The Teacher Coach with T.K. Griffith and Scott Matthew Callaghan
Timothy Griffith
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We will explore our lifelong passions of high school teaching and basketball coaching by digging into what makes a great teacher and coach. In addition, we will interview people who have devoted their life to education and dig deeper into the essence of the "teacher coach." Our belief is that whether you are in the math or English classroom or on the field or court, the "teacher coach" approach is the winning approach.
Available episodes
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May 9, 2021
Jeff Brink: Former Hudson basketball coach embodies endless energy-- comes back home to New Middletown Springfield
Jeff Brink is perhaps the most enthusiastic teacher coach we have ever had on the podcast. From the moment we hit record, we were treated to story after story about what makes this man tick. A passionate and energetic history teacher, Brink inspires students with his boundless charisma and storytelling prowess. He created and planned his own class on Military History and uses metaphors and historical episodes to teach life lessons to his players and students. Henry Johnson, a black soldier during WW 1 who saved countess lives in a foxhole by fending off 25 Germans on his own, is one such story he shared with us. Just a few days ago, Brink made the decision to come back home and coach at his hometown school: New Middletown Springfield. Brink led Springfield to a district championship in the early 2000s before coaching at Salem and then coming to Hudson...and he dreams of making a state run to Dayton with his alma mater. If he does, it certain the bus will make a few pitstops on the way down to enlighten his players on the significance of a few Ohio historical markers. Buckle up for Coach Brink!Support the show
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May 1, 2021
Mike Bluey: Hoover head coach committed to the work, but lets the music play all the way to a Regional
Mike Bluey was raised in the tradition-rich area of western PA near Erie. After his high school playing career, a random phone call to Kennedy Catholic changed the trajectory of his career as legendary coach Joe Votino took him for the week and offered him a job as an assistant while still in college at YSU. Instead of the military, he was headed to the hardwood and the bench. Along the way, he met Mike Fuline and became a head coach at Springfield and Tallmadge after roles as an assistant at Rootstown, Jackson and Mount Union. Eventually, he landed at Hoover and just finished an incredible year...turning a 1-5 start into a Regional berth. Mike's teams reflect his personality: disciplined, regimented and resilient. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.Support the show
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Apr 9, 2021
B.J. Sanderson: Norton community blessed to have this resilient teacher coach
B.J. Sanderson grew up in the basketball rich community of the Triway Titans, wearing purple and dreaming big hoop dreams. Today, he is a titan in his own right as a much heralded coach at Norton High School. Sanderson led the Panthers to their first district championship in 31 years and was one step away from the school's first district championship since 1951. Influenced by his father, his coaches Randy Montgomery and Keith Snoddy and by his loyal wife, BJ has navigated the highs and lows of the teaching and coaching profession. Now with three daughters of his own, this 3rd grade teacher and head varsity boys coach shares his journey of improvement and success. Listen to this podcast if YOU want to build a program the right way!Support the show
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Apr 8, 2021
Matt Goul: Cleveland.com's all-star journalist shares his story of capturing moments of JOY
Matt Goul has spent 20 years honing his craft of journalism, writing and storytelling so that he can capture moments of joys forever. Now a cornerstone of the northeast Ohio sports scene with cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer, Goul's tremendous work ethic and grit started early. As a 240lb freshmen, Goul stuck with football after a freshmen basketball season that he cherished. He then served as the cameraman for both the boys and girls basketball programs at Oberlin and fell in love with capturing the scene from behind the lens. This parlayed itself into a journalism major at Kent State University and twenty-some years later coaches and players measure themselves by earning a spot in his top 25 poll and coverage. Although he is just one man, Gould does a yeoman's effort to cast a wide net and cover as many quality football and basketball games as possible. As coaches, we thank him for his ability to write, film and capture the moments that we all cherish so much. In his first job in PA, Goul transformed his physical self as well with a daily regimen of lifting and running--eventually trimming down to his current 170 pound frame. Even on bicep day, Goul's steno pad rests firmly in place while the southpaw films and writes like a maestro. Enjoy this episode! Support the show
