Lone Star Gridiron

Lone Star Gridiron - the experts in Texas high school football

Kristi Jones - Cross Country 10/13/2026

AI Assembled — Episode AIA101226 10/12/2026

AI Assembled — Episode AIA101226 AI Assembled 101226 Season 03, Episode 44 AI Assembled is a cutting-edge podcast where AI takes center stage. Hosted by Chris Doelle, the show features content sourced by ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, Deep Seek, Manus, and others and expertly crafted into engaging discussions through Genspark. Each episode dives into the latest developments in artificial intelligence, blending human insight with the power of machine-generated storytelling. Tune in to explore how AI is reshaping industries, all with the help of innovative AI tools working behind the scenes. What’s inside: • ChatGPT has quietly become a shopping assistant — a personal buyers’ guide on demand — and it only recommends stores it can find. • Meta’s Muse wants to be your A-I employee — it now plugs into Shopify, QuickBooks, Canva and more for small business. • McDonald’s is in federal court over alleged A-I menu price-fixing, and the franchise model is at the center of the fight. • Andrej Karpathy says there’s a growing gap between what people believe A-I can do and what it actually delivers — and most of us are judging last generation’s models. • Quick hits: Meta, Walmart and Stripe pitch an open standard for A-I agents; ads arrive in ChatGPT; Chinese models close in on the U-S frontier. Free A-I Readiness report: https://www.freshmediaworks.com/aiready Key source links: • https://openai.com/index/chatgpt-shopping-research/ • https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/07/meta-muse-personal-ai-agents-dazzle.html • https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/418408/meta-adds-business-facing-muse-ai-features.html • https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/25/meta-is-putting-its-muscle-behind-muse-as-the-ai-app-takes-off/ • https://www.reuters.com/business/ai-pricing-lawsuit-against-mcdonalds-raises-new-antitrust-questions-2026-10-08/ • https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/oct/07/mcdonalds-ai-prices-lawsuit • https://www.businessinsider.com/andrej-karpathy-growing-gap-ai-understanding-2026-4 • https://www.marketingprofs.com/opinions/2026/56118/ai-update-october-09-2026-ai-news-and-views-from-the-past-week Contact & Subscribe , Chris Doelle - , AI Consultant • Podcaster • Author • Speaker /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43259958

