FTGOTG S2, E16 | Welcome to another "Special Feature" episode!  In addition to being outstanding coaches on the field and awesome leaders off the field, our over-achieving guests this week also host their own podcasts...through which they entertain and contribute to the education of the larger coaching community!

Coach Darrin Sheffer is an Earth Science teacher and the Offensive Line Coach & Run Game Coordinator for Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, Virginia.  He is the host of the Armchair Coaching Podcast on Anchor, by Spotify.  Coach Sheffer started the Armchair Coaching Podcast in August 2020 doing Power 5 "Program Profiles."  He is passionate about triple-option football and loves watching the US Service Academy programs.  His 80+ shows offer a wide variety of football-related topics!

Coach Steve Kuchefski is the Asst Girls Track & Field Coach and Asst Boys Basketball Coach at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois; as well as an Asst Varsity Football Coach at Addison Trail High School in Addison, Illinois.  Despite coaching three different sports, Coach Steve makes time to host the Coach Steve Show (podcast).  The Coach Steve Show began in February 2020 with a great pilot entitled "Why Can't We Be Friends," which asked the tough question...  "Why is there so much hating between coaches?"  With over 130 episodes to date, Coach Steve covers a diverse array of football topics in addition to everything from Wandavision to Fighting Illini basketball!

In today's fast-paced world, I'm continually impressed by coaches who make time to follow their passion (helping young student-athletes grow) and share their craft with others.  Whether the intent is to entertain or educate, these podcasts share information from which other coaches may benefit.  Their energy and efforts are commendable and appreciated!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E15 | Throughout the last decade, we've seen a consistent drop in participation in Youth Sports.  For a variety of reasons, kids often drop out...or simply choose not to engage.  During this third "Special Feature" episode, we explore some of the more salient reasons why this "gap" in participation exists and some potential solutions to the problem.

While many individuals and organizations are actively involved in both researching and solving the reasons behind lagging participation, few have the experience of our guests in Episode 15.  Approaching the issues from two divergent perspectives, Matthew Young and Stephen Griffin offer their insights into the problem, as well as their opinions on how we might fix it!

Matthew Young is the founder of Quality Sport Hub, a Vancouver-based company dedicated to providing a pathway to a quality sports experience for athletes, parents, and coaches!  He is an accomplished athlete, father and family man, entrepreneur, keynote speaker and servant leader.  Matt's passion for sport is demonstrated in how he approaches life in both word and deed!  He has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Award Winner in both Vancouver (regionally) and Canada (Nationally).  You can find out more about Matthew and his company at Quality Sport Hub.

Stephen Griffin is an author, investor, and intuitive business leader.  He is a graduate of both Providence College (B.A.) and the University of Rhode Island (Masters in Accountancy).  Steve is a former CPA who has lived in the world of private equity and has invested in and been active across a number of industries; most recently focused on the sports industry.  His experiences in the sports industry led him to write FRONT ROW SEAT -  Greed and Corruption in a Youth Sports Company.  The book explores the growth of the Youth Sports market and some of the characters who seek to exploit it.  Learn more about Stephen's experience by reading FRONT ROW SEAT (available on Amazon).

For The Good Of The Game is part of the Sports History Network!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.

FTGOTG S2, E14 | If you live in Western Pennsylvania, you attended Edinboro University or you're a huge Canadian Football League (CFL) fan, you're probably familiar with the Harris brothers.  Just in case you don't fit these categories, this interview will help you out!  Episode 14 is a "snapshot" look into the lives of these football brothers, both on and off the field.

Trevor Harris is currently the starting Quarterback for the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL.  He will be playing in his ninth CFL season when the league restarts in 2021.  Following his career at Edinboro, Trevor spent time in the NFL, then with the Toronto Argonauts and Ottowa Redblacks of the CFL, prior to signing with Edmonton.  Trevor is a 2-time Harlen Hill Trophy finalist and a 2-time Gray Cup Champion (2012 & 2016).

Cody Harris, who succeeded Trevor as Quarterback at Edinboro, was a 2-time All PSAC West honoree.  Cody works in the Health Services industry as a Physician's Assistant in Ohio.  Despite having "pro-level" talent, Cody chose to continue his Post-Graduate schooling and pursue a career as a PA, which he felt was his calling.

Each of the Harris brothers was a standout leader, both on and off the High School field at Marion Pleasant HS in Ohio.  If that weren't enough, they also rewrote the football record books at Division II Edinboro University in Pennsylvania.  Trevor and Cody are either #1 or #2 in sixteen statistical categories and are #1 and #2 in seven of those sixteen!

As often happens, great young men have their roots in great homes!  Never has this been more true than with Trevor and Cody, growing up in an All-American family and strong Christian environment led by parents Tom and Suzanne Harris!  It has been my distinct pleasure to meet Tom, Suzanne, and Trevor...and get to know Cody, as a friend and roommate of my youngest son.  I'm equally pleased to share this candid interview with the Harris brothers!

Intro music "Next Level" used under license by Composer Rujay Torres.