The Teacher Coach with T.K. Griffith and Scott Matthew Callaghan

Jeff Brink is perhaps the most enthusiastic teacher coach we have ever had on the podcast. From the moment we hit record, we were treated to story after story about what makes this man tick. A passionate and energetic history teacher, Brink inspires students with his boundless charisma and storytelling prowess. He created and planned his own class on Military History and uses metaphors and historical episodes to teach life lessons to his players and students. Henry Johnson, a black soldier during WW 1 who saved countess lives in a foxhole by fending off 25 Germans on his own, is one such story he shared with us. Just a few days ago, Brink made the decision to come back home and coach at his hometown school: New Middletown Springfield. Brink led Springfield to a district championship in the early 2000s before coaching at Salem and then coming to Hudson...and he dreams of making a state run to Dayton with his alma mater. If he does, it certain the bus will make a few pitstops on the way down to enlighten his players on the significance of a few Ohio historical markers. Buckle up for Coach Brink! Support the Show.

Mike Bluey was raised in the tradition-rich area of western PA near Erie. After his high school playing career, a random phone call to Kennedy Catholic changed the trajectory of his career as legendary coach Joe Votino took him for the week and offered him a job as an assistant while still in college at YSU. Instead of the military, he was headed to the hardwood and the bench. Along the way, he met Mike Fuline and became a head coach at Springfield and Tallmadge after roles as an assistant at Rootstown, Jackson and Mount Union. Eventually, he landed at Hoover and just finished an incredible year...turning a 1-5 start into a Regional berth. Mike's teams reflect his personality: disciplined, regimented and resilient. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. Support the Show.

B.J. Sanderson grew up in the basketball rich community of the Triway Titans, wearing purple and dreaming big hoop dreams. Today, he is a titan in his own right as a much heralded coach at Norton High School. Sanderson led the Panthers to their first district championship in 31 years and was one step away from the school's first district championship since 1951. Influenced by his father, his coaches Randy Montgomery and Keith Snoddy and by his loyal wife, BJ has navigated the highs and lows of the teaching and coaching profession. Now with three daughters of his own, this 3rd grade teacher and head varsity boys coach shares his journey of improvement and success. Listen to this podcast if YOU want to build a program the right way! Support the Show.

Matt Goul has spent 20 years honing his craft of journalism, writing and storytelling so that he can capture moments of joys forever. Now a cornerstone of the northeast Ohio sports scene with cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer, Goul's tremendous work ethic and grit started early. As a 240lb freshmen, Goul stuck with football after a freshmen basketball season that he cherished. He then served as the cameraman for both the boys and girls basketball programs at Oberlin and fell in love with capturing the scene from behind the lens. This parlayed itself into a journalism major at Kent State University and twenty-some years later coaches and players measure themselves by earning a spot in his top 25 poll and coverage. Although he is just one man, Gould does a yeoman's effort to cast a wide net and cover as many quality football and basketball games as possible. As coaches, we thank him for his ability to write, film and capture the moments that we all cherish so much. In his first job in PA, Goul transformed his physical self as well with a daily regimen of lifting and running--eventually trimming down to his current 170 pound frame. Even on bicep day, Goul's steno pad rests firmly in place while the southpaw films and writes like a maestro. Enjoy this episode! Support the Show.

Kelly Kennedy climbed the coaching ladder faster than her wildest dreams could ever imagine. Going from a Division III assistant to the NCAA Div. 1 bench at power conference schools led to her lifelong dream of becoming a head coach when Mike Thomas offered her a chance to become the University of Akron head coach. But, her dream soon became a nightmare when four years later she was fired by the new AD after the losses piled up. Thinking herself a failure for many years, Kennedy explores the negative self talk, emotional baggage of our youths and empty promises of money and career. When she found her true head coach, God, after being inspired at a business conference...she decided to pen this book to help coaches and professionals evaluate where they find their worth. Kelly's three daughters and husband Todd live in Akron, OH now and I have the pleasure of teaching the talented, intelligent and joyful oldest daughter Molly. Through listening, I think you will find that Kelly Kennedy is certainly not a failure---she a winner in every way. It is ok to lose, but it's not okay to listen to our insecurities that lie to us each day. Support the Show.