Gulf Coast Sports Show 100926 10/10/2026

Gulf Coast Sports Show 100926 Gulf Coast Sports Report 100926 Season 17, Episode 9 Hosts: Mike Forman and Chris Doelle Doelle and Forman preview a consequential Week 7 of Texas Gulf Coast high school football as district play ramps up and playoff positioning becomes critical. Following a light Week 6 filled with open dates, the hosts analyze key district openers, marquee ranked clashes, and major injury updates across the region. WEEK 6 REVIEW Yoakum defeated previously unbeaten Marion behind Elijah Barnett's 4-touchdown, pick-six performance in the Wildcat package, though late-game fatigue highlighted a need for better conditioning. Victoria East earned their first win of the season in commanding fashion by annihilating Fort Bend Clements. Week 6 featured a light overall schedule across the area because many teams in six-team districts were on open dates. BIGGER-PICTURE STORYLINES Playoff urgency: With Week 7 underway, every district matchup carries immediate stakes for playoff qualification and seeding. Quarterback adjustments: Cuero must adjust after starter Jay Cuardo broke his collarbone against Sinton, leaving former Shiner quarterback Jarvis Williams as a key replacement option. Multi-generational coaching ties: Sealy head coach Clint Finley is joined on staff by his father with his son playing QB, while his father Mickey Finley previously coached at Sealy during the Eric Dickerson era. Realignment ripple effects: Edna's shift from Region 4 to Region 3 provides relief to local powers like Yoakum and Hallettsville while setting up new district battles. Substack & Fan Voicemail: Game previews are available at [suspicious link removed], and listeners can leave call-in feedback at 713-568-6361. WEEK 7 PREVIEW Calallen at Calhoun: A historic rivalry featuring a healthier Calallen squad against a physical Calhoun team led by former Calallen assistant coach Herzer. Bay City at Sealy: An unbeaten 4A district clash featuring Bay City quarterback Key'Marion Wiggins against Sealy's family-led coaching staff. El Campo at Columbia: Undefeated El Campo visits Columbia, with a potential marquee showdown against Bay City looming next week if both win. Columbus at Edna: District opener pitting Columbus against an Edna team featuring a dominant defense but searching for offensive consistency. Cuero vs. San Antonio Memorial: Cuero begins district play looking to execute a new quarterback plan following Jay Cuardo's injury. Tidehaven at East Bernard: Winless Tidehaven travels to East Bernard in a deep district where playoff berths will go down to the wire. Industrial vs. Rice Consolidated: Unbeaten Rice Consolidated takes on Industrial with a share of first place on the line. Ganado at Kenedy: A ranked 15-2A Division I clash where state-tested Ganado visits a high-scoring Kenedy squad coming off back-to-back 1-point victories. Shiner vs. Bloomington: Shiner hosts Bloomington in a district tune-up ahead of next week's matchup against Ganado. Lavaca County Showdown (Shiner St. Paul at Hallettsville Sacred Heart): Private school rivals meet in Hallettsville after splitting their past two meetings. Victoria East at Pasadena South Houston: Victoria East travels for a Saturday district game seeking their second straight victory. Victoria West vs. Lamar Consolidated: Victoria West returns home aiming for a second consecutive district win. Refugio at Taft: High-stakes district contest with critical playoff seeding implications across the district. presented by Lone Star Gridiron as well as Stay tuned for all the great shows on the . Contact the Huddle Twitter , , Facebook ALL I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM MY TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH - , The AUTHORITY on Texas High School Football! ™ Call the fan feedback line 713-568-6361 and let us hear what you have to say! /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43244743

Hog Wall Heroes and Javelina Football Legends 10/10/2026

Hog Wall Heroes and Javelina Football Legends Show Notes: Season 2, Episode 4 A rainy, delay-filled Javelina game sets the stage for a wide-ranging conversation about South Texas football history. Manuel Flores and Randy Lynch look back at the Javelinas’ comeback win over West Texas A&M before revisiting memorable teams, standout players, and the athletes who helped shape the region’s sports identity. Key topics include: • The Javelinas rally from a 21-0 deficit to defeat West Texas A&M after two weather delays. • Christian Kurtz’s breakout performance and his 500-plus receiving yards and multiple touchdown catches are highlighted. • Manny and Randy compare the comeback to other memorable Javelina finishes, including the Abilene Christian tie. • The 1990s Hog Wall offensive line and the massive blockers who powered the Javelinas are remembered. • The hosts revisit Javelina All-Americans, NFL draft picks, quarterbacks, receivers, linemen, and multi-sport athletes. • Randy Johnson, Carl Douglas, Eugene Wokoviak, and other notable Javelina quarterbacks are discussed. • The conversation expands to South Texas high school football programs including Ray, Calallen, Gregory-Portland, and Harlingen. • South Texas hurdlers and track athletes from different generations are also remembered. • The episode closes with listener mail and a look at the long history of Javelina football dating back to the 1920s. Host Biographies Manuel Flores: A South Texas native born and raised in Hebbronville. He is a former sports writer for the San Antonio Express, Dallas Morning News, and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. He has also hosted sports radio shows and provided play-by-play for high school games. Randy Lynch: Former alumni director at Texas A&I in the 1970s and a former color commentator for the "Andy and Randy show" alongside Andy Cook. The hosts are eager to hear your stories! If you have a memory of a specific player or team you'd like them to cover, email Manuel Flores at . Producer: Chris Doelle, Lone Star Podcast Network. /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43244698