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Dec 13, 2020
Coach Kelly Kennedy: Broken to Bold--her new book explores the journey of shame to redemption
Kelly Kennedy climbed the coaching ladder faster than her wildest dreams could ever imagine. Going from a Division III assistant to the NCAA Div. 1 bench at power conference schools led to her lifelong dream of becoming a head coach when Mike Thomas offered her a chance to become the University of Akron head coach. But, her dream soon became a nightmare when four years later she was fired by the new AD after the losses piled up. Thinking herself a failure for many years, Kennedy explores the negative self talk, emotional baggage of our youths and empty promises of money and career. When she found her true head coach, God, after being inspired at a business conference...she decided to pen this book to help coaches and professionals evaluate where they find their worth. Kelly's three daughters and husband Todd live in Akron, OH now and I have the pleasure of teaching the talented, intelligent and joyful oldest daughter Molly. Through listening, I think you will find that Kelly Kennedy is certainly not a failure---she a winner in every way. It is ok to lose, but it's not okay to listen to our insecurities that lie to us each day. Support the show
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Dec 5, 2020
Celebrating 50 Years of Amy Kay Maynard Griffith
The ultimate teacher in life is a Mom, a spouse, a friend and a coach's wife. Amy is all of these and more. She commands respect with her diligent attention to the details of life. Her pride and joy, without a doubt, are her kids: Allie, Austin, Abby and Andrew. She and her sister, Emily, share a special bond as well. In this episode, which will only be aired for a few days, Amy's cousins, sister, kids, husband [me], aunts, uncles, Dad and extended family members reflect on how Amy has impacted their lives. She demanded no surprise parties, no big events, no Chippendales jumping out of a cake, et cetera for her 50th...but she never said "no podcasts." So, enjoy these reflections on Amy. I hope she knows how loved she is!Support the show
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Oct 28, 2020
Kevin Furtado: Legendary Georgia hoops coach uses his meticulous system to inspire the funky cold MUDITA in his players
Kevin Furtado may just be the most intriguing guest we've had on the podcast thus far. A 30-year veteran with well over 400 wins, Furtado grew up in California and attended summer basketball camp (as an 8-year-old via metro bus) with the inventor of the flex offense [Carrol Williams] at Santa Clara University. When they treated him like somebody, he fell in love with game. Fast-forward many years and Furtado has branded himself as a turnaround expert who takes programs with no tradition and turns them into winners by using his system and core values. Word pictures like "Row the Boat" and "oar" and "compass" and "tree" guide his verbal cues and shed light on a few nuggets you will certainly learn from this podcast. Furtado also hosts his own podcast and has produced over 225 episodes. His website championshipvision.org also is a wealth of basketball clinics and ideas. Enjoy this episode. It is one of our favorites.Support the show
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Oct 15, 2020
Chris Hamilton: Nebraska Wesleyan Assistant a wise, free and authentic tumbleweed
Chris Hamilton and his parents drifted across more states than an Oklahoma tumbleweed, but his most recent landing spot at Nebraska Wesleyan with head coach Dale Wellman feels like home. With Wellman's acumen, humor and tutelage, Hamilton continues to soak in various lessons and wisdom as he perfects the craft of coaching. The son of an Air Force clinical psychologist father and a Presbyterian minister mother, Hamilton was shown an incredible example of partnership, love and adaptability from his parents. He uses that wisdom to influence the lives he impacts in coaching. Making each moment more than basketball and meeting players where they are define two key characteristics of Hamilton...but he also shares the unique perspective of his coaching tree in Nathan Davis[Bucknell Head Coach], Josh Merkel [Randolph Macon Head Coach] Jamion Christian [George Washington Head Coach] and Dale Wellman. We hope you enjoy the lessons of the 3-2 zone and the basketball nuggets as well.Support the show
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Sep 10, 2020
Dave Close: Stow Bulldogs and "defense" synonymous thanks to legendary hoops coach
