Sports Spectrum Podcast

Episode 108 Steve Springer teaches baseball players about the mental aspect of hitting.His clients include MLB stars Nolan Arenado, Ben Zobrist, Paul Goldschmidt, and Daniel Murphy.  He played 14 seasons of Minor League Baseball from 1982-1995. In 1,591 games played with six different organizations, Springer slugged 128 home runs and collected 1,592 hits.  His dream to play the highest level of baseball in the Majors was achieved in 1990, when the Cleveland Indians called him up. His stint was short and in 1992, he got a second chance with the New York Mets. In total, he played 8 career games in the Big Leagues.  For 8 years, Steve Springer was the performance coach & major league scout for the Toronto Blue - Jays. He is now on his own, teaching all levels of baseball players from Little League to the Major Leagues, about the mental aspect of hitting through his Quality At Bats product.  You can learn more about Steve at http://QualityAtBats.com

Episode 107 Julianne Viani is our guest on Episode 107 of the Sports Spectrum Podcast. She was a 4-time MAAC champion and MAAC MVP her senior year with Marist College. Upon graduation in 2009, she was inducted into the MAAC Basketball Hall of Fame. She's currently a basketball analyst covering men and women on the college and pro level for ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NextVR, Pac 12 Network and MSG Network. On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Julianne about her blossoming broadcasting career, being one of the rare women analysts to call NBA games, the future of virtual reality for sports, the difficulty of walking with the Lord when a family member or parent isn't on that same path and the powerful story of her father coming to faith in Christ. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 106 Born on the south side of Chicago, LaMorris Crawford was born in a life of poverty, gangs, drugs and violence. His mother gave birth to him at the age of 16 and was shot to death at the age of 17. LaMorris' Dad was nowhere to be found and to this day, he's never met his own father.  Amazingly, LaMorris escaped his tough upbringing and was able to become the first person in his family to graduate from college. Today, Crawford, along with his wife Megan have four beautiful children, and they serve as the team chaplains for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has a passion for preaching, communicating clearly and effectively God's word by sharing with others how the Lord can also do an incredible work in their lives. On this episode of the podcast, LaMorris describes the difficult life he was born into and how Christ came and radically saved him. He also shares how he ministers to NFL players and what he believes is the biggest spiritual battle pro football players are facing right now.  For more, log onto ht

Episode 105 Jerry Schemmel is the radio voice of the Colorado Rockies. But that's just the tip of the iceberg on the life that Jerry has lived. He survived a horrific plane crash in 1989. He has participated in 9 triathlons and 3 marathons and he's spent 7 days racing a bicycle across America.  In the movie GODSPEED: The Race Across America, Schemmel's 7 day bike race across America is chronicled. It releases Tuesday May 22, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. local time.  For more on the movie, you can go to FathomEvents.com On this episode of the podcast, Jerry shares how and why he decided to bike across America and how the race became a documentary. He also shares the incredible story of surviving a plane crash in 1989, the moments before and after the plane came crashing down and how his faith in Christ began to take shape in the months after his survival. 

Episode 104 Matt Atkins is a golfer on the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup. He finished 19th on the Web.com Tour Regular Season money list in 2017 and got his first tour victory winning the El Bosque Mexico Championship. The 27-year-old carded two additional top-10 finishes, making 15 cuts in 25 starts.  In college at South Caroilna-Aiken, he was named a Division II All-American in his junior and senior years and was the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2013.  He and his wife Jill were married in July of 2017. On this episode of the podcast, Matt Atkins shares about the grind of being a professional golfer on tour, the moment he finally heard the Gospel in college, watching Tiger Woods up close, and how he was introduced to his wife.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 103 Thomas Davis is a 3-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Carolina Panthers. He's the 2014 NFL Man of the Year, and played in Super Bowl 50 with Carolina.  Selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by Carolina, Thomas has played his entire 13-year career in Charlotte. In early April 2018, the NFL suspended Thomas 4 games after he tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug. Davis was remorseful in his apology and said he never intentionally cheated the game that he so loved.  On this episode of the podcast, Thomas shares growing up without a Dad in small-town Georgia, being drafted to the NFL, how he parents his kids, why saying "I love you" is a priority to him as a Dad and how he learned to trust God during his lowest point on the field after suffering 3 straight ACL tears. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com     

Episode 102 Jason Benham is a former minor league baseball player. Along with his brother David, they've written the book "Miracle in Shreveport," an incredible story of their baseball journey from age 5 to 25.  Benham and his brother are nationally acclaimed entrepreneurs, and bestselling authors of "Whatever the Cost" and Living Among Lions." The twin brother's business success earned them a reality show with HGTV, set to air during the 2014 fall season. Due to their commitment to biblical values, the show was abruptly cancelled. Instead of backing down, the brothers decided to stand and fight for what they believe. Jason played his college baseball with his brother at Liberty University. After being named Conference Player of the Year in college, he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in MLB's amateur draft. After breaking his leg in half in the minors he thought he’d never play again.  And then the miracle in Shreveport began to take shape. Husband to Tori and Dad to four children, Jason stays busy with