Trauma, Healing, and Showing Up for Others 10/10/2026

Trauma, Healing, and Showing Up for Others SHOW NOTES: Community leader Tish Cornell joins Ty to discuss caregiving, resilience, and navigating life’s most difficult seasons while continuing to show up for family and community. Drawing on her experiences with childhood trauma, her husband’s health challenges, and a life-threatening medical emergency of her own, Tish shares how survival mode can shape our lives and why self-care matters. The conversation explores the importance of therapy, humor, and creative outlets in maintaining emotional well-being. Tish reflects on learning to recognize her own needs, setting healthier priorities, and embracing her personal motto of being better, not bitter. Her story is a powerful reminder that caring for others starts with caring for yourself. In this episode: Tish’s Beaumont roots and years of involvement in community organizations, including the Beaumont Chamber, Beaumont Leadership, and the Empty Stocking Fund. Balancing motherhood, professional responsibilities, and community service. How childhood trauma and difficult relationships can lead to a lifelong survival mindset. Becoming a caregiver after her husband experienced a heart attack and subsequent strokes. The importance of recognizing caregiver burnout and prioritizing personal health and basic needs. Tish’s life-threatening medical emergency during a road trip to Idaho, her ITP diagnosis, and the challenges of living with an unpredictable health condition. How humor, laughter, and creative activities help navigate difficult seasons. The role of trauma-focused therapy in building self-awareness and addressing underlying challenges. Learning to protect mental and physical well-being while continuing to support loved ones. Choosing to be better, not bitter, and finding ways to keep loving, giving, and serving the community. Connect with Ty Gipson: Find more stories, resources, and ways to connect at tygipson.com (Gipson with a "p"). Ty Gipson is an entrepreneur, relentless survivor, and powerhouse speaker. He transforms adversity into action and ignites audiences with real-world resilience and over 30 years of sales mastery. To book Ty Gipson as a speaker, call 512-944-4780 or visit tygipson.com. Remember, "your story isn't over yet. If you live like you have no options, I'll see you next time". /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43244643

A Conversation with Sara Fox, author. 10/09/2026

A Conversation with Sara Fox, author. SHOW NOTES: What happens when a family story refuses to stay in the attic? In this guest episode of Your Book Is In There, I sit down with historical fiction author Sara Fox to talk about the remarkable journey behind A Legacy Forged—from a ten-year-old boy walking 30 miles to Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution to family notes that became the foundation for a novel. We talk about turning history into fiction, finding characters in old photographs, plotting versus pantsing, publishing, getting rights back, marketing fatigue, and the moment writing a book starts to feel like running a business. Most of all, Sara shares why we keep writing despite the fear and uncertainty, with one simple piece of advice: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” If you have a story waiting to be told, this conversation is for you. Talking Points: Inger introduces the episode as a conversation for aspiring and first-time authors navigating the publishing journey in real time. Sara Fox shares how she grew up near Birmingham, England, a setting that became central to A Legacy Forged because of its Industrial Revolution history. Sara explains that A Legacy Forged is rooted in the true story of a 10-year-old boy who ran away from home and walked 30 miles to Birmingham in 1822. She describes Birmingham’s back-to-back houses, crowded court housing, and the poverty, disease, and industrial hardship that shaped the city. Sara says she learned about the story through her parents, whose family business endured betrayal, legal pressure, and near-collapse in the 1990s. She explains how family notes, photographs, and lived experience became the foundation for the novel and later the trilogy. Sara talks about using a photograph of Matthew Seller to shape his character, noting how his face suggested fear, despair, and anger all at once. Inger and Sara discuss how readers can interpret the same character or situation in very different ways, and how that ambiguity can make fiction richer. Sara admits she initially pantsed the book, then had to rebuild structure after continuity problems, including accidentally killing off a character and later mentioning him again. She says she eventually turned to Excel for plotting, even though she dislikes it, because the story now spans multiple families and books. Sara describes the emotional side of writing, including hearing characters in her head and losing track of time while drafting. The conversation shifts to publishing, with Sara sharing a difficult experience with a publisher who handled editing, cover design, distribution, and rights in a way that left her without control. She explains how she reverted her rights, had to replace the cover, and learned to publish through platforms like Amazon and IngramSpark. Inger and Sara discuss author marketing, with Sara emphasizing community, smart reuse of content, and using platforms like Substack to create longer-form material that can be reshaped for other channels. Both authors reflect on how writing can become a business, but one driven by creativity, meaning, and reader connection rather than money. Resources Mentioned: National Trust – Birmingham Back to Backs — Sara discusses the preserved back-to-back houses that helped bring the world of A Legacy Forged to life. Amazon KDP and IngramSpark — discussed in connection with Sara's experience taking control of her publishing after reverting her rights. Substack — one of Sara's preferred platforms for connecting with readers and creating content that can be repurposed elsewhere. Threads, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest — mentioned as places authors can connect, build community, and share their work. Pasted text Pasted text Pasted text Find more tools, warnings, and honest guidance on the . Enjoying the show? , or . /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43233663

