Local Legends: HS Football Podcast

Muskegon is the winningest high school football program in Michigan history, and head coach Shane Fairfield has added plenty to that legacy. As the winningest coach in Muskegon history, Fairfield joins the Local Legends Podcast to discuss his journey from assistant coach to leading one of the state's premier programs. Coach Fairfield reflects on winning State Championships in 2017 and 2023, th...

For 33 seasons, Jeff Smith built one of the premier football programs in Michigan. On this episode of the Local Legends Podcast, Jason Hutton and Ryan Oshnock sit down with the legendary former East Lansing head football coach to look back on a remarkable career that included a 293-93 record, the 1991 Class A State Championship, and generations of outstanding players and coaches. Coach Smith share...

Known throughout the state as the "Son of Swami," Mick spent 55 years at the Detroit Free Press, covering thousands of games, athletes, coaches, and unforgettable moments. Along the way, he became one of the most trusted and respected voices in Michigan sports journalism. On this episode of Local Legends, Mick joins Jason Hutton and Ryan Oshnock to share stories from his incredible caree...

Coach Herrington was the only head varsity football coach at Farmington Hills Harrison (1970-2018), leading the Hawks to 13 state championships. Coach talks to Jason and Osh about the great players he coached, how he turned the program into a juggernaut, why he is still coaching, and more.

Pewamo-Westphalia head football coach Jeremy Miller joined Jason and Osh to talk about winning state championships, what makes people want to stay at P-W, a strong community bond, and much more.

Coach P discusses the Hall of Fame, coaching TJ Duckett, leading Caledonia to the D1 State Final, and much more. Plus, we talk about regional seeding and the radio Game of the Week unveil.

The former Rockford head coach chronicles his start in coaching, the move to Rockford, unprecedented success in the mid-2000s, and much more. West Michigan has not had a Division 1 state championship since Munger led Rockford to the title in 2008, the Rams 3rd in a 5-years. The Local Legends podcast is pumped to welcome The Refinery Fitness Studio to our family. The Refinery is a Power Pilates and...

John Shillito is one of the best high school football coaches the state of Michigan has ever seen. Coach joined Jason Hutton and Ryan Oshnock and discussed becoming a head coach at 24 years old, learning the "T" from Irv Sigler at Belding, setting scoring records, coaching great players, and being around great coaches along the way. The 5-time State Champion head coach went out with a wi...

The Lakers head coach joins the show to talk about his excitement for the future, several changes to the coaching staff, falling in love with football at a young age, and more. Plus, Hutton and Osh break down the 11-player divisions for the 2026 season and discuss the Armed & Dangerous QB Camp.

From his start in coaching to building the Red Arrow football program into a power, Noel Dean joins us to discuss his football journey in a must-listen interview for any high school football in the state of Michigan.

New Ravenna head football coach Stever Czerwon joins us to discuss leaving Muskegon Catholic Central after 13 seasons and 4 state championships. Coach reflects on the great coaches he has played for, including Mike Holmes at MCC and Jerry Kill at Saginaw Valley State.

Calvin University didn't own a football or a pair of shoulder pads when Trent Figg was hired as head football coach in January of 2023. In the 1st 2 seasons, the Knights went from 2-8 to 7-3. Coach Figg joins us on the Local Legends podcast to discuss his coaching journey and how they are building the Knights football program.

Kenowa Hills head football coach Don Fellows joins the Local Legends Podcast for one of the most candid and in-depth conversations we’ve had. As he prepares for his third season leading the Knights — with high expectations surrounding the program — Fellows reflects on the journey that shaped him as both a coach and a man. This is a story about football, leadership, adversity, accountability, and s...

Hope College head football coach Peter Stuursma joins the Local Legends podcast to discuss his 10 years as head coach of his college alma mater, and winning 7 state titles as head coach at his high school alma mater, East Grand Rapids. From unforgettable players to great rivalries, coach Stuursma goes down memory lane with Jason and Osh.

Legendary Belding football coach Irv Sigler is our guest as he discusses his start in football, his climb to 2-time state championship coach, and his success in college. Plus, we talk 2026 high school football matchups, Trinidad Chambliss, and Wayne State football after Tyrone Wheatley.

We are talking National Signing Day with Allen Trieu of 247 Sports. From Michigan and Michigan State, to Ferris State, GVSU, and Hope College, and the portal, we cover it all with the best in the business when it comes to recruting. Go to https://athlete-connect.base44.app/ to see AREN Consulting's newest feature, AthleteConnect. AthleteConnect combines 20 years of experience with the power of...

We are celebrating National Signing Day by talking with the host of the D1 Rejects Podcast, Kobe Manzo. How the transfer portal has impacted Divisions II & III, plus the future of the GLIAC and the MIAA, we talk all things non-D1 college football. AREN is positioned as the leader in college recruiting consulting for coaches and families throughout the country. Go to https://athlete-connect.bas...

Ferris State head football coach Tony Annese joins the show to discuss winning a 4th National Championship in 5 years. We also talk about handling the transfer portal, his top 3 quarterbacks all-time, and his early days in coaching. Plus, the NFL coaching carousel and who will be in the CFP next season.

River Rouge head coach Jermain Crowell joins the show to set the record straight on what happened at Belleville. Coach also talks about his 2 years away from coaching, the perspective he has gained, how he used his experiences early in his coaching career at Cass Tech with Jayru Campbell to shape how he coached Bryce Underwood, among other topics. Plus, we make predictions on the CFP Championship...

Davenport head football coach Sparky McEwen joins the show to talk about the transfer portal, building a program, Arena Football, the City League, and more. Plus, we talk about Mason McKenzie to Boston College, and we preview the CFP semifinal games.

Divine Child head football coach Chris Laney joins the show to talk about the Falcons state championship, the playoff win over Harper Woods, and more. Plus, we talk about Kyle Wittingham, the Michigan State staff, and the College Football Playoff.

Coach Shelke discusses the 2025 state championship, his 38 seasons coaching football for the Pirates, battling the numbers game at a small school, and more. Plus, we talk Ferris State football dynasty, Trinidad Chambliss, Mason McKenzie, and the College Football Playoff.

DeWitt head coach Rob Zimmerman joins the show to discuss the 2025 state championship, his coaching mentors, and his 27 years leading the Panthers. Osh and Book also try to name 4 to put on the Michigan high school football coaches Mount Rushmore.

We talk to the head coach of Division 7state champion Menominee, Chad Brandt, about his standout quarterback, making the long trek to Detroit, and the impact that legendary Maroons coach Ken Hofer still has on the program. Plus, we talk a little hoops.

We talk state championship games, final rankings, and Orchard Lake St. Mary's head coach Jermaine Gonzales stops by. We talk college coaching carousel and CFP rankings. Players, parents, and coaches contact AREN Consulting at getaren.com for all your recruiting needs. Use code locallegends at checkout for 10% off your membership.