A Coach's Perspective

Episode #386: In this episode, we profile Spensar Seiger from Fair Grove High School, the Springfield Sports Commission Awards (in partnership with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame) Male Athlete of the Year. The four-sport All-State athlete shares his perspective on being a successful multi-sport athlete while preparing for a collegiate career. His father, Damon Seiger, who serves as Fair Grove's...

Episode #385: In this episode, we recognize Lance Kettering, Executive Director of the Springfield Sports Commission, and the outstanding work he did organizing the Springfield Sports Commission Awards in partnership with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. We also celebrated with Female Athlete of the Year Brooke Daniels from Fair Grove High School and her basketball coach, Gary Greene, gathering i...

Episode #384: Tonight, we recognized one of the finest officials in the state, region, and nation. Emry Dilday had a profound impact on officials, coaches, athletic administrators, friends, and countless others throughout his career. He was an absolute presence in every sense of the word, and we celebrated both his life and his enduring legacy. Joining us from the officiating community were two of...

Episode #383: We're excited to cover the 2nd annual WEMO CFC (Western Missouri Coaches Fighting Cancer) Coaches Clinic on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Coach Bob Coffey, Coach Trish Marsh, and Coach Gary Pendergraft join us to discuss the speaker lineup, logistics, and mission behind this upcoming clinic. "Round Two: Beyond the X's and O's – The Art of Effective Coaching" will be hosted by Greenwood...

Episode #382: Whatever sport you play, you'll be able to relate to the talented professional handball athletes in this episode. Ray Ure, national men’s collegiate champion and national professional men’s runner-up, and national women's champion Mikaila Esser join us to break down the game of handball, discussing the athletic demands of playing a professional sport, and sharing insights on taking y...

Episode #381: Matt Krueger, Executive Director of the United States Handball Association (USHA), and Sam Esser, Development Director of the USHA and accomplished professional player, join us to preview this weekend's highly anticipated 4-wall national handball tournament. Our conversation explores not only the excitement and competitive energy surrounding the tournament, but also delves into the c...

Episode #380: Steve Shepherd joins us for a conversation about the state of collegiate athletics and his impact at College of the Ozarks. As the men's basketball coach and athletic director, Coach Shepherd leads his team and this unique athletic department with a spiritual mindset and team-oriented philosophy. Guest: Steve Shepherd

Episode #379: Patrick Ransdell joins us for a conversation about the state of collegiate athletics and his impact at Missouri State University. Since assuming the position, Ransdell has worked with the Bears athletics program to enhance game experiences, foster greater community and student involvement, and bring renewed energy to athletic events. Guest: Patrick Ransdell

Episode #378: It's time! Arena Football kicks off again, and we had two standout players from the Ozarks Lunkers join us. MVP Matt Rush and Kendrick Payne discussed the new league rules, the upcoming season, their remarkable team chemistry, and their preparation strategies for their second season in the league. Come out and support the Lunkers this season! Guests: Matt Rush and Kendrick Payne

Episode #377: From rodeo to coaching to athletic administration, Coach Nyla Milleson has been a leader and champion throughout her career path. Her journey spans from building Drury Athletics to navigating the variables of athletics, while focusing on developing relationships and appreciating experiences along the way. Guests: Nyla Milleson

Episode #376: Rick Grayson joins us to share his insights and experiences with the Masters professional golf tournament. Viewing the storylines of Augusta National through the lens of a PGA golf instructor gave us an inside peek into a different perspective on what unfolded on the course. We also played "out of the hat" asking questions and picked the brain of a golf pro to gather tips for improvi...

Episode #375: We welcome the recently crowned Class 3 Girls Basketball State Champions from Fair Grove: Coach Gary Greene along with his seniors Ashton Bell, Brooke Daniels, Abbey Greene, Camdyn Hart, Shea Skouby, Meadow Carter, Emaley Stallings, and Emma Padgett. Playing together since kindergarten, these seniors go out in style after capping off their careers with their third state championship!...