Calallen Football Show 100826 10/08/2026

Third Coast Gridiron 100826 10/08/2026

Yoakum Bulldogs Athletics Show 100826 10/08/2026

S05E03 - Jeff McQuilkin 10/07/2026

S05E03 - Jeff McQuilkin Podcast: Lunch with Chris Host: Chris Doelle Guest: Jeff McQuilkin, Composer and Founder of Jetstream Sonic Episode Summary In this episode of Lunch with Chris, host Chris Doelle sits down with composer and sonic branding expert Jeff McQuilkin. They explore the incredible, often overlooked power of sound in marketing. While big players like Netflix, Intel, and McDonald’s have long leveraged sonic logos to dominate their industries, Jeff explains why sonic branding is no longer a luxury reserved for multi-million-dollar corporations. Jeff breaks down how sound imprints on our memories up to 100 times faster than visuals alone, sharing actionable insights, fascinating industry stories (like the origin of the KitKat and McDonald's jingles), and practical advice on how small businesses and podcasters can use custom audio to deepen customer relationships, bypass algorithm traps, and stand out in a crowded digital landscape. Key Discussion Points & Insights 1. The Science of Sound in Marketing Rapid Memory Imprinting: A brand’s unique sound can imprint on the human memory up to 100 times faster than visual branding alone. The "Ipsos" Study Stats: According to research, advertisements that incorporate sonic branding are 8.5 times more likely to succeed in their primary objective compared to ads without any music. Perception Boost: Having a unique brand sound increases a company's perceived favorability by 25% and can elevate brand recognition by up to 96%. It also instantly lends a smaller company the professional credibility of a much larger competitor. The Power of Familiarity: In a competitive market, people buy from brands they remember. If your brand is the first to come to mind when a need arises, you hold an immense advantage. 2. From Jingles to Sonic Logos: Iconic Audio Stories McDonald's "I'm Loving It": This iconic audio clip actually originated as a sample from a Justin Timberlake song that McDonald's licensed and condensed. KitKat "Give Me a Break": The composer reportedly wrote this legendary, culturally embedded jingle during a single elevator ride after meeting with the advertising agency. Dr. Pepper & Barry Manilow: Famous singer-songwriter Barry Manilow wrote the classic "I'm a Pepper" jingle, alongside many other famous brand jingles early in his career. 3. Why Small Businesses Need Sonic Branding Now The "Tipping Point": With the rise of YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts, every small business is now a content creator. The Algorithm Trap: Social media algorithms are designed to keep eyes on screens, which means they will often suggest a competitor's content immediately after a user views yours. Having a distinct sonic identity ensures you stand out and remain memorable. Affordability: Traditional big-agency sonic branding packages start at $25,000+. Jeff has tailored his business to offer high-quality, custom sonic suites for small businesses in the $1,000 to $5,000 range. 4. Jeff’s Creative Process for Custom Audio Deep Client Discovery: Sitting down with business owners to understand their origin stories, target audiences, and the precise emotions they want their brand to evoke. Creative Sound Design: Integrating real, industry-specific sounds. For example, Jeff integrated a real nail gun recording into a roofing company's logo and a golf swing sound for a golf supplier. AI & Intellectual Property: Jeff does not use AI in his music creation, ensuring all files are 100% protectable by copyright. However, he does use AI search tools to test finished compositions for plagiarism risks to ensure complete originality. 5. Common Mistakes Podcasters and Content Creators Make Using "Free" or Stock Music: Many podcasters use inexpensive, generic, or royalty-free stock music. However, you have no control over who else is using that track, meaning your show lacks a truly distinct identity. The Copyright Trap: Using unoriginal music leaves creators vulnerable. If a stock composer later shifts their music behind a paywall or registers it with a rights manager, platforms like YouTube can retroactively flag, demonetize, or silence your episodes. Exclusive Offers for Lunch with Chris Listeners Jeff is offering two incredible deals for listeners of this episode to help them kickstart their sonic branding journey: Free Sonic & Marketing Audit: Jeff is waving his standard $197 audit fee for listeners who want to evaluate their current brand sound and strategy. 30% Off Sonic Branding Services: A special discount for listeners who decide to partner with Jetstream Sonic to build their custom sound profile. Connect with Jeff McQuilkin Website: LinkedIn: Connect with Jeff on Instagram: Follow him Be sure to mention you heard about him on Lunch with Chris to claim your exclusive listener discounts! /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43208723

