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Basketball and Life: with Coach Jon Cook

Basketball and Life: with Coach Jon Cook

By Jon Cook

I love talking hoops! High School, College, Professional... Coaches, Players, Games, X's & O's... You name it! If it is hoops I am interested and love talking about it. However, the longer I am around the game, the more it becomes clear to me that everyone who has a passion for this great game has a story to tell, that is so much more than just talkin' hoops. Don't get me wrong, I still love talkin' basketball with anyone who has an interest in the game from almost any angle, but the real stories of Basketball and Life are what this podcast is all about.
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Episode 65 - Doug Krauss - Retired Head Coach Archbold High School

Basketball and Life: with Coach Jon CookSep 28, 2020

00:00
01:15:33
Episode 98: Andy Moore - Head Coach - Reynoldsburg High School (Ohio)

Episode 98: Andy Moore - Head Coach - Reynoldsburg High School (Ohio)

Andy Moore spent 25 years as an assistant basketball coach in the college ranks including stints at the United States Air Force Academy, and in both the Mid-American Conference and the Big Ten.  He is beginning his fourth season as the head coach Reynoldsburg High School in central Ohio. 

After playing for his father at Mt.Vernon High School, Andy had a stellar playing career at Division III Muskingum College for legendary head coach Jim Burson. His career in college coaching began at Kenyon College as an assistant to Bill Brown in the early 1990’s, and continued through the pandemic in 2020.  Andy’s journey in high school coaching may have been unexpected, but his success should not be. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Coach Andy Moore of Reynoldburg High School.

 

Andy Moore spent 25 years as an assistant basketball coach in the college ranks including stints at the United States Air Force Academy, and in both the Mid-American Conference and the Big Ten.  He is beginning his fourth season as the head coach Reynoldsburg High School in central Ohio. 

 

After playing for his father at Mt. Vernon High School, Andy had a stellar playing career at Division III Muskingum College for legendary head coach Jim Burson.  His career in college coaching began at Kenyon College as an assistant to Bill Brown in the early 1990’s, and continued through the pandemic in 2020.  Andy’s journey in high school coaching may have been unexpected, but his success should not be.

 

Dec 12, 202301:28:09
Episode 97: Brook Cupps - Head Coach Centerville High School

Episode 97: Brook Cupps - Head Coach Centerville High School

Brook Cupps first joined the podcast in the fall of 2020 on Episode 72. Since that conversation Coach Cupps has seen his team at Centerville win a state championship and make 3 consecutive trips to the state Final Four in Ohio's big school division. He has also seen his son be named Ohio's Mr. Basketball and accept a scholarship to play basketball at Indiana University. Did I mention that he has also published a book, Surrender the Outcome, co-authored a 2nd book, The Score That Matters, and he remains the head coach of one of the most respected high school programs in the country. Enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Brook Cupps of Centerville High School.

Nov 27, 202301:01:04
Episode 96: Cody Hartzler - Assistant Coach - Baldwin Wallace University Women's Basketball

Episode 96: Cody Hartzler - Assistant Coach - Baldwin Wallace University Women's Basketball

Cody Hartzler is in his ninth season as an assistant coach at Baldwin Wallace University in 2023-24. Hartzler came to BW after spending two years as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Washington and Jefferson (Pa.) College. Prior to W & J, Hartzler served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Bluffton University for two seasons. Coach Hartzler also served as the assistant men’s basketball coach for two seasons at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Please enjoy my my conversation about Basketball and Life with Cody Hartzler of Baldwin Wallace University.
Nov 20, 202301:00:50
Episode 95: Jon Tropf - Assistant Basketball Coach - Ohio Northern University

Episode 95: Jon Tropf - Assistant Basketball Coach - Ohio Northern University

Jon Tropf is a northwest Ohio native, raised in Van Buren, Ohio just minutes away from the ONU campus in Ada, Ohio. However, his journey has been about a lot more than the distance between 2 small towns in the Buckeye state. Coach Tropf spent his undergraduate years at Eastern Michigan University serving as a student manager, including 3 years as the head manager. He began his college coaching career at Oakland University. He then spent 8 toal seasons at Goshen College, his first three as an assistant to Neal Young followed by 5 seasons as the head coach. He has since re-joined Coach Young at ONU. Please enjoy my convesation with Jon Tropf as we talk Basketball and Life!
Nov 06, 202301:26:47
Episode 94: Nick Sales - Head Basketball Coach - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Episode 94: Nick Sales - Head Basketball Coach - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Nick Sales is enetring his 2nd season as the head basketball coach at RHIT, an NCAA Division III program in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Coach Sales previously spent 9n seasons as an Assistant Coach and then Associate Head Coach at Marietta College. He enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Defiance College where he was the HCAC Player of the Year and an Honorable Mention All American in 2010. Please enjoy my conversation with Coach Nick Sales as we talk Basketball and Life.
Nov 01, 202301:10:29
Episode 93: Michele Durand - Head Women's Basketball Coach - University of Findlay

Episode 93: Michele Durand - Head Women's Basketball Coach - University of Findlay

Coach Michele Durand is making a return visit to the podcast. She previously joined us for Episode 28, when she was the recently retired basketball coach from Ohio Northern University. After a brief time away from the sidelines, and working in athletic administration, Coach Durand is set to begin her 2nd season leading the Oilers. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Michele Durand of the University of Findlay.
Nov 01, 202301:02:52
Episode 78: Basketball & Life - Introduction

Episode 78: Basketball & Life - Introduction

A lot has happened and some things have changed since the podcast shutdown in October 2020. Talkin' Hoops: With Coach Jon Cook is now Basketball & Life: With Coach Jon Cook. Thanks so much for your interest in the podcast. It is great to be back!
Oct 23, 202319:14
Episode 92: Keith Utendorf - Head Basketball Coach - Ottoville High School (Ottoville, Ohio)

