Roaring Champions - A Conversation with Caidence Phillips and Will Capie

Roaring Champions - A Conversation with Caidence Phillips and Will Capie

Episode 73 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee features 2026 state champion Carterville High School softball head coach Will Capie and senior standout pitcher Caidence Phillips joining host Kerry Martin for an in-depth conversation fresh off Carterville’s latest state championship run. Capie reflects on building one of Southern Illinois’ premier high school softball programs, managing the demands of a championship-caliber roster, balancing player development with rest, and the culture of relentless preparation that has fueled the Lions’ sustained success. Phillips discusses her remarkable senior season after earning honors including Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps Player of the Year, while sharing insight into her recruiting journey to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the discipline required to compete at an elite level, and the sacrifices made by her family throughout her softball career. The episode also explores leadership, overcoming adversity, faith in athletics, handling pressure in championship moments, the importance of team chemistry, and the life lessons gained through perseverance, humility, confidence and competing at the highest level. Presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, Christopher Rural Health Planning Corp, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography.

Calling the Game - A Conversation with Mike Trude

Episode 72 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee features longtime Southern Illinois broadcaster Mike Trude joining host Kerry Martin for a conversation about a career that has spanned more than four decades behind the microphone. Trude shares stories from his journey into sports broadcasting, from growing up as a sports fan in the Chicago area to attending Southern Illinois University and learning under legendary broadcaster Mike Reis. He reflects on covering some of the most memorable moments in Southern Illinois sports history, including Saluki Football’s 1983 national championship season, championship basketball teams, high school athletics and countless games across the region. The episode also explores the craft of broadcasting, including the differences between radio and television play-by-play, the importance of preparation, chemistry between broadcast partners, and how technology has transformed sports media. Trude offers insight into what audiences may not realize about the profession and discusses the challenges of maintaining fan engagement in an era where nearly every game is available from home. Presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography.

Innovation in Sports - A Conversation With John Owens & Jacob Rice

Episode 71 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee features Marion High School bass fishing coach John Owens and e-sports coach Jacob Rice joining host Kerry Martin and the episode’s co-host Stan Stout for a conversation about two of the fastest-growing activities in high school sports. Owens discusses his lifelong passion for fishing, the growth of Marion’s bass fishing program, tournament strategy, the role of boat captains and how advancing technology continues to reshape competitive fishing. Rice shares insight into the rapidly expanding world of e-sports, including virtual competition, game preparation, state competition, scholarship opportunities and Marion’s recent third-place finish at the IHSA state finals in Mario Kart. The episode also explores the misconceptions surrounding both activities, how e-sports and bass fishing create opportunities for students who may not participate in traditional sports, and the life lessons young people gain through teamwork, perseverance, leadership and competition. Presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography.

Unleashing the Dawg - A Conversation With Nate Griffin

In Episode 70 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Nate Griffin, SIU offensive assistant coach, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation about the coaching journey, player development, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of college football. Griffin shares his path from growing up in Colorado to playing fullback at the University of Idaho, and how that foundation led him into the coaching profession, with stops at Truman State, Northern Illinois, and five seasons at Minnesota in the Big Ten, where he worked in quality control and gained valuable experience in film study, game planning, and the day-to-day operations of a major college program. The episode dives into Griffin’s return to the field at SIU, where he now coaches tight ends and H-backs — one of the most demanding and versatile positions in football — discussing what he looks for in recruiting, why the role requires a unique blend of size, athleticism and toughness, and how developing players over time remains critical in a sport increasingly shaped by the transfer portal and NIL. Martin and Griffin also explore the realities of modern college football, including roster management, building a culture, and adapting to constant change, while Griffin offers a candid perspective on balancing coaching demands with family life, the sacrifices required in the profession, and the importance of staying grounded amid the pressures of the game. At the heart of the episode is Griffin’s belief in relationships — with players, coaches and families — and the role those connections play in building successful programs, as he reflects on lessons learned throughout his career and the importance of earning trust within a program. It’s an honest, thoughtful and engaging episode filled with behind-the-scenes insight into college football, personal stories from Griffin’s journey, and a deeper look at what it takes to coach and develop student-athletes at a high level.

Lee’s Legacy - A Conversation With Bryan Lee

In Episode 69 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Carbondale head football coach Bryan Lee for a wide-ranging, candid and often hilarious conversation about resilience, second chances and the long road that led him to a 27-year coaching career and more than two decades as a head football coach. Lee reflects on his upbringing in rural Murphysboro and the unconventional path that eventually brought him into education and coaching. After early struggles balancing work, college and direction, he credits his future wife for pushing him to take a leap of faith — moving to North Carolina with little more than determination and a car full of clothes. That decision helped him refocus, finish his degree and ultimately discover his passion for teaching and coaching young athletes. The episode follows Lee’s coaching journey through multiple states and programs, beginning with one of the toughest assignments imaginable — taking over a struggling North Carolina program that had only 16 players and was on the verge of shutting down. Through persistence, culture change and relentless recruiting in the hallways, Lee helped rebuild the team and learned the lessons that would define his coaching philosophy for decades. Martin and Lee also revisit his return to Southern Illinois, where Lee built successful programs at Chester and later Carbondale. The conversation includes stories about playoff runs, conference championships and the unique culture of high school football in Southern Illinois communities. Along the way, Lee shares memorable moments from his career — including coaching sports he had never played, mentoring future college and professional athletes, and the unexpected experiences that come with seeing former players reach the highest levels of the game. At the heart of the episode is Lee’s belief that coaching is about far more than football. Drawing from his own experiences growing up, he speaks passionately about the responsibility coaches have to be positive influences in the lives of young people — especially those who may not have consistent support systems at home. For Lee, the greatest victories come not from the scoreboard but from the relationships built and the lives impacted long after the final whistle. It’s an entertaining, thoughtful and deeply personal episode filled with humor, humility and powerful reflections on leadership, mentorship and the lasting influence of great coaches.