Chalk Talk with Chris Gianandrea and Jordan Hillmick

Colby Blaine is the 2023 NAIA men's basketball national championship winning coach with the College of Idaho. During his 6 years as the head coach, Colby has built C of I into a powerhouse program, one who believes in themselves and their talent. He strives to bring the best out of each of his players and what they bring to the table. A three time CCC coach of the year, a one time NAIA NABA coach of the year, and the 2020 NAIA Division II coach of the year, Colby knows a thing or two about building a successful program. Colby joins the Chalk Talk crew to talk about the C of I journey of creating one of the most feared programs in the nation that is built upon the togetherness of each member of their team, how they go about finding the next generation of Yotes, and retaining each student-athlete for the long term development of the team. Enjoy!

Imbler Track and Field head coach Heidi Bowers joins the Chalk Talk crew as they discuss the Imbler Track and Field project and the hard work they have put in to fundraising for a new track, lights, and modern facility to bring their program up to speed. This hasn't deterred Heidi as she has been coaching for 33 years and has 11 state champion athletes. Join us as we figure out how fundraising has been going, how to help, also how Heidi strives to bring the best out in every student-athlete. To help the Imbler Track and Field project, visit www.imblertrack.org.  

Blake Franklin is a man of many talents and although one of the busiest guys you'll ever meet, Blake is the first guy to lend his time to anyone in need. Blake Franklin joins the Chalk Talk crew as they talk about his journey into health and fitness, finding his correct path, his faith and the turns and influences he met along the way that guided him to where he is today. Blake is a doctor of physical therapy and owner of Kaizen Training and Nutrition. He loves to help all athletes along their journey to being the best version of themselves. He volunteers his time with Young Life, as well as hiking, spike ball, and just about any to keep himself active. Enjoy The Blake Franklin Episode!To learn more about Kaizen Training and Nutrition visit https://www.kaizentrainingandnutrition.com/. To check out Blake's podcast, check out The Eastern Oregon Connection anywhere you get your podcasts. 

Dustyn Azure has led the comeback for wrestling at Eastern Oregon University and has made them a well known name in the nation as he enters his eighth season at the helm he strives to help instill values that will not only take them to victories on the mat but also in the real world. Chris and Jordan sit down with the two time conference coach of the year to learn about philosophy, what he looks for in student-athletes, and what makes a Mountaineer wrestler. Enjoy!

Josh Goodman although a young coach, is making an impact at one of the most well known programs, Eastern Oregon University women's soccer, of the last decade in the nation. Just off his rookie season at the helm, Goodman sits down with Chris and Jordan to talk shop about what it was like, what he learned under his mentors, his first season in charge, and his love and pain for his Eagles and Man United. Sit back, relax, and enjoy season two, episode two with Josh Goodman.

Don't worry, Chalk Talk is back! Chris Gianandrea and Jordan Hillmick return to the mics to fill you in on where they have been, recap season one, and talk about life events that changed a lot of things. Catch up with the guys as they get ready to launch season two and sneak peak the upcoming guests. Also, thank you for your support for Chalk Talk! We had over 1,300 downloads for the first season which is incredible. At one point, Chalk Talk was statistically top 40% of podcasts being listened during season one. Thank you again!

The Chalk Talk crew sit down with women's professional hockey player Reagan Rust of the Metropolitan Riveters. Reagan is an avid hockey player and mental health advocate and owner of the Female Athlete Society (@femaleathletesociety on Instagram). Reagan has continued to push and break through the hockey ranks and taking her talents overseas to Budapest, Hungary, Canada, Sweden and was chosen to represent USA in the 2017 IIHF Women's World Championships. Reagan was an amazing guest we cannot wait for you to listen to her interview. Enjoy the Reagan Rust episode!

Chris and Jordan sit down to talk with Klel Carson, LHS wrestling coach with 30 years of coaching experience, coaching some of the top wrestlers in the state of Oregon earning 11 OSAA placement trophies, 4 team state championships, multiple coach of the year awards, and 28 individual state champions. An overall nice guy and a legendary coach in the region, join the Chalk Talk crew as they sit down with Klel Carson!

Chris and Jordan get to sit down with the one, the only Dan Abrahams! Dan Abrahams is a sport psychologist working alongside individuals, teams, coaches and organizations globally. He is the author of four best-selling sport psychology books and is the founder of both the Dan Abrahams Soccer Academy and The Sport Psych Show podcast. A former professional golfer and PGA qualified, Dan has a First Class Honors degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Sport Psychology. On this episode we talk about what Dan is passionate about in his studies, how he got to where he is today, and how he approaches his clients to help better themselves through the use of psychology. Enjoy!

