College Coaches Panel - Virtual Recruiting and Workouts

Coach Chuck Hepola and Coach Steve Hesser

In this episode we welcomed Drury University Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Hesser and Evangel University’s Head Football Coach Chuck Hepola.  We discussed the challenges of online recruitment and how they are handling virtual workouts with their players and how their programs are being impacted by our global situation.  They gave some great advice for coaches and athletes, my thanks for their insights and valued efforts with their players and staff during this time. 

Next week, how are officials handling this time?  We will be speaking with collegiate official Ron Snodgrass and NFL Coordinator of Officials, Dan Blandino about what officials are doing to keep up their skills and how their profession is being affected.

Batter up Therapy!

In this episode, we have a ‘counseling session’ on missing the sport of baseball. Don Louzader and Nate Lucas join us as we talk about how much they are missing their favorite pastime. We validated, had guidance and a pep talk from Coach Bill Rowe, discussed controlables, and how to put in action what they control into coping mechanisms for each one. Coping mechanisms are personal and several great suggestions for channeling energy was expressed. Baseball, like other sports, will return, and we will be grateful and appreciate the value they hold in our community. In the meantime, get outside and play catch, watch a sports movie, read a sports book, host a virtual trivia night over your favorite sport, exercise, or explore an option that is intriguing to you.  Don’t waste energy on trying to control something you do not.  Sports will return, have faith!

We also chatted with Volleyball official (of 44 years!), Bob Horton, about a scholarship available to seniors in high school. Great opportunity.  Visit here to apply: https://forms.gle/5nhSAnPEQUrPMGxU6

Next week, we are going to check in with a couple of college coaches to see how online recruiting is going, along with ‘virtual workouts’, Evangel University Head Football Coach Chuck Hepola joins us along with Drury University Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Hesser.

Blasts from the Past

The last two weeks we revisited a couple of “classic” shows with Ned Reynolds and Art Hains. On April 15, 2020 we replayed our New Year’s episode at Ebbett’s Field where we challenged Ned and Art to perform Play by Play Charades to our panel of judges, Jeff Burnett, Don Louzader, and Misty Ramsey. They did a great job!

This week, April 22, 2020 we replayed our Thanksgiving dinner and their challenge was to produce play by play and color analyst of the hibachi chef at Nakato Japanese Steakhouse. Tremendous work fellas! Thank you to my good sports, I cannot wait to see what our next challenge will bring!

Next week, we are going to have a counseling session, some “baseball therapy” if you will. Not having sports is HARD, it is affecting the mental health of our community. Don Louzader, Nate Lucas and Bill Rowe join us as we discuss how they are coping without their beloved past-time.

Art Hains (left), some random broadcaster (middle), Ned Reynolds (right)

The Lady Bears Dynamic Duo

Dr. Lynne Miller, Tom Ladd

In tonight's episode, we catch up with broadcasting duo Tom Ladd and Dr. Lynne Miller. We discussed their broadcast partnership and the past, present, and future of Lady Bears Basketball.  We talked about each one of their paths to this partnership, and how much they enjoy working together on the air! My thanks to Tom and Lynne for bringing energy and excitement to the Lady Bear broadcasts each and every time.  

For the next two weeks we will replay my challenges for Ned Reynolds and Art Hains. Next week, we replay our play-by-play challenge for Ned and Art as I ask them to “broadcast” the talents of a Hibachi Chef from Nakato. This dinner show was aired the week of Thanksgiving.

In two weeks, we replay the Play by Play Charades episode where Ned and Art paint the picture of some lesser known sports to a panel of judges that include Jeff Burnett, Don Louzader, and Misty Ramsey.  This show aired on New Year’s Eve. Stay safe everyone!

Celebrating Champions, Lady Panther Style!

