Podcasts about division iii

The final week is here. Stunningly, the Division III basketball season has arrived at the last week of the regular season. Some teams' seasons are already over while others are hoping to still be playing into March. On Monday's edition of Hoopsville, we touch base with several programs with hopes, dreams, plans, expectations for March. Some teams have already eclipsed program records in terms of success. Plus we look at what is already proving to be an exciting conference championships week. And could there, again, be another top team in men's basketball or is there any way to stop the top women's team? And we will try and take a peak at how much is already changing for Top 16s, hosting hopes, and more. Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline: - Eric Bridgeland, No. 16 Redlands men's coach - Gabby Holko, Susquehanna women's coach - Donald Hudson, Brevard women's coach - Joe Wallace, Franciscan men's coach Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

The D3hoops.com Top 25s continue to fascinate. While the women's poll hasn't been as volitle of late, the men's poll continues to be like shuffling chairs. As a Hoopsville Member, you can to tune in to the Top 25 Double-Take Monday night LIVE and have access to the On Demand version ahead of the general public. Tonight we will not only hear our panelists' choices for Dubious, Deep-Dive, and Debatable selections, but especially on the men's side we will hear who they voted in first place. Tune in most Monday nights LIVE as we hear thoughts on the Top 25 polls from those who know the polls and #d3hoops the best. Ryan Scott, Scott Peterson, and Riley Zayas will be joined by special guests nearly every poll week to discuss teams rising, falling, under the radar, and more. This week Matt Snyder returns on the men's side with his thoughts while Ryan Scott will stick around to join Scott Peterson for the women's discussion. Thank you for your support of our efforts to continue covering Division III basketball and the division as a whole. If you want to gain access to the shows early, head to buymeacoffee.com/Hoopsville and sign up for one of the Memberships that offers the incentive.

Join host Neal Lynch for a giant breakdown of Edgar Wright's The Running Man (2025), starring Glen Powell. In this deep dive, we compare this gritty, satirical adaptation to Stephen King's (Richard Bachman) original 1982 novel and the campy 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger classic.Topics covered in this episode:The Adaptation: How Wright pivots from 80s action cheese to systemic horror and the "banality of evil".Glen Powell as Ben Richards: Analyzing the shift from Arnie's muscle to a "pre-tubercular" (but surprisingly shredded) desperate father.The Satire: A look at the "Americanos" Kardashian parody, the "Speed the Wheel" game show with Sean Hayes, and the controversial Liquid Death product placement.The Ending Explained: Why the film changed the novel's "unfilmable" kamikaze climax to a story of survival and revolution.Box Office vs. Streaming: Why the film bombed in theaters with a $110M budget but found redemption as a streaming hit on Apple TV and ParamountTimestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:00:15 - Brief Overview00:04:27 - Stephen King's The Running Man Novel (1982)00:23:24 - Arnold Schwarzenegger's The Running Man (1987)00:37:31 - Edgar Wright's development of The Running Man (2025), casting Glen Powell00:47:18 - Character analysis (Ben Richards, Dan Killian, Evan McCone, The Apostle)01:20:39 - The Americanos, Speed The Wheel, Liquid Death, FreeVee01:36:09 - The ending ("Richards Lives" vs. Obliteration)01:39:37 - Box Office and Critical Reception01:47:27 - Biggest Box Office Bombs of 202501:49:34 - One Final Note on a Missed OpportunityABOUT NEAL LYNCH:Neal Lynch is the creator and host of Giant Mess, a podcast blending sports commentary, pop culture analysis, and storytelling. Former 4th string quarterback and middle relief pitcher at a Division III school. Degrees in Film & Media Studies and Communications. Helped multiple major media and entertainment publishers develop, produce, optimize, distribute, and promote videos across web, video, and social media platforms. Single dad who loves to blog, podcast, write, edit, optimize, strategize, and over-analyze.  ABOUT "GIANT MESS":"Giant Mess" is a weird sports and entertainment comedy podcast hosted by a giant mess, the Real Cinch Neal Lynch. Neal covers New York Giants football, NY Mets baseball, movies, and TV shows, mixing in funny stories along the way.  Episodes focus on movie reviews, tv show recaps, post-game analysis, predictions, breakdowns, reactions, and funny stories.Subscribe to Giant Mess on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/GiantMessYT⁠⁠ Follow me on:* Link Tree - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/neallynch⁠⁠  * My Official Blog - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/neallynchBLOG⁠⁠ * Facebook Page - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessFB⁠⁠    * Twitter - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/NealLynchTW⁠⁠     * Personal Instagram - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/NealLynchIG⁠⁠    * Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/GiantMessInstagram⁠⁠  * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessApple⁠⁠  * Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessSpotify⁠⁠ 

Less than 20 days remain in the regular season. Schedules are winding to a close and most are jockeying for better positions in conference races. On Thursday's edition of Hoopsville, find out how some programs have worked their way into the conversation at the top of conference races. What will it take to finish strong and secure the best possible seeds in conference tournaments? Plus we look at some of the midweek results across Division III basketball. And react to the latest NPI numbers as looking ahead at how NCAA Tournaments could come together is fully on. Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline: - Mikayla Lopez, Bethany women's coach - Nate Carson, Maine-Farmington women's coach - Matt Hunter, Gettysburg men's coach - Steven "Zo" Goodson, No. 25 Rhodes men's coach Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal went live on the Blue-White Breakdown on Thursday to discuss the quarterback position, as well as some notes on the upcoming NFL Combine. Iowa State import Rocco Becht is in tow for his fourth year as a starter, while his primary backup from last season, Alex Manske, is also in place. Pair that with talented Division III transfer Connor Barry and a pair of upside high school signees, and you're looking at a really strong group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Mark Gottfried sits down with longtime college basketball coach Tom Crean for a candid conversation about legacy, loyalty, and what winning really requires. Before the championships and press conferences, there were small gyms, Division III programs, and mentors who shaped the foundation. Tom reflects on his early days at Alma College, the coaches who poured into him, and the relationships that shaped his journey — including a personal connection that goes back decades through the Harbaugh family. From walking into the press conference as the head coach at Indiana to navigating the constant noise and change that comes with big-time college basketball, Tom shares what people often misunderstand about coaching. The business evolves. The spotlight intensifies. The expectations rise. But how you win does not change. Mark and Tom unpack why winning has never been about hype or headlines. It's about people. It's about standards. It's about building the right team and staying committed to development long after the job title changes. Because great coaches don't stop coaching. Whether they're leading a program, mentoring former players, or guiding leaders in business, they carry the responsibility forward. This episode is a masterclass in mentorship, resilience, and the timeless principles that outlast the game.

