Building a Champion

Jim Inskeep: Carmel High School

In this episode of Building a Champion, we head to Carmel, Indiana — home to one of the most dominant high school athletic programs in the country. With 31 state championships in six seasons, national rankings, and a reputation for excellence across 29 varsity sports, Carmel has built a true dynasty. Athletic Director Jim Inskeep joins the show to break down what really drives sustained success — and it’s not just talent. From high expectations and consistent leadership to deep community support and elite youth development systems, Carmel’s formula is rooted in culture. We explore how long-term vision, coach consistency, and a commitment to developing young people — not just winning titles — have created a program that continues to raise the bar year after year. If you’re looking to build a program that lasts, this episode is packed with insight. ⏱ Chapter Markers 00:00 – The foundation: High expectations & consistency 01:00 – Carmel’s national dominance and program overview 02:28 – Building excellence across all sports (not just one) 03:12 – The history behind Carmel’s sustained success 04:38 – Leadership consistency and long-term vision 05:37 – Youth development and the Carmel Dads Club model 07:28 – Building from the ground up: feeder systems that work 08:26 – Why consistency in coaching matters at every level 09:33 – Competing in Indiana’s one-class individual sports system 10:43 – Facilities, resources, and community investment 12:07 – Creating systems that keep athletes engaged long-term 14:57 – “Swim City USA” and elite program development 16:22 – The formula: expectations, experience, and leadership 17:45 – Coaching consistency and setting the tone 20:06 – What separates Carmel from other top programs 23:13 – Building trust with parents and the community 25:06 – Growing up in athletics and leadership influence 27:44 – The role of athletes in sustaining culture 30:49 – Preventing complacency and motivating coaches 32:42 – Managing pressure as a top-ranked program 36:09 – Winning vs. developing people 38:05 – What’s next for Carmel athletics 40:20 – Long-term vision and legacy 41:47 – Game Time Decisions (rapid fire)

Jake Diggs: Fayetteville High School

In this episode of Building a Champion, we head to Fayetteville, Texas (population 252) where Head Coach Jake Diggs and the Fayetteville Lions did something no team in high school basketball history has ever done — they hit 40 three-pointers in a single game, breaking the national record in a 120–25 win. But this story isn’t just about shooting. It’s about culture. Coach Diggs shares how his program is built around AAE — Accountability, Attitude, and Effort — and how relentless positivity, player buy-in, and small-town unity have transformed a 1A basketball program into a consistent postseason contender. From chasing records to chasing state titles, this conversation highlights what happens when a team commits fully to togetherness and work ethic. This episode is a reminder that big dreams don’t require big enrollment numbers — just belief, culture, and commitment. ⏱ Chapter Markers * 00:00 – The culture code: AAE (Accountability, Attitude, Effort) * 01:20 – 40 three-pointers: When the record became realistic * 02:16 – The decision to chase a national record * 03:02 – Race & Space offense explained * 03:32 – 98 three-point attempts and total team buy-in * 04:22 – Building a winning mindset in a 1A school * 05:17 – Changing the culture at a baseball-first school * 07:36 – Small-town sports and community pride * 08:03 – Getting every player involved in the record night * 08:58 – Sustained success beyond one historic game * 09:32 – Identity of Fayetteville basketball * 10:57 – Adjusting when shots aren’t falling * 11:38 – What Coach hopes players remember most * 12:36 – Game Time Decisions (rapid fire) * 14:21 – Playoff push and chasing a state title

Spencer Huls: Corvallis High School

In this episode of Building a Champion, we head to Corvallis, Montana, home of one of the most consistent small-school track dynasties in the country. Longtime head coach Spencer Huls joins us to unpack how the Corvallis Blue Devils captured their third straight Class A boys state championship—this time by a single point—and how the program has now earned 18 combined boys and girls state titles. Coach Huls walks through the dramatic 3200m that decided it all, the selfless move from a runner who sacrificed his own race to pull teammates back into scoring position, and why their titles are built on accountability, loyalty, and a program-first mentality. He shares how a community-funded track facility transformed the culture, why they treat an individual sport like a true team, and the bus-ride tradition of predicting next year’s state meet points before the celebration is even over. This is a blueprint in consistency, standards, and small-town pride for any coach or AD trying to build sustained success. ⏱️ Chapter Markers * 00:00 – The selfless move that saved a state title * 01:00 – Welcome & Coach Spencer Holes’ incredible resume * 01:45 – Three straight championships decided by a combined 3.7 points * 03:10 – Inside the 3200m: chasing 7 points to secure the win * 04:55 – Crowd energy, athletes stepping up, and the one-point margin * 07:40 – Community-built facilities & why Corvallis rallies around track * 09:37 – 18 combined titles & building one unified boys/girls program * 12:30 – The bus-ride tradition: predicting next year’s state meet points * 16:40 – Learning from heartbreak & the balance of celebrating vs. what’s next * 18:00 – Standards, consequences, and holding even stars accountable * 23:50 – Five generations, loyalty to Corvallis & why this place is “part of me” * 31:50 – What’s next: realistic goals & keeping track “important” * 35:00 – Game Time Decisions: favorite moments, Montana pride & next year’s prediction