Episode 92: Keith Utendorf - Head Basketball Coach - Ottoville High School (Ottoville, Ohio)

Keith Utendorf is a Putnam County native who grew up in Ottawa, Ohio and attended Ottawa-Glandorf High School. Perhaps it should come as no surprise then that he is a basketball junkie. But Keith's basketball journey has been atypical to say the least. It is a journey that has led him to be the head coach at not one, but two of Putnam County's small school basketball programs. Two programs in Ft. Jennings and Ottoville that are fierce rivals located less than 5 miles apart. During his time at Ottoville, the Big Green have become one of the most consistent programs in the region. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Ottoville High School head coach Keith Utendorf.
Oct 16, 202301:22:10
Episode 91: Quincey Simpson - Head Basketball Coach Lima Senior High School (Lima, Ohio)

Episode 91: Quincey Simpson - Head Basketball Coach Lima Senior High School (Lima, Ohio)

Quincey Simpson is a Lima Senior Spartan through and through. His journey through high school and college, then ultimately into coaching has been an unconventional one. unconventional also accurately describes his passion for the leadership role that he plays as the head basketball coach at his alma mater. The lifelong journey that took him to seemingly every corner of the basketball world, has landed him at the exact place where he is supposed to be. Leading the basketball program at Lima Senior is not just Quincey's job. He believes that it his calling. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Coach Quincey Simpson of Lima Senior High School.
Oct 03, 202301:00:00
Episode 90: Bob Ghiloni - Head Basketball Coach Grandview Heights High School (Columbus, Ohio)

Episode 90: Bob Ghiloni - Head Basketball Coach Grandview Heights High School (Columbus, Ohio)

Coach Bob Ghiloni is making a return appearance on the podcast, after first joining me for Episode 26, back in 2020. At that time Bob had only recently stepped down after 18 years as the head coach at Denison University. Three years of "retirement" from coaching proved to be enough for Coach Ghiloni and he is returning to the high school ranks after previously spending 15 years at Bishop Ready High School prior to his time at Denison. I encourage you to go back and give a listen to Episode 26 for Bob's full story. Coach Ghiloni's principled approach to coaching and leadership, makes him a must listen for coaches and fans of basketball. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Coach Bob Ghiloni.
Sep 25, 202356:01
Episode 89: Dre White - Head Basketball Coach - Upper Scioto Valley High School (McGuffey, Ohio)

Episode 89: Dre White - Head Basketball Coach - Upper Scioto Valley High School (McGuffey, Ohio)

Dre White is entering his 7th season as a head basketball coach in the fall of 2023, and all of those years have been spent at two rural northwest Ohio high schools which are longtime and often bitter rivals. It is an interesting part of the basketball journey for Dre that began as a youth in Lima, Ohio and has seen him have an outstanding high school career as a player, followed by a stellar four-year journey as a college player at Ohio Wesleyan University. Coach White is one of seven members of that Ohio Wesleyan team and/or coaching staff who have gone onto coaching careers of their own. Five of those men, including Dre are current high school or college head coaches. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Dre White of Upper Scioto Valley High School.
Sep 18, 202301:17:53
Episode 88: Andy Bucheit - Head Basketball Coach - Heidelberg University (Tiffin, Ohio)

Episode 88: Andy Bucheit - Head Basketball Coach - Heidelberg University (Tiffin, Ohio)

Andy Bucheit is set to begin his 11th season at the helm for Heidelberg University in 2023. Coach Bucheit played 4 years of college basketball at Wittenberg University, and began his college coaching journey as a volunteer assistant to legendary coach Bill Brown, at his alma mater in 2005. The following year, the Cincinnati, Ohio native became a graduate assistant at Ashland University, where he worked under Coach Roger Lyons for two seasons before being hired as an assistant coach at Marietta College in 2008. After 5 very successful years assisting Coach Jon VanderWal, in 2013, Andy was hired to takeover the program at Heidelberg. Coach Bucheit was named Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in the COVID season of 2020-2021, and the Student Princes have followed that by winning 37 games over the past 2 seasons. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Coach Andy Bucheit of Heidelberg University.
Sep 11, 202301:14:28
Episode 87: Dennis Hopson - Head Basketball Coach Lourdes University (Sylvania, Ohio)

Episode 87: Dennis Hopson - Head Basketball Coach Lourdes University (Sylvania, Ohio)

When I was growing up I was like any other basketball loving kid. I had idols. I loved Dr. J, and of course I enjoyed the Magic vs. Bird debate. Michael would come along a little later, and I became a fan much later in his career. But for me the true heroes of the sport were the college players that I watched on television. Try to understand that I was a kid growing up in rural northwest Ohio, and I did not have cable television. I lived for the games and the players that could be brought to me via my old school antenna. Thankfully that meant that I could watch Roosevelt Chapman at Dayton regularly, but my real hero was Dennis Hopson at The Ohio State University. I was completely immersed in his playing career for the Buckeyes. And like many who rooted for Dennis, I struggled to understand or accept when his NBA career did not go as expected.
While he may have disappeared from the basketball world's public eye relatively early in his basketball journey, Dennis Hopson continued an odyssey that includes scouring in the NBA, coaching in the CBA, in NAIA basketball as well as in the Mid-American conference, and at the high school level. Today Dennis is the head coach at NAIA Division II Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio and is the director of the Hopson Elite AAU Basketball Program. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Lourdes University head coach, Dennis Hopson.
Sep 05, 202359:07
Episode 86: Tyson McGlaughlin - Head Basketball Coach - Ottawa-Glandorf High School (Ottawa, Ohio)

Episode 86: Tyson McGlaughlin - Head Basketball Coach - Ottawa-Glandorf High School (Ottawa, Ohio)