In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Tyler Clark and Alex Silva sit down with Tyler Ackley, head men's basketball coach at St. Joseph's College of Maine, joins the podcast to unpack what it really takes to build, and rebuild, a winning program. From stepping in after a 25+ year coaching legacy during an abrupt transition, to navigating injuries, culture shock, and the modern recruiting landscape, Tyler shares a transparent look at leadership rooted in relationships, accountability, and clarity.This episode dives deep into culture creation, effort standards, recruiting philosophy, and the evolving state of college basketball. Coach Ackley explains why playing hard is a non-negotiable, how he balances freedom with discipline, why self-awareness matters more than talent in recruiting, and how learning to “walk away from talent” changed his career. If you're a coach trying to build something sustainable, not just flashy, this conversation is packed with practical insight.Timestamps00:00 – Tyler Ackley's coaching journey and background 03:42 – Lessons learned early in his career and key influences 07:15 – Building a program at the Division III level 10:28 – Recruiting philosophy and identifying the right fit 14:06 – Balancing player development with team structure 18:21 – Creating clarity in roles and expectations 22:37 – What skill development looks like in a college setting 27:14 – Practice design and constraints that drive transfer 31:08 – Building culture intentionally, not accidentally 35:19 – Communication standards and accountability 39:46 – Developing confidence without sacrificing discipline 43:12 – Staff alignment and internal collaboration 47:55 – What young coaches often misunderstand 52:04 – Advice for coaches trying to build sustainable successResources & LinksCoaching Resources: https://byanymeansbasketball.comBAM Blueprint Book: https://byanymeansbasketball.com/bam-blueprintIf you enjoyed this conversation, share it with another coach who's building a program or navigating the college landscape. And if you're serious about elevating your player development systems and practice design, be sure to explore the BAM resources linked above.

The D3hoops.com Top 25s are once again published and in men's basketball there continues to be changes up and down voters' ballots. As a Hoopsville Member, you can to tune in to the Top 25 Double-Take Monday night LIVE and have access to the On Demand version ahead of the general public. Tonight we will not only hear our panelists' choices for Dubious, Deep-Dive, and Debatable selections, but especially on the men's side we will hear who they voted in first place. Tune in most Monday nights LIVE as we hear thoughts on the Top 25 polls from those who know the polls and #d3hoops the best. Ryan Scott, Scott Peterson, and Riley Zayas will be joined by special guests nearly every poll week to discuss teams rising, falling, under the radar, and more. This week Matt Snyder returns on the men's side with his thoughts while Ryan Scott will stick around to join Scott Peterson for the women's discussion. Thank you for your support of our efforts to continue covering Division III basketball and the division as a whole. If you want to gain access to the shows early, head to buymeacoffee.com/Hoopsville and sign up for one of the Memberships that offers the incentive.

Incredible hoops continues every day, weekend, and week in Division III. Once again we are left in awe of results and records. On Monday's edition of Hoopsville, we check in programs setting the tone, those trying to survive conference play, and one still setting the standard for all to follow. Hear from NYU women's program a day after setting the DIII consecutive wins record and find out what's next. Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline; - Eamonn Kenah & Mike McGrath, No. 1 UChicago senior forward & men's coach - Meg Barber & Charline Peper, No. 1 NYU women's coach & senior forward - Chris Bartley, WPI men's coach - Chanel Murchison, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's coach - Katie Marcella, Union women's coach Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

The D3hoops.com Top 25s are once again out and especially in men's basketball there has been chaos. Six different teams are receiving first place votes and are within 42 points of one another. As a Hoopsville Member, you can to turn in to the Top 25 Double-Take this Tuesday night LIVE and have access to the On Demand version ahead of the general public. Tonight we will not only hear our panelists' choices for Dubious, Deep-Dive, and Debatable selections, but especially on the men's side we will hear who they voted in first place. Tune in most Monday nights LIVE as we hear thoughts on the Top 25 polls from those who know the polls and #d3hoops the best. Ryan Scott, Scott Peterson, and Riley Zayas will be joined by special guests nearly every poll week to discuss teams rising, falling, under the radar, and more. This week Ira Thor joins on the men's side while Pat Coleman hops into the women's discussion. Thank you for your support of our efforts to continue covering Division III basketball and the division as a whole. If you want to gain access to the shows early, head to buymeacoffee.com/Hoopsville and sign up for one of the Memberships that offers the incentive.

With his resilient team finding ways to rally and win, Linganore High boys basketball coach Tim Abercrombie is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Abercrombie talks with Greg Swatek about what he appreciates most about his team of 10 players, who often lack the size and athleticism of their opponents. Linganore also has the tendency to get off to slow starts and fall behind by double digits in games. Yet the Lancers have an equal knack for finding their way back into games and ultimately prevailing in the end. The coach explains how this is all possible, how having such a small team benefits them in many ways and whether he's had to adjust his expectations over the course of the season. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to the depth of the girls basketball scene in Frederick County, Hood College's Jevon Yarbrough, one of the leading scorers in Division III basketball for the nationally ranked Blazers, and some big games on tap on the high-school boys hoops landscape.

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Matt Walker, head football coach at University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Coach Walker reflects on his journey through the profession, including his early years as both a head baseball and football coach, the lessons learned from navigating tough seasons, and the mindset shifts that helped him build a national championship program at the Division III level. Follow Coach Walker and UW–River Falls Football: @CoachWalkerRF | @UWRFFootball Subscribe, rate, and review Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform to help more coaches discover the show.

The UW-River Falls postseason media campaign continued through the end of January, all the way through a parade through town and yes, one last interview with the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast about the 2025 season.  Our guests on this podcast: UW-River Falls coach Matt Walker, John Carroll coach Brian Polian, and Whittier coach Cory White. It's the first episode of our 20th season, here on the longest running Division III football podcast. Is the next Falcons' quarterback on campus already, or is there a chance for a transfer for the fall? What did it feel like to lose some key players shortly after the championship into the portal? Which does Walker have more of, beers or championship hats? Those hard-hitting questions and more in this conversation with Matt Walker. Polian is brand-new to the job, but not new to college football head coaching, as the athletic director at John Carroll and the former head coach at Nevada. First off, we have to get his take on Ty Montgomery, who had a huge week in front of pro scouts at the Senior Bowl at the end of January, and we'll also hear how Polian plans to juggle both the head coaching and athletic director job, whose idea it was for him to apply in the first place, and what he told people who had interviewed for the role when he told them he was taking the job himself. Cory White is the new head coach at Whittier. It's a new day at Whittier, which is returning to the field after three years off. White says he would not have taken the job as the head coach of the Poets if not for assurances from the administration that they would do things better this time around. Hear about how many players the Poets have already (it's a big number) and where they expect to be in the fall, all with the team going through a strength and conditioning practice in the background on a beautiful January day in Southern California. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast.

Toby Harris' path to Division I basketball wasn't traditional — and that's exactly what makes his story stand out. After becoming a 1,000-point scorer, D3 All-American, and star at Brandeis, Harris made the jump to Iona, where he's now the team's second-leading scorer at 11.7 points per game. His transition from Division III standout to Division I starter is a testament to his development and confidence in himself. Harris recently delivered one of the biggest moments of Iona's season, hitting a game-winning shot as the Gaels battle to stay in the top half of the MAAC standings. In this episode, he breaks down his journey from Brandeis to Iona, the adjustments to Division I basketball, and the goals for his last season of CBB. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe to @Notevend2 for more basketball conversations. For Not Even D2 merch, reach out to either: @akakjallison or @nerudaaaa on Instagram!

