Tale Lights Podcast

Kerry Barboza grew up in San Antonio, Texas. After attending high school at Thomas Jefferson, Kerry was on his way to Oral Roberts in Tulsa, before checking out the coast of Virginia while working on his Master’s Degree and getting his feet wet in the news/sports reporting business. Kerry made it back to the San Antonio area in February of 2002, when he took a job at the Boerne Star. For nearly 20 years, Kerry Barboza has been around every state championship moment, the UIL Lone Star Cup, the split of two high schools, the development of a major private school, and the coverage of the Comfort Bobcats/Deer, and he’s seen it all. From the Paul Talbert years in Comfort, to covering so many amazing Boerne coaches, athletes, programs, and moments, Kerry Barboza got a great seat for the action. The thing is, he was usually standing the whole time, taking pictures, and then headed back home to write about all of these moments and give Boerne Athletes coverage that few are lucky to receive at the prep level. You won’t want to miss it as we cover the top ten stories in Boerne over the last many years. We talk about all kinds of things, but you’ll have to tune in to hear for yourself. Episode #48.1 includes Kerry’s life, growing up, going to college, and returning to the SA area, and then we dive right into the #’s 10, 9, and 8! Later in the week I’ll release #48.2, and we’ll finish out the top 10, by coverings #’s 7-1. I’d have released the entire interview at once, but with a day job, I needed a few night to clean it all up for maximum enjoyment! Don’t miss us discussing the Hall of Honor, Sam Champion, and so much more! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Kerry Barboza grew up in San Antonio, Texas. After attending high school at Thomas Jefferson, Kerry was on his way to Oral Roberts in Tulsa, before checking out the coast of Virginia while working on his Master’s Degree and getting his feet wet in the news/sports reporting business. Kerry made it back to the San Antonio area in February of 2002, when he took a job at the Boerne Star. For nearly 20 years, Kerry Barboza has been around every state championship moment, the UIL Lone Star Cup, the split of two high schools, the development of a major private school, and the coverage of the Comfort Bobcats/Deer, and he’s seen it all. From the Paul Talbert years in Comfort, to covering so many amazing Boerne coaches, athletes, programs, and moments, Kerry Barboza got a great seat for the action. The thing is, he was usually standing the whole time, taking pictures, and then headed back home to write about all of these moments and give Boerne Athletes coverage that few are lucky to receive at the prep level. You won’t want to miss it as we cover the top ten stories in Boerne over the last many years. We talk about all kinds of things, but you’ll have to tune in to hear for yourself. Episode #48.1 includes Kerry’s life, growing up, going to college, and returning to the SA area, and then we dive right into the #’s 10, 9, and 8! Later in the week I’ll release #48.2, and we’ll finish out the top 10, by coverings #’s 7-1. I’d have released the entire interview at once, but with a day job, I needed a few night to clean it all up for maximum enjoyment! Don’t miss us discussing the Hall of Honor, Sam Champion, and so much more! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Dickie Faught grew up near Brownfield, Texas, and attended college at San Angelo State University.  Coach Faught began his coaching career in Klondike, Texas.  After a two year stint in Klondike, Coach Faught made a jump back towards home and went to Brownfield as an assistant coach for a few years before taking over the girls basketball program at a time when 3 time WNBA MVP, Sheryl Swoopes was in high school.  Coach Faught would coach Brownfield to a state title in 1988.  Soon after he took a job as Girls Coordinator at Hereford High School where he stayed for three years, before jumping to Ozona, Texas, a place where his teams went on to play for three state titles, and win two.  Coach Faught finished his career with a 9 year run in Seminole, and more than 600 wins throughout his amazing career. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Coach Shivers grew up in Boerne, Texas.  He graduated the Salutatorian of BHS in the Class of 1992.  As a high school basketball player, Robbie helped the Boerne Greyhounds reach the 1990 State Championship game.  He then went on to Stephen F. Austin University to play college basketball and continue his education, before transferring to Concordia University in Austin, to team up with his older brother David, in a reunion that saw Robbie named as a 2nd Team NAIA All-American.  After graduating, Coach Shivers headed back to Boerne to work as an assistant basketball coach, under his high school coach, and previous podcast guest, Stan Leech.  After 4 years of being an assistant, Coach Shivers decided to move into the head coach world which saw stops in Utopia, Brazoswood, San Marcos, and Lampasas.  Join us as we take a trip down memory lane in the virtual yellow dog, cruising throughout numerous parts of Texas, and expanding upon impressions of each place and the good times. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