Dave Close, owner of over 500 wins on the sidelines of the high school basketball world, went from the driveways of Stow as a youth to the sideline of Stow High where he has spent a lifetime impacting lives. Coaching his Stow teams to two Final Fours, national rankings and numerous regional appearance would seem to be his claim to fame. But, it's not. A faith-filled, caring man, Close considered being a minister before his college coach Paul Patterson at Taylor University steered him toward the ministry of coaching. A commitment to forming young boys into men ensued, and Close is one of the best at mixing love of players with accountability and rigor. Often misunderstood perhaps or even stereotyped as "old-school," Close has adapted and changed in more ways than most contemporary coaches: offensive systems, practices, drills, communication, game management and defensive schemes. But one thing has never changed--his relentless pursuit of excellence, his will to never give anything but his best to his players, and his strong faith and family oriented love of Stow basketball and its many players past and present. We are lucky that we have seen his evolution and excellence in the greater Akron area. Thank you Coach Close for evening the evening with us!Support the show
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Aug 1, 2020
Coach Ralph Orsini: Man of integrity, goodness and faith devotes his life to Hoban's core values
Ralph Orsini, who has won more games on the grid iron sidelines at Hoban than any coach in school history, will rejoin the Knights this fall as an assistant with now head coach Tim Tyrrell. Ralph's coaching style was forged in Mingo Junction, OH--near Steubenville-- where a slew of teachers and coaches taught him the values he holds dear. A college football career with great mentors at Youngstown State University persuaded him to study history and education. He started his teaching and coaching career at Centerburg High in central Ohio and then went to Cardinal Stritch to be a head coach for the first time. The lessons learned there allowed him to eventually take over for Mo Tipton at Hoban and serve as head coach for well over 20 seasons. The Knights beat their rivals an unprecedented nine times in a row and went to the state final four twice under Orsini's tutelage. More importantly, Ralph's calm and fatherly demeanor gave his players and assistants space to lead, learn and grow under his goodness and knowledge. He has never changed his faith-filled demeanor and integrity, and his own children [who all played varsity sports at Hoban] still bleed blue and gold and channel their's Dad's values in their own lives. His wife Kathy also teaches and has coached several varsity basketball teams in her own career. They reside near Massillon, Ohio.Support the show
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Jul 30, 2020
Justin Todd: Wadsworth Football Coach builds house of culture and excellence in Grizzly Country
Justin Todd's high school football coach looked to his right and saw then-college-sophomore Justin in the stands back at his alma mater, East Knox High, to watch the football game that night. The hall of fame coach called Justin Todd down to his side, asked him to stand with him on the sidelines that night while he coached, and sparked a lifelong passion for Justin Todd, known today as one of the best high school football coaches in the state. Turning programs into gold at Loudonville, Mt. Vernon and Wadsworth, Todd's magical touch is actually not magic at all--it's simply a tireless work ethic, energizer bunny energy, inspiring charisma and authentic knack at building culture that is unrivaled by others. A wide array of educational positions--from physical education teacher to career center program director, athletic director, assistant principal, and others---has strengthened his skill set. But, his love of impacting lives and his innovative coaching mind have led to brilliance thus…
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Jul 28, 2020
Cody Calhoun: Former Green Bulldog takes lessons of toughness, humility and defense to Rootstown
Cody Calhoun was born and bred a Bulldog. Forged in the Green, Ohio, youth basketball system that his father, Rick, spent a decade running for Coach Mark Kinsley, Cody learned the essentials of the basketball world. Toughness, physicality and defense were the staples he was raised on, and leadership and relationships guided his upbringing as well as his current coaching philosophy. At Rootstown High School, Cody guided the Rovers to a league championship game appearance his first season, and last year the Rovers battled youth and a tough veteran league with pride. As an intervention specialist, patience and repetition serve him well. On the court, players know that they can count on their coach to put the time in that is deserved. From 6 a.m. shooting to lifting and skill sessions, Calhoun will certainly leave his imprint on the Rovers as they should be a team to reckon with in the near future.Support the show
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Jun 24, 2020