Ethan Stewart-Smith is in his 11th season as the Men's Basketball Head Coach at Washington & Jefferson College. Faced with the task of rebuilding the program from the ground up when he took over in 2015, the Presidents have enjoyed great success with five winning seasons in the past six. W&J has twice finished the regular season atop of the PAC. The Presidents captured the 2021-22 PAC Tournament title and reached the finals again in 2024-25.Stewart-Smith joined W&J after a successful season as an assistant at Carnegie Mellon University in 2014-15. Prior to that, he spent five seasons as an assistant at Dickinson College.Before heading to Dickinson, Stewart-Smith was an assistant coach for one season at his alma mater, Penn State Altoona, where he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business with concentrations in marketing and management. Ethan was a four-year starter at Altoona, where he was an all-conference selection as a junior and finished his playing career as the school's all-time leader in assists and steals. He still ranks in the top 10 in numerous statistical categories for the Lions.On this episode Mike & Ethan discuss Ethan Stewart Smith the challenges inherent in the collegiate basketball landscape. Ethan hits on the often-overlooked learning curve that high school seniors and their families encounter when transitioning to a college program, particularly at the Division III level. Coach Smith emphasizes that many players, despite their prior successes, underestimate the rigorous demands and competitive nature of collegiate athletics. He also shares insights from his own coaching journey, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the cultivation of a strong team culture, particularly during the rebuilding phases of a program. Throughout this episode, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of player development, recruitment, and the profound impact of mentorship within the realm of college basketball.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you're subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and while you're there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you're hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Be sure to grab a notebook and pen before you listen to this episode with Ethan Stewart-Smith, Men's Basketball Head Coach at Washington & Jefferson College.Website - https://gopresidents.com/sports/mens-basketballEmail - estewartsmith@washjeff.eduTwitter/X - @coachestewVisit our Sponsors!Dr. Dish BasketballA Perfect Gift To Your Team for the Holidays!Score Big on Dr. Dish Basketball's End of Year Sale and give your team the gift of extra, more efficient reps this season!

In Episode 433 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly-to-belly with Nate Shearer, Head Wrestling Coach at Washington & Lee University, for a deep dive into what it really takes to build a championship-level Division III wrestling program while maintaining elite academic standards.Coach Shearer breaks down his 13-year journey leading the Generals, how W&L climbed from small rosters and forfeits to becoming a conference champion and national contender, and why the ODAC's growth has made D3 wrestling in Virginia more competitive (and more fun) than ever.We also get into high-academic recruiting realities (early decision, fit-first recruiting, national pipeline), what W&L students actually study (business, engineering, health professions, CS), the culture shift that keeps athletes thriving, and the behind-the-scenes “CEO” side of running a program—travel, film, training, community, and consistency.Plus: Springsteen, the Stone Pony, coffee setups, saunas, vinyl, and the most dangerous guilty pleasure in America: ice cream.Follow Washington & Lee Wrestling:Website: generalsports.comSocial: @generalswrestle (Instagram/X)Support Airey Bros Radio (Value for Value):BuyMeACoffee.com/aireybrosTimestamp / Show Notes 0:00 ABR mission: shining light on JUCO/NAIA/D2/D3 opportunities + recruiting conversations we wish we had1:29 Intro: Nate Shearer, Head Coach at Washington & Lee Wrestling (Year 13)3:16 2025–26 snapshot: season context + ODAC dual stretch ahead3:52 Where recruits/parents should go: generalsports.com + @generalswrestle4:18 Through-line: ODAC talk + shoutout to Coach Nate Yetzer (Roanoke)5:05 Virginia D3 wrestling growth: from “only program” to a full conference6:43 Has ODAC expansion changed recruiting? Why it's helped, not hurt8:32 Origin story: “I didn't want to wrestle” — thrown into a tournament with zero prep10:08 Mark Coleman connection + early chaos of learning wrestling the hard way12:58 When coaching became the path: Ohio Northern → mentorship → wrestling finally becomes “fun”16:09 First coaching years: volunteering, teaching, GA role, building a youth club from scratch19:09 Coaching philosophy: building athletes up, not tearing them down23:54 Year 1 vs Year 13 at W&L: tiny roster, forfeits, growing in “small chunks”24:58 Turning point: first national qualifier (2016) + expectations shift25:27 Admissions reality: low acceptance rate + recruiting the right academic fit26:37 Culture + community: families/alumni, packed home invite, “it's not hard to be here”29:19 High-academic recruiting pace: Early Decision deadline + why the “funnel” moves fast31:25 Best wrestling state debate: NJ guys pounding the drum… but the data loves Connecticut33:24 What majors recruits choose: business, health professions, engineering, CS + sciences35:29 Facilities + Lexington vibe + being next door to VMI (two closest wrestling campuses)37:17 2025–26 season report: best rankings in program history, injuries, staying steady39:29 Date to circle: Friday, Feb 6 @ Roanoke (potentially stacked ranked lineup)40:22 Brisket at matches? Not yet—“need a clone” (but recruiting camp meals are real)41:15 Historic flex: 1936 wrestling championships hosted at W&L + gym built in the early 1900s44:06 “Head coach as CEO”: what he actually manages (training, travel, film, recruiting)45:04 Resources matter: why W&L is positioned differently (support systems, fewer corners cut)48:33 Department success + top programs across campus + the “full package” student-athlete experience52:03 Coffee talk: Americano life, pour over hacks, road-map coffee shout54:32 Daily ritual: basement sauna + outdoor shower (recovery > cold tubs)56:45 What he's listening to: Steven Wilson Jr. + vinyl collecting58:01 Flea market circuit upbringing: baseball cards, memorabilia, Ohio hustle1:00:36 Cleveland baseball + Major League quotes + stadium nostalgia1:01:14 Prize vinyl: Springsteen — Nebraska1:03:13 Airey Bros Stone Pony classics: Warped Tour, Deftones, Pennywise, Sublime, Blink, 3111:05:16 Springsteen deep cut: “Atlantic City” + NJ States mindset story1:07:46 Guilty pleasure: ice cream (Reese's/peanut butter + Butterfinger ice cream bars)1:09:33 Wrap-up + where to follow W&L + what's next on ABR

Mike and Charlie interviewed former Nicholls State head football coach Tim Rebowe and former MLB pitcher Scott Sanders. Rebowe remembered his connection with Tyren Montgomery, a Division III wide receiver from John Carroll, who started his football career at Nicholls and has dominated the Senior Bowl. Sanders projected LSU's weekend rotation and praised the Tigers' pitching staff. Mike, Charlie, and Steve played their daily "Triple Option" segment.

Former Nicholls State head football coach Tim Rebowe joined Sports Talk. Rebowe remembered his connection with Tyren Montgomery, a Division III wide receiver from John Carroll, who started his football career at Nicholls and has dominated the Senior Bowl.

For most teams, the second half of conference schedules have begun. If results weren't crazy enough, they likely could be soon. On Thursday's Hoopsville, we chat with programs who are having solid seasons to this point. How will their second half of conference schedules work out? We continue to chat with programs that don't always get the national attention, but are still having spectacular seasons. Find out what is working so well for them and why we could be talking about them, still, in March. Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline: - Noah Cleveland & Ron Rose, No. 12 Illinois Wesleyan sophomore forward & men's coach - Brian Barnes, Russell Sage men's coach - Brittany Whalen, Immaculata women's coach - Katherine Auguste, Colorado College women's coach We also check in on the news and notes around Division III, including the latest with Heidelberg women's basketball (supposedly). And Dave's '2-Cents' on the continued push for PPV web streaming, the expectations that can't be met and the viewership being lost. Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