Drury University Women’s Basketball Team

2019-2020

In this celebration episode, we celebrate the local college basketball and wrestling seasons and tonight we focus on Drury University’s Women’s Basketball team. Coach Molly Miller celebrates her team’s success by the numbers and by the pure joy she had coaching this special group. On the court and off the court the Lady Panthers represented themselves very well. Ranked #1 throughout the season in the nation and finishing 32-0 before their season was abruptly ended (and not within their control), the team has rallied together and tried to heal through these times of adversity. As we celebrate the accolades of this team, we also catch up with their three seniors. Two time NCAA Division II National Player of the year and two time All-American Hailey Diestelkamp, Two time All-American and three time Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Daejah Bernard and four year star Brooke Stanfield, as each one shows gratitude toward the village of supporters they have been able to enjoy throughout their four years at Drury.

 Next week, we will have the dynamic duo of Tom Ladd and Dr. Lynn Miller as we catch up with them and discuss their broadcasting partnership. We will celebrate the Missouri State University Lady Bears basketball season and talk about what is in store for the future of Tom Ladd and Lynne Miller. Go to www.acoachsperspective.com and listen to previous shows. During this time, you are probably doing a lot of binge watching, well you can binge listen, it's a thing! Wednesday nights from 6-7pm live on KWTO’s Jock 98.7 FM or anytime at our website acoachsperspective.com or on Apple iTunes Podcasts. Stay safe!

It is game time my Human Champions....we can do this.

Dr. Will Sistrunk (front) and Jim Raynor

During this global situation, as we try to navigate through it as one united team, we must stay informed and educated from multiple sources on how to cope and deal with our new normal. My thanks to Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Will Sistrunk, Administrative Director of Mercy Sports Medicine Jim Raynor and Missouri State University Director of Athletics, Kyle Moats for their valued input on this global topic. How COVID-19 is affecting our sports physically, mentally, and emotionally has to be addressed and we need to generate conversation with our coaches, athletes, officials, and fans on what we need to do as united Human Champions. No matter what team you cheer for, we are in this together as one planet. It is game day. We are ready for this. When a coach calls a timeout and asks you to step up, meet the challenge and do what you need to do for our team. Stay safe and healthy and remember you are loved and valued.

 Next week, we are going to catch up with Coach Molly Miller and her seniors from Drury University on how they are trying to heal from missing out on a possible undefeated season and national championship.  Wednesday’s from 6:00-7:00pm on KWTO’s Jock 98.7FM.

The Harman Tigers!

Russ, Dawn, Heather, Hannah, Bailey, Lexi, Haley Harman

As we navigate through this new world and way of living in a unique world we pause to celebrate and pick back up our Sports Family Series.  We celebrate the talented Harman family from Walnut Grove and not only the accolades collected by them, but the people and citizens they have become.  We thank Russ and Dawn Harman for bringing in their daughters: Hannah, Heather, and Bailey, along with the daughters of Gene and Lynn Harmon, Lexi and Haley.  These five ladies would make a tremendous starting five!  All of them are very proud of representing their family, school, and community.  The pride of representing ignited a drive in each of these athletes that propelled them into the record books and beyond. 

Next week…This is a crazy time – the sports world is just beginning to be impacted.  Next week we will have a panel to discuss the impacts of the Coronavirus on sports locally, regionally, and nationally.  Dr. Will Sistrunk, Infectious Disease Physician; Jim Raynor, Mercy’s Director of Sports Medicine, and Athletic Director Kyle Moats from Missouri State University.

Show-Me that State Trophy!

Kerwin Urhan and Kevin Garner

Tonight, we catch up with Missouri State High School Activities Association administrators and preview the upcoming Show-Me Showdowns as teams take the court and go for that coveted state basketball championship. Dr. Kerwin Urhan and Kevin Gardner join us as we take a look at the behind the scenes of putting this event together and previewing the teams coming in this weekend for Class 1, 2, and 3. Next weekend, will be the championships for Class 4 and 5, all at JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. My thanks to Dr. Kerwin Urhan and Kevin Gardner for their time and efforts to make this community tradition a first-class event.

