A Coach's Perspective

Episode #397: In this episode, we celebrate for over four decades of broadcasting with Art Hains as the soundtrack to Missouri State athletics. I have remembered, along with many, his familiar voice weaving through the hearts and memories of countless Bears fans. From intimate Division II battles to the grand stage of Division I competition, he has captured every triumph, heartbreak, and magical moment with the passion of, what I feel is his true gift, a true storyteller. His voice has echoed through gymnasiums and stadiums, bringing distant games into living rooms and car radios, making every listener feel like they had the best seat in the house. More than just a broadcaster, Art became the thread that connected generations of Bears faithful, his calls becoming the soundtrack to family traditions and lifelong memories. In a world of constant change, we can appreciate that Art Hains remained the constant—the voice that made every Bears victory sweeter and every defeat more bearable, proving that sometimes the greatest contributors never step foot on the field. Guest: Art Hains

Episode #396: In this episode, we welcome high school athletic directors, Trevyor Fisher (Republic, MO), Yancey Little (Ozark, MO), and Brandon Clark (Nixa, MO) and showcase these unsung heroes who keep scholastic sports running smoothly, juggling everything from budgets and schedules to hiring coaches and student eligibility. Beyond the administrative work, they shape school culture by balancing competitive success with character development, managing community expectations, and ensuring all student-athletes have meaningful experiences. Guests: Trevyor Fisher, Brandon Clark, and Yancey Little

Episode #395: In this episode, we caught up with Danielle king, sports journalist from KY threes ozone sports. We reflected on her path into sports journalism and what has her hooked on telling the stories of coaches and athletes and those involved in the sports world. We also talked about “Friday Night Lights” and the captivating culture of Friday night high school football. Guest: Danielle King

Episode #394: In this episode, we celebrate the talented journalistic career of Scott Puryear as he joins us to provide a Fantasy Football 101 lesson on strategizing for the best drafts and achieving success in your league. This walking sports encyclopedia shares tips and tricks for developing your teams and tracking their progress and success. Guest: Scott Puryear

Episode #393: Do you want to be bitter or better? This guiding question was just one simple example question on how my guest helps others lead organizations to a positive culture. We welcomed Jamy Bechler, a dynamic leadership expert who brings a unique blend of athletic and business expertise to organizations seeking peak performance. As the host of the widely acclaimed "Success is a Choice" podcast, Jamy shared insights from his career as an athletic director and award-winning college basketball coach. He is an author, motivational speaker, and leadership consultant, partnering with elite sports teams and businesses to unlock their full potential. Guest: Jamy Bechler

Episode #392: In this episode, we welcome Mental Performance Coach Lindsey Nadler from Elite Mental Edge. With her unique blend of experience as a former D1 softball player, high school coach, and police officer with crisis intervention expertise, plus a degree in psychology and a master's in criminology, Lindsey creates practical, simple strategies that transform the mental game and drive peak performance. Guest: Lindsey Nadler

Episode #391: Five-sport professional athlete Teejay Britton joins us to discuss the importance of consistency in pursuing success. Working with young athletes and drawing from his experience, Teejay uses his faith and athletic background to inspire and motivate athletes to transform adversity into opportunity. Guest: Teejay Britton

Episode #390: UFC Mixed Martial Arts professional fighter, Julius “Juice Box” Walker joins us in this episode to give us an education on MMA fighting as we explore the sport and the training and preparation it takes to compete in the UFC. We explore the mentality of fighting in a cage and going toe-to-toe with some of the world's toughest fighters. Guest: Julius “Juice Box” Walker

Episode #389: In this episode, we preview Missouri State University football's upcoming season and transition to Conference USA with the broadcast team of Corey Riggs, Tom Mast, and Sam Block. Assembling this broadcast team, along with Tom Ladd, to cover the transition required diligent effort, but the passion and expertise they bring to each broadcast does more than just call the game—it builds community and keeps the spirit of Bears football alive for every fan who can't be there in person. Guest: Corey Riggs, Tom Mast, Sam Block

Episode #388: In this episode, we celebrate the life of a champion-Part 2—the life of a human champion. Coach Paul "Moon" Mullins was more than a coach; he impacted thousands of lives, and I had some guests who helped me explore that legacy. Joining us this week for our Mullins tribute: Dr. Greg Burnett (yes, he is the host’s older brother!), Brandon Carroll, Dr. Rich Hardie, Scott McCaulley, and Judge Brent Powell . Guest: Dr. Greg Burnett, Brandon Carroll, Dr. Rich Hardie, Scott McCaulley, and Judge Brent Powell

Episode #387: In this episode, we celebrate the life of a champion—the life of a human champion. Coach Paul "Moon" Mullins was more than a coach; he impacted thousands of lives, and I had some guests who helped me explore that legacy. Jim Ferguson played for Coach Mullins and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1965. John Stinson, a member of the 1981 state championship team, tells us what it was like playing for Coach Mullins. We also welcomed Mike Hamra—nicknamed "the Wall"—who played on Coach Mullins' 1986 state runner-up team. Joining Mike from that same 1986 team is Mike Cotton, a 1988 graduate who shares his perspective on playing for Coach Mullins. Guests: Jim Ferguson, John Stinson, Mike Hamra, and Mike Cotton

Episode #386: In this episode, we profile Spensar Seiger from Fair Grove High School, the Springfield Sports Commission Awards (in partnership with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame) Male Athlete of the Year. The four-sport All-State athlete shares his perspective on being a successful multi-sport athlete while preparing for a collegiate career. His father, Damon Seiger, who serves as Fair Grove's athletic director, discusses the ingredients that helped Fair Grove athletics earn recognition as the top athletic program in the area by the Sports Commission. Spensar offers valuable guidance to athletes on being coachable and advancing to the next level. Guest: Spensar Seiger, Damon Seiger

Episode #385: In this episode, we recognize Lance Kettering, Executive Director of the Springfield Sports Commission, and the outstanding work he did organizing the Springfield Sports Commission Awards in partnership with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. We also celebrated with Female Athlete of the Year Brooke Daniels from Fair Grove High School and her basketball coach, Gary Greene, gathering insights on what makes her such a unique and talented athlete and champion both on and off the court. Guest: Lance Kettering, Brooke Daniels, Gary Greene

Episode #384: Tonight, we recognized one of the finest officials in the state, region, and nation. Emry Dilday had a profound impact on officials, coaches, athletic administrators, friends, and countless others throughout his career. He was an absolute presence in every sense of the word, and we celebrated both his life and his enduring legacy. Joining us from the officiating community were two officials who worked alongside Emry and have known him for decades: Ron Snodgrass and Craig Kelley. From the athletic administrative perspective, we welcomed Becky Oakes, former Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations. And representing what was undoubtedly his most cherished role—that of father—we welcomed his wonderful daughter, Missy Facklam. Together, we honored a man whose influence extended far beyond the playing field and whose memory will continue to inspire all who knew him. Guest: Ron Snodgrass, Craig Kelly, Missy Facklam, and Becky Oakes

Episode #383: We're excited to cover the 2nd annual WEMO CFC (Western Missouri Coaches Fighting Cancer) Coaches Clinic on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Coach Bob Coffey, Coach Trish Marsh, and Coach Gary Pendergraft join us to discuss the speaker lineup, logistics, and mission behind this upcoming clinic. "Round Two: Beyond the X's and O's – The Art of Effective Coaching" will be hosted by Greenwood Laboratory School on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. For more information, visit wemocfc.com. Guest: Trish Marsh, Bob Coffey, Gary Pendergraft