In case you weren’t depressed enough by the recent cold weather, icy roadways, loss of electricity and drinking water issues, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists just released its 2026 Doomsday Clock on Tuesday. This group of global Brainiacs said that the world’s destruction is now just 85 seconds away.  It has moved four seconds closer than the 89 seconds it was a year ago. The scientists’ symbolic Doomsday Clock has been around since 1947 after World War II ended.  This pessimistic bunch cited “hard-won global understandings are collapsing, accelerating a winner-takes-all power competition and undermining international cooperation.” Nuclear wars, climate change, misuse of biotechnology, and, newly added, the rapid development of artificial intelligence are now leading the concerns expressed by the worldwide group of scientists. Don’t panic – yet.   Most of us have succeeded in living productive lives for decades despite these looming ominous threats. But what about college sports? People on the left and right side of the political aisle may disagree about the urgency of the threats mentioned by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Both sides are likely to agree that America’s longtime college sports environment has been undergoing seismic changes in recent years.  The tectonic plates which have long supported college athletics have been shifting around faster than the San Andreas fault. College sports began as a way to develop friendly athletic competitions between regional colleges and universities. A rowing competition in August, 1852 between Harvard and Yale was considered the first official intercollegiate sporting match. The Harvard Crimson won “The Race” which covered two miles.  The Yale Bulldogs finally broke into the winner’s column in the fourth annual race. Harvard still leads the series 97-60, but Yale has been victorious in seven of the last ten matches. The evolution of athletic conferences Other colleges and universities quickly saw the benefit from developing annual sporting competitions with nearby regional schools. The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) originated in 1892.  This group would eventually spin-off today’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Western Conference (1896) became the predecessor for today’s Big Ten Conference. Remember the “Big 8” Conference?  It began in 1907 and has evolved into today’s Big 12.   A west coast group of schools called the Pacific Coast Conference began a sports affiliation in 1915 which later morphed into the Pac-12. Dozens of other conference affiliations began around the country for larger and smaller colleges and universities – primarily based on regional proximity. From 1900-2000, the “new” NCAA was (generally) able to manage college athletics For most of the 20th century, the number of college athletic conferences continued to grow and evolve. The larger schools had enough money to construct significant facilities dedicated to football, basketball, and other sports to entice the top student-athletes.  The “major” schools generally remained in geographically-friendly conferences to minimize travel costs and classroom interruptions for student-athletes. Mid-majors and smaller schools found alignments with regional rivals of similar school size and interests. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began in 1906.  It was intended to establish rules ensuring fair play for intercollegiate sports and protection of the competing athletes. The NCAA eventually divided colleges into the scholarship-driven Division I and Division II groups plus the non-athletic scholarship Division III.  Each division features its own national championship competitions in most sports. Many athletes attend college to refine their skills in hopes of quickly turning pro The term “student-athlete” has been used in connotation with college athletics for much of the last century. Athletic scholarships have been provided to talented sports participants.  It included the value of school tuition, room, and board in return for the student’s athletic participation.  This relatively small portion of the student population was expected to maintain close to a “C” grade point average in order to retain their scholarship from year to year. As expected, marginally qualified academic performers in high school started being recruited by some colleges for their athletic abilities. These weaker college students started being shuffled into “Beginner Basket Weaving” (just kidding – maybe) and less strenuous academic classes to keep them eligible for sports participation. The pro football’s NFL requires prospective players to be at least three years removed from high school.  College football has developed as the primary conduit necessary for players who dream of donning an NFL uniform some day. The term “one and done” refers to the NBA’s minimal requirement that future pro basketball players must be one year removed from high school.  That’s why most of your favorite freshman college basketball stars vanish every spring. The women’s WNBA currently requires future US players to be age 22.  Expect that to be challenged in courts and changed soon. This explains why many of today’s major college football and men’s basketball players only want to stick around for the bare minimum of time. What a surprise!  Disputes over cheating became more frequent NCAA investigations have revealed artificially enhanced high school grade-point averages.  Other allegations include under-the-table money and other valuable enticements being provided to athletes and/or their families prior to or after arrival at some colleges. SMU’s famous “Death Penalty” recruiting violation case was handed down by the NCAA in the 1980’s. It forced the school to cancel football entirely in 1987 and 1988.  This sent a message to other schools that the NCAA was serious about enforcing its rules. Much like WWE legend The Undertaker, SMU gradually arose from its football coffin and even qualified for the 12-team College Football Playoffs in 2024. Unfortunately, the NCAA has appeared to prefer focusing on administrative issues like adding the 3-point shot to college basketball (1986) rather than pursue investigations against member institutions (which supply a cadre of high-dollar attorneys) about alleged cheating allegations. Which brings us to today’s NCAA transfer portal and the NIL-A-Palooza Implementation of the NCAA’s transfer portal in 2018 began allowing student-athletes to transfer from one college to another in the same way that all other students are permitted to do. Previously, athletes had been barred from participating in sports at their new school for up to a full year. This was (supposedly) done to encourage athletes to keep their commitment to the original institution’s athletic program. It was in 2021 that the game-changing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program began. Chuckle if you wish, but the NIL was initially intended to give cash-starved college athletes an opportunity to earn some extra spending money via local advertisements and promotional appearances.  Most figured that this would fetch, at best, a few thousand dollars per year for some students to buy pizza, attend an occasional movie, buy clothes, and the like. Au contraire! They were quite wrong. The actual result of the combination of the NCAA transfer portal and the NIL cash has been the creation of a very lucrative pay-for-play system. College coaches are legally gambling by offering scholarships and massive NIL cash incentives to transfer portal players. Has the NCAA been actively involved in verifying whether the transferring athletes have met the academic standards of their previous school and the incoming entrance requirements of the new college? If the NCAA isn’t doing this, are we supposed to trust the coaches and athletic administrators to simply police themselves? University of Texas junior quarterback Arch Manning was identified by one publication as having an NIL value of more than $4 million per year.  A few of this January’s top transfer quarterbacks may have received offers of $5 million or more to change football teams for next season. A record 3,300 FBS major college football players entered January’s transfer portal. There are 136 football teams in the FBS classification. That means that an incredible 24 football players per school were playing musical chairs this month.  Current rules allow no more than 85 full scholarship football players per institution. New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin just returned to Baton Rouge with the #1-rated transfer portal class.  He signed more than 40 new players for the Tigers this fall.  Coach Kiffin was expected to spend more than $20 million to buy talent – for just one season. This same game is being played by college participants in men’s and women’s basketball. Even top baseball, softball, gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and golf stars are being lured to certain colleges with NIL cash offers. What is the NCAA going to do about all of this? Not much. The NCAA has been busy dealing with lawsuits filed by attorneys representing athletes demanding one additional year of college athletic eligibility.  Most cases are due to injuries which kept the player from participating for more than half of a previous year. The money being offered to remain one more year in college has become so high that increasing numbers of athletes want to stick around to build their financial nest egg. Why enter a professional sports draft when you are not assured of being selected by a team or making the final squad next season?  A growing number of college football players are opting for the “sure thing” by taking NIL cash which is likely more than they would earn as an NFL rookie. Starting football players for this month’s national champion Indiana Hoosiers had an average age of 23. Coach Curt Cignetti apparently knows how to play this transfer portal/NIL game quite well, too! The NCAA is considered to be (at least for now) a tax-exempt non-profit entity under IRS Section 501 (c)3.  It earns more than $1 billion in annual revenues – primarily associated with the television rights paid by networks for the men’s and women’s March Madness college basketball tournaments. Non-profits traditionally earn most of their income from charitable donations.  The NCAA might also be busy protecting its own business plan right now. Perhaps the NCAA doesn’t have much of an appetite to waste its financial and legal resources pursuing rogue schools and players.  All parties now arrive at the courthouse armed with their own high dollar attorneys. Does this mean that major college sports are operating on a Doomsday Clock? Perhaps. There is only one sure way to get things to change.  A large enough percentage of fans must stop buying season tickets, donating money to their schools’ athletics departments, and watching televised major college sports on television. When revenues noticeably drop, things might change. Will that happen anytime soon?  Don’t hold your breath!   The post The Doomsday Clock…of College Sports? appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