Next week, Sports Families and how sports have enhanced relationships and characteristics within the same family generationally. We will see how these families have integrated a sports culture into their family life. Next week we welcome The Harman’s from Walnut Grove

The Dan Lucy Hour

In this episode, our Human Champion Profile is legendary, local, and Hall of Fame broadcaster Dan Lucy!  Dan gave us the entire hour as we explored his journey from a military kid to a Patriot at Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska to the University of Missouri Journalism school.  We talked about his experience as a sports director in Columbia and then in 1988 making the move to Springfield, Missouri’s KOLR 10 where he has set roots down ever since. Dan discussed how his favorite sport is ‘whatever is in season’ and how he has thoroughly enjoyed coaches in this area.  He also stepped away from the studio and talked with us about his battle with cancer, his relationship with the Boys and Girls Club, and what he does when he is not working diligently to cover our local, state, and national sports.

Next week, it is that time of year again!  I know, right? The Missouri State High School Activities Association Show-Me Showdowns will be at JQH Arena and new state champions will be crowned in basketball Classes 1-5. We will preview the upcoming Final Fours. Join us on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:00pm on KWTO’s Jock 98.7FM. 

Hanging out with the ever cool Dan Lucy

Who do you think won?

Celebrating Champions at Missouri State University

Dr/Coach Tommy Burnett, Sam Esser, Christina Peacaut, Jack Morris, Meghan Mudd, Denny Schmidt

Celebrating Champions is the focus of this episode as we congratulate two champions from Missouri State University, Women’s Swimming and Diving won the Missouri Valley Conference Championship and the Missouri State University Handball Team won all three divisions (Men’s, Women’s, and Combined) at the National Collegiate Handball Championships at the University of Texas.  Chelsea Dirks-Ham, Associate Head Coach of the MSU’s Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, recapped the swim teams 4th consecutive Conference Championship and its 12th in the past 13 years. We then caught up with Dr. Tommy Burnett, coach of Missouri State Handball, along with assistant coach, Sam Esser, and players Christina Peacaut (All-American), Meghan Mudd, Jack Morris, and Denny Schmidt. The handball team won its 16th women’s title, 10th men’s title, and 15th overall combined title. 

Next week, we pick back up on our Sports Families series. If you have a family to suggest, email acoachsperspective@gmail.com and let us know! Wednesday nights 6:00 to 7:00 PM on KWTO’s Jock 98.7 FM.

Packed Show! From the Wrestling Mat at Drury to Celebrating the Olympic Track and Field Cantwell Family!

Jared Rennick, Peter Kuster, James Reynolds

In this episode, we kick off the show with a FastBreak Update and look at two nationally ranked Drury wrestlers: (#6) Jared Rennick and (#8) Peter Kuster were here, along with their coach James Reynolds in his fourth season at Drury. Best of luck to all of the Drury Wrestlers as they get ready for Regionals. 

Teri, Jackson, and Christian Cantwell

We were then joined by former Olympians Christian and Teri Cantwell, and their son, Jackson. During our discussion we looked into their journey at the Olympics and with sports and how they are now integrating those valued characteristics into their parenting. Using sports as part of their family culture, the Cantwell’s have developed a strong bond in an out of the shot-put ring. Their experience at the national and world levels have prepared them for success in life. Now they enjoy and embrace the path that Jackson is traveling as he soars to the top of the charts in his own right winning the National Championship in the shot put in his age division!

Next week, we continue our Sports Families series!  If you have a family that you feel has been generationally successful and should be profiled on the show, email us at acoachsperspective@gmail.com

Let's hear it for the OPFER family!

Kasey, Austin, Kinjo, Tracy, and Scott Opfer

In this episode, we continue our series on Sports Family’s and showcase a local family that epitomizes the theory of implementing a sports culture into their family dynamics to create successful athletes and people for generations. Hall of Fame athletes Scott and Tracy Opfer have five children that have had stellar high school careers and showcase college careers and, in turn, are now successful professionals that positively contribute to society every day.  Lorin, Austin, Alix, Kasey and Kinjo have set this family apart through their accolades and accomplishments, but the family’s real source of pride is their character and how they represent themselves in the community.  My thanks for this family’s willingness to share with us their philosophy on success on and off the field! 

Next week, we continue this series with the Cantwell’s! Christian and Teri Cantwell are former Olympic athletes along with their son, Jackson, who just won the national title. in his age division, in the shot put.  Wednesday nights, 6:00-7:00pm, KWTO Jock98.7FM.

