In this episode (#334): From champion player to head coach, Ellie Burger continues to make her mark on Missouri State University’s women’s tennis program. A former three-time All-Conference player, she took over the Division I program two years ago and is making strides with the players and the program. Using a player’s mentality of a high work ethic and skill development, Coach Burger is improving the program each year. Keep an eye on this program and coach, both are headed for a big stage! Guest: Ellie Burger

In this episode (#333): The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, in partnership with the Springfield Sports Commission, will be recognizing the top high school athletes in southwest Missouri. Tonight, we visit with Kary Booher about the nominations for the top athletes in fall and winter sports (spring will be released later this month). We also discussed the perspective of sports writing and the endeavors that Kary Booher has experienced along the way. Guest: Kary Booher

In this episode (#332): Coach Trish Marsh joins us to talk about returning to her alma mater to coach and to process on her coaching career and philosophies. Coaching at the high school and college levels with success at both has provided valuable coaching wisdom and insights. We appreciate her sharing her perspectives!

In this episode (#331): Coach Shane Matzen joins us to discuss his new book, Coaching, Is It Worth It? (ABSOLUTELY) and shares his process and energy for the stories and anecdotes that he pieces together from his time as a coach and athletic director, along with his current career in the sport of golf. Coach Matzen narrates short stories from his time in coaching and his relatable comments about leading a program and athletic department will entertain and inspire. To order his book, visit Amazon at a.co/d/6jA54d8 Guest: Shane Matzen

In this episode (#330): We were honored to be joined by Coach Rick Jones, senior assistant to the head coach for the University of Missouri football program’s Coach Eliah Drinkwitz. Coach Jones shared some wisdom on coaching champions, being intentional, bringing energy into programs, and the philosophy of 56-sprints. He also expressed the value of a “fast walker”, along with other pieces of knowledge. You don’t want to miss this one! Listen and learn from a championship coach and incredible person.

In this episode (#329): What do we get during March Madness? My consultant, Coach Mike Keltner! You also get unification. We get inspiring competition. We get watch parties, we get to cheer for teams that we don’t watch all season, but we pull for in every game in the tournament, we get excited, passionate, and capture celebration and shocking defeats. We hug strangers at restaurants watching games, we get closure to the basketball season, and we get reminded why we love it so much. Watch the Final Four for the Men and Women, you will not be disappointed, watch it with family, friends, pets, whoever, but watch it and love it!

In this episode (#328): Change is tough, or is change welcomed? Adding, editing, or removing rules is an attempt to advance the game. There are usually advocates and protesters depending on the rule. But change is inevitable and once it occurs, the release of what side you are on matters most while preparing for implementation. We review the new (some say controversial) NCAA Volleyball Rules including the (gasp!) double hit allowance. Plus, we debut a new segment, The Sporting Spirit shining a light on positive sportsmanship.

In this episode (#327): We wrap up our “Effective Leadership” series with the CEO of Hamra Enterprises, Mike Hamra. My guest dives into how he uses his leadership style to thrive with the ownership of Wendy’s, Panera, Noodles, and Caribou Coffee franchises. These are just a few of the endeavors of this conglomerate, that also include a multitude of community projects and charitable activities, plus he is running for governor of Missouri. With an “all people matter” attitude and servant heart to work with people, not just paper and numbers, Mike Hamra has elevated the business exponentially and used lessons he learned through sports-good times and challenging times-to become an effective leader. Joining and eventually taking over Hamra Enterprises in 2001 there were 26 stores, there are now 198 stores in eleven states, with over 7,400 employees. A fitting wrap-up to our series to have the epitome of an effective leader.

In this episode (#326): We continue our “Effective Leadership” series with the owner of Henry’s Towing, Carrie Henry. We reviewed Bene Brown’s leadership tips and related the job of a business owner to that of an effective leader in sports. My guest shared her impactful story of how she became a business owner and how she has always used her faith and servant’s heart to turn obstacles into opportunities.

In this episode (#325): We continue our “Effective Leadership” series with Drury University Wrestling Head Coach James Reynolds. We are looking at a slightly different angle this week as we evaluate an article about five (5) effective team leaders. Exploring the leadership skills of an athlete and how they can impact their team will demonstrate the importance of how leaders are not just coaches, or AD’s, they are on the team, and may be one of the more effective influences, but you be the judge.