One “Hill” of a Coaching Podcast

Adam's guest for this episode is Kasey Krekling, head coach of the 2021 Class A State Champion Hayfield Vikings. Coach Krekling talks about building a contending program at a small school and a few steps they took to get started. After that we dove into how they practice, players learning from each other, and what they emphasize each day. Toward the end, we get some advice from Kasey on giving up some control and letting players take some ownership within the program. This was a fun interview... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is Jon Graff, head coach at Farmington High School. Coach Graff is a 2021 state champion and provided a lot good info for coaches. First he touches on a few things that he feels builds a state contender and then mentions communicating with players/parents. Then he dives into practices and how much competition based practice can benefit teams. Toward the end he talks about wanting multi-sport athletes, developing his players, and gives his advice to coaches that listen... Enjoy! 

Adam's guest for this episode is Dave Hieb, head coach at UNW in St. Paul. With 30+ years of coaching experience, this was the perfect guest to kick off season 2! Coach Hieb talks about what high school players can do to get ready for the next level, focus based practices, and levels of leadership. After that he speaks about hitting progression, from dry swings all the way to hitting live pitching. There is so much to take from this episode. Be sure to take notes... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is Alex Sundin. Alex is a board-certified sports chiropractor with a specialization in rehab. He has completed a two-year fellowship program in human performance and has multiple certifications in sports care. He has worked with athletes of all levels from Olympians to youth athletes and is currently practicing at SouthWest Chiropractic in Eden Prairie, MN. We talk about a lot. Including common baseball injuries, functional strength training and more... Enjoy! 

Adam's guest for this episode is Derek Denny. Our host and guest in this episode met in at Target Field a few years back. He is the head coach at Parkers Prairie and won the 2017 Class A state title. Coach Denny talks about his competition based approach to practice, scoring their BP sessions, and who influenced his baseball career. He also explains the mentality mindset he instills in his teams, focusing on what is controllable, and gives a great word of advice for coaches... Enjoy!

Adam has a guest host (his wife Kaia) for this episode. We pay tribute to our friend Matt Bishop who recently passed away... RIP Matt you will be missed. Then, Kaia hits Adam with questions from social media DM's, her own ad libs, and some questions that have been answered by guests of the podcast. Thank you all for listening to this podcast over the last few months. 2020 has been rough, but 2021 will be better! Two Coach Hill's for the price of one... Enjoy!

No guest for this episode. Just Adam's stream of consciousness on a variety of subjects like bunting, having a life outside of being a coach, and what he has learned doing this podcast. Toward the end he touches on how he has grown as a coach, advice for building relationships, and making memories. Thanks for listening... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is Mark Downey, head coach at Mounds View High School. Mark talks about having a championship mindset, his approach to handling a frustrated player, and being a purpose driven coach. Coach Downey also touches on building a state tournament level program and all the different aspects that go into it. At the end he hits on how coaching the game of baseball has changed in recent years... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is head coach of Totino-Grace, Mike Smith. The conversation hits on many subjects including practices, hitting, and who influenced his career. He also touches on controlling what is controllable and handling adversity. A really good talk that should give many coaches things to implement into their programs... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is Jeff Huth - Executive Director for the JP4 Foundation and Head Coach of West Lutheran High School. Jeff talks about what the JP4 foundation does and how it was founded. After that he touches on doing the little things well, practice planning, how he utilizes the shift, and more. Find out more about the JP4 foundation at jp4foundation.org... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is Mike Karnas from Richfield. Coach Karnas coached for over 45 years and is also a Hall of Fame official in the state of Minnesota. Coach Karnas talked about life lessons baseball teaches, how coaches can make their programs better, who influenced him, and a lot more. A fun and meaningful conversation... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is the head coach of Heritage Christian Academy, Jon Ledeboer. Jon is a state champion (2018) and has been coaching in some capacity for the last decade. He talked about building relationships, multi-sport athletes, and his coaching influences. After that Jon touches on the challenges and advantages of coaching baseball at a small school. A great conversation... Enjoy!

Adam's guest for this episode is St. Mary's University (MN) Pitching Coach/Recruiting Coordinator TJ Oakes! A former minor league pitcher in the Colorado Rockies Organization and former Minnesota Golden Gopher... TJ talks about his coaching influences, baseball background, and program staples. After that he touches on "Velo vs Command", handling players/parents, pitcher development, and many other topics. This episode is pitching focused. Enjoy!

This is the introductory episode. Learn about the overview of the podcast, a little about the host, and discussions for future guests. Enjoy!