Beyond the Lights: Football Across Texas

Episode 19: Michael Hurd author of Thursday Night Lights

Michael Hurd, author, sports writer, historian, veteran and occasional baker discusses his book Thursday Night Lights.  This book documents the history of black high school football in Texas.  Mr. Hurd spent years researching for this book to bring well-deserved recognition to many of the individuals responsible for making Texas high school football what it is today.

Episode 18: Antonian Prep head football coach, Blake Fuschak, discusses taking over the program his dad helped establish.

Blake Fuschak is in his 3rd season as the head coach for Antonian Prep.  His dad helped establish Antonian as a TAPPS powerhouse and now his son is continuing the tradition.  Coach Fuschak talks about the importance of humility and always learning and growing as a coach.

Episode 17: Richardson Pearce head football coach and boys coordinator, Jarrett Lambert takes time to visit with myself and retired coach, Joel Fuller.

Jarrett Lambert was promoted from the DC of the Pearce Mustangs to the head coach 3 years ago and has progressed from 4-6 to 9-3 this year to make the Mustangs a strong contender in the biggest classification in the state.  Retired Azle coach and friend, Joel Fuller, joined me for this episode in Richardson.

Episode 16: Post head football coach and AD, John Wright, talks about the route that led him back to west Texas and his 13-1 turnaround season.

Post head football coach and AD, John Wright, talks about his movements from west Texas to north Texas and back as he made his way back to Post for a second time.  Over the last two years he started over with a new system for the Antelopes that paid off this year with a 13-1 record.

Episode 15: Rockport-Fulton head football coach and AD, Eric Soza, talks about the turnaround season for the pirates.

Chris Freytag and I talk with Eric Soza, head football coach and AD for Rockport Fulton.  He talks about coaching and playing for his dad and the turnaround season for the Pirates in his first year as the man at Rockport Fulton.

Episode 14: Salado Eagles head football coach Ricky Beaty talks about his debut season at the helm and getting his team to buy into the new program

Coach Ricky Beaty takes the helm for the Salado Eagles for his first head coaching job and turns the program around, taking the Eagles to the second round of the playoffs.

Episode 13: Retired head football coach and AD,Randy Jackson talks about German football and mental training for athletes.

Episode 13:  Retired head football coach and AD, Randy Jackson talks about his stint in the German football league and the importance of the end-of-season autopsy and mental training for athletes.

Episode 12: Davenport head football coach and athletic coordinator, JD Zimmerhanzel, talks about the unity Friday nights can bring and the inspiration for his offensive philosophy- Washers??

Davenport head football coach and athletic coordinator, JD Zimmerhanzel, talks about the unity Friday nights can bring and how the inspiration for his offensive philosophy came from a game of washers!

Episode 11: Barbers Hill head football coach and AD, Carl Abseck, talks about the importance of having every tool in your toolbox ready to use.

Carl Abseck talks about the importance of learning from every place you go and program you are in.  He emphasizes the need to be able to adjust to best fit the needs of each team.  He also talks about how "mudita" has helped keep his teams on track and playing for each other.

Episode 10: Yoakum AD and head football coach Bo Robinson talks about how his dads influence as a coach has led to a third generation of coaches in his family.

Head football coach and AD for Yoakum ISD, Bo Robinson, talks about his coaching blood.  Not only is Coach Robinson following in his dad's footsteps of success but his son has entered the profession as well and has found his way back to his hometown of Yoakum to coach with him.