Tyson McGlaughlin spent most of his childhood watching his father lead the basketball program at Miller City High School before enjoying a standout high school playing career at Ottawa-Glandorf High School, and then at the University of Findlay. When he graduated and began his coaching career he could not possibly have known that he would eventually serve as the head coach at both Miller City and Ottawa-Glandorf. That storybook journey has seen him lead his alma mater to remarkable heights by even the incredibly high standards of Titan Basketball. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Tyson McGlaughlin of Ottawa-Glandorf High School.
Aug 28, 202301:03:19
Episode 85: Geno Ford - Head Men's Basketball Coach - Stony Brook University

Episode 85: Geno Ford - Head Men's Basketball Coach - Stony Brook University

Geno Ford is a basketball lifer. Practically raised in the gym by his father and legendary Cambridge (Ohio) High School coach Gene Ford, Geno was Ohio's Mr. Basketball in 1993 and went on to an outstanding career at Ohio University. He played briefly overseas before beginning his coaching career. His coaching stops include stints as an assistant at his alma mater, Ohio University, as well as Kent State and Stony Brook. He also served as head coach at Shawnee State, Muskingum and Kent State before logging four years as head coach at Bradley. He was named Mid-American Coach of the Year while at Kent State in 2010 and 2011, both times as a result of the Golden Flashes winning the league championship. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life with Geno Ford.
Aug 21, 202301:18:24
Episode 84: Doug Etzler - Head Basketball Coach Crestview High School (Convoy, Ohio)

Episode 84: Doug Etzler - Head Basketball Coach Crestview High School (Convoy, Ohio)

I first saw Doug Etzler play high school basketball during the 1987-88 season, when he was a freshman point guard playing for his father, Ray Etzler at Crestview High School. I followed his playing career closely, as he would square off with my twin brother twice just a couple of years later. After his stellar playing career at Crestview, Doug spent four years at The Ohio State University and then a short career playing professionally in England. His coaching journey began in the late 1990's, and has culminated in him returning home to lead the program at Crestview. He led the Knights to a state Final Four appearance in 2023.
More than 30 years after watching him play for the first time, I am now blessed to call Doug a friend. I am ecstatic to let him share his story about Basketball and Life. Please enjoy my conversation with Doug Etzler of Crestview High School.
Aug 14, 202301:20:11
Episode 83: Neal Young - Head Coach Ohio Northern University (Ada, Ohio)

Episode 83: Neal Young - Head Coach Ohio Northern University (Ada, Ohio)

Neal Young is in his second season as the head men’s basketball coach at Ohio Northern in 2023-24. He took over the program on April 6, 2022.
Young came to ONU after winning three USA South titles in five seasons as head coach at Covenant (Ga.) College. He guided the Scots to a 79-47 record (a winning percentage of .627) and USA South titles in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
Prior to his time at Covenant, Young was the head coach at Goshen (Ind.) for four seasons from 2014-17, where he also served as an associate director of athletics. Young was also an assistant coach at Lewis (Ill.) in 2012-13 and Goshen from 2009-11.
And these details do not tell his story. Coach Young played Division III basketball at Anderson University (Indiana), and began pursuing college coaching almost immediately, becoming a head coach at just 28 years of age. At both Goshen College and Covenant College, coach young found success where very few ever have. During his time at Goshen College, Coach Young battled and overcame cancer, and is noe focused on restoring the proud tradition of Ohio Northern Basketball. Please enjoy my conversation about Basketball and Life, with Neal Young of Ohio Northern University.
Aug 07, 202301:17:00
Episode 82: Doug Billman - Head Basketball Coach Antwerp High School (Antwerp, Ohio)

Episode 82: Doug Billman - Head Basketball Coach Antwerp High School (Antwerp, Ohio)

Doug Billman is an Antwerp, Ohio native who has been leading the basketball program at his alma mater since 2016. In those 7 seasons he has amassed 131 career wins and his teams have 20 or more games for the last 4 seasons. Three of those seasons resulted in District Championships and in the 2021-2022 season the Archers qualified for the state Final Four. Prior to his time at Antwerp, Coach Billman led the program at Bryan High School (Bryan, Ohio) for 10 years and won two league titles at Bryan as well. Please enjoy my conversation with Doug Billman as we talk about Basketball and Life.
Jul 31, 202301:13:10
Episode 81: Jim Clay - Former Director of Van Wert (OH) AAU & American Youth Basketball Tour (AYBT)

Episode 81: Jim Clay - Former Director of Van Wert (OH) AAU & American Youth Basketball Tour (AYBT)

Jim Clay may be the single most passionate member of the basketball community that I have had the good fortune to know. I met Jim in the early 1990's when he was the Director of the Van Wert AAU program in Van Wert, Ohio. Through a connection with a mutual friend that we shared, I was able to begin coaching a team of young men as a part of Jim's program. Because of our mutual passion for the game and because of Jim's eventual involvement with American Youth Basketball Tour, our paths would cross a number of times during the nearly 30 years that followed. Jim recently announced that he was "retiring" as an AYBT Director and effectively ending a 52-year love affair with this great game. I hope you enjoy my converation with Jim Clay about Basketball and Life.
Jul 24, 202357:20
Episode 80: Joe Campoli - Retired Head Basketball Coach - Ohio Northern University (Ada, Ohio)

Episode 80: Joe Campoli - Retired Head Basketball Coach - Ohio Northern University (Ada, Ohio)

After spending 17 years as an assistant coach at Ohio Northern University, Joe Campoli was appointed ONU’s head coach in 1992, at the age of 49, and became only the second first-year head coach to win an NCAA Division III national championship. Over 13 years in which there was not a losing season, ONU teams coached by Campoli won 254 games and lost 101. His .715 winning percentage is the all-time high at Ohio Northern. The Polar Bears won five Ohio Athletic Conference championships and four OAC Tournaments. They made seven NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to the Final Four. They defeated Augustana (Ill.) for the 1993 NCAA Title and returned to the Final Four in 2001, losing to Illinois Wesleyan. Campoli was selected as NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 1993 and 2001 and was named OAC Coach of the Year four times. This episode is long overdue, and is very much an attempt to honor a man that means as much or more to me than any other person in the basketball community. I am biased, but the man is an absolute treasure and I am truly honored to allow him to share some of his story about Basketball and Life.
Jul 17, 202346:51
Episode 26 - Bob Ghiloni - Head Basketball Coach (Retired) Denison University (Ohio)

