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “What time did I have left?”
• “I did a 720.”
• “Am I wanted?”
• “Got a different view on singleness.”
• “[Lord] I need you more now than ever.”
• Spiritual decline warning signs: (1) unconfessed sin, (2) isolation, (3) intentional coasting.

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Mason “Coach” Blevins, Director of Cross-Country and Track & Field Coach at Sterling College, a KCAC (Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference), NCCAA affiliated, NAIA school in Sterling Kansas.

Mason, a native of Somerset, KY is man of Christian faith, married, and a father of one.

Early on Mason serves in sports ministry within the track and field wing of Athletes in Action. After serving as an assistant cross country and track and field coach for John Brown University, Mason -- unlike Dorothy who clicks her heels to RETURN to KS -- Mason clicks his Brooks and heads to the sunflower state for increase coaching responsibilities.

At Sterling, Mason builds a strong, caring, and focused work ethic, achieving success that includes (in part): 

•  coaching five KCAC All-Conference athletes, one NAIA All-American, eight NCCAA All-Americans and two NCAA individual national champions and more than 50 All-Americans…
• coaching a third-place finish at the 2025 NCCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and…finally…
• coaching Kansas winter running survival techniques

Join Mason as he reflects on:

• his early sport years in Somerset, KY, 
• his ups and downs as a D-I collegiate runner,
• his transition from athlete to collegiate coach, and
• his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips and Advice: 

• “Making ends meet while figuring it out.”
• “Free to compete.”
• “Don’t find your [true] identity in running.”
• “Find someone to trust in you.”
• “Create margin to hear from the Lord.””

Guest Contact

• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.scwarriors.com/sports/mtrack-out/index

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Christmas Special!

Shout out to ALL the athletes who made Coach Mac a better man!

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Corey “Coach” McElhaney, Head Cross-Country and Track & Field Coach at Southwest Baptist University, a GLVC D-II school in MO.

Corey, a native of Elgin, Oklahoma is man of Christian faith, married, and a father of two. He is known as avid hunter and fisherman with a Tier-1, certified “Snipe Hunter” certification, chasing those mythical birds, often at night with pillowcases, to the delight of others.

Corey takes his strong, caring, and focused work ethic on a multi-year coaching journey that includes (in part): 

·       coaching two NCAA individual national champions and more than 50 All-Americans

·       earning five conference Coach of the Year awards (4 MIAA, 1 GLVC) 

·       coaching five SBU Hall of Famers

·       receiving the 2023-24 SBU Life Beautiful Award

·       entering the 2025 SBU Athletics Hall of Fame.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Coach McElhaney.

Quips and Advice:

• "I only have my children until they graduate."
• What does it take to be a collegiate coach? A great wife!

 Guest Info & Contact:

Email: [email protected]

More Stats:

·       Two-time All-American, Coffeyville Community College

·       Five-time All-MIAA athlete at SBU

·       Regional Women’s Cross-Country Coach of the Year (2015) after his squad garnered the regional championship

·       Five-time conference Coach of the Year (4 MIAA, 1 GLVC) after his squads won five conference championships

·       Six cross-country teams qualified for NCAA National Championships

·       Squads have included five NCAA Elite 90 honorees (athlete with the highest GPA competing at NCAA Nationals)

·       Five CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and one CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year

·       2018-19 women’s cross country tied for highest GPA nationally

·       Coached five SBU Hall of Famers

·       Named 2023-24 SBU Life Beautiful Award Winner

·       2025 SBU Athletics Hall of Fame

·       He and wife Christine have two children, Carlee and Casen.

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Special Episode

Returning to studio 1812 after a long absence is Dylan “$12” Barnum. Educator, husband and father of two. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, a man of faith – a Christian.

Dylan and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate, student-athlete running days at a D-II school in MO where he was a MIAA conference champion in the 110-meter hurdles.

To learn more about Dylan check out Podcast Episode #27 entitled – White Shorts Controversy.

In our episode today, Dylan and I reflect on a very serious and personal topic – the anatomy of an affair (marital infidelity).