The Chalk Talk crew get to sit down with Michael Fields, resident of La Grande who has coached pretty much every youth sport there is and continues to stay busy and one of the most involved community members in Eastern Oregon. Michael Fields has over fourteen years of experience coaching football.  He has coached youth to high school as a head coach, offensive and defensive coordinator, special teams, and position coach.  His football coaching career began in Indianapolis, IN as a middle school coach for 4 seasons. There he coached offensive and defensive lineman then 2 years as defensive coordinator, special team’s coordinator and his final year as head coach. Fields spent two years in New Mexico coaching youth football before moving to La Grande in 2015.  He coached Optimist football and flag football for the first three years, then moved up to help at the middle school in 2018.  In 2019, he joined the high school staff for the undefeated state championship season.  After serving as the freshman head coach for 4 years, in 2022 he began serving as the head JV coach and offensive coordinator.  He helps the varsity program with QBs, RBs and LBs as well as helping with special teams’ coordination.  He’s the endzone camera operator on Friday nights and coordinates the film for the team.Over the past decade and half, Fields has worked youth and high school football skills camps helping to develop players and coaches.  In addition to football, Fields has also coached softball for UC Lightning (USA softball), La Grande Fire basketball(AAU), and previously Little League baseball. Michael also spends his free time writing articles in two separate football coaching magazines.

Chris and Jordan get to sit down and talk with legendary soccer coach Eddie Soto of Cal State - Dominguez Hills. Eddie's coaching resume well over 20 years of coaching experience, including 17 at the NCAA Division I level. The past four seasons at CSUDH, Eddie Soto has led the Toros to over 30 wins with Soto bringing the Toros back in 2021 and led the Toros to their first 10-win season in four years while reaching the CCAA Championship semifinal. The Toros also cracked the national top 25, reaching as high as 13. Prior to Dominguez Hills, Eddie spent time at UCLA as the assistant coach for the men's soccer team. In addition to his duties at UCLA,  Soto also served as the head coach of the U-18 L.A. Galaxy Academy team. He took over a last place Galaxy squad midway through the 2011 season and in just one year led the team to the U.S. Development Academy SoCal division title in 2012. Soto also helped coach the Galaxy U-17s to the 2011 adidas Cup championship and also served as an assistant coach for the U-16 Galaxy Academy team that won the 2011 National Championship.After 12 years at the helm of the US Beach Soccer National team taking the team to two FIFA beach soccer world cups and one CONCACAF beach soccer title, Eddie returned to coaching one team and is happily residing in Los Angeles coaching Dominguez Hills.Join the Chalk Talk crew as they learn how Eddie got his start, his passion for the game and life lessons he has learned along the way.

A lot has happened the last few days in the sports world including the conclusion of the round of 64 and round of 32 for the NCAA March Madness tournament. Chris and Jordan talk about how busted their brackets are, the upsets, the women's March Madness tournament and other news in the sports world including a dream guest Jordan almost got to the podcast. Enjoy!

A lot is going on in the sports world in March from the madness of the NCAA basketball tournament to the USMNT march friendlies and so much more. Chris and Jordan sit down to talk day 1 of the NCAA tournament and just how busted their brackets are. We hope you enjoy this special edition episode!

Chris and Jordan get to sit down with Brock Ogami, the head women's soccer coach at LSU - Eunice. Going into his second season at the helm of Eunice with a 9-4-1 record during the 2022 season. Brock has developed a very strong resume including a record of 23-10-8 while at Spokane Community College. The Chalk Talk crew talk about life outside of soccer, how Brock got to where he is today at LSU, and making sure everyone pushes their carts back at Walmart AND re-racks their weights in the weight room.The Boise, Idaho native played collegiately at Walla Walla Community College (Junior College) and Northwest Nazarene University (NCAA Division II).  Ogami was selected to the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) All-Star team while at Walla Walla and was an All-Conference selection at NNU.Ogami was a standout prep athlete at Borah High School (Idaho), earning first-team All-State honors in Class 5A while helping lead his team to three consecutive state championship game appearances.  He played club for the Boise Nationals, winning five State Cup Championships.

Join the Chalk Talk crew as they sit down and talk with Ryan Andreas, the CEO and founder of My Training Partners. With a goal of helping those who don't have access to everyday trainers or facilities and helping them be the best versions of themselves. In 2009, Ryan decided to become a personal trainer after a lifetime of being around inspiring leaders, coaches, athletes and peers. Holding certifications in personal training, indoor cycling, and kickboxing. Ryan continues to work closely with the world’s most renowned coaches to learn, and improve his craft. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”To learn more and become the new you, reach out to Ryan on Instagram at ryanandreas_ or on Facebook by searching My Training Partners.

Chris and Jordan get to sit down and talk with Reilly Hegarty, the Long Beach State Men's Golf assistant coach. Talking about the NFL teams rise and one teams continued fall or just barely staying relevant and a QB being compared to a sedan. The Chalk Talk crew also take a look at the college golf scene, his quick rise to interim head coach and then back to assistant coach and what it takes to be an athlete and get recruited.Hegarty is a recent graduate from Whitworth, a Division III school in Spokane, Wash., where he was a Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) First Team All-West Region and Honorable Mention All-American. 