The ultimate teacher in life is a Mom, a spouse, a friend and a coach's wife. Amy is all of these and more. She commands respect with her diligent attention to the details of life. Her pride and joy, without a doubt, are her kids: Allie, Austin, Abby and Andrew. She and her sister, Emily, share a special bond as well. In this episode, which will only be aired for a few days, Amy's cousins, sister, kids, husband [me], aunts, uncles, Dad and extended family members reflect on how Amy has impacted their lives. She demanded no surprise parties, no big events, no Chippendales jumping out of a cake, et cetera for her 50th...but she never said "no podcasts." So, enjoy these reflections on Amy. I hope she knows how loved she is! Support the Show.

Kevin Furtado may just be the most intriguing guest we've had on the podcast thus far. A 30-year veteran with well over 400 wins, Furtado grew up in California and attended summer basketball camp (as an 8-year-old via metro bus) with the inventor of the flex offense [Carrol Williams] at Santa Clara University. When they treated him like somebody, he fell in love with game. Fast-forward many years and Furtado has branded himself as a turnaround expert who takes programs with no tradition and turns them into winners by using his system and core values. Word pictures like "Row the Boat" and "oar" and "compass" and "tree" guide his verbal cues and shed light on a few nuggets you will certainly learn from this podcast. Furtado also hosts his own podcast and has produced over 225 episodes. His website championshipvision.org also is a wealth of basketball clinics and ideas. Enjoy this episode. It is one of our favorites. Support the Show.

Chris Hamilton and his parents drifted across more states than an Oklahoma tumbleweed, but his most recent landing spot at Nebraska Wesleyan with head coach Dale Wellman feels like home. With Wellman's acumen, humor and tutelage, Hamilton continues to soak in various lessons and wisdom as he perfects the craft of coaching. The son of an Air Force clinical psychologist father and a Presbyterian minister mother, Hamilton was shown an incredible example of partnership, love and adaptability from his parents. He uses that wisdom to influence the lives he impacts in coaching. Making each moment more than basketball and meeting players where they are define two key characteristics of Hamilton...but he also shares the unique perspective of his coaching tree in Nathan Davis[Bucknell Head Coach], Josh Merkel [Randolph Macon Head Coach] Jamion Christian [George Washington Head Coach] and Dale Wellman. We hope you enjoy the lessons of the 3-2 zone and the basketball nuggets as well. Support the Show.

Dave Close, owner of over 500 wins on the sidelines of the high school basketball world, went from the driveways of Stow as a youth to the sideline of Stow High where he has spent a lifetime impacting lives. Coaching his Stow teams to two Final Fours, national rankings and numerous regional appearance would seem to be his claim to fame. But, it's not. A faith-filled, caring man, Close considered being a minister before his college coach Paul Patterson at Taylor University steered him toward the ministry of coaching. A commitment to forming young boys into men ensued, and Close is one of the best at mixing love of players with accountability and rigor. Often misunderstood perhaps or even stereotyped as "old-school," Close has adapted and changed in more ways than most contemporary coaches: offensive systems, practices, drills, communication, game management and defensive schemes. But one thing has never changed--his relentless pursuit of excellence, his will to never give anything but his best to his players, and his strong faith and family oriented love of Stow basketball and its many players past and present. We are lucky that we have seen his evolution and excellence in the greater Akron area. Thank you Coach Close for evening the evening with us! Support the Show.

Ralph Orsini, who has won more games on the grid iron sidelines at Hoban than any coach in school history, will rejoin the Knights this fall as an assistant with now head coach Tim Tyrrell. Ralph's coaching style was forged in Mingo Junction, OH--near Steubenville-- where a slew of teachers and coaches taught him the values he holds dear. A college football career with great mentors at Youngstown State University persuaded him to study history and education. He started his teaching and coaching career at Centerburg High in central Ohio and then went to Cardinal Stritch to be a head coach for the first time. The lessons learned there allowed him to eventually take over for Mo Tipton at Hoban and serve as head coach for well over 20 seasons. The Knights beat their rivals an unprecedented nine times in a row and went to the state final four twice under Orsini's tutelage. More importantly, Ralph's calm and fatherly demeanor gave his players and assistants space to lead, learn and grow under his goodness and knowledge. He has never changed his faith-filled demeanor and integrity, and his own children [who all played varsity sports at Hoban] still bleed blue and gold and channel their's Dad's values in their own lives. His wife Kathy also teaches and has coached several varsity basketball teams in her own career. They reside near Massillon, Ohio. Support the Show.