Danny Young: 6-time regional head basketball coach, teacher, principal, counselor, leader serves as vehicle for change
Danny Young has devoted his life to the young men and women at Shaker Heights School District. As a teacher, counselor, principal, assistant coach and head coach, Danny has always led with class, charisma and heart. This episode speaks to his history, his influences, his six regional appearances, and his views on shaping young men to become leaders in the turbulent societal time. Danny shares a few key ideas from his church pastor as well, and these are precious scripture-based tenants we all should hear right now. The podcast really shows why Danny Young is such a respected mentor.Support the show
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Jun 20, 2020
Tyler Bates: Loudonville head basketball coach builds a winner in both OHSAA and AAU worlds
Tyler Bates was named the head coach of the Loudonville Girls Basketball program in the spring of 2013. Upon his hiring, Bates was the youngest head coach in the state of Ohio at only 22 years old. Under Bates’ guidance, the Redbirds finished with 20+ wins (2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019) in back-to-back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. The success of his teams has helped him earn coach of the year recognition from the Ashland Times Gazette, Wooster Daily Record, Northeast Inland District and Mid-Buckeye Conference. In the spring of 2019 – Bates was named to the WBCA 30 Under 30 Team – an award given by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association to 30 of the best young coaches in the country. Upon winning the award – Bates was only the 2nd HS coach ever and the 1st from Ohio. Bates’ teams have earned state rankings from the Ohio Girls Basketball Report and Ohio Prep Sportswriters associations. During the 2017-2018 season – the Redbirds became the…
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Jun 15, 2020
Goncalo Marques: Portugese podcaster with MSc in Clinical Psychology shares key lessons
Goncalo Marques, from Lisbon, Portugal, shares his incredible insights learned through his clinical psychology and sports psychology background. Marques, a young man who will be working with club teams in the Portugal soccer world as a sports psychologist, believes that coaches must not paint the full picture for their athletes, but should instead provide a palette upon which the players can paint their own masterpiece. He argues that authoritarian coaches only harm the learning process. Coaches must adjust their vision and be more collaborative, more loving, more flexible and more validating if they wish to truly teach excellence.Support the show
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Jun 10, 2020
Dan Kiser: Basketball Lifer strikes out in t-ball, hits home run in journey from Wadsworth to the East Coast
Dan Kiser has spent more time with legendary coaches than any "normal" high school coach we know. From Don Meyer to Morgan Woooten and Howard Garfinkel, Bob Hurley, Dan Hughes, Steve Fisher, Bob Huggins, Steve Moore and Nate Oates, Dan Kiser has learned the game with the legends by working camps, sharing information and immersing himself in the sport. A stellar high school career at Wadsworth in Ohio sparked a lifelong passion for the game, and at the young age of 26 Dan found himself a college head coach on the east coast. Although the success did not come easily, he then moved on to multiple coaching roles and is now the assistant coach at Randolph High. His day job at the Brandon School, a school that serves boys who deal with social and emotional issues, has taught Kiser the value of listening. Trust and love is at the heart of what the kids need, and Dan's sense of humor and real approach endear him with the kids. After quarantining with Covid-19, Kiser hopes to get back to the co…
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Jun 9, 2020
Josh Jakacki: Crestwood head coach lives dream with his sons at his alma mater
Josh Jakacki was a well heralded basketball player in the northeast Ohio basketball scene in 1994 starring at Crestwood High School. He went on to have a hall-of-fame career at Hiram College where his mother had worked and he had lived. His coaching career--both at Kenston and at Crestwood-- has been built on toughness, honesty and collaboration. Ever adapting to his teams' strengths, Josh coached both of his sons at Crestwood and formed lifelong memories not only with his family but the Crestwood family at large. His year round commitment to the school, evidenced by his role as head track coach and football assistant, speaks to his willingness to work tirelessly for his community. In addition, he trains over 150 young athletes with his personal basketball training business. Next year will be his last on the bench for his hometown school.Support the show
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Jun 6, 2020
Kevin Byrne: NCAA college coach circles back home to Walsh Jesuit with wisdom, acumen and a cerebral approach