The Victoria Farmers Market with Miranda Listinger 10/07/2026

Lovejoy Football 100726 10/07/2026

Huntsville Football 100726 10/07/2026

Kayli Kane - Volleyball 10/07/2026

This Week in Victoria 100726 10/07/2026

AI Assembled — Episode AIA100526 10/06/2026

Gulf Coast Sports Show 093026 10/02/2026

Gulf Coast Sports Show 093026 Gulf Coast Sports Report 093026 Season 17, Episode 8 Hosts: Mike Forman and Chris Doelle Game Recaps & Past Week Highlights Edna def. Goliad: Goliad intercepted Edna on the opening drive and advanced to the 10-yard line, but got pushed back and missed a field goal. Edna’s defense completely shut down Goliad for the remainder of the game, while Maverick Robertson led Edna's rushing attack. Industrial def. Tidehaven: Industrial delivered a dominant win over a young Tidehaven team that sits at 1–4 following a tough early schedule and injuries. East Bernard def. Brazos: East Bernard secured a close victory over Brazos in the final minutes. Kenedy def. Weimar: Kenedy won a tight contest after Weimar failed on a late two-point conversion attempt. Despite Weimar using its size advantage, Kenedy managed to outscore them and secure the ball to run out the clock. Bay City: Continued its strong season with another victory as they prepare for a major district matchup. Upcoming Game Previews Bay City at Navasota: Undefeated Bay City travels to face unbeaten Navasota in a premier district challenge. El Campo vs. Needville: Top-10 El Campo comes off a bye week to open district play against rival Needville. Victoria East vs. Fort Bend Bush: Victoria East looks to secure a morale-boosting first win for Coach Smithy against winless Fort Bend Bush. Victoria West at Rosenberg Terry: Victoria West opens district play on the road in a game that will evaluate their playoff chances. Marion at Yoakum: Yoakum opens district play healthy after a bye week as they host Marion, with Mike Forman covering the game in expected rainy conditions. Hallettsville vs. Luling: Hallettsville carries momentum following a district-opening win over Smithville, with Coach Montgomery stabilizing the quarterback position. 2A District Slate: Highlighted by Shiner at Weimar, Kenedy at Bloomington, Flatonia at Ganado, and a pivotal Refugio at Taft matchup for district playoff seeding. St. Joseph vs. The Woodlands Christian: 5-1 St. Joseph opens district action against a solid Houston private school program. Key Discussion Topics Transition to District Play: Non-district slates wrap up as area districts begin league competition. Health & Depth: Managing injuries and utilizing early-season bye weeks (such as Yoakum, Ganado, and El Campo) to recover and prepare for district play. Host Updates & Coverage: Chris Doelle is away this weekend attempting his "Top of Texas" hike at Guadalupe Peak in cold, windy conditions, while Mike Forman travels to cover Yoakum vs. Marion. Looking Ahead to Next Week: Key upcoming matchups include Calallen at Calhoun (Coach Herzer facing his former team), Bay City vs. Sealy, and Columbus at Edna. presented by Lone Star Gridiron as well as Stay tuned for all the great shows on the . Contact the Huddle Twitter , , Facebook ALL I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM MY TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH - , The AUTHORITY on Texas High School Football! ™ Call the fan feedback line 713-568-6361 and let us hear what you have to say! /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43154653