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Mr. Barnum.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “Think long term if a friend you know is in an affair.” It will take time to walk with him or her.
• “I was insane.”
• “God would understand.” (ex. of affair fog thinking).

Personal Warning Signs:

• Unconfessed sin.
• Started with thoughts.
• Porn.
• Keeping secrets.
• Dishonesty.
• Perceived personal and job insecurity.
• Isolated (limited community).
• Demonize spouse.

Marriage Solutions:

Beyond Affairs. https://www.beyondaffairs.com/about. Brian and Anne Bercht. Highly recommended.

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Returning to studio 1812 after a long absence is Captain Jordan “Big-X” Inman. United States Marine Corp. Cobra Pilot. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) – 267 “Stingers” located in CA. Co-founder of Rank Western Wear. Avid bow and rifle hunter. And finally, and perhaps most importantly – a man of faith – a Christian.

Jordon and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate, student-athlete running days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Jordan check out Season One Podcast Episodes 3 and 5 – which is entitled – Middle School to Marines.

In that podcast you hear Jordan reflect on leadership at various stages of his life leading into the Marines.

In this episode, learn what it takes to fly a HELO, survive a six-month Japan deployment, and seek community as a single adult...without losing your mind.

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Captain Jordan.

Quips and Quotes: 

• “Enjoy the moment you are in.” Advice to collegiate student-athletes.
• “If not scared, you are a dangerous person.”
• “It’s a deadly, serious business.”
• “Play the long game.”
• “Deal with life and death.”
• “Fear. There is risk in what you are doing. Respect the enemy.”

Quote from episode: 'Let him who cannot be alone beware of community. Let him who is not in community beware of being alone." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 Guest Info & Contact: 

[email protected]

Business: https://rankwestern.com/

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Dr. Jake “*Leonardo” Smith, Jr., founder and president of - Plumline - a nonprofit organization helping “people get unstuck, find rest, and experience peace.” In addition, Jake is a “faith-fueled coach & speaker, guiding leaders to live with no regrets.” 

Jake is a man of Christian faith, married, and a father of three. Pastor. Musician. And lover of fast cars.

Jake resides in Franklin, TN with his wife and family.

Jake takes his strong, caring, and focused work ethic on a multi-year ministry journey that includes: 

• forming and fronting the rock band “Jonas”; 
• serving as pastor and church planter at several high-profile churches;
• experiencing both deep personal and vocational ministry stress; and finally
• developing two organizations that promote a framework for knowing God, self, and others in a most authentic way.

In this episode, join Jake as he reflects on (1) how he and I meet, (2) the role of mentorship in life and on (3) his most recent venture – Plumline – where Jake focuses, in part, on the spiritual anatomy - heart-mind-soul-strength - of the individual in community. [That includes current and former student-athletes.]

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of my guest and friend, Jake Smith, Jr.

*My nickname for Jake. It comes from the title of one of his four CD releases back in the day entitled: Resembling Leonardo De Vinci Cross Hatching For The Drawing. 2001. https://www.discogs.com/artist/14119948-Jake-Smith-Jr

Quips & Quotes:

• [Don't] “ …regret of the second half of life.”
• “Show up fuller to the race (life).”
• “Be specific what you ask from a mentor. But do ask.”
• “…propose a redefinition of calling.”

Spiritual Anatomy:

• The Heart System | Ensures you connect deeply with others | Loving companion
• The Soul System | Clarifies your true identity and purpose | Visionary guide
• The Mind System | Provides structure and order to life | Strategic overseer
• The Strength System | Empowers you to advance and achieve | Driven warrior

Guest Info & Contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website:https://goplumline.com. Go to bottom of landing page and sign-up for fresh, free resources delivered to you. I highly recommend this offer.
• Instagram: @goplumline 

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Returning to studio 1812 after a long absence is Captain Austin “Tribune” Acosta, United States Marine Corp. Austin is former D-II student-athlete, current USMC infantry platoon officer and current Marine Officer Instructor, Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Missouri, where he overtly slays a fresh batch of midshipmen.

