In this engaging conversation, Chris Howard, the head baseball coach at Penn College, shares his remarkable journey from a multi-sport athlete to a successful coach. He reflects on his early experiences in sports, the challenges of transitioning from football to baseball, and the unexpected twists of the Major League Draft. Chris discusses his coaching philosophy, the importance of building relationships with players, and the values that drive his program's success. He emphasizes the significance of recruiting the right athletes and the lasting impact of memorable moments beyond just wins and losses.

takeaways

• Chris Howard has a rich background in both football and baseball.
• He transitioned from football to baseball during college, following his passion.
• The Major League Draft experience was nerve-wracking and surprising for Chris.
• Williamsport holds a special place in Chris's heart, connecting his past and present.
• Coaching was not an immediate path for Chris; he found his way back to the game.
• Winning the first conference championship was a pivotal moment for Penn College baseball.
• Chris emphasizes the importance of recruiting the right type of student-athletes.
• Building relationships with players is a key aspect of coaching for Chris.
• Success in sports is not just about winning; it's about the experiences and relationships formed.
• Chris aims to prepare his players for life beyond baseball.

In this conversation, Jordan Williams, the head men's lacrosse coach at Penn College, shares his coaching journey, the lessons learned from various coaching positions, and the challenges faced during his transition to head coach. He discusses his coaching philosophy, the importance of building relationships, and the strategies he employs for recruiting student-athletes. Additionally, he reflects on memorable moments both on and off the field, as well as his personal interests outside of coaching.

takeaways

• The importance of building relationships with players.
• Recruiting is about effort and persistence.
• Coaching requires a strong work ethic and passion.
• Authenticity is key in developing a coaching style.
• Starting a program involves understanding culture and recruitment.
• Tough conversations are essential for growth.
• Service, gratitude, and grit are core values.
• Self-policing culture is vital for team dynamics.
• Identifying the right student-athletes is crucial for success.
• Personal interests can enhance coaching effectiveness.

In this episode, Rob, the head coach of the men's golf program at Penn College, shares his unconventional journey into coaching golf. He discusses his early experiences as a player, the transition to coaching, and the strategies he implemented to build a competitive golf program. Rob emphasizes the importance of player development, recruitment, and creating a supportive environment for athletes. He also shares memorable moments from his coaching career, highlighting the challenges and successes along the way.

In this conversation, Scott Kennell shares his journey from being a successful collegiate soccer player to becoming an athletic director. He discusses the pivotal moments in his career, the influence of mentorship, the challenges of balancing coaching and administrative roles, and the emotional journey of building an NCAA program from scratch at Penn College. Scott emphasizes the importance of failure as a learning experience and outlines his aspirations for the future of Penn College athletics, highlighting the achievements of student-athletes both on and off the field.

In this episode of Wildcast, host Eric Hunt interviews Matt Blymier, the Assistant Director of Athletics at Penn College. They discuss the multifaceted role of communications in athletics, the challenges of transitioning to NCAA status, and the impact of COVID-19 on sports. Matt shares his career journey from newspaper reporting to athletic communications, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and branding. He reflects on memorable moments in Penn College athletics and offers advice for aspiring coaches and leaders.

takeaways

• Communications in athletics encompasses various media forms.
• The role has evolved to include social media and video production.
• Transitioning to NCAA status was a significant challenge.
• COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges for athletic departments.
• Strategic planning is crucial for institutional growth.
• Branding and logo redesign can enhance institutional identity.
• Building relationships with student-athletes is rewarding.
• Mentorship is vital for aspiring coaches and leaders.
• Adaptability is key in the ever-changing landscape of athletics.
• Memorable moments in sports can have a lasting impact.

In this conversation, Geoff Hensley, head men's basketball coach at Penn College, shares his journey from growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, to becoming a Navy officer and eventually transitioning into coaching. He discusses the discipline and commitment he learned in the Navy, his experiences as a student-athlete at Norwich University, and the challenges he faced as a first-time head coach. Hensley emphasizes the importance of building a strong team culture, his coaching philosophy centered around hard work and positivity, and the memorable moments he cherishes both on and off the court.

In this episode, Britni Mohney shares her journey from a young athlete to a head coach at Penn College. She discusses her early coaching experiences, the challenges of becoming a head coach at a young age, and the importance of building a strong culture within her team. Britni emphasizes her coaching philosophy, which prioritizes the personal development of her student-athletes, and shares insights on recruitment and memorable moments in her coaching career.

In this episode of Wildcast, host Matt Blymier interviews Dalton Rohrbaugh, the head wrestling coach at Penn College. Dalton shares his journey from being an assistant coach at Shenandoah to leading the Penn College wrestling team to an AMCC Championship in his first year. He discusses the challenges of being a young head coach, his coaching philosophy focused on connection and accountability, and his strategies for recruiting student-athletes. Dalton reflects on memorable moments from his first season, including experiences at the national championships and his goals for the future of the wrestling program.