Justin Todd's high school football coach looked to his right and saw then-college-sophomore Justin in the stands back at his alma mater, East Knox High, to watch the football game that night. The hall of fame coach called Justin Todd down to his side, asked him to stand with him on the sidelines that night while he coached, and sparked a lifelong passion for Justin Todd, known today as one of the best high school football coaches in the state. Turning programs into gold at Loudonville, Mt. Vernon and Wadsworth, Todd's magical touch is actually not magic at all--it's simply a tireless work ethic, energizer bunny energy, inspiring charisma and authentic knack at building culture that is unrivaled by others. A wide array of educational positions--from physical education teacher to career center program director, athletic director, assistant principal, and others---has strengthened his skill set. But, his love of impacting lives and his innovative coaching mind have led to brilliance thus far for this shooting star of the teacher/coach world. Support the Show.

Cody Calhoun was born and bred a Bulldog. Forged in the Green, Ohio, youth basketball system that his father, Rick, spent a decade running for Coach Mark Kinsley, Cody learned the essentials of the basketball world. Toughness, physicality and defense were the staples he was raised on, and leadership and relationships guided his upbringing as well as his current coaching philosophy. At Rootstown High School, Cody guided the Rovers to a league championship game appearance his first season, and last year the Rovers battled youth and a tough veteran league with pride. As an intervention specialist, patience and repetition serve him well. On the court, players know that they can count on their coach to put the time in that is deserved. From 6 a.m. shooting to lifting and skill sessions, Calhoun will certainly leave his imprint on the Rovers as they should be a team to reckon with in the near future. Support the Show.

Danny Young has devoted his life to the young men and women at Shaker Heights School District. As a teacher, counselor, principal, assistant coach and head coach, Danny has always led with class, charisma and heart. This episode speaks to his history, his influences, his six regional appearances, and his views on shaping young men to become leaders in the turbulent societal time. Danny shares a few key ideas from his church pastor as well, and these are precious scripture-based tenants we all should hear right now. The podcast really shows why Danny Young is such a respected mentor. Support the Show.

Tyler Bates was named the head coach of the Loudonville Girls Basketball program in the spring of 2013. Upon his hiring, Bates was the youngest head coach in the state of Ohio at only 22 years old. Under Bates’ guidance, the Redbirds finished with 20+ wins (2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019) in back-to-back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. The success of his teams has helped him earn coach of the year recognition from the Ashland Times Gazette, Wooster Daily Record, Northeast Inland District and Mid-Buckeye Conference. In the spring of 2019 – Bates was named to the WBCA 30 Under 30 Team – an award given by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association to 30 of the best young coaches in the country. Upon winning the award – Bates was only the 2nd HS coach ever and the 1st from Ohio. Bates’ teams have earned state rankings from the Ohio Girls Basketball Report and Ohio Prep Sportswriters associations. During the 2017-2018 season – the Redbirds became the first team in the history of Ashland County to participate in the prestigious Classic in the Country at Berlin Hiland. Bates has coached 6 All-Ohio performers (Andie Heffelfinger x2, Nikki Weberx2, Celeste Ryman x2) and 4 Mid Buckeye Conference MVP’s (Heffelfinger, Weber, Ryman x2) during his time at Loudonville. In 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, the Loudonville Redbirds were named the top academic girls basketball team in the state of Ohio by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association. In addition to coaching basketball at Loudonville, Bates teaches Geometry and Transitions to College Math. He served as an assistant coach for Justin Todd and the Loudonville Football program in 2013 and 2014 – assisting the program with 2 trips the OHSAA state playoffs. Bates’ additional duties at Loudonville have included fall site manager, summer weight room advisor and high school student council advisor. Prior to starting the Buckeye State Blast, Bates coached for Team Huddle out of Canton and NEO Swish out of Wooster. He has worked numerous events for the Ohio Girls Basketball Report – as well as a number of residential camps for colleges and universities in the region. In 2018 – Bates founded the NEO 3 on 3 Summer League – which features top HS and College teams from the state of Ohio. In 2019 – Bates directed the first Ohio Summer Showcase at the College of Wooster, 180 HS prospects from Ohio and surrounding states – in front of nearly 50 college coaches. Support the Show.