While a massive winter storm blanketed much of the country, and Division III, with a mess ... it has gotten every stormier on basketball courts around DIII. On a special Tuesday edition of Hoopsville, we try and shovel our way through an absolute insane week of basketball. The new Top 25s had a lot of movement and some of the teams we talk to this week are the reason. Hear from one program who knocked off the number one team and conference rival, another whose squad is now in control of their conference due to other upsets, a program back in the national conversation with a similar style of player, and another quietly playing it's best basketball in years. Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline: - Joe Reilly, No. 19 Wesleyan men's coach - Andy Winters, No. 21 Otterbein men's coach - Julia Duggan, Lebanon Valley women's coach - David Chadbourne & Jaycie Christopher, Southern Maine women's coach and senior guard Also hear from both national committee chairs on topics including dual gender hosting this season, women's tournament game times, championship weekend game times, who will play on Friday or Saturday for the men's Round of 16, and their reactions to the NPI system and whether they would adjust things. Dave also has his '2-Cents' on the idea of dual hosting. And we will go over other news and notes including the ongoing saga involving Heidelberg women's basketball. Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

Rochelle senior Roman Villalobos, an IHSFCA All-State running back with over 2,800 career rushing yards, has committed to play football at North Central College. "I've wanted to go to North Central since I was a little kid."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

The D3hoops.com Top 25s are out and despite the weather, things are heating up in the polls. Tune in each Monday night if you are a Hoopsville Member for the Top 25 Double-Take. We will breakdown our thoughts on the Top 25 polls with those who know the polls and #d3hoops the best. Ryan Scott, Scott Peterson, and Riley Zayas will be joined by special guests nearly every poll week to discuss teams rising, falling, under the radar, and more. This week Ryan Whitnable joins on the men's side while Peterson and Zayas tag-team the women's side. These shows are available to Hoopsville Members and through the archive and podcast well before anyone else. Thank you for your support of our efforts to continue covering Division III basketball and the division as a whole.

In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Makes Manufacturing, Sammy Majka, to talk about his path from Division III golf to the workshop, the art and science of putter design, and why direct collaboration between golfer and maker truly matters.After college, Sammy began his career in sales before leaving corporate America to pursue machining. He spent years precision-milling aerospace parts, honing the skills and attention to detail that would later define his work in golf. Eventually, he invested in his own CNC milling machine and began designing putters—giving rise to Makes Manufacturing, a brand built to deliver tour-level precision and genuine customization for everyday golfers.Sammy's journey into golf is just as unconventional. A former hockey captain at Gustavus, he never played high school golf and focused entirely on hockey until an unfortunate injury and a college golf class changed everything. As his coach, Scott Moe, recalls, one swing was enough to stop him in his tracks. Sammy was added to the roster on the spot, shot a 71 (-1) in his very first collegiate tournament, and quickly earned a spot in the team's top five. No one worked harder or spent more time at the facility.If you're looking for a custom putter—and the rare experience of working directly with the person machining it—Makes Manufacturing is where craftsmanship and passion meet. Check them out!! Visit Sammy's Website: SammyMakes.comD3 Golf Guys LinktreeSupport the show

Two weeks of elite matches, one clear lesson: when the level jumps, only a real game model holds up. We take you inside our MLS NEXT stretch, what it taught our players about competing under pressure, why we refused to chase short-term results, and how that decision drew college coaches and academy scouts to our sidelines. From early setbacks to late surges, the story is about identity, resilience, and turning tough minutes into future opportunities.We break down the competition step by step: why some squads were shell-shocked in opening games, how others clawed back, and what it means to be “just another dog” on a national stage. The recruiting lens is wide open too. You'll hear how Division I contact rules actually work, why Division III and JUCO conversations often happen field-side, and how the transfer portal is reshaping timelines and selectivity. Most importantly, we map out what players can control: preparation routines, consistency, and the ability to perform when a dream school is quietly watching from the touchline.Behind the scenes, our staff focused inward, refining our style, amplifying our players' strengths, and sharing film and schedules with trusted college networks to get the right eyes on the right games. The results speak for themselves: broad interest for the U-19s, crucial reps for the U-17s, and a pathway younger age groups can now see in front of them. If you care about player development, college soccer recruiting, and the realities of MLS NEXT competition, this highlight reel delivers practical insights you can use today.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a teammate or coach, and leave a quick review to help more players find their path.

Dive into the heart of D3 golf as we break down the top 10 men's and women's Division III golf programs in the country right now. We look at perennial champions and rising stars, as well as their access to indoor facilities and the climate in which they're located. We highlight what makes each program a standout! Whether you're a golf fan, a D3 athlete, or a college coach, join us as we explore which D3 programs are the hottest in the country right now!!

The 2025 New York Giants season is mercifully over but it's what came after it ended that gave fans the franchise's biggest win in 14 years. In this episode of Giant Mess, host Neal Lynch dishes out takeaways from the last 3 weeks against the Vikings, Raiders, and Cowboys then reacts to the team hiring former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.New York Giants Fan Rants & Analysis - https://bit.ly/NYGiantsYTPlaylist NY Mets Fan Rants & Analysis - https://bit.ly/MetsYTPlaylist Movie Reviews - https://bit.ly/GiantMessMovieReviews TV Show Reactions - https://bit.ly/GiantMessTV Funny Stories -  https://bit.ly/GiantMessFunnyStoriesABOUT NEAL LYNCH:Neal Lynch is the creator and host of Giant Mess, a podcast blending sports commentary, pop culture analysis, and storytelling. Former 4th string quarterback and middle relief pitcher at a Division III school. Degrees in Film & Media Studies and Communications. Helped multiple major media and entertainment publishers develop, produce, optimize, distribute, and promote videos across web, video, and social media platforms. Single dad who loves to blog, podcast, write, edit, optimize, strategize, and over-analyze.  ABOUT "GIANT MESS":"Giant Mess" is a weird sports and entertainment comedy podcast hosted by a giant mess, the Real Cinch Neal Lynch. Neal covers New York Giants football, NY Mets baseball, movies, and TV shows, mixing in funny stories along the way.  Episodes focus on movie reviews, tv show recaps, post-game analysis, predictions, breakdowns, reactions, and funny stories.Subscribe to Giant Mess on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/GiantMessYT⁠⁠ Follow me on:* Link Tree - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/neallynch⁠⁠  * My Official Blog - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/neallynchBLOG⁠⁠ * Facebook Page - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessFB⁠⁠    * Twitter - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/NealLynchTW⁠⁠     * Personal Instagram - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/NealLynchIG⁠⁠    * Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/GiantMessInstagram⁠⁠  * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessApple⁠⁠  * Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessSpotify⁠⁠ 