Kevin Byrne has a much different resume than most high school coaches. Raised in Stow and Silver Lake, OH, Byrne played Stow junior pro basketball, CYO hoops for Holy Family Parish, high school ball for Walsh Jesuit and college ball at Carnegie Mellon. He even added European play to his resume before starting a college coaching journey that saw him win first-ever league championships at Carnegie Mellon and MIT--both as an assistant. He then served four years as the Ohio Northern head coach and two years as a Div. 1 assistant at Akron. Kevin, who is expecting his fourth child with his wife this week, has settled back where it all started on the bench at Walsh Jesuit and has logged two very good years thus far. You'll enjoy his journey and you will learn some very valuable nuggets about close outs, zone defense, offensive movement and player development.Support the show
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Jun 4, 2020
Matthew "Cookie" Koch: Teaching boys to become men Akron U and Life U hockey coach
Matthew Koch has demonstrated excellence across the spectrum of his professional life and coaching life. As the hockey coach for the University of Akron club team, Koch recruits boys and teaches them how to become men through unique LIFE U program and his emphasis and responsibility and accountability. Perceived as a task master on the surface, Koch actually teaches his teams to eventually coach themselves through internal leadership structures and offices. Players learn to be accountable for travel itinerary, lodging, behavior, film and decision making. Trust us, if you are a coach or teacher, you will love this podcast episode. Shout out to asst. coach Joe St. Jean for referring this guest to us.Support the show
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Jun 2, 2020
Mike Moser: Authenticity, mission and relationships for Wadsworth head coach
Mike Moser has been a lifelong learner and lifelong educator. As a teacher coach in the Wadsworth schools, Mike has had many roles on the sidelines. He left to be the head coach at Medina Highland on the girls' side. He had success, came back to Wadsworth to assist, and now finds himself in a rebuilding project at Wadsworth as the head boys' coach. He has great optimism in the young group currently under his helm, and we know he will do great things as he exudes authenticity, faith and mission in all he does. He and his wife have four children and are proud to call Wadsworth home.Support the show
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May 28, 2020
Dave Pilipovich: Former Air Force Academy head basketball coach exudes class and integrity
Dave Pilipovich served the last eight years as head basketball coach at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. His teams won 5 Mountain West tourney games over his stint and competed in one of the nation's toughest leagues at a huge recruiting disadvantage. Dave's humble roots started in Pittsburgh where he was raised above a tavern his parents owned and operated. His college career at Theil in western PA started a love affair with basketball that has continued his whole life with stops including Robert Morris, Eastern Michigan, Michigan and Air Force Academy... to name a few. Dave's career is not over, as he hopes to regroup and recenter after an incredible run at the academy.Support the show
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May 26, 2020
Dominic DiMascio: 2020 Courage Award Finalist Akron Beacon Journal Best of Preps Gala
Archbishop Hoban senior Dom DiMascio exudes class and cheerfulness in the face of much adversity. His teachers, coaches and relatives nominated him for the Courage Award at the Beacon Journal Gatehouse Media Gala to be held this June. Dom's courage in the face of adversity has earned him several accolades while in high school at Hoban. His role as a four-year manager on the basketball team allowed him to learn the essence of servant leadership, but his resilience was formed at home in how he handled his Mom's cancer fight. Soon after, his brother faced his own cancer fight. Dom has helped care for his brother, Paul, who not only fought cancer but who also lives with autism and apraxia. His family on both sides- the Godzinski and DiMascio clans- have been solid anchors and consistent aids in the fight.Support the show
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May 25, 2020
Brittany Anderson: Chagrin Falls native the epitome of teacher-coach in the AP Science classroom and on the sidelines
Brittany Anderson opted for a career in education after a stellar career at Grove City College where she played three sports. As destiny would have it, she found her way back to Chagrin Falls where she has now has served for ten years as the head coach of the women's basketball program. She has had many successful teams built on the core principles of defense and work ethic. An incredible role model for the young ladies at Chagrin, Brittany has earned a reputation for excellence as a teacher-coach.Support the show
