Champions Series 2024
In our Champions series, presented by Signature Championship Rings, host Keith Grabowski talks with 2023 state champion head coaches from around the country about their championship seasons and what is required to lead a program to the top.
Signature Championship Rings is a leading designer and supplier of championship rings, serving over 10,000 teams and organizations. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, easy team ordering processes, and affordability, Signature Champions celebrate every champion and their achievements, making their moment last a lifetime. For more information, visit www.signaturechampions.com/podcast.
We begin our Champions Series with a state champion from Minnesota. Led by Head Coach Garrett Mueller, the Stewartville Tigers attribute their success to running a sprint-based program.
Kyle Schmitt details the importance of looking in the mirror, which for Coach Schmitt led to more focus on special teams and game management on the way to back-to-back state championships.
Steve Pyne discusses a different approach to building culture, developing fundamentals, and playing time in his program, all of which have made a difference in multiple state titles.
Eric Kjar shares the details behind Corner Canyon’s strength and speed programming and practice structure, as well as their prolific offense, which is powered by a successful screen game.
Keith Klestinski details how the Marquette staff creates program efficiency through technology, virtual coaches, and quality control coaches, as well as how they create a more efficient practice.
Brad Zelenovich discusses his program’s annual plan, the detail put into their development plans, and how they develop not just good football players, but good people in the community.
Chad Johnson shares his winning approach to player development, coaching strategies, and fostering strong relationships, all of which led to Mission Viejo’s first state championship in 2023.
Justin Haddix outlines the strong culture, relentless offseason program, and innovative ideas he brought to a tradition-rich program that has resulted in four-straight state championships.
Ben Reaves explains the program’s philosophy for cross-training players at multiple positions and stresses the significance of managing player workloads to stay fresh as the season progresses.
Greg Vandagriff shares his program’s operations that have resulted in three state titles in the last four years. He also emphasizes offensive strategies and the importance of team culture and values.
Andy Capone digs into coaching with a growth mindset, the focus of his program’s summer training, his emphasis on special teams, and the keys to sustaining success at an elite level.
Steve Steele shares experiences from seven consecutive state championships. He digs into key elements for success, team dynamics, and preparing for a new season with a fresh theme.
Andy Lierman shares insights on the importance of connecting with players, his transition to a three-safety defense, and the journey to a first state championship.
Sterling Carvalho, HC, Kahuku High School (HI)
June 21, 2024 Sterling Carvalho on their championship journey, coaching philosophy, and the community’s unwavering support, and the pandemic as a turning point.
Loren Montgomery, HC, Bixby High School (OK)
June 28, 2024 Loren Montgomery shares how their program hangs their hat on student athlete development and incentivizes the process.