Episode 26 - Bob Ghiloni - Head Basketball Coach (Retired) Denison University (Ohio)

Bob Ghiloni retired from Denison University immediately following the 2019-2020 season. He spent 18 years at the helm of the Division III program in Granville, Ohio. Coach Ghiloni had a non-traditional pathway into the coaching profession. He attended the regional campus at OSU-Newark for his first two years of college, before finishing his degree at the main campus of The Ohio State University. During college he coached Junior Varsity basketball at DeSales High School in Columbus before serving as an assistant at both Ohio Dominican University and Capital University. In 1987 he was hired as the head basketball coach of Bishop Ready High School in Columbus. Coach Ghiloni would spend 15 seasons leading the Ready program, and his tenure ended in 2002 with a state championship game appearance. His time at Denison University was highlighted by an NCAC Tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA Division III National Tournament in 2016. Coach Ghiloni retired as the 3rd winningest coach in Denison program history. His story in coaching is tremendous and his insights on basketball life are worth a listen. Please enjoy my visit with Denison University's Bob Ghiloni.
Jul 13, 202301:09:31
Episode 79: Bob Seggerson - Former Head Coach - Lima Central Catholic High School (Lima, Ohio)

Episode 79: Bob Seggerson - Former Head Coach - Lima Central Catholic High School (Lima, Ohio)

Bob Seggerson stepped down as the coach of Lima Central Catholic High School following his win in the Division 3 state championship game in 2010 ending a legendary career that saw his team compete at state on six different occasions. In addition to his state championship, his teams were state runner-ups in 1989 and 1994 and state semifinalists in 1992, 1993 and 2000.
Coach Seggerson was a huge impact on me as an aspiring coach during my days in high school and college. He has influenced countless coaches and players both during his 32-year career as a head coach, and since his retirement in 2010. Please enjoy my conversation with former Lima Central Catholic head coach Bob Seggerson.
Jul 10, 202301:01:45
Episode 77 - Jamie Kachmarik - Head Coach St. Francis High School (Toledo, Ohio)

Episode 77 - Jamie Kachmarik - Head Coach St. Francis High School (Toledo, Ohio)

Note: In the fall of 2020, Talkin' Hoops with Coach Jon Cook was interrupted for what was supposed to be one basketball season. For a couple of specific reasons, I was unable to publish what would have been the final episode of Season 1, or to resume the podcast for well over two years. I apologize to Jamie Kachmarik for that, and I am publishing this episode now as pre-cursor to the re-launch and the beginning of Season 2 of the Talkin' Hoops with Coach Jon Cook podcast. Thanks so much for listening and/or giving us a second chance and listening again.

For all of Season 1 this podcast has been about sharing the stories that make up the basketball journeys of our guests.  Perhaps no one who has joined the podcast has a journey that has touched so many levels of the basketball world and provided such rich experiences as the journey of Jamie Kachmarik.  Jamie joins me for this episode of the podcast and shares the story of his journey as well as how his stops have shaped his philosophy of basketball and of coaching.  Please enjoy my conversation with Coach Jamie Kachmarik of St. Francis High School in Toledo, Ohio.

Jun 15, 202301:19:45
Episode 76 - Dave Krauss - Former Assistant Coach University of Findlay & Head Coach at Patrick Henry High School

Episode 76 - Dave Krauss - Former Assistant Coach University of Findlay & Head Coach at Patrick Henry High School

This episode of the podcast is one of two that was recorded just prior to my unexpectedly being named as the head coach at Ada High School (you can listen to Episode 74 for the details on that situation).  I so greatly appreciate Coach Dave Krauss for sharing his time and the story of his journey with the podcast.  Coach Krauss was a remarkably successful high school coach including a state championship in Ohio at Patrick Henry High School, before joining the staff at the University of Findlay.  Please enjoy my conversation with Coach Dave Krauss.  

Jun 18, 202101:16:49
Episode 75 - Chris Oliver - Basketball Immersion and The Basketball Podcast

Episode 75 - Chris Oliver - Basketball Immersion and The Basketball Podcast

Chris Oliver, the founder of Basketball Immersion and the host of The Basketball Podcast, had a 23-year career coaching college basketball in Canada before launching the Basketball Immersion website (www.basketballimmersion.com). Through Basketball Immersion, Chris has created a community for basketball junkies and provides some of the best available content for coaches at all levels of the game, including The Basketball Podcast.
Chris is an innovative thinker, and a proponent of a games approach to coaching. His background in the study of skill acquisition and the science behind learning has led him to a belief that there simply is a better way to coach this game. His passion to "share the game" is remarkable and his knowledge is a valuable resource that has allowed him to consult with basketball programs from the youth level to college basketball as well as national programs around the world and even the NBA. I know you will enjoy today's conversation with Chris Oliver of Basketball Immersion and The Basketball Podcast.
Nov 10, 202059:25
Episode 74 - You Can't Make This Stuff Up

Episode 74 - You Can't Make This Stuff Up

The year 2020 just continues to be more and more bizarre.  When this podcast launched last spring no one, I mean no one, would have been able to convince me that coaching high school basketball again was in my immediate future.  But about a month ago some things began to transpire that ultimately resulted in me doing just that.  So as I prepare to begin this very unexpected season as the head basketball coach at Ada High School, today's episode of the podcast will give an explanation of just how we got here, and what is ahead for Talkin' Hoops: With Coach Jon Cook. 

Nov 08, 202020:24
Episode 73 - Matt Jones - MattJonesHoops.com

Episode 73 - Matt Jones - MattJonesHoops.com

My guest today is Bryan, Ohio native Matt Jones.  Matt is a basketball lifer who has bet on himself more often than most people twice his age in pursuit of a life in basketball. After high school, Matt played at two separate junior colleges before receiving a degree at Lourdes University, then beginning his coaching odyssey.  Mobile, Alabama, Miami, Florida and Charlotte, North Carolina are among the stops on his coaching journey that also includes a season coaching professionally in Israel under Brad Greenberg, before starting a basketball training and consulting business in Lexington, Kentucky..  Please enjoy my conversation with Matt Jones. 

Oct 19, 202059:06
Episode 72 - Brook Cupps - Head Coach Centerville High School (Ohio)

Episode 72 - Brook Cupps - Head Coach Centerville High School (Ohio)

Brook Cupps graduated from Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio near Springfield in 1995, and following a 4-year playing career at Capital University in Columbus, he returned to Graham.  He became the head coach in 2000 and spent 12 seasons building a high level basketball program at a relatively small school with a national reputation for wrestling.  But that is the information that anyone can get from Google.  What many don't know, and what Coach Cupps shares in today's episode is that in the midst of building his program things changed.  His focus, his understanding and his purpose as a basketball coach all began to evolve beyond as he says it, "...just coaching basketball like everyone else was coaching basketball...".  It was a change that he says saved his career as a basketball coach.  In 2012, following a remarkable run with the Falcons, including a trip to the state semifinals, Coach Cupps left his alma mater to become the head coach at Centerville High School.  With him came the somewhat unique and ever evolving philosophy of coaching that is more, a lot more than just style of play and X's & O's.  Please enjoy my fascinating conversation with Brook Cupps of Centerville High School.

Oct 14, 202001:12:00
Episode 71 - Brooks Miller - Head Coach Trine University (Angola, Indiana)

Episode 71 - Brooks Miller - Head Coach Trine University (Angola, Indiana)

How many coaches have a resume that includes a year of high school assistant coaching while working for a tree service, a stint as a Division II assistant, followed by a graduate assistant position under Bob Knight and time spent at a Texas junior college?  All of those are a part Brooks Miller's coaching journey.  Coach Miller is the head basketball coach at Trine University, an NCAA Division III school in Angola, Indiana.  Under Miller's leadership, The Thunder have become a perennial contender in the MIAA, and on the national scene in Division III basketball.  Please enjoy my conversation with Brooks Miller of Trine University. 

Oct 12, 202001:06:19
Episode 70 - Nate Axelrod - Assistant Coach Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, Ohio)

Episode 70 - Nate Axelrod - Assistant Coach Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, Ohio)

Nate Axelrod was a phenomenal player at Ohio Wesleyan University.  A 3-time North Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year, an All-American and the NCAA Division III National Player of the Year as a senior.  After beginning his college coaching career as an assistant at Oberlin College, and while planning to serve as a graduate assistant at Otterbein College, Coach Axelrod was given the unexpected opportunity to return to his alma mater last October, just days before the official start of practice.  In today's episode Coach Axelrod talks about his amazing transformation as player from his high school days at Dublin Coffman through his magical career at OWU, his brief experience coaching at recruiting at one of the truly academically elite institutions in the country at Oberlin and the transition from player to top assistant under Coach Mike DeWitt with the Bishops.  Please enjoy my visit with Nate Axelrod of Ohio Wesleyan University.  

Oct 09, 202001:01:30
Episode 69 - Kirk Lehman - Retired Head Coach - Defiance High School (Defiance, Ohio)

Episode 69 - Kirk Lehman - Retired Head Coach - Defiance High School (Defiance, Ohio)

I have often referred to the coaching profession as a fraternity or brotherhood, and it is.  However, it is also a highly competitive and sometimes ego-driven profession as well.  Because of that nearly everyone who has spent any time in coaching likely has members of the fraternity whom he/she dislikes.  Likewise, those of us who have spent time in the coaching ranks are likely to have coaches who dislike us.  It is just a fact of life in coaching.  Except, it seems, for Kirk Lehman.  I have been around high school coaching in Ohio for more than 25 years, and I have never heard anyone speak about Kirk Lehman that doesn't seem to absolutely love the guy.  That is just one reason that I am so excited to have him on the podcast.  Coach Lehman has had a remarkable journey in high school coaching.  After a playing career at Ohio University, Coach Lehman was an assistant at Logan High School.  He became the head coach at Rossford High School and after a tumultuous ending to his time there, he was out of high school coaching for a number of years before taking over the program at his alma mater, Defiance High School, where he won an improbable state title in 2017.  Coach Lehman retired after the 2020 season.  Please enjoy my visit with Kirk Lehman of Defiance High School. 

Oct 07, 202001:09:48
Episode 68 - Brett Hammons - Head Coach Lincolnview High School (Middle Point, Ohio)

Episode 68 - Brett Hammons - Head Coach Lincolnview High School (Middle Point, Ohio)

Brett Hammons has been coaching basketball at Lincolnview High School for 14 years.  He spent six years as an assistant, including four years as either the JV coach or the varsity assistant.  He has been the head coach for the past eight seasons and has led the program to remarkable success, including a trip to the state final four.  Coach Hammons is equal parts humble and ultra competitive, and in my estimation is one of the most underappreciated coaches in a northwest Ohio region that is overflowing with outstanding basketball coaches across all high school divisions.  As Brett prepares to begin his 9th season at the helm, he sat down with me to talk about his basketball journey from playing at Crestview High School and Defiance College through his time as an assistant, and now building his own program.  Please enjoy my visit with Brett Hammons of Lincolnview High School.