Legendary Coach Shares How Success Is Not About Winning

Valorie Kondos Field

In tonight’s episode, we profile legendary Hall of Fame, seven-time NCAA national championship gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field.  Miss Val, as she is widely known, discussed her philosophy and motivation to develop life champions through the sport of gymnastics. She discusses her relationship with John Wooden and her Ted Talk, that has been widely viewed over 1.2 million times, and emphasizes how success does not always include winning.  She also talks about her book, “Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance” and how she approaches coaching and life with no regrets. We also discuss the difficult experience of having a player confide to her that she was sexually assaulted by Team USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.  After reported, two more players and her assistant coach came forward as victims, too.  We discussed what she did to help them heal and process this horrific situation.  My thanks to this Human Champion and how she has positively impacted hundreds of athletes throughout her career.

Next week we return to our Sports Families series.  We welcome Scott and Tracy Opher and some of their children and how sports have been an integral part of their family’s life.

Wednesday’s 6:00-7:00pm on KWTO Jock 98.7FM

Garrison Family in the HOUSE!

Marty, Susie, Corey, Coday, Conley, Callie, Carie, Casey Garrison

In the first of our series on Sports Families, we gather with the Garrison Family: Marty, Susie, Carie, Corey, Callie, Casey, Coday, and Conley. We explored how sports, in particular with this family basketball, has been an integral part of their family dynamics.  The way that they support each other, and the way they compete with each other, has developed a lasting bond of appreciation, respect and loyalty. The generational success in this family has been noted by the multiple accolades, but they all agree that their family is their favorite team.

Next week we have a powerful conversation with Valerie Kondos Field, a Hall of Fame, seven-time NCAA Champion Gymnastics coach from UCLA.  We discuss her powerful coaching philosophy and how building positive and respectful relationships with her athletes has propelled her to being one of the most all-time successful coaches in the country.  You do not want to miss this conversation!

Don. West.

Don West, Mike McClure, Corey Riggs

In this special Human Champion Profile episode, we reflect on Don West’s broadcasting career and congratulate him on his upcoming induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.  My thanks to our special guests that expressed congratulatory statements and gratitude for working with Don West: Matt Coatney, Mike McClure, Corey Riggs, Trevor Casterlin, Scott McCauley, Rob Evans, Jon Rippenger, and Dan Lucy.  Congratulations to Hall of Fame broadcaster Don West!

Next week, we are kicking off a new series: Sports Families and how sports have enhanced relationships and characteristics within the same family generationally. We will see how these families have integrated a sports culture into their family life. Next week’s family: The Garrisons: Marty, Carie, Corey, Callie, Casey, Coday, and Conley will be in the studio (Duane-extra chairs, please, haha!). Send in your suggestions for family’s to profile to acoachsperspective@gmail.com!

Give me a T...Give me an O...Give me a C...TOC!

In this episode, we preview the number one attended high school basketball tournament in the country, the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions! This weekend, at the former JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University, Springfield Public Schools Athletic Director Josh Scott and Assistant Athletic Director Marty Marsh will host the 36th Annual Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (TOC). We previewed and evaluated the teams, bracket, and events going along with this weekend’s tournament.  Josh Scott and Marty Marsh gave us the “stats” of the tournament and previewed the incoming teams, along with local teams Greenwood Laboratory School and Kickapoo High School. We also caught up with Kickapoo coach, Mitch McHenry, and three of his players Anton Brookshire, Elijah Bridgers, and Micah McIntire about the tournament and their season.  We also spoke with Greenwood players Aminu Mohammed, Grant Harper, and Tommy Pinegar about what they hope their team will gain from playing in the TOC. For more information on the tournament, visit www.tofc.weebly.com.

We are kicking off a new series: Sports Families and how sports have affected the culture of their upbringing. Email your suggestions for profiling a sports family to acoachsperspective@gmail.com.

Stripes in the Studio!

Kelly Holt, Jeff Grenillus, Mike Denbow, Matthew Holt

In this episode we welcome back our officials’ panel!  The stripes were in the studio! My guests included Southwest Missouri Coordinator of Officials Kelly Holt, and officials Mike Denbow, Jeff Grevillius, and Matthew Holt.  The panel did an excellent job of expressing the mentality of an official and answering our listener and coaches’ questions.  Each one had a unique perspective and shared those point of views with us.

