Full list of coaches and other individuals interviewed for each episode.
Click link below to find your episode.
Episode 90
Blane Ellis, head football coach and athletic coordinator, Champion HS-Boerne
Blane Ellis, head football coach and athletic coordinator for Champion High School in Boerne, is preparing his athletes for the path, not the path for his athletes. This is an important distinction for him as he and his staff work to build champions in their program. The roots of this preparation are his core pillars, leading with gratitude and anchored in toughness. These are just two of the Chargers core pillars that lead this program as it continues to be one of the most competitive overall programs in the state.
Episode 89
Creighton Reed, head football coach and athletic director, Randolph Field ISD
Creighton Reed, head football coach and athletic director for Randolph Field ISD, made his mission clear from the start: prepare champions for life- spiritually, mentally and physically. From the football field to FCA work and back to the football field, Coach Reed puts Christ first in his family and his job and Randolph Field has embraced this philosophy. For a school located on a military base, developing all aspects of an individual carries extra weight as the families of these young people sacrifice for our country on a level many of us can’t understand. With the mindset of being the “first to the fight” the Rohawks will continue to excel on and off the field as they “Defend the Base”- literally!
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Episode 88
Kenneth Gilchrist, head football coach and athletic coordinator, Prosper Richland
Kenneth Gilchrist, head football coach and athletic coordinator for Prosper Richland, has coached in some of the top programs in the state. From Cameron Yoe and Whitney to Lake Travis and Duncanville; from small country towns to the big city, each of these schools has added to his knowledge of kids, cultures and athletes, and helped prepare him for where he is today. Prosper ISD is one of the fastest growing districts in Texas and even though Richland high school is only in it's first year to be eligible for the playoffs, Coach Gilchrist plans on the Raiders fighting for a spot in the post-season.
Episode 87
Danny Youngs, head football coach and athletic director, Brenham ISD
Danny Youngs, head football coach and athletic director for Brenham ISD, has had some very influential figures around him throughout his career. Each of these coaches and each town he has worked in have helped mold him into the coach he is today. From the big city to small country towns, Coach Youngs has coached in every type of program to prepare him for Brenham, where he has already won 35 games in his first 4 years in charge. With a philosophy of "do what you do every day", the Cubs will continue to get better and better and will remain a force to contend with at the 5A-2 level.
Episode 86
Brent Finney, head football coach and athletic director, Clifton ISD
Brent Finney, head football coach and athletic director for Clifton ISD, found his way home after several years in one of the states top programs at Cameron Yoe. He is a firm believer that what you can learn from athletics is more important than the game itself. Pushing his athletes to be better people, not just better players has definitely had a positive impact on the community, but also on the athletic program. The Clifton Cubs have been in the playoffs each of his 4 seasons as the head coach and are off to a 3-0 start this year. With a tough 3A-2 district ahead, the Cubs are ready to meet the challenge as the beginning of district play approaches.
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Episode 85
Jared Shaw, head football coach and athletic coordinator, Bastrop Cedar Creek
Jared Shaw practices what he preaches as far as the importance of education goes. Already having obtained his masters degree, he is currently pursuing his doctorate and has future plans for a superintendent certification. This desire for learning crosses over into athletics as well, through clinics, conventions and even athletic director podcasts. He hopes to transfer his commitment to excellence to his players as the Cedar Creek Eagles look to change the culture in a very tough 5A-1 district.
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Episode 84
Jarrod Smith, head football coach and athletic director, Troy ISD
Jarrod Smith, head football coach and athletic director for Troy ISD, made a few pit stops on his way back to his hometown, but in the process, he made some valuable contacts and learned a lot of football to get him where he is today. Having the opportunity to work under some great coaches, he learned how to do things right, and he is bringing that same standard of excellence to the Troy athletic program.
Episode 83
Jason Haddock, head football coach and athletic director, Wharton ISD
Jason Haddock, head football coach and athletic director for Wharton ISD, is a strong believer in growing the right culture within your program. His program is intentional with this development, resulting in being awarded one of the Texas Way Districts of Distinction for the 2025-2026 school year. Focusing not only on athletics, but academics and serving the community, the Wharton Tigers are excelling in the game of life. They are dropping from 4A-2 to 3A-1 and will be a new team making an impact at the 3A level.
Episode 82
Rashard Colquit, head football coach and athletic coordinator, Sam Houston High School
Rashard Colquitt, head football coach and athletic coordinator for Sam Houston High School in San Antonio, doesn't make a move without a purpose, and each of his moves through the coaching ranks have helped prepare him for where he is today. Combining purpose with a strong work ethic and learning everything he can from the coaches around him, he has arrived in the big seat for the first time. Coach Colquitt has high expectations for the Hurricanes this season as they look to repeat as district champions in a tough 5A San Antonio area district.
Episode 81
Tommy Koch, head football coach and athletic director, Paradise ISD
Tommy Koch, head football coach and athletic director for Paradise ISD got his seat at the big desk early in his career, but that's because he did not take anything for granted along the route he took to get to where he is. Working hard, taking ownership of every role and spending a lot of time improving his knowledge of the game are just a few of the reasons he was prepared for this role. He is a firm believer that he and his staff are where they are to do more than just coach kids and it is apparent when you talk to them that they have a greater purpose. With "TLJ" showing up in more places around the campus, the Panther athletic program might have a little extra help in their corner as they step onto the field!
