Producing exceptional athletes at the Air Force Academy can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to the wrestling team, currently led by Head Coach Richard 'Sam' Barber. Before assuming the role of head coach, Barber spent five years as a full-time assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Falcons, initially starting as a volunteer assistant during the 2008-09 season. 💪🏆In this Blood Time Podcast with Peter Cimoroni, Sam had the opportunity to shed light on the Air Force Academy's program, which places significant emphasis on its three core principles: Academics, Leadership, and Athletics. Team members are diligently trained to understand the equal importance of these three pillars. 📚👨‍💼🏋️‍♂️Tune in to this insightful discussion focusing on leadership, values, and mental well-being within the academy's wrestling program. 🗣️💡Highlights of the episode…● Holistic viewpoint of the program - Academics, Leadership & Athletics● What has the program evolved into to help the athletes achieve their goals?● The lessons Covid taught us about paying attention to mental health. (...Why did they create the Team Council?)● Coaching, creating lifelong relationships and human connection● Mentors and role models that made Sam Barber the coach he is today● What's in store for the Air Force Academy in 2024 based on their track record of 2023?● Sam Barber's perspective on the 'Point Score, Point Earned' in wrestling, to grow fan engagement and sustainability● Some gems of inspiration from Richard Barber 💡💬👥Quotes: (all from Sam Barber)"We're not going to move away from being, you know, a values-based organization. That's 'Mission First'.""If something doesn't seem right about them, you know, we're not finding that out too late, I guess.""Don't allow circumstances to be bigger than your goals, your mission.""Getting in second place isn't an option." 🥇🥈🏆Where to Connect with Peter Cimoroni:Palladium, LLC - https://www.linkedin.com/company/palladiumedge/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpetercimoroni/YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@Palladium-Edge📎🔗📺Timestamps: