Episode 73 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee features 2026 state champion Carterville High School softball head coach Will Capie and senior standout pitcher Caidence Phillips joining host Kerry Martin for an in-depth conversation fresh off Carterville’s latest state championship run. Capie reflects on building one of Southern Illinois’ premier high school softball programs, managing the demands of a championship-caliber roster, balancing player development with rest, and the culture of relentless preparation that has fueled the Lions’ sustained success. Phillips discusses her remarkable senior season after earning honors including Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps Player of the Year, while sharing insight into her recruiting journey to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the discipline required to compete at an elite level, and the sacrifices made by her family throughout her softball career. The episode also explores leadership, overcoming adversity, faith in athletics, handling pressure in championship moments, the importance of team chemistry, and the life lessons gained through perseverance, humility, confidence and competing at the highest level. Presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, Christopher Rural Health Planning Corp, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography.

Episode 72 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee features longtime Southern Illinois broadcaster Mike Trude joining host Kerry Martin for a conversation about a career that has spanned more than four decades behind the microphone.

Trude shares stories from his journey into sports broadcasting, from growing up as a sports fan in the Chicago area to attending Southern Illinois University and learning under legendary broadcaster Mike Reis. He reflects on covering some of the most memorable moments in Southern Illinois sports history, including Saluki Football’s 1983 national championship season, championship basketball teams, high school athletics and countless games across the region.

The episode also explores the craft of broadcasting, including the differences between radio and television play-by-play, the importance of preparation, chemistry between broadcast partners, and how technology has transformed sports media. Trude offers insight into what audiences may not realize about the profession and discusses the challenges of maintaining fan engagement in an era where nearly every game is available from home.

Presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography.

Episode 71 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee features Marion High School bass fishing coach John Owens and e-sports coach Jacob Rice joining host Kerry Martin and the episode’s co-host Stan Stout for a conversation about two of the fastest-growing activities in high school sports.

Owens discusses his lifelong passion for fishing, the growth of Marion’s bass fishing program, tournament strategy, the role of boat captains and how advancing technology continues to reshape competitive fishing. Rice shares insight into the rapidly expanding world of e-sports, including virtual competition, game preparation, state competition, scholarship opportunities and Marion’s recent third-place finish at the IHSA state finals in Mario Kart.

The episode also explores the misconceptions surrounding both activities, how e-sports and bass fishing create opportunities for students who may not participate in traditional sports, and the life lessons young people gain through teamwork, perseverance, leadership and competition.

Presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography.