Beyond the Ball Coaching Podcast

Glenn Caruso, Head Coach, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) The 42-year-old Connecticut native has built an 87-14 record in his eight seasons at St. Thomas, with six NCAA playoff berths and a 15-6 postseason mark. He’s among Division III’s most accomplished coaches — in any sport — age 45 or under. That five-year run from 2008-2012 completed the biggest turnaround in Division III football bringing the Tommies from a No. 206 national ranking to No. 2. In the last 11 years, UST is one of only three D-III programs to play in a Stagg Bowl national championship game. In this decade alone, UST is 69-9. In guiding the 2012 Tommies’ NCAA runner-up finish, Caruso was voted by his peers as the Division III National Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA). He received the same AFCA honor in a voting of his peers in 2015. The 2015 team was unbeaten during the regular season with a 10-0 record and won the MIAC championship. The season ended with another second-place national finish and 14-1 after appearing in the Stagg Bowl and falling 49-35 to Mount Union. (Bio from TommieSports.com).

Rod Sandberg, Head Coach, Whitworth University (Spokane, WA) Now in his third season as Whitworth University’s head football coach in 2016, Rod Sandberg guided the Pirates to the NCAA Division III playoffs in his second year in 2015 after posting a 9-1 regular season record. Sandberg served as Wheaton College (Ill.) defensive coordinator 11 years, from 2003 through 2013, and he had been on the Thunder’s staff as the linebackers’ coach since 1995 (19 seasons). Wheaton made the NCAA Division III playoffs five times during Sandberg’s tenure as defensive coordinator.  The team never lost a first round playoff game and reached the Division III semifinals in 2008 and quarterfinals in 2003. (taken from WhitworthPirtates.com) Coach Sandberg’s Book Recommendations Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek         Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman         Burn Your Goals by Joshua Medcalf and Jamie Gilbert

Brian Emerson, Retired Texas High School Head Coach Brian Emerson recently retired from coaching Texas High School Football. Emerson spent nearly three decades as a head coach an athletic director in Central Texas. He compiled a career record of 163 – 121 with 2 consecutive Texas High School State Championship appearances winning the 2A State Championship in 2001. His three coaching stints included stops in Blanco, Medina Valley, and Lampasas.

Darrell Sutherland, Head Coach, Bartram Trail High School (St. Johns, FL) Sutherland has been the head coach for Bartram Trail High School in St. Johns, Fla., for 14 years. He has more than 22 years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels. He spent three years as the strength and special teams coordinator at Bridgewater College (Va.). He was named as the Jacksonville Jaguars Coach of the Year and St. Johns County Character Counts Coach of the Year.    (Bio via usafootball.com)   Coach Sutherland’s Book Recommendations Inside Out Coaching by Joe Ehrmann

Toby Trotter, Defensive Backs, Highland Park High School (TX) Coach Toby Trotter spent time coaching at Louisiana College, Southern Nazarene University, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University before joining the staff in his current role at Highland Park High School. In addition to his deep coaching experience, Trotter has also done work as a local representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Team Chaplain for Texas Christian University football. In the middle of his coaching run, Toby stepped away briefly for a stint as a sports agent for professional baseball players.   Coach Trotter’s Book Recommendation Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men by Stephen Mansfield

Todd Wofford, Head Coach at Central Gwinnett High School (Lawrenceville, GA) Head Coach-Todd Wofford Coach Todd Wofford has more than 20 years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, including Presbyterian College (Clinton, SC), Gainesville High School (GA), Peachtree Ridge High School (GA), and his current post at Central Gwinnett. In 2012 and 2013, he was a Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominee. During his tenure at Central, Coach Wofford has turned the Black Knights into serious contenders in what is widely acknowledged as the most competitive region in the state.       Central Gwinnett Football Stadium             Coach Wofford Book Recommendations Above the Line by Urban Meyer and Wayne Coffey

Tim Krause, Head Coach, Nease High School (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) Tim Krause is entering his third season as the head football coach at Nease in 2016. In his second season, he took the Panthers to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. Prior to his role at Nease, Coach Krause was the offensive coordinator at Bishop Kenny for 6 seasons and helped produce one of the top offenses in the state of Florida. His quarterback, John Wolford, set numerous state and national records. Coach Krause’s Book Recommendations Good to Great by Jim Collins         Lead for God’s Sake by Todd Gongwer         The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle         Win in the Locker Room First by Jon Gordon and Mike Smith           Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin         Chasing Perfection by Bob Ladouceur and Neil Hayes

Mark Hamstra – Head Coach, Chicago Bulls College Prep (Chicago, IL) Coach Mark Hamstra will take on his second year at the helm of the Bulls Prep football program in the 2016 football season. Hamstra has been at the school since 2010 and has worked his way up through the football program to his current position as head coach. In his first season, Coach Hamstra led the Bulls to an appearance in the Noble Bowl which represents the championship game for 17 like-minded high schools throughout the city of Chicago. Prior to his time at Chicago Bulls Prep, Mark served in the Army for six years while having spent deployments in Southern Afghanistan. During the episode, Garrett brings up a story about Coach Hamstra performing an Eminem song for his students. The following is actual proof of the event: Mark Hamstra – Eminem Performance Coach Hamstra’s Book Recommendations Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal         Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris          

Larry Hill – Head Coach, Smithson Valley High School (Spring Branch, TX) Coach Larry Hill has a career head coaching record of 249-75. Coach Hill has been at Smithson Valley High School since 1993. In 2015, Hill led the Smithson Valley Rangers to the Class 6A Division I State Quarterfinals. Coach Hill previously took his program to championship game appearances in 2001, 2002, and 2004 as well as six state semifinal appearances and 12 district championships. Hill also served as the president for the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) and on the board of directors. In July of 2016, Coach Hill will be inducted into the THSCA Hall of Honor for his dedication to molding the lives of thousands of his players over the course of his 23 years at Smithson Valley. Coach Hill’s Book Recommendations The Score Takes Care of Itself by Bill Walsh, Steve Jamison, and Craig Walsh         When Pride Still Mattered by David Maraniss          

Aaron Hafner – Head Coach, Luther College (Decorah, IA) The 2016 season will be the fourth as the head coach at Luther College for Aaron Hafner. Prior to his time at Luther, Coach Hafner was the Offensive Coordinator at William Penn University where the Statesmen were Mid-States West Conference Champions in 2010 and 2012. Hafner’s offense broke the NAIA season rushing record in 2010. Prior to his time in college coaching, Coach Hafner was the head coach at Republic High School (Missouri), Francis Howell Central High School (Missouri), and Riverton High School (Kansas).   Coach Hafner’s Book Recommendation Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin          

Nick Andrusisian – Video Coordinator, Elon University (Elon, NC) Contact Info: nandrusisian@elon.edu Award-winning videographer Nick Andrusisian joined the Elon staff as athletic video coordinator in the March of 2014 following nearly two years on the staff at the University of Akron. Andrusisian’s role at Elon has him serve as the lead videographer for the Phoenix football team. He is responsible for shooting and editing coaches video. Additionally, he produces highlight, motivational and recruiting videos as well as social media graphics. At Akron, Andrusisian served as a football video assistant. It was his work at Akron that won him second place for the best motivational video in the 2014 College Sports Video Association’s SAVVY awards program. Andrusisian also spent time as the football video coordinator at Saint Ignatius Preparatory in San Francisco, Calif. Prior to his work with football teams, Andrusisian was a producer and sports photographer at an ABC affiliate in Central Texas. Andrusisian earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Fordham University in 2005 and a master’s in sport science/coaching from Akron in 2014. The College Sports Video Association named him the 2012 High School Video Coordinator of the Year. He has also collected honors from the New York State Broadcasters Association, Society of Professional Journalists, New York State AP Radio Broadcasters Association and Young American Broadcasters. (Bio from Elon Football) Samples of Work SkullSparks Article with Andrusisian

Nick Johnson – Head Coach, Earlham College (Richmond, IN) Nick Johnson enters his second year as head football coach at Earlham College in 2016. Johnson earned Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Coach of the Year honors in his first season leading the Quakers. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native was an assistant coach for the Quakers in football from 2003-12, serving the last five years as the defensive coordinator. He also served as Earlham’s head track coach for 12 years prior to moving back to the football program. A 2001 graduate of Earlham College, Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Human Development and Social Relations. He served as the Quakers’ assistant track and cross country coach prior to 2004. As an athlete for the Quakers, he was a four-year letterman in both football and track. As a defensive lineman Johnson shares an Earlham football record with four quarterback sacks in a single game and led the team in sacks as a senior with nine. In addition to his coaching duties, Johnson serves as assistant professor in the Athletic and Wellness program. Nick is the faculty advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Nick and his wife Melissa reside in Richmond with their daughter Jayden and son Jacob. (Bio from GoEarlham.com) The Very Human Story Behind Earlham’s Winless Record Coach Nick Johnson Wins HCAC Coach of the Year Help Mel Fight In this episode, we speak with Coach Johnson about his wife Melissa and the remarkable courage she has shown in the face of tremendous challenge. Learn more about Melissa’s fight by clicking on the link to “Help Mel Fight.” Coach Johnson’s Book Recommendations Finding the Winning Edge by Bill Walsh, Brian Billick, and James Peterson        

Drew Pearson – Head Coach, Delaware County Christian School (Newtown Square, PA) Upon graduation from Wheaton College, Coach Pearson moved to Phoenix, Arizona and began a career in the financial industry. After the economic downturn in 2008-2009, Drew helped launch a privately funded non-profit to benefit his community and began volunteering as a football coach at Valley Vista High School. He quickly developed as a coach, accepting more responsibility each year.  In 2013, he accepted his first head coaching role at Delaware County Christian School, outside Philadelphia, PA. In his first year, he coached the 2013 team to a district championship appearance while successfully turning around the program (8 wins 3 losses) after a previous 3-win season.  He coached the 2014 team to a 9-3 record and its 1st District Championship.  The 2015 team achieved new heights, going 10-2 with an undefeated League Championship and a return to the District Championship.  He has brought energy and enthusiasm while increasing participation levels in the program by 40%.  He was recognized as the 2015 BAL Coach of the Year. In addition, Coach Pearson was the winning head coach of the county all-star game, the 2015 Hero Bowl. Coach Pearson’s Book Recommendation Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx           Prodigal God by Timothy Keller          

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series. Head over to Episode 18 for Part 1. Mike Swider – Head Coach, Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) Mike Swider has posted a 170-45 record in 20 years at the helm of the Wheaton College (IL) program and his 170 career wins are the most in school history. Coach Swider was recognized as the 2015 Division III North Region (Region 4) Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).  The recognition marks the third time that Swider has earned the Regional Coach of the Year award from the AFCA, also earning the honor in 2003 and 2014. His 2015 Thunder squad posted a 10-0 record during the regular season, marking the sixth time in school history that a Wheaton team compiled an undefeated and untied record in the regular season and the first time it has happened in back-to-back seasons. This past season also marked the 18th CCIW Football Championship in the program’s history and the eighth in Swider’s 20 year’s leading the program. Coach Swider was also named the 2015 winner of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin’s (CCIW) “Bob Reade Coach of the Year” award for the sixth time in his career, also winning the honor in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2014. DOWNLOAD COACH SWIDER’S “DOZEN DEMANDS”

Mike Swider – Head Coach, Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) Mike Swider has posted a 170-45 record in 20 years at the helm of the Wheaton College (IL) program and his 170 career wins are the most in school history. Coach Swider was recognized as the 2015 Division III North Region (Region 4) Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).  The recognition marks the third time that Swider has earned the Regional Coach of the Year award from the AFCA, also earning the honor in 2003 and 2014. His 2015 Thunder squad posted a 10-0 record during the regular season, marking the sixth time in school history that a Wheaton team compiled an undefeated and untied record in the regular season and the first time it has happened in back-to-back seasons. This past season also marked the 18th CCIW Football Championship in the program’s history and the eighth in Swider’s 20 year’s leading the program. Coach Swider was also named the 2015 winner of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin’s (CCIW) “Bob Reade Coach of the Year” award for the sixth time in his career, also winning the honor in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2014. DOWNLOAD COACH SWIDER’S “DOZEN DEMANDS”  

Jimmy Chupp – Head Coach, King’s Ridge Christian School (Alpharetta, GA) Coach Chupp is a 27-year coaching veteran. As a head coach, Chupp has a career record of 89-24, including 9 state playoff appearances and a state championship appearance while at Greater Atlanta Christian School. His career includes experience at coaching in both private and public high school programs with a total of 19 years at Greater Atlanta and 8 years at Brookwood High School. He has also coached baseball, tennis, track and basketball.     Coach Chupp’s Book Recommendation The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins

Christian Robinson – Assistant Coach, Ole Miss Bio (from OleMissSports.com) Christian Robinson, a former SEC linebacker, is in his first season as a defensive graduate assistant at Ole Miss. He will work primarily with the defensive line. Robinson spent the previous two seasons as a defensive graduate assistant and quality control assistant as his alma mater, the University of Georgia. He helped the Bulldogs lead the SEC in turnover margin and rank among the nation’s best pass defenses in 2014. A native of Norcross, Georgia, Robinson played in 51 games with 17 starts as a linebacker during his Georgia career from 2009-12, compiling 159 tackles, 22.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. He was a part of back-to-back SEC Eastern Division title teams in 2011 and 2012. Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Georgia in 2012 and attended mini-camp with the St. Louis Rams before pursuing a coaching career. He is the son of Ken and Lori Robinson. His father played linebacker at South Carolina and with the NFL’s Washington Redskins. Coach Robinson’s Book Recommendation If by Mark Batterson

Robert Guerrero – Assistant Head Coach and DB Coach, Tri-City Christian (Vista, CA) Coach Guerrero grew up and played football at Vista High School in Vista, CA. By the time he was 21, Coach G started coaching at his alma mater from 2003-09. Robert took a break from coaching organized football and worked mostly with individuals to improve their game while also becoming a full-time pastor. In 2014, he joined the staff at Cathedral Catholic High School and in 2015 joined on at Tri-City Christian.     Coach Guererro’s Book Recommendation Lead for God’s Sake by Todd Gongwer and Urban Meyer            

Ken Irvin – Defensive Backs Coach, Greater Atlanta Christian (Norcross, GA) Embed from Getty Images Ken Irvin played 12 years in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, and Minnesota Vikings. He played is college ball at the University of Memphis where he earned All-American Honors. Prior to that, Irvin played his high school ball in Rome, GA at Pepperell High School. From 2010 to 2016, Ken’s coaching career has spanned everything from 7th grade football to varsity high school football. Coach Irvin is currently the Defensive Backs coach at Greater Atlanta Christian. Coach Irvin Book Recommendation The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy  

In this episode of the podcast, Shane and Garrett dig into six leadership styles that coaches and players can use to lead in any aspect of your program. The fellas reference THIS DOCUMENT throughout the episode which can be used to educate your staff and team. And…we also discuss Will Hammock’s article on us in the Gwinnett Daily Post which you can read HERE.