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May 22, 2020
Andy Booth: A rock of a coach and teacher who serves as a pillar of integrity
Andy Booth was raised in the small town of Lucas, Ohio in Richland County. His blue collar roots have always stayed with him throughout his heralded coaching career. Listen to this journey that brought him to a state championship in 2010 and allowed him to impact countless lives at his many stops. In addition, we dig into some golden nuggets about his practice plans and basketball coaching details.Support the show
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May 20, 2020
Jake Beiting: World Series strength coach trades plane flights and rings for family roots
Jake Beiting quickly rose to "stardom" as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Houston Astros. In his fifth season with the team, the Astros won the championship. Beiting moved on after a difference of opinions with management the next season and decided to return home to his extended family in northeast Ohio. He is currently finishing up his Doctoral degree in sports science and works as a visiting professor at John Carroll University in Cleveland. He still trains athletes on the side and may even get back into pro ball someday--perhaps as a director of sports science. But, he's currently enjoying his role as a family man in northeast Ohio with his four children and wife, Maggie, who herself was quite an athlete in high school and college.Support the show
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May 18, 2020
Rob Senderoff: Kent State's all-time leader in wins has humble roots in New York
Rob Senderoff was banished from basketball. Twice. Cut from his college team at Albany, he persisted and hung on as a manager for JV Coach James Jones--now the successful coach at Yale University. Then, he was given NCAA infractions at Indiana University and was out of the business temporarily. Until Kent State AD Laing Kennedy and Coach Geno Ford brought him back as an assistant. The rest is history, as Rob has not only become the leader in coaching wins all time at KSU, but also has an incredible record of graduating seniors with 34 of 35 getting their degree. Coach Senderoff is real, his roots are humble and he coaches that way. His players know he cares and he wants them better. His assistants are often from the Kent State family as well, and his family resides nearby in Stow.Support the show
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May 15, 2020
Mike Fuline: Mount Union basketball coach sees Final Four run cut short--but he remains a man of the people
Mike Fuline carved out a path that few travel: 9th grade coach, Varsity assistant, Rootstown head coach, Jackson state championship head coach, and then a move to become a college head coach. His Mount Union team made a historic tourney run this year and had the momentum to finish strong. Experts predicted that their run could have culminated in a Final Four appearance or even a National Championship. But Covid-19 and circumstances none could have imagined put a halt to it all. Fuline reflects on his experiences in making the transition to college from high school and focuses on what makes him tick as a coach. His focus on relationships, recruiting and belief make him one of the top NCAA Div. 3 coaches in the nation. Raised at St. Francis de Sales parish school in the Portage Lakes, Fuline's small town values certainly remain a huge part of who he is today. His Italian roots and "la familia" still permeate every part of his life.Support the show
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May 14, 2020
Frank Micale: Veteran college and high school basketball official takes his role in the game seriously
Frank Micale has officiated high school and college basketball for nearly over 30 years. As the young guy on the crew in the old days, Micale was not afraid to assert himself by doling out a technical foul if one was deserved. Today, he talks it out with coaches and is much more inclined to help a player learn a life lesson out of the moment. In addition, he helps tutor and train the younger refs who ask for help and guidance. A youth baseball coach as well, Frank's son Andrew was a player on the Green basketball team this year and will play college baseball at the next level. Frank gives listeners a perspective on the game that few hear: we must respect all parts of the game as spectators and participants in order to keep these opportunities healthy for all. Support the show
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May 12, 2020
Tom Heil: Baldwin Wallace University head basketball coach reflects on mentors, fitness, toughness and fatherhood