Episode 101 John O'Korn is readying himself for the NFL after spending 5 years playing quarterback in college, first with the University of Houston, and then with the Michigan Wolverines.  O'Korn attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida. In his senior season, he led the team to the 2012 FHSAA 7A state title with an average of 43 points per game. Throwing for 22 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions and over 2,500 yards, he set a school record most passing yards and touchdown passes in a single season. John was a two-time Letterwinner with Michigan, earning  the U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award after playing in 16 games with the Wolverines in his two seasons.  In preparing for the NFL, John spent time in California learning from former NFL head coach Mike Martz going through drills and working out at the Stub Hub Center in Carson.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with John about his Michigan career, preparing for the NFL, meeting Tom Brady, playing for Jim Harbaugh, his journey to faith

Episode 100 Jennie Finch is a 2-time U.S.A Olympic softball player. She won the Gold Medal in 2004 and the Silver Medal in 2008. The 7-time USA Softball world champion went to the University of Arizona, where she was a picture of pure dominance. She went 32-0 in her junior year with an ERA of 0.54, 279 strikeouts and a National Championship. For her 4-year college career, she went 119-16, with an ERA of 1.08 and 1028 strikeouts. She was named by the NCAA as the #2 greatest college softball player.  In 2017, Finch was named the youth softball ambassador by Major League Baseball and despite retiring in 2011,  Finch is married to former professional baseball player Casey Daigle and the couple have three children – Ace, Diesel, and Paisley. Finch holds Jennie Finch Softball Camps across the U.S. and has a softball academy at Diamond Nation in Flemington, N.J. as well as hosting the Jennie Finch World Series in Louisiana.  She will also participate in season 26 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars returning April 30 at

Episode 99 Daniel Jeremiah is an analyst with NFL Network. He is also the co-host of the "Move the Sticks" podcast and contributes to NFL.com. Daniel will be a part of the NFL Network's NFL Draft coverage starting Thursday April 26 at 8pm ET.  Growing up a "pk" pastor's kid to well known preacher David Jeremiah, Daniel's love of sports came from his father and continued throughout high school and college, where he played quarterback at Appalachian State.  A former NFL scout with the  Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, Jeremiah did work with ESPN prior to signing with the NFL Network and entering the media side in 2012.  On this episode of the podcast, Daniel shares about the 6-week grind that his preparing for the NFL Draft, how ESPN's Chris Mortensen gave him his first break coming out of college, getting to be a part of NFL chapel services as a kid with his father David Jeremiah, and why Jesus is his savior.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com  

Episode 98 Tina Cervasio is a 7-tie Emmy Award winning sports journalist.  A 1996 graduate of the University of Maryland, Tina has worked with TNT, CBS, FOX Sports, NESN, MSG Network and now in her current role FOX 5 New York's sports anchor and reporter.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Tina about growing up a sports fan in New Jersey, coming to faith in Christ, gaining her dream job, losing her dream job, and how faith sustained her during her husband's personal battle with cancer.  For more, follow Tina on twitter and go to http://SportsSpectrum.com. 

Episode 97 "The Miracle Season" hits theaters Friday April 6.  The movie is based on the inspiring true story of an Iowa high school girl's volleyball team that rallies together under the guidance of a tough-love coach in hope of repeating as state champions after the death of the school's star player, Caroline "Line" Found.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Line's father, Dr. Ernie Found about how the movie came about, the family's love for sports, grieving the loss of his wife and daughter and how he has been able to turn his tragic story in a powerful message of hope and encouragement.  For more information on the movie, check out http://TheMiracleSeason.movie.   

Episode 96 Kirk Cousins played 6 seasons in the NFL as the quarterback for the Washington Redskins. On March 15, 2018, Cousins signed the richest contract in NFL History, agreeing to a three-year, $84 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.  Selected in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, Cousins cemented himself as a top tier quarterback in 2015 with the Redskins and finished his Washington career with three straight seasons of over 4,000 passing yards, and 25+ touchdown passes.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Kirk about his decision to sign with the Vikings, when his walk with the Lord began, why football isn't everything to him, what he's learned as a Dad and husband and how his relationship with Christ guides every decision he makes.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 95 Pat Williams has lived an extraordinary life.  His professional sports career began back in 1962 in minor league baseball. In 1968, he started what is now a 50-year journey in the NBA. He's had stops in Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, back to Philadelphia and in 1987, founded the Orlando Magic basketball club that began play in the NBA in 1989. Pat's life off the field is even more incredible. He and his wife Ruth are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted children and 17 grandchildren.  He's also the author of 108 books (yes you read that right) including his latest, Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams. On this episode of the podcast, we take you on a journey through the amazing life of Pat Williams. He talks about how he accepted Christ during his time in Minor League Baseball, how his NBA career started, why it was important to him to start an NBA Chapel, the time he met the legendary John Wooden, why he started the Orlando Magic, and how his faith has sustained him in his battle with cance