In the 45th edition of the Tale Lights Podcast, I did something different.  I sat down with a former player of Coach Rip Sewell to honor the deceased coach that made a major impact in the lives of kids out in Ozona, Texas, for many years.  Blake Moody not only played football and ran track for Coach Sewell, but was also the son of the superintendent during Coach Sewell's time as AD/HFC. We talked about what it was like growing up in Ozona,, playing for Coach Sewell, the experience of an undefeated 1976 season, and much more.  One road we go down is the disappointing 4-3 school board vote in 2015 that determined the stadium would not be named in Coach Sewell's honor.  Coach Sewell is in the THSCA Hall of Honor, and a legend in West Texas.  The fact that small town politics so often get in the way of doing what's right, is as usual, highly disappointing to many of us that appreciate the decades of love and dedication Coach Rip Sewell showed to the kids out in Ozona. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Rick Keith grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast, when his family's livelihood sent them headed out east to Connecticut.  In many ways it was a real blessing because in Connecticut, "Tex", as he was called, would find the sport of cross country.  As a state qualifying cross country runner, and a member of the varsity hockey team, Rick had quite the adventure in a place where many believed he was a foreign exchange student.  He returned to Texas to attend UT before serving in the military, overseas in Germany.  After returning and completing his education, Coach Keith began a journey that eventually led him out west to Alpine, Texas.  During his time in Alpine, Coach Keith served as the head coach of volleyball, girls track, and cross country.  With over 300 wins as a volleyball coach in 11 seasons, learn how Coach Keith made the switch to cross country and launched an entirely new program at AHS.  Coach Keith and I even engage in a fun debate over whether or not the girls in Texas should be running a 5K. https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Steve Taylor grew up the son of a Baptist preacher in Spur, Texas.  He went on to play college football at San Angelo State University.  After a couple of years as a graduate assistant, Coach Taylor decided it was time to go for the "big money" in the Texas Public School System!  Coach Taylor headed for Muleshoe and joined Mike Wartes and Alan Cornelius to make up a trio of a head coach, an offensive coordinator, and a defensive coordinator, that is their ages had been added together, didn't even equal 75 years of age.  From Muleshoe, that same trio headed on to Denver City, where Cornelius would take the head job after Wartes departed, and then finally Coach Steve Taylor would take his first head coaching position, as he was promoted to lead the Mustangs.  Coach Taylor spent 6 years at the helm, before taking a job in "the biggest little town in the world", Ozona, Texas.  Coach Taylor and his staff took the reigns and immediately put the Lions on track for a great season.  After 5 years of leading the Lions, Coach Taylor would take a job at Midland Greenwood, where he and his staff would lead the Rangers to the State Quarterfinals in 2006.  After 5 years in Midland, Coach Taylor decided to head further west and took the job as the Head Football Coach of the Brownfield Cubs.  A year later, he was headed home to Denver City for another great run with the Mustangs.  Tune in for all the great details.  You won't want to miss a great story about Coach Rip Sewell, a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association, Hall of Honor.  Not to mention, discuss one of the most incredible ladies I've met in my life, Anne Shaw.  It's an interview that you won't want to miss! https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Chan Priest grew up in the small town of San Saba, Texas, where his father was the Head Football Coach of the Armadillos.  We talk in depth about the history of "The Graveyard" (the football field in San Saba) and  Coach Priest tells a great story about the time his father and older brother (who were strong influences on his life), were involved in an altercation (which emanated from Mason, TX.) between the two and a couple of chain crew cowboys in the land of the Punchers, which from the sound of it, likely would have been a main event at the old Dallas Sportatorium.  Coach Priest played football at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and headed out to New Mexico to begin a career as a game warden.  He ended up following in his father's footsteps instead, and coaching a year in New Mexico, before returning to Texas and going to work at Early High School.  From Early, Coach Priest headed to De Leon, and went to work for Coach Jack Waggoner, where the Bearcats won the 1975 state championship in football.  By 1980, Coach Priest was ready to fly out on his own, as he accepted the position of Head Football Coach of the Goldthwaite Eagles.  Coach Priest, and his staff (which included our previous guest, Coach Gary Proffitt), would take a football program out of the slumping seventies, ending a decade long playoff drought, to kick off the electric eighties!  After the Eagles won the 1985 UIL Football State Championship (and a great story about Coach Gordon Wood's halftime locker room visit on that night), Coach Proffitt goes on to discuss the time he followed legendary Coach Randy Allen, to become the HFC of the Ballinger Bearcats.  After 5 years at Ballinger, Coach Priest had won 98 football games (as a head football coach) in his first ten years, and he was riding high into Gatesville, Texas, as the newly hired leader of the Hornet football program.  Coach Priest won 16 games in 6 years at Gatesville and his story of of the time he spent in Gatesville is every bit as interesting, honest, and fun to listen to, as the great triumphs of his life and career.  