Tom Heil, who became a head Division III basketball coach by the age of 30, has made two trips to the big dance at the NCAA Div. III level: first at Defiance College and then again last season at BW. Tom's straightforward commitment to toughness, honesty and relationships with his players has been taught and modeled by incredible mentors along the way including Guy Neal, Duane Sheldon, Jon Miller, Kyle Brumett and his high school coaches. Tom's consistent delivery of passion, leadership and coaching is only rivaled by his love for his wife KT and his two beautiful children. His teams are known for resilience and a love of the game. He credits his assistant as well especially current second seat Brian Schmidt. His journey is one worth listening to.Support the show
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May 10, 2020
Micah Kraus: Art teacher's quiet dignity helps him see the beauty in all things
Micah Kraus has devoted his life to expressing himself through teaching and art. A diversity of interests and a commitment to expression and humanity allows him to be an artist at home and a teacher at school. Whether it's photographing abandoned structures on the weekend or building up the interior structure of a young person in a grace-filled moment after school, Micah's quiet dignity guides his interactions with both the art implement and the person. In this episode we explore the maltreatment he received from high school bullies, the heritage of non-violence and calm he learned from his father, the structure of his home and impact of his sister, and the parallels between the art teacher and a coach. Teachers, coaches and well, humans with a heart, will appreciate this rich journey.Support the show
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May 7, 2020
Jason Knapp: A history worth teaching--impacting the field and classroom with integrity
Jason Knapp has always put in a full day's work. Whether it's engaging students in the history classroom with his relics, coffee mugs, battle helmets, Iron Maiden music and interesting artifacts...or on the football field where he calls the defense for one of the best teams in the state, Knapp has earned the trust of students and fellow coaches. An epiphany led him from Ohio University to Mount Union where his coaches, Don Montgomery and Larry Kehres, forged him into a man who knew he wanted to teach and coach for a living. Stops at Massillon and Kenmore rounded out his experiences, and he settled back on the field at Wadsworth as DC under Justin Todd. He shares his wisdom with us on this podcast.Support the show
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May 6, 2020
Dan DeCrane: Early riser exudes integrity as Catholic school basketball coach and family man
Gilmour head coach Dan DeCrane's steady rise to coaching excellence was shaped by many influences, but his will power, work ethic and commitment to integrity have come naturally and from his tight-knit Catholic family. His father, Ken, and mother, Kathy, along with his brother Chris...have always been faith-filled mentors in his life. A proud Archbishop Hoban graduate who played for T.K. Griffith, Dan has honored his beginnings with a fervent passion for impacting lives in a positive direction. His anchors of consistency, faith and leadership training are paralleled by his consistency as a husband and father. He has made all of those influences proud with his daily actions.Support the show
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May 4, 2020
Dana Addis: Superintendent of Norton City Schools: The Courage to Play Many Roles
Dana Addis, the former successful head basketball coach of Copley High, has become one of the most respected school leaders in northeast Ohio. His journey started as a youngster playing Norton athletics and continued at many teaching and coaching stops: Smithville, Copley, Strongsville, Medina Highland and now Norton. While his trip has taken him full circle, the carousel ride allowed for many life lessons and lifelong relationships. An amazing undefeated season at Copley, a coveted Principal run at Highland, marriage and family and depth of wisdom, this episode has so much richness to explore.Support the show
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May 1, 2020
John Gramuglia: Hall of Fame Wadsworth Wrestling Coach Reflects on His Roots
John Gramuglia has been inducted into nearly every Hall of Fame imaginable. His 2010 state championship wrestling team brought down the giants, but he himself is a giant who has impacted lives in the English classroom and on the wrestling mat by using the grit and determination learned from his Irish mother and Italian father. Raised in Catholic schools, Gramuglia traces his many influences through the incredible storytelling of his humble beginnings.Support the show
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May 1, 2020
Casey Kaufman: Old school values as Malone University Head Men's Basketball Coach