Chris and Jordan get to sit down with an old friend, Zach Mills who is in his third year in charge of the Men's and Women's soccer programs at Southwest Mississippi Community College.Prior to his current run at Southwest, Mills spent two years as head coach of the Eastern Oregon University men’s soccer team. During his tenure at EOU, Mills led the Mountaineers to a 20-14-7 record and the program’s first-ever appearance in the Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament in 2018.In 2019, the Mountaineers advanced to the CCC tournament championship game for the first time and also made their initial trip to the NAIA national tournament.In his first stint at SMCC (2016-18), Mills directed the Bears to a 23-10-2 record and the program’s first-ever trips to the MACJC/NJCAA Region 23 playoffs.  In 2015, Mills played professional soccer with FC Olimpia in Moquegua, Peru.

Jennifer Teeter, an Eastern Oregon coaching legend joins Chalk Talk with Chris and Jordan to tell her story of how she helps teach the next generation of student-athletes in a rural town in North-East Oregon. Jennifer has coached for 27 seasons as Imbler's Head Volleyball Coach (32 years of coaching in total,  including a coaching stint at La Grande and Union). Successfully led several teams to postseason playoffs, with state championship teams in 2008, 2009, 2013, and state runners-up in 2012 and 2016. Also earning multiple team league and state sportsmanship awardsJennifer's resume includes:OACA Executive Board Member/Officer/Fall Sports Chair  (2011 - present). Facilitates quarterly meetings as the OACA President, in collaboration with OSAA, OADA and OAOA officials as well as executive board members and sport chairs.Served on special state OSAA committees including: State Championship, Sportsmanship, Rankings Committee, and Volleyball Advisory Committee.Participated for two years on national coaching committee - NFHS Student Services Committee, which works to promote inclusion, diversity, sportsmanship, and the overall health and wellbeing of all student-athletes in the nation.Organized and help to facilitate the annual Oregon Volleyball All-Star matches for 1A - 6A senior athletes at Eastern Oregon University.Helped establish the OACA President & Directors scholarship for multi-sport student athletes who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in their schools, as well as looking to pursue a career in education.  Helped to establish and facilitate OACA all sports clinics and volleyball clinics.

Keelan Barker joins Chris and Jordan on Chalk Talk to talk about the World Cup, how he came to America, and becoming the head men's soccer coach of Cofferville Community College and helping take the Red Raven's to one of the top JUCO's in the country nearly overnight. Keelan Barker was a member of the Red Raven men's program from 2013-2015. While playing at Coffeyville, Keelan captained the team to a conference title, regional title and the Red Ravens's first-ever national tournament appearance. Keelan holds the record for the most wins in a single season.After Coffeyville, Keelan moved to NCAA D1 school Purdue University Fort Wayne where he also was captain of the team that broke the school record for most wins in a single season.  Keelan graduated from Purdue Fort Wayne with a bachelor's in business management. After graduating, Keelan had the opportunity to play for IMG Academy in the USL. After his playing career, Keelan moved on to coach at Eastern Oregon University where he helped the men’s soccer program make the playoffs for the first time in program history in his first season. In his second season, they made the conference finals as well as making it to the national tournament, again for the first time in program history. Barker served as the assistant coach in both the Red Raven Men's and Women's programs in 2020 and 2021 helping lead the Red Raven 2021 Men's team to an 18-3-1 record and a #10 seed in the NJCAA National Tournament. Keelan Barker took over as the Head Coach for the Men's program in January of 2022.  

Stan Rodrigues has coached soccer at nearly every level there is all around the country. Stan, who coached and recruited both Chris and Jordan get to catch up and reminisce on their time at EOU as well as their lives since then. Rodrigues has earned his United States Soccer Federations (USSF) 'B' License, United Soccer Coaches (USC) Goal Keepers License I/II, USSF Adult Coaching License, USC Director of Coaching Diploma and the Dutch Coever Coaching Diploma. He received his bachelor's degree in human development from Warner Pacific and his master's degree in kinesiology from Fresno Pacific. 

Jacob Plocher spent the past six years building the most competitive team Eastern Oregon University has seen for it's women's soccer program in history. Winning two conference tournament titles, two conference regular season titles, and the 2018 coach of the year for the conference. Chris and Jordan get to pick his brain on tactics, recruiting, the 49ers, and what he looks forward to in the future as he heads to NCAA D2 Missouri Western.

Rebecca Rhodes is one of the most successful young track and field coaches with a resume of coaching accomplished student-athletes. The former University of Oregon sprinter is now making a name for herself as she enters her second year as the assistant track and field coach for the University of Utah. As she and her team prepare to make a name for themselves among the greats in the PAC-12, Chris and Jordan get to sit down and learn more about what she looks for in recruits, air-conditioning, and her journey to where she is today.

Kaki McLean Morehead's resume speaks for itself as she is the all-time winningest coach with a career record of 372-122 and the best winning percentage of .753. Kaki is coming off leading her team to their highest program ranking of #1 in NAIA volleyball and their best program finish as they took a trip to the NAIA final four in 2022. Kaki talks to Chris and Jordan about her coaching journey, how she helps manage player mentality and team philosophy, as well as how she got to where is she today. Enjoy our conversation with Kaki McLean Morehead.

Your hosts Chris Gianandrea and Jordan Hillmick welcome you to episode 1 of Chalk Talk and break down their goals, hopes, and expectations for the show, hint at future guests, and give their backgrounds in sport. Welcome to Chalk Talk episode 1!