Coach Priest is pictured above, to the right of Coach Gary Proffitt, following the 2009 UIL State Championship won by the Goldthwaite Eagles.  Coach Priest's description of the picture is as follows "Gary's 4th and my 5th. I started adding Gary's to mine after I retired. When you get over 60 you can do that."    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Gary Proffitt grew up in Ballinger, Texas.  Coach Proffitt went to college at San Angelo State University, and then entered into his coaching career as an assistant coach of the Goldthwaite Eagles in 1980.  Working under Coach Chan Priest, the Eagles won their first state football title in 1985.  In 1986, Coach Proffitt took over the program and would lead Goldthwaite to 5 additional state championship football games, winning 3 state titles in all as the head coach, and sending the community on numerous enjoyable runs over the course of 27 seasons.    We discuss the old playoff formats, the new playoff formats, the crazy method of breaking tie football games back in the day, and much more! https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

 Lynn Graves grew up on a farm in Buncombe, Texas. He attended high school at Carthage High School and then went to college at Stephen F. Austin State University. Prior to being a head coach, Coach Graves spent time as an assistant at SFA, and in Jacksonville ISD. Coach Graves began his head coaching career as the Head Football Coach at SFA, where he coached the Lumberjacks all the way to the National Championship Game in 1989. With a close loss in the championship game, and impatience during a time of building the program back up, SFA decided to go in a new direction. Coach Graves did the same and took the Head Football Coaching job for the San Augustine Wolves and led the team to a 2003 UIL State Title against the Tuscola- Jim Ned Indians and quarterback Colt McCoy.  Four days later, he was fired.  No worries though, they rehired him later on down the road, and Coach Graves has a tremendous outlook on life and didn't let things get to him, as his mission of building kids into quality people, always took the forefront. You won't want to miss this wild and incredible story.   https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Matt Wernecke grew up in Wharton, Texas.  No thanks to the help from a pair of double bogey's, Matt caught the eye of the Sam Houston State University Golf Coach, where he went on to play golf in college.  After graduating, and finishing his collegiate career, Coach Wernecke began his career in education at Rice Consolidated.  Following a semester stay at Rice Cons, Coach Wernecke headed home to Wharton, where he became the head golf coach and found himself running the program fresh out of college.  After 5 successful years at home, he decided to head towards Austin and made a short stop at Pflugerville Hendrickson, prior to making a jump to lead the golf program of the Vandergrift Vipers.  As the first and only head coach in the golf program, Coach Wernecke has led both groups to state on multiple occasions, including numerous third place and runner-up finishes on the boys and girls side, and an incredible three year run of state championships for his boys program.    https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Callan Nokes is the Head Golf Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Westlake High School, in Austin, Texas.  Coach Nokes has coached the Chaps to 6 state titles in Golf, and 15 trips to the state tournament in 17 years!  Tune in to learn a little bit about what it takes to be a successful golf coach, and professional educator, from one of the finest in Texas! https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Rose Helmke grew up in San Antonio.  She attended Thomas Jefferson High School, and enjoyed taking pictures of fighter jets at Randolph Field.  Rose spent many years as an elementary educator, not only in Texas, but also in New Mexico!  Have you ever thought about being a double dipper?  Rose explains a lot about teaching in New Mexico Public Schools, but also talks about her time teaching on the Reservation at the Mescalero Apache Schools.  From the good seats of the Inn of the Mountain Gods, Dave (her husband) and Rose were able to watch the Mescalero high school basketball team win a state title, in an empty stadium.  Thanks, Coronavirus.  This episode could be really helpful to folks considering the process of "double dipping!"  Who says teachers can't go out and get some of that Social Security?  Very grateful to Rose for taking the time to share this awesome story. It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below. Episode should be available soon! https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Sam Harrell grew up in Seminole, and later moved to Brownwood, where he would play football for Coach Gordon Wood.  Coach Harrell was the son of a coach, and had the privilege playing for, learning from, or coaching against, nearly every great football coach in Texas history!  He graduated from ACU and then began a career in education in Plainview.  He then went on to join Coach Wood's staff in Brownwood.  Coach Harrell took his first Head Football Coach in Reagan County, leading the Owls (Big Lake) for four successful years, prior to accepting the same position at Ennis High School.  