Casey Kaufman brought his team to the final four of the league tourney this year and inspires fellow basketball lovers with his old school values and humility. Brought up in Holmes County at Berlin Hiland High School, Casey went on to play college basketball at Heidelberg College. He then assisted Wooster College legend Steve Moore and landed at Malone University as one of the youngest head coaches in the country. He refuses to buy in to the false pretenses of social media and prefers to remain true to himself. His players appreciate his grit, commitment to excellence and values for the game.Support the show
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Apr 28, 2020
Jacki Windon: OHSAA Asst. Director of Operations: A "Jack" of all Trades, Master of Ball
Jacki Windon's journey in the game of basketball has taken her from the State Final Four as a star player at Archbishop Hoban to a stellar college basketball career at Gannon University. She then became a high school varsity head coach and shortly after a Div. 3 college head coach: all before the age of 25. A high school and college basketball referee, Jacki has settled nicely into her current role with the OHSAA. For 11 years she has broadcast college games on several television networks and she still referees in her "spare" time. Her heart for the game of basketball was forged in the backyard with her older brother who was a varsity athlete at Mogadore and who now serves as battalion chief in the Columbus Fire Department. Her parents have been close by on each step of this magical journey.Support the show
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Apr 24, 2020
Youngstown-bred Championship Football Coach Tim Tyrrell
Walk the path of Coach Tim Tyrrell as he moves from growing up on the north side of Youngstown at Catholic schools to Youngstown State University to college coaching, St. Thomas Aquinas, Florida high school ball and then to Archbishop Hoban where he has won 4 state championships.Support the show
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Apr 23, 2020
Hoban Senior Spring Sport Athletes Say Goodbye
An incredible array of kids say goodbye to Hoban by reminiscing on their hopes and dreams for this senior seasons The kids reflect on cherished memories, coaches/mentors and anticipated roles that would have been realized had this opportunity not been snatched away from them. Alec Haas, Madde Susong, Dominic Brink, Logann Saus, Janae Bass and Owen McDermott represent their respective teams.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.
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Apr 23, 2020
Kevin Finefrock: A Man of Class and Composure: Superintendent of East Canton Schools
Kevin Finefrock, perhaps the greatest basketball player to graduate from Canton Central Catholic, went on to play Div. 1 college basketball and then came back to coach, teach, serve as an administrator and now leads the East Canton School District as Superintendent. This episode is so rich with content about the nuances of the teaching and coaching journey.Allswell - Your Dream Bed Starts Here
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Apr 22, 2020
Mike Winkler: Strength Coach Committed to Excellence
National Strength Coach of the Year Mike Winkler talks about his journey and beliefs in building strong relationships through excellence, details and professionalism.Support the show
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Apr 22, 2020
Hoban Lacrosse Coach Dan Clem Grows up at Hoban...Twice
Regional Coach of the Year in the Ohio high school Lacrosse world last season, veteran lacrosse coach/history teacher and Hoban graduate Danny Clem explores his journey of maturation as his season ends due to the COVID 19 pandemic.Support the show
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Apr 21, 2020
Tate Moore: State Coach of the Year: Unbelievable Insights and Humility
Ohio Division 1 Coach of the Year Tate Moore, head coach at Columbus Watkins Memorial, shares his journey of humility and reverence for his mentors in this deep dive into becoming the coach of the year at age 27--yet not really yearning for anything more than to be a great teacher of young people.Support the show
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Apr 21, 2020
Medina's Chris Hassinger talks Program Development and Relationships
T.K. and Scott dig deep into program development and building relationships with successful Medina High School head basketball coach Chris Hassinger. Hassinger has won two district championships at Medina in his 7 years there and has spent time coaching on both the boys and girls side.Support the show
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Apr 20, 2020
Myths: Scott Callaghan explores a veteran coach's hiatus from the game
Scott Callaghan, co-host- serves as the first guest on the world premier of The Teacher Coach podcast hosted and started by T.K. Griffith. Together they explore the topic of "getting out of coaching to spend time with my family" and the misconception that life might better without basketball.Support the show
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