Javelina Legends & the Road to Hawaii 10/01/2026

Third Coast Gridiron 093026 10/01/2026

Yoakum Bulldogs Athletics Show 093026 10/01/2026

Calallen Football Show 093026 09/30/2026

What Keeps You Writing After the Spark Fades 09/30/2026

Lovejoy Football 093026 09/30/2026

Huntsville Football 093026 09/30/2026

This Week in Victoria 093026 09/30/2026

Eunice Martinez-Gonzalez - Creating Impact Through Community Engagement 09/28/2026

AI Assembled — Episode AIA092826 09/28/2026

My Interview on The Collective Cast Podcast 09/26/2026

My Interview on The Collective Cast Podcast SHOW NOTES: This week on Your Book Is In There, host Inger E. Johnson flips the script and shares a conversation from the other side of the mic. Inger sits down with Chris Damron of The Collective Cast, brought to you by Arizona Business Collective, to talk about her writing journey, her debut novel Veiled Halos, and what it really takes to navigate the publishing world as a first-time author. From growing up in Colombia and moving to a small town in Idaho at fifteen, to a career in banking and financial planning, to becoming an empty nester who finally pursued her lifelong dream of writing a book—Inger shares the deeply personal story behind her inspiration. She also discusses what success means for her book, why she started the Your Book Is In There podcast to help other aspiring authors, and gives a sneak peek at her upcoming releases: The Muzo Emerald Murders (launching November 4, 2026) and The Road That Knows No End (spring 2027). Tune in for a warm, candid conversation about genealogy, storytelling, and the winding path of a first-time author. Talking Points: • Inger E. Johnson shares a special episode featuring her interview on The Collective Cast. • Her journey from Colombia to the United States and the experiences that shaped her life. • How her love of genealogy, history, and storytelling inspired her to become an author. • The personal journey behind writing and publishing Veiled Halos. • What success means to her as a first-time author and why the journey continues beyond publishing one book. • Why writing a book is similar to starting a business—and the mindset shift authors need to make. • The inspiration behind her podcast, Your Book Is In There, and her mission to help aspiring authors navigate the publishing journey. • Demystifying topics such as copyright, ISBNs, AI, KDP, marketing, and common publishing myths. • A look at her upcoming books, including The Muzo Emerald Murders and The Road That Knows No End. • How genealogy and real historical stories inspire her characters, settings, and future books. /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43041708

The Old Broadcasts That Made Baseball Feel Like a Sunday Ritual 09/25/2026

The Old Broadcasts That Made Baseball Feel Like a Sunday Ritual Show Notes: Season 2, Episode 2 of South Texas Sports Memories features Manuel Flores and Randy Lynch looking back at memorable South Texas sports stories from the 1960s through the 1970s. They revisit standout baseball teams, high school football, classic sports broadcasts, and the legacy of Texas A&I Javelina athletics, including the 1961 New York Yankees, the 1976 Corpus Christi Connie Mack national championship team, and the 1962 Javelina football team. The conversation also explores the growth of South Texas baseball and changing college athletics before closing with current updates from Gregory-Portland High School and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Key topics include: Memories of the 1961 New York Yankees, including Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford Classic Falstaff’s Game of the Week broadcasts featuring Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese The 1976 Corpus Christi Boys and Girls Club Connie Mack national championship team Richard Elizondo, Lewis Whetstone and Kevin Adams and their roles on the championship team The growth of organized fall and winter baseball leagues in Corpus Christi The 1962 Texas A&I Javelina football team and its four All-Americans The changing landscape of Texas college athletics from the NAIA era to today UTRGV baseball and basketball and the legacy of Pan American Gregory-Portland football and the current South Texas sports scene Texas A&M-Kingsville’s win over Eastern New Mexico Host Biographies Manuel Flores: A South Texas native born and raised in Hebbronville. He is a former sports writer for the San Antonio Express, Dallas Morning News, and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. He has also hosted sports radio shows and provided play-by-play for high school games. Randy Lynch: Former alumni director at Texas A&I in the 1970s and a former color commentator for the "Andy and Randy show" alongside Andy Cook. The hosts are eager to hear your stories! If you have a memory of a specific player or team you'd like them to cover, email Manuel Flores at . Producer: Chris Doelle, Lone Star Podcast Network. /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43035568