Now that teams are fully involved with conference schedules, there are plenty of upsets, crazy results, and head-shaking moments. Perfect for us! On Thursday's Hoopsville, we dive in with some of the more interesting stories in Division III basketball. From opponents who have been opponents for nearly a decade, to one of the best players in the entire NCAA, those staying undefeated, and others in the midst of a challenging conference battle. Plus we get updates on some of the controversial legislastion Division III membership will vote on Friday. And we recap what is already a wild week(s) of results (even outside the WIACiness in Region 9). Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline: - Kaci Kranson & Anna Scoblick, No. 2 Scranton senior & Catholic senior - Mary Schleusner & Brittney Kemp, No. 6 Washington & Lee women's senior & coach - Mike Fuline, No. 4 Mount Union men's coach - Guy Rancourt, WestConn men's coach Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

ABR 428 is OUT NOW on Spotify + Apple Podcasts — and the timing couldn't be crazier.We went live on 12/22 with Coach Nate Yetzer, the head man who built Roanoke College Wrestling from the ground up… and THIS WEEKEND the Maroons won the NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships — taking down the giants and changing Division III history.In this episode, Coach Yetzer breaks down the blueprint behind Roanoke's rapid rise:✅ How to build a program from scratch (and why he actually prefers it)✅ Culture as the real “competitive advantage”✅ Recruiting philosophy + what a “Roanoke Kid” really is✅ Why D3 can be the best fit for development + career outcomes✅ Scholarships, academic/need-based aid, and how families should approach the money side✅ Fan experience + building a brand people want to watch✅ Areas Roanoke recruits (VA/NC/Atlanta, New England… and why Denver is next)✅ Advice for athletes: how to email coaches, sell yourself, and find the right fitABOUT THE TITLE RUN: Roanoke went to Iowa and shook the sport — beating Augsburg and Wartburg to bring home the national duals crown. The “Augsburg/Wartburg era” isn't automatic anymore.

Some of the best hoops happening in Division III don't necessarily involving Top 25 teams! On Monday's Hoopsville, we chat with programs not even receiving votes in Week 5's D3hoops.com's Top 25 polls. Learn how their seasons are progressing and why we could be talking about them in March. And if they are okay with flying under the radar. Plus a look a head at how the latest Top 25 polls could look with results over the weekend playing a role. Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline: - Blake Arbogast, East Texas Baptist women's coach - Will Chandler, Misericordia men's coach - Chris Martin, Loras men's coach - Carolae Barton & Emily Grasseler, Merchant Marine women's sophomore & junior forwards Dave will also lay down his '2 Cents' on DIII legislation at the NCAA Convention that, on the face of it, brings back the famed 'gray shirt' year. Is it good for student-athletes? Is it good for DIII? What are the drawbacks? Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

Matt Walker, head football coach at Wisconsin–River Falls, joins 365 Sports to reflect on an emotional and historic national championship run at the Division III level. Walker shares what the title means after years of building the program, the unique challenges and rewards of coaching Division III football, how his team found its identity, and why preserving the purity of college football matters now more than ever. An honest, powerful conversation about perseverance, culture, and winning it the right way.#collegefootball #cfb #cfp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Title: Rob Charlton on Why NCAA Fencing Is Within Your ReachSeason 2, Episode 20In this episode, Bryan talks with Rob Charlton — head coach of Wellesley College and a club coach at Five Points Fencing Academy — about why many more fencers are “good enough” to fence in college than they realize, and how to navigate the NCAA landscape without getting overwhelmed.In this episode, you'll learn:The most common misconception Rob hears: “Am I good enough?” — and why the answer is often yesWhy there's no universal “cut line” for NCAA fencing (and why it depends on the school, weapon and year)How coaches build rosters across four years — and how study abroad, injuries and attrition affect recruiting needsWhat Division I vs. Division III can look like in training time, travel and season structureHow athletic scholarships actually work (and why Division III schools can't offer them)The value of looking at the full financial picture: merit aid, need-based aid and total costThe walk-on/tryout path — and why Rob still recommends engaging the recruiting process earlyKey recruiting rules for Division III: when coaches can meet prospects in person and on campusWhat makes a strong first email to a college coach (and what reads as generic/copy-paste)How college coaches structure Summer Nationals: meetings, rules around competition days, and what they're reallywatching forWhy the new NCAA Women's Fencing Championship is meaningful for women's-only programsFind First to 15 on our YouTube channel, too! --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In recently completed NCAA Division I play, she led the nation and set a Florida Gulf Coast University single season women's soccer record with 21 goals during her just completed senior season, becoming the unanimous Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year, among other honors she received for the 2025 season alone. Her prolific season included scoring in ten straight games. In high school she had scored 170 goals in her career, leading her team to the Division III state championship as a junior. Having just graduated, her plan now is to play soccer professionally in Europe.  Listen for her testimony about when she "struggled a lot with (her) faith."

Send us a textA coach who chose roots over rungs. That's the heartbeat of our conversation with Case Western Reserve University head football coach Greg Debeljak, whose uncommon path in a nomadic profession shows what happens when you build a program—and a life—around staying power.We dig into why Division III fit his wiring, how mentors like Tony DiCarlo and Jim Tressel shaped his approach, and what “family culture” looks like when it's lived for decades. Greg opens up about their international tours to Italy and Greece, where club teams play for love of the game, the NCAA grants extra padded practices, and players come home with stories of the Vatican, Pompeii, and island sunsets that tighten a locker room more than any lift. He breaks down the season's chaos, from back-to-back lightning delays and a tie at Rowan to finishing a road game at a local high school because the stadium had no lights—then the gut punch of losing star QB Aaron Phillips, the rise of Sam DiTilio, and a four-game win streak that kept them in the title hunt.Leadership and relationships sit at the center. Greg shares how AD TJ Shelton's people-first style turns mistakes into solutions, why admissions partner Johnny “Fiddy” Falconi proved invaluable for grad recruits, and what he learned coaching All-American Cam Brown, son of NBA coach Mike Brown. You'll hear a vivid account of Mike's visit and his film-backed talk on rebounding from heavy losses—a masterclass in resetting a team's mindset. We also explore Case Western Reserve's transformation: bigger enrollment, booming international presence, and a research ecosystem that launches careers across STEM, business, and beyond. Greg's final message for families is clear: choose your circle with care. Fit is the multiplier that shapes who you become.ISubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardWebb WesternWebb Western is for those who roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Richard and Alex dive into the results from first round of the College Football Playoff, in the following order: Miami over Texas A&M, Alabama over Oklahoma, Ole Miss over Tulane, and James Madison vs. the idea that Group of 5 teams should have less access to the tournament. Then, a tour through FCS, Division II, Division III, and the NAIA national championship. Producer: Anthony Vito. Want much more? Become a paid subscriberSubscribers get weekly bonus episodes, usually more than one during the season and postseason, as well as the chance to ask questions and engage more deeply with the hosts. We'd love to have you. Thanks to our partners and subscribers* 20% off Dad Water: https://drinkdadwater.com/discount/SZD* https://www.nokiantyres.com/szd* Shop Homefield at https://www.homefieldapparel.com/* Modelo: Drink responsibly. Beer imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.splitzoneduo.com/subscribe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe officially kicks off Phase 6 with Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Giant Mess podcast host Neal Lynch has a LOT to say about it.In this episode of Giant Mess, I break down Marvel's retro-futuristic, 1960s-set reboot of the Fantastic Four — from the stunning visuals and cosmic scale to the big creative swings (and safe choices) that have fans divided.I dig into:Why this is the best Fantastic Four movie yet — but still feels restrainedThe decision to skip an origin story (and why that mostly works)Galactus as a true cosmic threat (finally done right)Julia Garner's Silver Surfer and whether the character still connects with modern audiencesPedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn & Ebon Moss-Bachrach's performancesHow Sue Storm is a tour-de-forceCut villains, MCU Easter eggs, and what this movie sets up nextI also dive into Fantastic Four movie history, Marvel rights chaos, and where this reboot fits into the bigger MCU multiverse picture — with plenty of side tangents, sarcasm, and interstellar energy along the way.

