Episode 169 - June 17, 2020 Guest: Kelly Kenny - Rodeo 101

Rodeo on the radio! In this episode (#169), we hosted Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Announcer Kelly Kenny. We discussed his path to the announcing arena (and it is an interesting one!) and how he landed on the PRCA circuit. We also had a couple of Rodeo 101 segments to learn as much as we can about this thrilling sport!  My thanks to my guest and to my co-host for the night Scott Hopkins (Happy Anniversary!).

 Next week, we are going to host Springfield Police Department Chief Paul Williams and Missouri State University Men’s Basketball Coach Dana Ford about their new community program, “Bears, Badges and Kids.”

Wednesday nights, 6:00-7:00 pm on KWTO’s The Jock 98.7FM.

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Episode 168 - June 10, 2020 Guests: Mark Nelson and Sam Plummer

In tonight's episode, we dive into the topic of youth sports and what opportunities are available this summer. On our panel, we welcomed Sam Plummer from the Boys and Girls Club and Mark Nelson from the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department. Their valuable insights gave us hope that our youth will be able to have valuable experiences this summer with the proper restrictions. We also talked about their hope of having a solid combination of positive youth parents, positive youth coaches and positive youth officials to provide an exceptional experience for our young athletes. We appreciate all they do to give kids an opportunity to be active and compete.

Next week, buckle up y’all!  We are going to the Rodeo!  We will host Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Announcer Kelly Kenny. We will find out what is going on this summer with the PRCA circuit and we will have a Rodeo 101 segment to learn as much as we can about this thrilling sport!  Wednesday nights, 6:00-7:00 pm on KWTO’s The Jock 98.7FM.

Like-Facebook: @CoachJeniHopkins

Follow-Twitter: @coachhopkins987

Subscribe-Website: acoachsperspective.com

Subscribe-Apple iTunes Podcast: A Coach’s Perspective  

Episode 167 - June 3, 2020 Guest: Tom Mast

In tonight's episode, we profiled Human Champion Tom Mast, and celebrated his broadcasting career and impressive community involvement. Through his broadcasting, he has brought so many stories to the community and does so with professionalism, class and humor.  His community events propel our citizens to be engaged in several areas, and for that, we give gratitude for his efforts and contributions. This Hall of Famer has been a mentor to many and continues to be lifelong friends with many of his broadcast partners. My thanks to Jerry Jacob, Ned Reynolds, Art Hains, Corey Riggs, and Don West for calling in and giving messages and expressions of gratitude to Tom Mast. He is a “Tom-of-all-trades” and truly cares about his community. Thank you, Tom!

 Next week, we are going to speak to some local youth sports organizations about alternatives for leagues and opportunities for our young athletes in this area.  

Episode 166 - May 27, 2020 Guests: Misty Ramsey, Bryan Tucker

In this episode (#166) we continued with fitness talk and encouragement to elevate your health and fitness during this time. We also told some believable or unbelievable sports facts and stories and we asked our guests and you to be the judge on if they were true…or not. I was so glad to have Misty Ramsey join us as a co-host! She is always a lot of fun…and never at a loss of what to say! We hope to have her co-host more this summer. We were also thrilled to also host someone that is no stranger to coaches and athletes in the area. He has been in the sporting goods business for decades and has developed relationships all over this area. I want to thank BSN Representative Bryan Tucker for joining us. He also shared one of the many things that Varsity Brands is doing for our coaches, athletes, and really anyone in the community to keep spirits and attitudes positive during this time. Check out the video series hosted by Kevin Atlas at varsitybrands. com/believe-in-you. - you will be very inspired!

Next week we will profile a sports figure in town and events guru as we catch up with Tom Mast, should be a very interesting hour! Join us on Wednesday’s from 6:00-7:00 pm on KWTO’s Jock 98.7FM or anytime on our website acoachsperspective.com or on our Apple iTunes Podcast: A Coach’s Perspective.

Episode 165 - May 20, 2020 Guests: Scott Lewis, Justin Gabossi, Trudy Shepard

In this episode, we focus on the segment: Input=Output. During this time, we are hounded by multiple ads on TV, Radio, social media, everywhere about this and that that will help you lose weight, build muscles, go sleeveless, bring you back to the ‘glory days’….28 day this, two-week transformation that….we needed to sift through the noise and find out what we can do to figure out what is best for you.  Our panel gave some seriously great suggestions and some practical advice that you can implement into your life today.  My thanks to Scott Lewis, Justin Gabossi, and Trudy Shepard for their knowledge, guidance, and thoughtful suggestions on how to channel a positive lifestyle and improve your overall health during this time.

Episode 164 - May 13, 2020 Guests: Dean Blandino, Ron Snodgrass

In tonight's episode, we host Big 10 referee Dr. Ron Snodgrass, along with former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current director of instant replay for college football officiating Dean Blandino. Blandino is also a rules analyst for the NFL and NCAA games on FOX Sports. During this time, as we navigate through unchartered waters, we take a moment to look at what officials are going through at this time at the collegiate and professional levels. Officials are extremely busy increasing their skills through virtual training and professional development. They are continuing to train in hopes that this fall their season will be back to normal. We also spoke about replay and the logistics of how it works and how it has advanced the game. My thanks to both of these gentlemen for their valuable time and respected insights.

Episode 163 - May 6, 2020 Guests: Chuck Hepola and 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. 

Episode 162 - April 29, 2020 Guests: Nate Lucas, Don Louzader, Bill Rowe

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

Episode 161 - April 8, 2020 Guests: Tom Ladd, Dr. Lynne Miller

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.  

Episode 160 -April 1, 2020 Guests: Molly Miller, Hailey Diestelkamp, Daejah Bernard, Brooke Stanfield

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.

Episode 159 - March 25, 2020 Guests: Dr. Will Sistrunk, Jim Raynor, and Kyle Moats

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.

Episode 158 - March 18, 2020 Guests: Russ, Dawn, Hannah, Heather, Bailey, Lexi, and 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.

Episode 157 - March 11, 2020 Guests: Kerwin Urhan and Kevin Garner

In this episode, 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.

Episode 156 - March 4, 2020 Guest: Dan Lucy

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.

Episode 155 - February 26, 2020 Guests: Chelsea Dirks-Ham, Tommy Burnett, Sam Esser, Christina Peacaut, Meghan Mudd, Denny Schmidt, and Jack Morris.

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. 

Episode 154 -February 19, 2020 - James Reynolds, Peter Kuster, Jared Rennick, Christian, Teri, & Jackson Cantwell

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. 

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!

Episode 153 - February 12, 2020 Guests: Opfer Family-Scott, Tracy, Austin, Kasey, Kinjo

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! 

Episode 152 - February 5, 2020 Guest: 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.

Episode 151 - January 29, 2020 Guests: Garrison Family: Marty, Susie, Carie, Corey, Callie, Casey, Coday, Conley

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.

Episode 150 - January 22, 2020-Don West, Corey Riggs, Mike McClure, and a host of others!

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!