Episode 94 Scott Hamilton is the living example that good guys can finish first! He is a New York Times bestselling author, an Olympic champion, cancer survivor, broadcaster, motivational speaker, husband, father, eternal optimist, and firm believer that the only disability in life is a bad attitude.  In 1984, Scott won the Gold Medal at the Olympic winter games in Yugoslavia. In 1990, he was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.  Scott's new book is called "FINISH FIRST: Winning Changes Everything."  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Scott about coming to faith in Christ in his 30's, what he did with his Olympic gold medal, his powerful testimony of overcoming cancer, and how God has changed his life for the better.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com  

Episode 93 Bryan Loritts is the pastor of Abundant Life Church in Silicon Valley, California. He is the husband to Korie and the father of Quentin, Myles and Jaden. He’s written several books including his latest “Saving the Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love” Jon Kitna played 15 seasons in the NFL with the Seahawks, Bengals, Lions and Cowboys. He has thrown for just under 30,000 career passing yards and 169 touchdown passes. He has coached high school football for many years and just a few days ago was announced as the new head football coach at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Pastor Bryan and Jon about manhood. What does it look like to be a man of God? Why do we struggle with living out the life that the Bible has intended for us? Jon shares his testimony of growing up without Jesus and his struggles with the world. Bryan shares how his dad Crawford, an evangelist, poured into his life from an early age an

Andy Dalton has been the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals since being selected by them in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft.  He's a 3-time Pro Bowler and has helped lead the Bengals to four playoff appearances in his seven seasons.  Andy played college football at TCU, where he was 2-time MWC Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010.  Dalton is also a legend in the city of Buffalo because of his game-winning touchdown pass he threw against Baltimore, knocking out the Ravens and helping to catapult the Bills to their first playoff berth since 1999. Andy does great work in the community with his foundation, and Bills fans were so grateful to see their team in the playoffs that more than $350,000 dollars were donated to the Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation, which helps provide daily support, opportunities, resources and life-changing experiences to seriously ill and physically challenged children and their families in Cincinnati and Fort Worth. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.co

Jake Reed is a pitcher with the Minnesota Twins. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by Minnesota. In 2017, Jake reached AAA with the Rochester Red Wings where he pitched in 24 games and had an ERA of 2.05 with 5 saves.  In 2018, Jake is making a case to stick with the Twins and make his MLB debut. Janie Reed (the former Janie Takeda) is a member of Team USA's softball team and represented her country in the 2017 World Cup of Softball where the U.S. finished second to Japan.  Janie and Jake married in November of 2017.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with the newly married Reeds about their faith journeys, how they both train as elite athletes, and what they've been learning from God in the short period of time as husband and wife.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Andy Mineo is a rapper from Syracuse, NY. He released his first studio album in 2013 "Heroes for Sale," which debuted at #11 on the Billboard Top 200, #4 on the Top Rap Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. His follow-up EP, “Never Land,” was a reflection of Mineo’s growth as an artist and it hit #1 on iTunes.  In 2015, he released his second full length album "Uncomfortable" and in August of 2017, he released a collaborative mixtape with Wordsplayed called "Magic & Bird." Andy is a huge sports fan and in 2015, his song "You Can't Stop Me" won ESPN's baseball walk-up song of the year.  Trey Burton won a Super Bowl in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles. His touchdown pass to Nick Foles, a play called "Philly Special" will forever be in the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans. The 26-year-old tight end played 4 seasons before becoming a free agent in 2018.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Trey and Andy about the Super Bowl, the moment "Philly Special" was called, temptat

Matt Deggs is the head baseball coach for the Sam Houston State Bearkats in Huntsville, Texas.  In 2017, the Bearkats posted a historic run to the NCAA Super Regionals and in their final game, a loss to Florida State, his postgame press conference went viral and has reached over 50 million people.  Deggs, who for years was a transactional coach that only lived for himself, was addicted to alcohol and consequently destroyed a career, family and countless relationships along the way.  He is now a changed man.  Deggs has been married to his wife Kathy for 20 years. They have 3 children: Kyler, Klaire, and Khloe.  Matt's new book "15 to 28" is Deggs' story of God's love, power and redemption through 28 true stories from his life.  On this episode of the podcast, Matt shares his journey to coaching, why he had prepared himself for the moment his press conference went viral, what 15 to 28 means, why he wrote the book and why serving and helping others is now his priority.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.