UConn Madness

Three heavy hitters join the podcast this week for a crazy episode. Tommy Collins is back and starts off the show by reminding everyone I am in the Guinness Book Of World Records for having the .... Former UConn All Conference Linebacker/Defensive End Jamar Wilkens makes his first appearance. Former UConn basketball player and also having the pleasure of being my former college roommate, Michael Woodward also joins in. Of course, we start by talking about UConn basketball winning the National Championship. Tommy believes that there is too much money in college football UConn is missing out on not to be in a conference. Jamar believes Connecticut fans like being in the Big East, they want to play Seton Hall, St. Johns, Villanova, Georgetown and when we play teams like Houston, we don't draw. Woody believes Coach Hurley is a mastermind and has a family who offers support. After a few rough years, for UConn to win back-to-back National Championships, sticking it to the Power 5 conferences is the way to go. Nobody has done more with less than UConn. Tommy and Woody were instrumental in creating an NIL program for UConn. We are still in the early stages, and it is growing into something special. Jamar talks about being a freshman and his first introduction to UConn football. Skip Holtz was the coach, Jamar was only 17 years old and was playing against grown men, some who were 23 to 25 years old. He said near the end of training camp, he finally figured it out and started dropping dudes all over. He played on every special teams and developed a reputation for having a reckless abandon. Jamar was an incredible linebacker his sophomore year, with a quick trigger and playing downhill. He was moved to defensive end for the good of the team and credits his successful transition due to his experience at linebacker. Knowing, understanding offensive schemes, figuring out what play was coming before the ball was snapped. As a DE, having 88 tackles was unheard of and he was also a top pass rusher. Jamar was a huge part of the 1998 UConn team that went 10-3, won the Atlantic 10 league title, won a playoff game against Hampton before losing to Georgia Southern. A spectacular career where he was an All Conference player. Woody shares the story of his success after college. I remember visiting and practically living with him, while he was always working. He told me he wanted to retire at 40 and started off in the pharmaceutical sales while making his money work for him. Buying townhouses, other properties, renovating and renting them. He married UConn women's star Ashley Valley and they now have two teenage girls. Mike has always been ambitious, setting goals and likes to prove people wrong. He became an executive for the Wyndham hotel group and now is also Senior vice president for Focus Brands Franchise sales, along with business development. A show full of funny stories and laughs, guys who get together a few times a year, allegedly I'll be invited to the next gathering. Jamar talks about his brother and his success playing pro basketball. They tried to get UConn to sign him, but they went in another direction. Now he is thriving in the NBA. We discuss Tommy and Woody building strong, successful careers. Both always give back and Tommy went out of his way to help me with the podcast. Jamar took a little bit longer, but he too has found amazing success in his career. Football is still in his blood as he coaches his two kids. Love these guys, non-stop laughter, entertainment, three great story tellers between Tommy, Jamar, and Woody. I have not talked with Jamar in 24 years, and I greatly appreciated his kind words. Knowing of my recent struggles, offering genuine support saying I look happy and healthy. I've learned it's never too late to reach out to an old friend or teammate. I was sincerely moved to hear how Tommy, Woody and Jamar care about me. Truly a show that is a one of a kind special!