Oct 05, 202059:53
Episode 67 - Eric Rosenbeck - Head Coach St. Henry High School (St. Henry, Ohio)

Episode 67 - Eric Rosenbeck - Head Coach St. Henry High School (St. Henry, Ohio)

My guest today is Eric Rosenbeck of St. Henry High School. Eric grew up in Russia, Ohio, the son of a high school coach, AD and Principal. He played for legendary head coach Paul Bremigan at Russia High School then spent four years in the program at Capital University playing for Damon Goodwin. After graduating 2005, Coach Rosenbeck was an assistant coach at St. Mary's High School before coming to St. Henry where he coached under Joe Niekamp before taking over as the head coach in 2009. His team reached the state semifinals in 2019. He is set to begin his 12th year leading the Redskins and add to what has been a remarkable journey for the head coach/high school principal. Please enjoy my conversation with St. Henry High School's Eric Rosenbeck.
Oct 02, 202001:07:58
Episode 66 - Corey Britton - Head Coach - Fort Loramie High School (Fort Loramie, Ohio)

Episode 66 - Corey Britton - Head Coach - Fort Loramie High School (Fort Loramie, Ohio)

Corey Britton is a basketball lifer.  He grew up in northwest Ohio, the son of an outstanding high school basketball coach.  He attended college and was a student assistant at the University of Findlay with the Oiler basketball program that is a Division II national power. His first head coaching job was at Reedsville Eastern High School near Athens, Ohio immediately after graduating from Findlay in 2011.  After two years at Reedsville Eastern, Coach Britton was named head coach of the girls program at Riverside High School in DeGraff, Ohio for one season.  In 2014 he was hired to become the head coach at tradition-rich Fort Loramie High School in Shelby County.  In six years leading the Loramie program, Coach Britton has the Redskins competing annually for the Shelby County League championship and is a regular in the district and regional tournaments.  Please enjoy my conversation with Corey Britton of Fort Loramie High School. 

Sep 30, 202001:15:52
Episode 65 - Doug Krauss - Retired Head Coach Archbold High School

Episode 65 - Doug Krauss - Retired Head Coach Archbold High School

Doug Krauss spent 34 years as the head basketball coach at Archbold High School on northwest Ohio before retiring in 2018.  During his 34 years, Coach Krauss built (and maintained ) the BLue Streak program into one of the best programs in the state regardless of division.  With 18 league titles, 562 wins and 5 trips to the state final four, the success speaks for itself.  What the numbers don't tell, is the whole story of Krauss' journey at Archbold.  A journey that encompassed more than 40 years including a long run as the head baseball coach as well.  A journey that ironically began as a teacher and assistant wrestling coach.  Coach Krauss shares that story and so much more in today's episode.  Please enjoy my visit with Doug Krauss of Archbold High School.

Sep 28, 202001:15:33
Episode 64 - Dan Priest - Head Coach - Kenyon College (Gambier, Ohio)

Episode 64 - Dan Priest - Head Coach - Kenyon College (Gambier, Ohio)

Dan Priest has been involved in college coaching since the early 1990's.  After a stellar playing career at Ohio Northern University, Coach Priest began a coaching odyssey that has taken him to places like Oxford, Ohio, Hanover, Indiana and Conway, Arkansas among other stops on his way to becoming the head coach at one of the academically elite institutions of higher learning in the entire country, in Kenyon College.  Dan discusses his opportunity to both play for and work with legendary coaches like Gale Daugherty & Joe Campoli at ONU, Tates Locke at Miami University and Mike Beitzel at Hanover College.  Dan's journey has been a remarkable one and the challenges of building a program at Kenyon College are somewhat unique in Division III basketball.  Please enjoy my conversation with Dan Priest of Kenyon College.

Sep 25, 202001:00:53
Episode 63 - Kole Vivian - Head Coach Marietta College Women

Episode 63 - Kole Vivian - Head Coach Marietta College Women

From his time as an assistant with the women's program at Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Kole Vivian got used to winning.  In coming to Marietta College, first as an assistant, and ultimately as the head coach, winning was not a guarantee.  Vivian joined a program that had experienced minimal success at best in its history.  During his time as an assistant, the Pioneers began to make strides, but the real change in the fortunes of the program have come since Coach Vivian was promoted to he head coaching position in 2016.  Competing for conference championships has become expected and in 2018 the Pioneers won the OAC tournament title and earned a trip to the Division III national tournament.  Please enjoy my conversation with Kole Vivian of Marietta College Women's Basketball.

Sep 23, 202001:02:16
Episode 62 - Toby Carrigan - Head Coach - Mount St. Joseph University (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Episode 62 - Toby Carrigan - Head Coach - Mount St. Joseph University (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Toby Carrigan grew up in Indiana and played high school basketball at Rising Sun High School before a college career at Hanover College, where he played and then coached under legendary head coach Mike Beitzel. After one season as an assistant at Hanover, Coach Carrigan was hired as an assistant coach at Transylvania University for another legend in Don Lane, where the Pioneers were making the transition from NAIA Division I to NCAA Division III. When Coach Lane stepped down after the 2000-2001 season, he was unexpectedly succeeded by his son Brian Lane, who had been an assistant at Morehead State. Coach Carrigan remained as the top assistant at Transylvania through 2009. Following a two-year stint as the head coach at South Dearborn High School, he was hired at Mount St. Joseph, where he recently completed his 9th season leading the Lions. The two-time HCAC Coach of the Year shares the full story of his basketball journey in today's episode. Please enjoy my conversation with Toby Carrigan of Mount St. Joseph University.
Sep 21, 202001:14:27
Episode 61 - Dave Hirschy - Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach - Willard High School

Episode 61 - Dave Hirschy - Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach - Willard High School

If you are a high school basketball coach in northwest Ohio it is likely that you know Dave Hirschy.  If you are a person, coach or otherwise, who enjoys being around engaging, genuine, sincere, passionate, energetic people, then you should get to know Dave Hirschy.  I hope this podcast helps accomplish that.  Dave and I met nearly 30 years ago working basketball camp at Ohio Northern University.  We share a passion for the game of basketball, and ONU as a college alma mater.  What we also share is a fairly odyssey-like journey in coaching, and like many people, our stories have some less than pleasant life events that have shaped us in our own unique way.  In today's episode Dave Hirschy shares the story of his coaching journey and he is candid about how life can sometimes happen in a way that makes the game we are passionate about into something that is almost unimportant.  I recorded this podcast with Dave because he is my friend.  I hope you'll listen because Dave is a terrific person, with a great story, who also happens to be one of the biggest hoops junkies on planet Earth!  Please enjoy my conversation with Coach Dave Hirschy of Willard High School (Willard, Ohio).

