Athlete Builder Ep. 19 - John Harley - Marion University Head Rugby Coach

In this episode of The Athlete Builder Podcast, John Harley, the head coach of the rugby team at Marion University, shares his journey from playing football to coaching rugby. He discusses the growth and success of the rugby program at Marion, including their transition to Division 1 and their victories against bigger teams. John emphasizes the importance of building a winning culture and instilling discipline in the team. He also explains the significance of pre-match rituals and traditions in rugby. John highlights the unique aspects of rugby, such as the Haka and the sportsmanship required on the field. He discusses the training methods for developing big and fast athletes and the use of GPS units for tracking performance. John also addresses the prevention of injuries in rugby and the impact of former gym members on the team. Finally, he emphasizes the mindset required for performance and preparation in rugby, as well as the importance of fitness and fundamentals in the sport. In this conversation, John Harley discusses rugby and college sports. He shares his experience coaching rugby and the mentality required to excel in the sport. John also talks about the international rugby community and the welcoming nature of rugby players worldwide. He provides tips for aspiring college athletes and emphasizes the importance of reaching out and making connections. John expresses his desire to visit New Zealand, the capital of rugby. He shares his favorite sports movie, athlete, book, and superhero. Lastly, he acknowledges the support of his wife and shares his favorite quotes.   Takeaways Building a winning culture and instilling discipline are crucial for the success of a rugby program. Pre-match rituals and traditions, such as the Haka, play an important role in rugby. Fitness and fundamentals are key in rugby, and doing extra work can make a significant difference. The mindset of a rugby player should focus on continuous improvement and doing more than the minimum. Correlations between wrestling and rugby include mental toughness, physicality, and leverage. Rugby requires a specific mentality and mindset to excel in the sport. The international rugby community is welcoming and inclusive. Aspiring college athletes should reach out and make connections with coaches. New Zealand is a bucket list destination for rugby enthusiasts. John's favorite sports movie is 'Legacy' and his favorite athlete to watch is Owen Farrell. John's wife plays a supportive role in his coaching career. John's favorite villain is his wife, and his favorite lift in the weight room is the bench press. If he had $10 million, John would buy or invest in a Major League Rugby team. One of John's favorite quotes is 'Every day is a new day, a new shot at life.' Our supplements of choice: Jocko Fuel: https://jockofuel.com/products/jocko-go-energy-drink?variant=46916594598183 Our podcast links. Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected] Our services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site