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

takeaways

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

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

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

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

In this conversation, Coach Kyle Hawk shares his journey from being a part-time coach to becoming the head coach of the women's volleyball team at Penn College. He discusses the challenges of building a program, establishing a positive team culture, and the importance of self-directed learning among players. Coach Hawk also reflects on the recruitment process and memorable moments from his first year as a head coach, emphasizing the significance of player happiness and development over immediate wins.

In this conversation, Tom Leeser, head coach of the men's and women's cross country teams at Penn College, shares his unique journey from being a high school math teacher and coach to leading a collegiate program. He discusses the importance of relationships in coaching, the transition to coaching young adults, and the development of a championship culture within the team. Tom reflects on memorable moments, recruitment strategies, and the dynamics of building a cohesive team.

In this conversation, Ian Scheller, head coach of the Penn College women's soccer team, shares his journey from a player to a coach, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team culture and fostering relationships with players. He discusses the challenges faced in his first year, his coaching philosophy centered around accountability and authenticity, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for athletes. Ian also reflects on memorable moments in his coaching career and offers advice for aspiring soccer players.

In this episode of WildCast, Men's Soccer Head Coach Tyler Mensch shares his journey from aspiring coach to head men's soccer coach at Penn College. He discusses the challenges of building a program, the cultural shifts within the team, and how he adapts his coaching style to meet the needs of today's student-athletes. Coach Mensch emphasizes the importance of recruitment, creating a positive team culture, and the role of leadership in fostering a successful program. He reflects on memorable moments in his coaching career and offers advice for aspiring student-athletes.