Episode #374: In this episode, we celebrated the Class 4 Girls Basketball State Champions, the Doniphan Donnettes, and their path to holding that state championship trophy. Coach Adam Epps, Class 4 Player of the Year Carsyn Hagood, and talented point guard Maddie Redus joined us as they recount what their success meant to their school and community. We also celebrated with Coach Jack Simpson and h...

Episode #373: In this episode, we explore the Track & Field and Cross Country experience at Missouri State University with athlete Riley Bryan and Head Coach Jordan Fife. We discuss training techniques, pre-performance routines, finding balance as a college athlete, and other perspectives on collegiate athletics. Guests: Jordan Fife, Riley Bryan

Episode #372: In this episode, we celebrate a state championship on the court with father-daughter duo Coach Kevin Cheek and All-State guard Kenzi Cheek. We also gain valuable insights from wife, mom, and team photographer Kelli Cheek on what it meant to witness Kenzi's high school career culminate in a state championship comeback victory. Additionally, we catch up with Missouri State High School...

Episode #370: In this episode, we catch up with Coach Chuck Hepola on the success of his Evangel football program and on bringing his philosophy to the entire athletic department as the new Director of Athletics. Guests: Chuck Hepola

Episode #369: In this episode, Kevin Kane and Tierney Baumstark discuss Missouri State University Women's Golf and the intricacies of being a collegiate golfer. They explore the development of student-athletes, team dynamics, coachability, learning from mistakes, preparation, and both the technical and mental aspects required for success in golf.

Episode #368: In this episode, we sit down with Grant Burkett, Missouri State University's four-time All-American punter, to discuss his stellar career as a Bear. We explore what's ahead for freshman kicker Stewart McDonald and his promising future at Missouri State. The conversation delves into the physical demands, sport-specific techniques, and mental challenges of being a kicker—including the...

Episode #367: In this episode, we explore how boxing transforms lives through the stories of two special athletes: Lee Macharia and Sonja Kirsch. They join us alongside their coach, Hall of Fame boxer Darrell "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Midwest Boxing Gym. For over 15 years, Coach Smitty has been training champions both inside and outside the ring, positively impacting young boxers' lives. L...

Episode #366: In this episode, we meet Jake von Scherrer, a Hall of Fame Athletic Director who shares his top tools of the trade. Jake is also a #1 best-selling author of "The Athletic Director's Toolbox: The Top Twenty Tools for Success," which draws from insights gathered through his role as host of The Educational AD Podcast, the leading podcast for athletic directors. Jake shares invaluable wi...

Episode #365: In this episode, we continue to celebrate the life and enduring impact of Dr. Edsel Matthews. We explored Matthews' role as an athletic director with Mark Fisher and learned about his life as a family man through conversations with his daughter, Cheryl Kepes. Dr. Matthews and his professional and personal legacy will ripple through for generations. Guests: Mark Fisher, Cheryl Kepes

Episode #364: In this episode, we celebrate the life and enduring impact of Dr. Edsel Matthews. One of the most cherished chapters in his professional journey was his time as a coach. We welcome former players James Bone and Mike Carter from the 1979 Drury University national championship team, along with team supporter Loren Broaddus. Next week, we'll explore Matthews' role as an athletic directo...

Episode #363: In this episode, we sit down with two prominent figures in handball: professional player Martin Mulkerrins and passionate supporter Doug Randolph. Fresh off a successful pro-tour season and strong showing at the world championships, Mulkerrins discusses both his physical and mental training regimens, as well as his dual role as an athlete and head coach at Texas A&M. We also gain val...

Episode #362: In this episode, Missouri State University's new Director of Athletics, Patrick Ransdell, brings a wealth of experience from six Division I universities to lead the Bears athletic program into Conference USA. With an ambitious vision centered on packed stadiums and arenas, Ransdell sees a future filled with energy and excitement for Bears athletics. Guests: Patrick Ransdell

Episode #361: In this episode, we speak with sports parents Amanda DeBoef and Stacy Asante. We discuss Amanda's article "7 Life Lessons Learned on the Basketball Court," which explores insights gained from observing a middle school basketball game. We also study "The 10 Commandments for Parents of Athletic Children." While being a sports parent can be challenging, it's ultimately a rewarding and j...