Championship Standards- Winning in the Classroom and on the Field 09/25/2026

Championship Standards- Winning in the Classroom and on the Field Championship Standards- Winning in the Classroom and on the Field Season 7 Episode 4 SHOW NOTES: In this episode of The Coaches Call, host Chris Doelle interviews Coach Sterling Doty of Stephenville. Following a state championship football season, Stephenville High School was awarded the NFF Hatchell Cup National High School Academic Excellence Award. Coach Doty breaks down how Stephenville fosters a culture of excellence that balances elite athletic achievement, top-tier academic performance, and active community involvement Key Discussion Topics & Takeaways 1. The NFF Hatchell Cup & A Culture of Standards • National Recognition: Stephenville won the NFF Hatchell Cup—a national award named after NFF CEO Steve Hatchell and administered by Matthew Sign—which honors state champions for combined performance on the field, academic excellence, and community outreach. • High Expectations Early On: Success across academics and athletics stems from high expectations set early by the school district, teachers, parents, and community. • Honoring Tradition: Carrying on the legacy of former Stephenville head coaches like Coach Briles and Coach Copeland, the program expects players to be outstanding leaders in school hallways as well as champions on the field. 2. Stephenville's Two-Tiered Academic Support System • Academic Coordinator & Targeted Study Halls: Academic Coordinator Jeremiah Butchie tracks player academic standing and organizes small-block study halls during the school day for subjects like math and science. • Real-Time Teacher Communication: Teachers utilize a single-click shared document to instantly notify the coaching staff if a player drops a grade or misses an assignment. • Position Coach Accountability: Position coaches are held directly responsible for monitoring and supporting their players' grades. • Weekly Sunday Grade Checks: Every Sunday, coaches pull grade reports; any student-athlete with a grade of 80 or below receives targeted follow-up to get back up to standard. • Academic Achievement: Football players regularly fill the school’s top 10% class rankings, tackle Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and graduate with college credit. 3. Multi-Departmental & Counselor Collaboration • Coaches in the Classroom: Coaching staff members are embedded across all academic departments (math, science, social studies, English, CTE), facilitating direct support between teachers and coaches. • Guidance & Course Placement: School counselors partner with players to encourage them to take AP courses or optimize their schedules so every student thrives academically. • Parental Support: Recognizing the daily demands on families, the program relies on active communication with parents to keep student-athletes on track. 4. Coaching Philosophy & Program Alignment • Individualized Motivation: Coaching requires recognizing individual player personalities—knowing when to challenge a player openly or mentor them privately. • Assistant Coach Ownership: Directives from the head coach rely on assistant coaches actively managing position groups, monitoring grades, and developing the whole person. • Community-Based Athletics: High school athletics provides players a unique opportunity to represent their town, wear school colors, and build lasting memories that go far beyond club sports or private training. 5. Long-Term Definition of Program Success • Life Lessons Through Sports: Athletics serves as a vehicle to teach resilience, hard work, accountability, and a team-first mindset ("it's about us, not me"). • The 20–30 Year Benchmark: Coach Doty measures true success not by trophy cases, but by what kind of leaders, parents, and citizens players become when they return for high school reunions decades later. Host: Chris Doelle Links & Resources • THSCA Heat Toolkit/Playbook: Available on the THSCA website under the Health and Safety tab (developed in partnership with Dell Children's and UIL) Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA): www.thsca.com Texas High School Coaches Association Twitter: Limited sponsorship opportunities are available on the show. Contact Chris Doelle at (713) 269-4620 or email at . Subscribe on these great platforms: /episode/index/show/cdogg/id/43032803

Lone Star Gridiron

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