Austin is a man of faith, husband to JaiDee, and Captain Pops to two sweet children, both under the age five.

Austin and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate student-athlete days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Austin check out Season 1 Podcast Episode #21, which is entitled - “Exo Tes Thyras Ouden.” Out These Doors Nothing.

In that episode, you hear Austin reflect on both his undergraduate student-athlete years and his grand onboarding as an officer in the USMC.

In this episode, Austin advocates for grit, resilience, and faith in life. He reflects on his own recent, rapid life trials and changes: loss of grandmother and mother; job changes; flooded house; fatherhood; and his wife’s recent health trauma.

So, let's get into the head and heart space of Austin Acosta.

Quips and Quotes:

• “Never wish away time.”
• “Skull to the ground.”
• “Find vocation that plays into your strengths.”
• "Trails will continue to arrive."

 Guest Info & Contact: 

[email protected]

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M.) talks with Sara “Nitro Mom” Vaughn, an American professional middle-distance runner who finds stellar success in longer distances like the marathon. She is a woman of Christian faith, wife, a mother of four, a realtor, founder of the non-profit - Vaughn Childcare Fund, and in her free time she is a volunteer Colorado coal miner [teasing on that last one].

Sara resides with her husband, Brent and children on what appears to be a very energetic farm in Boulder, CO.

Sara takes her strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running journey that includes: 

 ·        Securing several state high school titles in Nebraska.; 

·        gaining All-American status at the University of Colorado; 

·        becoming a parent while a student-athlete in college; 

·        returning to elite-pro level running after her pregnancies; AND

·        optimizing resources that help continue running at the highest level. 

Join Sara as she reflects on (1) her early sport years, (2) her D-I collegiate success and challenges (3) her passion for student-athletes who are parents (4) her continual quest to navigate the many callings in her life  and (6) her God who helps frame it all and leads her into the next mile of the race.

Her response to the question What do you know now that you wish you knew then? may surprise you.

So, let's get into the head and heart space of our guest, Sara Vaughn.

Quips and Quotes:

• "Getting dropped on all runs."
• "Team culture is so important."
• "Thumbs up for Jimmy John's"
• "Hard several years being a student-athlete parent."

Guest Info & Contact:

• World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/sara-vaughn-14325833
• https://saravaughnhomes.com/
• Instagram: @smevaughn
• Email: [email protected]
• https://www.vaughnchildcarefund.org/

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Returning to studio 1812 after a long absence is Mr. Jeremy “Spidey” Inman. Jeremy is a runner, co-founder and owner of Rank Western Wear, man of faith, and a freshly minted employee of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), specifically, a Texas State Trooper.

Jeremy and I go back a few moons. That is, years. Back to his early collegiate student-athlete days at a D-II school in MO.

To learn more about Jeremy check out Season 1 Podcast Episodes 6 (his intro) & 23, which is entitled - What is your Dragon? Sense a Calling? Weird Stirrings, Stories, and Spirit Movements. 

In that podcast you hear Jeremy, only a few years into his first career, grappling with vocational meaning and purpose. So what happens?

Let’s find out what decisions go into a 180 degree vocational pivot. Perhaps answering the question, Why go from a comfy, coding cubicle to the somewhat gnarly, highspeed world of Texas law enforcement? 

So, let’s get into the head and heart space of our guest, Jeremy Inman.

Quips and Advice:

• “Family...Faith...Cowboying."
• "Intentional community is important. Seek it!"
• "Always carry your auto insurance card."
• "Create disciplined habits now. You will need them later."

Guest Info & Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on

Dr. M. reflects (ponders) on James 1:2-8. He places it into a real life "grinder" context: moving "Mother Dear" from Florida to Texas.

Suggested takeaways:

• Take the trial
• Makes the ask
• Don't waver
• Deeper the trial
• Deeper the ask

Final Stinky Question: What am I really doing in life if I am not living, to an extent, in a state of tension and need? Is this reasonable?

Dr. Scott W. McNeal

Press on...

• Website: WPDSports.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpd_sports_press_on