Goncalo Marques, from Lisbon, Portugal, shares his incredible insights learned through his clinical psychology and sports psychology background. Marques, a young man who will be working with club teams in the Portugal soccer world as a sports psychologist, believes that coaches must not paint the full picture for their athletes, but should instead provide a palette upon which the players can paint their own masterpiece. He argues that authoritarian coaches only harm the learning process. Coaches must adjust their vision and be more collaborative, more loving, more flexible and more validating if they wish to truly teach excellence. Support the Show.

Dan Kiser has spent more time with legendary coaches than any "normal" high school coach we know. From Don Meyer to Morgan Woooten and Howard Garfinkel, Bob Hurley, Dan Hughes, Steve Fisher, Bob Huggins, Steve Moore and Nate Oates, Dan Kiser has learned the game with the legends by working camps, sharing information and immersing himself in the sport. A stellar high school career at Wadsworth in Ohio sparked a lifelong passion for the game, and at the young age of 26 Dan found himself a college head coach on the east coast. Although the success did not come easily, he then moved on to multiple coaching roles and is now the assistant coach at Randolph High. His day job at the Brandon School, a school that serves boys who deal with social and emotional issues, has taught Kiser the value of listening. Trust and love is at the heart of what the kids need, and Dan's sense of humor and real approach endear him with the kids. After quarantining with Covid-19, Kiser hopes to get back to the court soon as we open up the gyms soon. Support the Show.

Josh Jakacki was a well heralded basketball player in the northeast Ohio basketball scene in 1994 starring at Crestwood High School. He went on to have a hall-of-fame career at Hiram College where his mother had worked and he had lived. His coaching career--both at Kenston and at Crestwood-- has been built on toughness, honesty and collaboration. Ever adapting to his teams' strengths, Josh coached both of his sons at Crestwood and formed lifelong memories not only with his family but the Crestwood family at large. His year round commitment to the school, evidenced by his role as head track coach and football assistant, speaks to his willingness to work tirelessly for his community. In addition, he trains over 150 young athletes with his personal basketball training business. Next year will be his last on the bench for his hometown school. Support the Show.

Kevin Byrne has a much different resume than most high school coaches. Raised in Stow and Silver Lake, OH, Byrne played Stow junior pro basketball, CYO hoops for Holy Family Parish, high school ball for Walsh Jesuit and college ball at Carnegie Mellon. He even added European play to his resume before starting a college coaching journey that saw him win first-ever league championships at Carnegie Mellon and MIT--both as an assistant. He then served four years as the Ohio Northern head coach and two years as a Div. 1 assistant at Akron. Kevin, who is expecting his fourth child with his wife this week, has settled back where it all started on the bench at Walsh Jesuit and has logged two very good years thus far. You'll enjoy his journey and you will learn some very valuable nuggets about close outs, zone defense, offensive movement and player development. Support the Show.

Matthew Koch has demonstrated excellence across the spectrum of his professional life and coaching life. As the hockey coach for the University of Akron club team, Koch recruits boys and teaches them how to become men through unique LIFE U program and his emphasis and responsibility and accountability. Perceived as a task master on the surface, Koch actually teaches his teams to eventually coach themselves through internal leadership structures and offices. Players learn to be accountable for travel itinerary, lodging, behavior, film and decision making. Trust us, if you are a coach or teacher, you will love this podcast episode. Shout out to asst. coach Joe St. Jean for referring this guest to us. Support the Show.

Mike Moser has been a lifelong learner and lifelong educator. As a teacher coach in the Wadsworth schools, Mike has had many roles on the sidelines. He left to be the head coach at Medina Highland on the girls' side. He had success, came back to Wadsworth to assist, and now finds himself in a rebuilding project at Wadsworth as the head boys' coach. He has great optimism in the young group currently under his helm, and we know he will do great things as he exudes authenticity, faith and mission in all he does. He and his wife have four children and are proud to call Wadsworth home. Support the Show.