Next week, we will preview the most attended high school basketball tournament in the country, the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions, tune in Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00pm on JOCK 98.7FM!

It's time for...Play by Play Charades!

Happy New Year!  Wow! 2020!  What an exciting time!

Ned Reynolds, Misty Ramsey, Art Hains, Don Louzader, Jeff Burnett

We ring in the New Year with another challenge for our legendary duo, Art Hains and Ned Reynolds.  These two broadcast gurus decided to accept another test from Coach Hopkins. We met at Ebbett’s Field (thank you – such a great place to eat and catch up on the latest sports scene) and, this time, had a panel of judges/studio audience.  We hosted our St. Louis Cardinals correspondent, Don Louzader who did a terrific job and is always a welcome guest on the show.  We also had one of my former assistants and current school principal Misty Ramsey join us for the first-and after her performance definitely not her last-appearance!  We also hosted my younger brother, and Kansas City Chiefs Superfan, Jeff Burnett-one of my favorites to have on the airwaves. 

The challenge was to play, what I now like to call, Play by Play Charades.  I showed a one-minute video clip to Ned and Art of a lesser known sport – but still nationally or globally recognized –and, without saying what sport it is, they painted the picture so that the panel could guess.  The panel had dry erase boards and after one minute, they wrote down what sport they felt like Ned and Art described.  We went through 14 sports! It was fun, some they knew and some, well, I had to have some that “stumped the chumps”.  Jeff was the winner with seven correct and we had a great time playing (cue dramatic music in your mind)…Play by Play Charades! Listen to the show and give it a try, see how many you get!

My thanks, again, to Ebbett’s Field for their hospitality.  Also, thank you to Greg Burnett for compiling and selecting the sports and videos, he did an excellent job!  We hit sports from all around the world.  Kudos to Ned Reynolds and Art Hains for, again, proving how they are the sports broadcast legends of this area and to my stellar panel Don Louzader, Misty Ramsey, and Jeff Burnett – you all were wonderful sports and we appreciated your valued participation!

Next week - how can we NOT have an officials panel when the year is now 2020? We will help them see “clearly” on the field and court with that 2020 vision! Ha! We will also pick their brains on their valued role in the sports arena. We have an excellent panel put together - Kelly Holt, Mike Denbow, Jeff Grevillius, and Matthew Holt.

Holiday Tournaments Time!

Bob Kinloch and Mike Percival

In this episode, we visit with Hall of Famer Coach Bob Kinloch about his career and the impact that he has had on multiple athletes throughout his decades of coaching at Central High School.  We also previewed the Kinloch Wrestling Tournament coming up on January 3-4, 2020 at Parkview High School.  We also caught up with Greenwood Girls Basketball Coach Mike Percival about the holiday basketball tournaments going on this year between Christmas and New Year’s including the Greenwood Blue and Gold and the Greenwood/Springfield Public Schools Pink and White Lady Classic among others in the area.

Next week, Merry Christmas!  Enjoy the time with your family.  We will be back on New Year’s Day with another special with Ned Reynolds and Art Hains. Enjoy your holidays!

Thanksgiving Dinner with Ned Reynolds and Art Hains

Ned Reynolds, Kayla and Armondo, and Art Hains

In this episode, we enjoy a “Thanksgiving dinner with Ned Reynolds and Art Hains” at Springfield’s first and finest Japanese Steakhouse, Nakato.  We reflect on the gratitude, professionally and personally, that Ned and Art have and how sports broadcasting has changed and evolved over the years. We also gave these two legends a challenge – they performed play by play and color analyst work of our Hibachi Chef at Nakato! They did an excellent job and give a whole new meaning to, “And he goes for the butter AGAIN!”  My thanks to these two gentlemen, they have been wonderful mentors and friends. 

 Next week, it’s Holiday Tournament Time!  We will preview the holiday tournaments coming up between Christmas and New Year’s Eve! Happy Holidays everyone – count and appreciate your blessings and be kind and caring throughout this season!