Most parents want the roadmap — the blueprint that turns a young athlete into a confident, motivated, successful player. But very few people have lived all sides of the journey. In this episode of The Most Valuable Agent, Matt sits down with someone who has: Kevin Griffin — • Head Softball Coach at Belhaven University • Associate Athletic Director • Former college & semipro baseball player • And father of MLB's top minor league prospect, Connor Griffin Kevin brings a rare perspective: parent, coach, recruiter, evaluator, and someone who has navigated the pressure, opportunity, and noise of both youth baseball and youth softball. He breaks down the myths families fall for, the traps parents accidentally set, how to handle multi-sport decisions, and how he intentionally slowed down Connor's journey instead of chasing exposure. You'll learn why early recruiting hurt more than it helped, why parents should stop forcing sports onto kids, why the college sports landscape has changed for the worse, and how to protect your child's love for the game in an era that pushes them to specialize earlier and chase more. Kevin also shares the real story behind Connor's reclass, his injuries, draft process, the home visits, and how failure shaped who he is. This episode is packed with insights for both softball and baseball families navigating development, recruiting, and the emotional side of youth sports. Subscribe for weekly college recruiting strategy, baseball development insight, and leadership lessons for parents. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • Why parents must stop forcing sports — and how to spot true passion • The biggest myth about Division III softball (and why scholarships aren't what you think) • How early specialization hurts athleticism, confidence, and longevity • Why playing too many games and not enough practice is destroying development • The difference between good exposure and harmful overexposure • Why parents must treat each child differently — and why "fair" is not "equal" • What college softball recruiting really looks like behind the scenes • How NIL has changed college sports — and not for the better • Why attitude matters more than talent in the recruiting process • The real story of Connor Griffin's reclass, injury, draft pressure, and development • How home visits work — and why families must set boundaries • The #1 parenting mistake that damages the parent–athlete relationship • Why kids play to please their parents — and how that affects behavior, confidence & burnout ABOUT KEVIN GRIFFIN Kevin Griffin is the Head Softball Coach and Associate Athletic Director at Belhaven University. He has coached for over 20 years, developing nationally ranked programs and helping athletes grow on and off the field. He is also the father of MLB's top minor league prospect, Connor Griffin, giving him a rare dual perspective into both youth sports development and the professional scouting world. ABOUT MATT HANNAFORD Matt Hannaford is a 25-year MLB agent and founder of Aligned Sports. He has negotiated historic contracts, represented MVPs and All-Stars, and now delivers weekly insight on development, scouting, and the business of baseball. CONNECT WITH KEVIN GRIFFIN Email: kgriffin@bellhaven.edu CONNECT WITH MATT HANNAFORD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/ Website: https://www.aligndsports.com/ YouTube (subscribe for weekly coaching): https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent #YouthBaseball #TravelSoftball #TravelBaseball  

In this emotionally charged episode of Giant Mess, Neal Lynch reacts to one of the most frustrating offseasons in Mets history. From trading Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien, letting Pete Alonso walk to the Orioles, and watching Edwin Díaz head to L.A., Neal dives into all the monumental moves, the questionable decisions by David Stearns, and the eerie silence from Steve Cohen.Is the focus on defense worth dismantling the heart of the team? Has Stearns pulled the plug too soon? With Soto left standing and everyone else gone, what's next for the Mets—and for a fanbase already reeling? Neal unpacks it all with his signature blend of heart, humor, and heartbreak.00:00:00 - Intro00:00:37 - Is This One Of The Saddest Offseasons in Mets History?00:12:42 - Silver Slugger & Gold Glove Award Finalists00:21:31 - Coaching Staff Changes00:25:02 - Status of Unrestricted Free Agents From 2025 Mets Roster00:31:59 - Trade Candidates: Kodai Senga, Mark Vientos, Jeff McNeil00:35:18 - Expectations for Brett Baty & Mets Hall of Fame Inductees00:37:45 - Brandon Nimmo Trade Reaction + Marcus Semien Stats00:53:39 - Signing Free Agent Closer Devin Williams00:58:36 - Edwin Diaz Signing With Dodgers, Tyler Rogers Signing With Blue Jays01:07:40 - Pete Alonso Signing With Orioles01:16:22 - Signing Free Agent Infielder Jorge Polanco01:21:53 - Which Move Hurt The Most? Do We Trust Stearns & Cohen's Vision?01:25:12 - Francisco Lindor & Tarik Skubal Trade Rumors#Mets #MLB #MLBHotStove #PeteAlonso #BrandonNimmo #EdwinDiaz #DavidStearns #SteveCohen #MLBTrades #MetsOffseason #Baseball #MetsFans #JuanSoto #MarcusSemien #JorgePolancoNew York Giants Fan Rants & Analysis - https://bit.ly/NYGiantsYTPlaylist NY Mets Fan Rants & Analysis - https://bit.ly/MetsYTPlaylist Movie Reviews - https://bit.ly/GiantMessMovieReviews TV Show Reactions - https://bit.ly/GiantMessTV Funny Stories -  https://bit.ly/GiantMessFunnyStoriesABOUT NEAL LYNCH:Neal Lynch is the creator and host of Giant Mess, a podcast blending sports commentary, pop culture analysis, and storytelling. Former 4th string quarterback and middle relief pitcher at a Division III school. Degrees in Film & Media Studies and Communications. Helped multiple major media and entertainment publishers develop, produce, optimize, distribute, and promote videos across web, video, and social media platforms. Single dad who loves to blog, podcast, write, edit, optimize, strategize, and over-analyze.  ABOUT "GIANT MESS":"Giant Mess" is a weird sports and entertainment comedy podcast hosted by a giant mess, the Real Cinch Neal Lynch. Neal covers New York Giants football, NY Mets baseball, movies, and TV shows, mixing in funny stories along the way.  Episodes focus on movie reviews, tv show recaps, post-game analysis, predictions, breakdowns, reactions, and funny stories.Subscribe to Giant Mess on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/GiantMessYT⁠⁠ Follow me on:* Link Tree - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/neallynch⁠⁠  * My Official Blog - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/neallynchBLOG⁠⁠ * Facebook Page - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessFB⁠⁠    * Twitter - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/NealLynchTW⁠⁠     * Personal Instagram - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/NealLynchIG⁠⁠    * Podcast Instagram - ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/GiantMessInstagram⁠⁠  * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessApple⁠⁠  * Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/GiantMessSpotify⁠⁠ 

It's a milestone podcast, but we're not quite to the final stage of the Division III football season. You can't blame us for getting dressed up -- OK, maybe just Greg decided to dress up for the audio podcast. But answering the call to the Final Four ball were who most people thought they were in our predictions this week: Johns Hopkins, John Carroll, North Central and UW-River Falls. And instead of doing the blow-by-blow of each game -- because, let's be honest, the average margin of victory was nearly 20 points -- let's hear from people in the middle of each of these games. So we'll be joined by John Carroll cornerback Dylan Crasi, who spent the first half on the sidelines but made his presence known right away in the third quarter. We'll talk to North Central quarterback Garet Wilson, whose first year in Division III since coming from Oklahoma State has been a revelation for both Division III and for him. We chat with UW-River Falls coach Matt Walker about the schematic and playbook choices the Falcons made this week, how they kept players warm (seriously, there was a detailed plan). And Keith McMillan talks to Johns Hopkins offensive lineman Michael Nwosu and defensive lineman Graham Hodge about their play on a day where the Blue Jays' line play was huge. Plus, the coaching carousel continues to turn as Ithaca loses a second consecutive coach to the Ivy League. Sewanee makes a hire who has much more D-III experience than the last guy they hired. And Lawrence didn't even give its new coach six months before cutting him loose?  Patrick and Greg also hand out game balls and we take your questions in the mailbag segment, and Patrick gives an early Stagg Bowl prediction? That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast.