Jason Wilkins: Cherry Creek High School

In this episode of Building a Champion, we visit Cherry Creek High School, home of the 2024–25 MaxPreps Cup national champions — recognized as the top high school athletic program in America. Athletic Director Jason joins us to share how the Bruins captured nine state titles, achieved multiple national rankings, and built a model culture of excellence grounded in tradition, accountability, and community pride. From third- and fourth-generation Creekers to a new athletics-only facility breaking ground soon, this episode dives deep into what makes Cherry Creek’s success so sustainable — and why it’s about much more than trophies. 🎧 Listen now to learn how intentional leadership and strong community ties build champions year after year. ⏱️ Chapter Markers * 00:00 – Generations of Creekers & community pride * 01:00 – Being named the nation’s top athletic program * 04:30 – Balancing expectations and handling the spotlight * 07:15 – Nine state titles and unforgettable championship moments * 10:20 – Youth programs, feeder schools, and community engagement * 13:00 – Legacy families and multi-generational pride * 16:30 – The “secret sauce” behind Cherry Creek’s culture * 18:30 – What’s next: a full campus rebuild and new athletic facility * 23:25 – Game Time Decisions: rapid-fire questions with AD Jason 🎯 Show Notes Highlights * Nine state championships in one school year — including football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, and golf * First Colorado school ever to win the MaxPreps Cup for the nation’s top athletic program * How Cherry Creek maintains a culture of high expectations and humility under constant spotlight * The power of youth programs and community engagement in building long-term success * Legacy families: third- and fourth-generation Creekers keeping tradition alive * The importance of leadership that values both preparation and presence * A sneak peek at Cherry Creek’s new athletics facility, opening 2028 * Why Jason believes leadership starts with making someone else’s day better

Episode 20: Dr. Harvey Lamey

Hoover doesn’t just talk about standards—they live them. In this episode of Building a Champion, Jordan and Brian sit down with Hoover High School Athletic Director Dr. Harley Lamey to unpack a historic year in Alabama high school basketball. The boys finished a perfect 35–0 to claim a third straight 7A state title, while the girls secured their fifth consecutive championship (11th since 2001). Dr. Lamey shares the mindset behind Hoover’s mantra—“Best is the standard”—and how the program develops unselfish stars, calm under pressure, and senior-led accountability. You’ll hear how the boys handled late-game drama in the title win over Florence, how the girls answered a second-quarter surge from Hillcrest to control the second half, and why community support and tough national schedules matter. Plus: culture, leadership, and why holding athletes accountable is a form of love. Chapter Markers * 00:00 Expectations & “Best Is the Standard” * 01:08 Why Hoover Basketball Is a Dynasty * 02:38 Boys’ 35–0 Season & Title Game Poise * 10:50 Girls’ Five-Peat & Senior Leadership * 14:08 Other Programs Making Noise (XC, Track, Volleyball, Softball, etc.) * 20:52 Community, Pressure, and Pride * 22:36 What’s Next: Chasing National-Level Excellence * 24:44 Scheduling the Best (IMG, Alaska trips, national tourneys) * 24:44 Game Time Decisions (Rapid Fire) * 31:12 Closing & Culture Takeaways Show Notes Highlights * Boys: 35–0, first undefeated 7A season; third straight title * Girls: Fifth straight state championship; 11th since 2001 * Culture: “Champions in all we do,” senior-led standards, unselfish stars * Community: Packed arenas, “Boneyard” student section, program-wide pride * Broader success: XC near-miss, track dominance, volleyball back-to-back Final Fours, softball, baseball, eSports titles * Coaching: Accountability as love; building players and people