For some listeners, the draw will be the many games Coach Harrell has won (including three state championships), and while his record is certainly incredible, the most intriguing portion of this podcast, is the moment life came crashing down as he began a struggle with MS, that removed him from the Friday Night Lights.  Coach Harrell was very fortunate to find a friend that filled him in on a procedure available in Panama.  Thanks to God, Panama, and stem cell treatment, Coach Harrell is back on the sidelines in Ennis, Texas, and the Lions are poised for great things in the future.  This episode is one for the books! https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Get ready for another Podblast!  That's right, COVID-19 may keep on kicking, but so does the Tale Lights Podclass!  Enjoy this ad free version of the podcast, and satisfy the yearn to learn, woooooo! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Rick Bachman grew up in San Angelo.  After graduating high school, he joined the Navy and set sail.  Upon returning to the San Angelo area he enrolled in college at Angelo State University.  Coach B began his career down in Alice.  After spending time in Alice, he decided to head back out west to Ozona, where he took a job in the oilfield.  After many year in the oil industry, he was brought back into education by one of our previous guests, Larry Taylor, who at the time was the Superintendent of Ozona.  Coach B eventually took a job in Beeville, before heading back out west to Fort Stockton where he would begin his administrative career as an assistant principal.  Rick eventually took on the role as middle school principal in Ozona, and then returned to Fort Stockton, where he retired from his career in education.  These days you can find him back in the oil industry.  Are you an educator that wants to know how to get into the oil industry?  If so, then listen to this episode, because we cover the two most important ways for you to do it!  Not to mention, you'll have the opportunity I received to listen to a great man tell you a lot of truth about the world of public education in the State of Texas.  https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Scott Hippensteel grew up surrounded by farm life in the State of Indiana.  Coach Hippensteel was recruited by the University of Texas for the sports of cross country and track & field..  He came to Texas and he began his career as a permanent sub at Lanier High School, prior to taking a job as a junior high coach at Leander Jr. High.  In the fall of 1988, Coach Hippensteel began a run at Lockhart that is well known and respected throughout the cross country and track & field world in the State of Texas.  Coach Hippensteel has coached numerous individuals to state championships in cross country and track.  He also coached the 1998 and 2000 Lockhart Lions Cross Country Teams to the UIL Class 4A state title, and finished 2nd or 3rd in the state on countless occasions..  We had a great discussion that goes deep into the subject of what "success" really is in running. https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Ben English spent his early years in the schools of Terlingua, and graduated from Fort Stockton HS. After high school, Ben joined the United State Marines and headed for San Diego. Following his military service, Ben went to school at Angelo State and then began a career with the Texas DPS, as a State Trooper.  Ben English is one incredible man, as following more than twenty years of serving the people as a Trooper, he dove into a two years of teaching the kids criminal justice at Ozona HS. Ben and Cathy (his wife) have since moved to Alpine. and Ben has since gone on to pen the books "Yonkederlings" and "Destiny's Way" and has become a member of the Big Bend Board of Directors.  It's my pleasure to introduce to the Tale Lights Podcast listeners, a one of a kind individual, Ben H. English!  Ben English is one of the finest Americans I've ever known.  In all my stops throughout my journey, I've met few that see America, so passionately, for the great country that it is.  You can't blame us, as we do get a little off the path every once in a while discussing topical and patriotic issues throughout the extent of our discussion. https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Coach Billy Nabours spent more than two decades at Comfort High School. He was one of the most recognizable coaches in the area, and loudly supported each and every one of his runners. He had kids participate at the state meet in just about every event imaginable, along with sending boys and girls teams to state in cross country throughout the years, and a bronze medalist team in 2006. Coach Nabours recently retired and now works for the Hill Country Community Journal in Kerrville, and substitute teaches at Medina and Center Point. He spent time years ago in Angleton, Weatherford, and Big Spring, working for the local newspapers, prior to beginning his career in education that saw stops in Harper, Iredell, Weimar, and Comfort.  Coach Nabours recently became the Head Boys and Girls Track Coach at Our Lady of the Hills Regional Catholic High School in Kerrville. https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support

Mike Barnett grew up in Luling, TX., and coached in Luling for 31 years.  Coach Barnett coached his hometown cross country team to a UIL record, seven straight state chmapionships in cross country.  Join me as we learn a lot more about a man that did incredible things for the children of Luling! https://talelightspodcast.com/podcast-interviews talelightspodcast@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erik-thormaehlen/support