It is the season of giving and a season where there is plenty. For some Division III teams, they seem to have plenty to go around. Wins, points, tenacity, and more. On Monday's Hoopsville, we will check in with a few teams that are almost always in the conversation nationally, but all for different reasons. One powerhouse has remained consistent in an ever changing game. Another known for their defense, is now trying to find offense with a young squad. Another has a tradition of 1000 point scorers over the generations. And another never seems far from talk of winning another title. Guests appearing on the Hudl Hoopsville Hotline: - Elsa Daulerio & Adrienne Shibles, No. 12 Bates women's senior and alum -0 Pat Juckem, No. 4 WashU men's coach - Josh Merkel, No. 2 Randolph-Macon men's coach - Bill Broderick, Christopher Newport women's coach Plus a peak at the final Top 25 poll of 2025. Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com from the WBCA Studios.

This week, Richard Graves sits down with Lew Porchiazzo, Assistant Director for Strength & Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Michigan. Lew brings more than 16 years of experience at one of the most successful athletic departments in the NCAA. His journey from a Division III football lineman to a leader shaping the development of athletes in softball, gymnastics, men's soccer and more, is filled with hard-earned lessons, humility, and an unwavering commitment to supporting people first. In this conversation, Lew dives into: • How to develop trust-driven relationships with athletes • What it truly takes to “raise the floor” of athletic performance • Why systems like Perch have changed the way Michigan trains • The realities of guiding young, ambitious athletes through strength, power, and conditioning programmes • The age-old question: How strong is strong enough? How fit is fit enough? Lew's philosophy blends evidence-based practice, a deep understanding of human behaviour, and a humility-first leadership style that resonates across the world of elite sport. In this episode, you will learn: * How Lew progressed from internships to a senior leadership role at Michigan—and what he learned along the way * Why treating athletes as humans first is central to unlocking performance * How Michigan individualises training across sports with vastly different demands * The process of integrating Perch velocity-based training and how it transformed athlete intent and coaching quality * How to use real-time data to adjust loads, manage fatigue, and protect athletes from themselves * When to stop chasing maximal strength and start focusing on raising the floor for performance * How to guide young athletes who want PBs every week without compromising long-term development * Why the most fulfilling moments in coaching come from watching athletes realise they're capable of more than they thought * Lew's leadership philosophy: vulnerability, authenticity, and serving others * The role of strength & conditioning in creating athletes who are not only powerful and robust—but durable and available About Lew Porchiazzo Lew Porchiazzo is the Assistant Director for Strength & Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Michigan, where he has worked since 2009. He currently oversees physical development for a range of elite programmes including softball, women's gymnastics, and men's soccer. Lew began his career with internships at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and Baylor University, before joining Michigan as a graduate assistant. Across 16+ years he has become a central leader within the department, known for his athlete-first approach, relationship-driven coaching style, and commitment to developing staff and students with authenticity and humility. His expertise spans strength training, power development, velocity-based training, long-term athlete development, and programme design across sports with widely different physical demands. Beyond the weight room, Lew is passionate about helping athletes grow as people—and maintaining a love of movement and training long after their competitive days are over. He occasionally even officiates weddings… but you'll have to listen to the episode to hear that story. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

A night after Johnson & Wales met fellow Division III powerhouse Augsburg in a dual meet in Minneapolis, coach Lonnie Morris and his squad was back in action at the Auggie Invitational. 

When the previous "biggest win in school history" is from the 1950s, replacing the entry at the top of the list means something.  Sure, you could quibble over whether a win against Syracuse from seven decades ago, or a national quarterfinal win at Brockport in 2002, or a quarterfinal win at UW-Whitewater in 2016 should be next on the list, but no regular season win, even one against Mount Union, compares with beating Mount Union at Mount Union in the playoffs.  A win of this nature is so iconic that the head coach's phone blows up, and so does the feed of everyone else even remotely associated with John Carroll football. The traffic on D3football.com nearly doubled in the course of 10 minutes. There's no pretending this is an ordinary win. And to John Carroll's credit, they didn't try to. We chat with Jeff Behrman, the JCU head coach, about having confidence in kicker Colin Schuler after a missed chip shot in the first overtime nearly cost them the game, about the key final play of the game, and about the team's return to campus, the reception, and what's next for the Blue Streaks. We bring back in former co-host Keith McMillan to break down the play, what he saw on video from his perspective as a former Division III football starting safety.  Mailbag questions came hard for this game. The one we chose to answer was whether this means that JCU is up to Mount Union's level or if Mount Union has slipped and there's just one elite team. The answer is perhaps no different than it was when Keith and Greg Thomas wrote a column under the headline "Today, we are all Mount Union" after the 2022 Stagg Bowl, for we are all chasing North Central. We take your mailbag questions. We have postgame audio from all eight games and break them all down. Keith also sits down with Johns Hopkins coach Dan Wodicka and safety Sam Bourdo. Bethel's David Geebli talks about recovering from fumbling on the first snap of the game. Susquehanna's Josh Ehrlich takes the blame for the River Hawks' slow start. Matt Walker talks about UW-River Falls' slow start, although it was fairly brief. Jesse Scott talks about what they saw that was familiar in DePauw's run defense. Berry safety Chaz Pope talks about his game-sealing interception. There's those clips and much more in this podcast. Plus we drop some scoop as to when we will release our All-America team, we answer whether we really thought Johns Hopkins lost some shine after the F&M loss and we bring the receipts to prove it (they're all on the website).  Patrick and Greg also hand out game balls, bring you through the stats of the week and we take your questions in the mailbag segment. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast.

Tom Frank, Bun B, and Jeffrey Sledge sit down with Soufiane “Souf” Bernoukh — the mind behind Halal Wrist and one of the most original voices in sports entertainment today.Souf shares how a childhood full of jokes, a late start in basketball, and the hustle of Division III ball shaped his creative path. He unpacks the creation of his signature trick shot, the midnight hotel-shift videos that ignited his rise, and the Ramadan clip that went viral enough for Drake to reach out.The conversation dives deeper into identity: how Souf navigates stereotypes, represents Muslim culture on a global stage, and uses comedy and craft to build connection. He discusses the growth of the Halal Wrist brand, lessons from running (and pausing) his restaurant, and the launch of the Helal Wrist Foundation — a mission to build courts, uplift communities, and create opportunity worldwide.With laughs, honesty, and plenty of basketball analogies, this episode explores how faith, culture, creativity, and brand storytelling come together in one of today's most unique creator journeys.Tap in — when the prayers go up, the buckets come down. This is Unglossy."Unglossy" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation  and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod.Send us a textSupport the show