Sep 19, 202001:25:04
Episode 60 - Zach Fleer - Co-Founder - 270Hoops.com

Episode 60 - Zach Fleer - Co-Founder - 270Hoops.com

My guest today is Zach Fleer.  Zach is the co-founder of 270Hoops.com, a website dedicated to coversing high school basketball in central Ohio, and particularly in the city of Columbus.  The "coverage" includes game reporting to be sure, but also includes scouting and exposure to college coaches and college programs particularly for high school players that may otherwise be overlooked.  During the restricted summer of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zach was able to coordinate and live stream "open runs", or competitive events that allowed players to play and college coaches to watch (live and on-line), and propelled a number of young men unto the recruiting scene during a time when opportunities were severely limited in Ohio.  Please enjoy today's episode as Zach Fleer of 270Hoops.com shares the story of his organization's humble beginnings and explosive growth in the is age of social media. 

Sep 16, 202001:07:07
Episode 59 - Mike Fuline - Head Basketball Coach - University of Mount Union

Episode 59 - Mike Fuline - Head Basketball Coach - University of Mount Union

Mike Fuline is a born and raised northeast Ohio guy who began his coaching career in Rootstown, Ohio. His success at Rootstown led to his hiring at Massillon Jackson High School, a Division I power in the state. Coach Fuline led the Polar Bears to the 2010 State Championship. The success of the program at Jackson resulted in the rare opportunity to make the move from high school coaching to the college ranks, nearby University of Mount Union sought out Coach Fuline to be a candidate for the vacant head coaching position in the spring 2011. In 9 easons at the helm, Coach Fuline has helped turn the Purple Raiders into a perennial contender in the always tough Ohio Athletic Conference, and a program that has recently become a national power as well. When the 2019-2020 season was ended prematurely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, his team was primed to play for a spot in the Division III Final Four. Please enjoy my visit with Coach Mike Fuline of the University of Mount Union.
Sep 14, 202001:35:09
Episode 58 - Eric Flannery - Head Basketball Coach - St. Edward High School (Lakewood, Ohio)

Episode 58 - Eric Flannery - Head Basketball Coach - St. Edward High School (Lakewood, Ohio)

Eric Flannery began his high school coaching journey as an assistant at his alma mater,  St. Edward High School, while he was still a college student, and he was named the head coach shortly after his graduation from Cleveland State University.  In his 24 years as the head coach at Ed's, the Eagles have won well over 400 games and captured State Championships in 1998 and 2014.  Coach Flan has also been involved in USA Basketball for the last decade and has been a part of the "resurgence" in US dominance on the international scene.  His coaching success has been remarkable and his basketball coaching journey is fascinating.  Please enjoy my visit with Eric Flannery of Lakewood St. Edward High School.  

Sep 11, 202001:05:26
Episode 57 - Clay Tucker - Former Lima Perry and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Standout

Episode 57 - Clay Tucker - Former Lima Perry and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Standout

The city of Lima, Ohio has been home to the recipient of the state's Mr. Basketball Award winner a total of 5 times since the award's inception in 1988. Any reasonable discussion about the greatest high school basketball player to come out of Lima should center on these young men. However, if the discussion were to be simply about the Lima native with the greatest basketball career, I believe the conversation may well begin and end with Clay Tucker (ok, and John McCullough). The quintessential late bloomer, Clay graduated after a tremendous career at Perry High School, with no scholarship offers. After attending an event for unsigned graduates (primarily junior college prospects). Clay received an offer from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. When Tucker left UW-M in 2003, he had led the team to near upset of Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament, and was the school's all-time leading scorer with just shy of 1800 points. He also played for two legendary coaches, two seasons each under Bo Ryan and Bruce Pearl. What followed college was a professional playing career that spanned more than 15 years playing for 19 different organizations, mostly in Europe, but also including two NBA Summer League stops as well as time in the NBA Developmental League (now the G-League). Tucker spent last season as a graduate assistant coach on Bruce Pearl's staff at Auburn University, and the 40-year-old Tucker is now pursuing a career in college coaching. Anyone want to bet against the unsigned high school senior turned college career scoring leader, who became the undrafted college graduate with a 15-year professional career. I am not making that bet. Please enjoy my conversation with Clay Tucker.
Sep 09, 202001:14:57
Episode 56 - Don Showalter - USA Basketball - Director of Coach Development

Episode 56 - Don Showalter - USA Basketball - Director of Coach Development

Don Showalter spent 42 years as a high school basketball coach in Iowa.  He led 4 programs, recorded more than 600 wins and made 6 state tournament appearances between 1975 and 2016.  In 1998, Coach Sho began his connection with USA Basketball at the 1998 Hoops Summit.  He was eventually named a coach of the US Junior National Team, and between 2009 and 2018, he led the U16 & U17 team to 10 gold medals in international competition!  His basketball journey is as remarkable as his success.  Please enjoy my conversation with Don Showalter of USA Basketball.  
Sep 07, 202001:12:21
Episode 55 - Carl Kremer - Head Coach Moeller High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Episode 55 - Carl Kremer - Head Coach Moeller High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

When Carl Kremer was hired to be a teacher and assistant coach at Moeller High School in 1984, the program was not a basketball powerhouse.  Things are just a bit different now.  Coach Kremer took over as the head coach in January of 1990.  Since then the Crusaders have won over 600 games and 5 Division I state championships in Ohio.  For the most part those are just numbers, what they represent is a basketball program that has been constructed on very specific core values, and that has been led by as steady and humble of a head coach as any program could be.  And Coach Kremer would want it said that the numbers also reflect a nearly continuous stream of remarkably talented and committed young men.  A journey that began with a college student at Eastern Kentucky University, who was heavily involved in student government and local politics has resulted in one of the most storied basketball traditions that the state of Ohio has ever seen.  Please enjoy my visit with Carl Kremer of Moeller High School.

Sep 04, 202001:11:47
Episode 54 - Santino Davis - Assistant Basketball Coach - Central State University

Episode 54 - Santino Davis - Assistant Basketball Coach - Central State University

Santino Davis was a standout player at St. Charles Preparatory Academy in Columbus, Ohio.  He graduated from The Ohio State University and began a career in the business world before being bitten by the coaching bug.  After serving as an assistant coach on the staff at St. Charles, Davis made the decision to go all in on coaching as a career.  Leaving behind his corporate career, he became an assistant coach at Ohio Dominican University where he spent 6 years before joining the staff at Central State.  Coach Davis has spent the last 13 years working in college coaching and as an athletic administrator.  ,He has had a challenging, difficult rewarding and certainly unique journey through the coaching profession.  Please enjoy my visit with Santino Davis of Central State University.

Sep 02, 202001:09:54
Episode 53 - Roger McEldowney - Head Basketball Coach - Arcanum High School (Arcanum, Ohio)

Episode 53 - Roger McEldowney - Head Basketball Coach - Arcanum High School (Arcanum, Ohio)

Not many coaches have ever had their very first head coaching opportunity slip through their fingers because budget cuts result in the elimination of their teaching position.  It happened to Roger McEldowney at Arcanum High School in the early 1990's.  Very few high school coaches are ever fortunate enough to win a state title. Roger McEldowney did, with the girls at Jackson Center High School in 1995.  An even smaller number are able to lead both a girls program and a boys program to the final game of the season. Roger McEldowney was able to do that when he led Versailles High School to the title game in 2004.  It is perhaps equally rare that a coach would have the opportunity to guide his alma mater to that championships game.  Did I mention that Roger McEldowney graduated from Versailles High School in 1983?  He also served as the Principal at Versailles when his brother Scott led the Tigers to the only other final four appearance in school history.  To cap off his remarkable journey in coaching, McEldowney was hired to be the head coach at Arcanum High School in the summer of 2019, coming full circle more than 25 years after losing his first head coaching opportunity because of the aforementioned budget cuts!  Coach McEldowney shares his full story and more with me today.  Please enjoy my visit with Roger McEldowney of Arcanum High School.  

Aug 31, 202001:21:38
Episode 52 - Jeremy Best - Former Head Coach - Crestview High School (Convoy, Ohio)

Episode 52 - Jeremy Best - Former Head Coach - Crestview High School (Convoy, Ohio)

When I met Jeremy Best he was a smooth shooting lefty who played for Guy Neal at what was then Bluffton College.  Now Jeremy is the former head coach of Crestview High School in Convoy, Ohio.  In between those seasons of his life he spent time as the head coach at Hilltop High School and and Delta High School, both in northwest Ohio.  After an early career that saw him spend just 2 seasons coaching junior high basketball before becoming a head coach at 24 years of age, Coach Best experienced real struggle at both Hilltop and Delta, before landing at Crestview.  A full 17 years, 3 trips to the state tournament and 2 state titles later, Coach Best decided to step down in 2019.  After his 1st year out of basketball in more than a quarter century, he was willing to sit down with me and reflect on his remarkable journey.  Please enjoy my conversation with Jeremy Best.

Aug 28, 202001:22:38
Episode 51 - Greg Mauk - Head Basketball Coach - Bath High School Girls (Lima, Ohio)

Episode 51 - Greg Mauk - Head Basketball Coach - Bath High School Girls (Lima, Ohio)

The Bath High School girls basketball program began in 1971, and is nearing 900 wins in program history.  All of those wins have been accomplished by two head coaches... Two!  Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame member Gretchen Prichard led the program from 1971 to 1998 with a record of 460-116 during her 28 seasons.  When Greg Mauk became head coach in 1998 the often unspoken sentiment surrounding the program was, "If he wins, he will be doing so because of the program that had been created.  And if he loses... well, it's all on him."  Fortunately for Greg Mauk, he has won, and won, and won some more.  With more than 400 wins and four trips to the state final four during his 22-year tenure, it is safe to say that the Wildkitten program has thrived under his leadership.  Coach Mauk is a unique leader from a family of leaders, his late sister Vicki coached Elida High School to a girls state championship in 1997, and his cousin Mike Mauk led the Kenton High School football program to state titles in 2001 and 2002.  Coach Mauk shares the story of his journey into coaching, from football to basketball, from boys to girls.  Please enjoy my conversation with Greg Mauk of Bath High School 

Aug 26, 202001:16:03
Episode 50 - Rob Summers - Assistant Basketball Coach - Cleveland State University

Episode 50 - Rob Summers - Assistant Basketball Coach - Cleveland State University

Rob Summers is among a rather large group of people in the coaching profession whom I met courtesy of the Ohio Northern University Basketball Camp. Of the entire group though, Rob may have the most intriguing odyssey through the game and into coaching. He played at two high major Division I universities (Penn State and West Virginia, where he played for John Beilein), was drafted into the NBA Developmental League (known now as the G League), played professionally overseas for multiple seasons, and began coaching only because an injury prematurely ended his time playing in Europe. His first foray into the world of coaching was as a graduate assistant coach for Bob Huggins at West Virginia and he had alternating stints at both the Division II and Division I levels, including three seasons as the head coach at Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio. He is set to begin his 2nd season on the staff at Cleveland State this fall, and was gracious enough to share his full story with me. Please enjoy my conversation with Rob Summers of Cleveland State University.
Aug 24, 202001:23:31