Rich Take On Sports

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Sports & Recreation
**Rich Take On Sports**

Host Richmond Weaver explores the influence and impact of sports through conversations with personalities and luminaries who have been impacted, built, and inspired by the role of sports in their lives as they share their personal stories.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 20: Eric Mac Lain | Former Clemson University All-ACC Offensive Lineman Aug 01, 2017

Show notes

Episode 20: Eric Mac Lain | Former Clemson University All-ACC Offensive Lineman

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Eric Mac Lain
- Life has been a whirlwind for him lately with a new job with JMI Sports, moved to Greenville, SC and was recently married on June 24th
- Started playing soccer but Basketball was his first love and dreamed of playing in the NBA and his dad didn’t want him and his brother to play football
- Started out as a Tight End but continued to play basketball throughout high school and it was the summer basketball camps that he went to each summer, not football
- Eric went to a football camp at the University of Tennessee and met Coach Dan Brooks at the camp.
- Head Coach Phillip Fulmer offered him a scholarship during camp
- His mom didn’t understand the magnitude of the offer but his dad did and wanted them to turn around and tell Coach Fulmer thank you
- The offer remained very quiet however Coach Fulmer was fired and that led to Eric not knowing exactly his status at Tennessee
- Coach Brooks was now at Clemson University and wanted Eric and his family to visit Clemson on their way home during Spring Break
- Eric didn’t even know if Clemson was a Division I school
- Everything lined up for a perfect visit to Clemson and he fell in love with staff and campus
- Entered as a Tight End and the speed of the game was big adjustment so he red-shirted
- He eventually made the move the Offensive Line after the Tigers sustained multiple injuries on the line in a game versus NC State
- During his Senior season, he was selected Pre-Season First-Team All-ACC by the media and coaches and he’s convinced that it was because the media enjoyed his interviews
- Knew he gave everything he had in the National Championship game versus Alabama and was sad that the team lost but even harder for him was the fact that it was the last time he would wear a Clemson football uniform
- Unfortunately, things with the NFL did not work out but it was easy for him to stop playing because he wasn’t defined by being a football player
- Eric firmly believed that he is a son of God and therefore that’s how he’s defined and this allowed him to stop playing and not have any issues because he was no longer a football player
- Words of Wisdom from Eric: “No matter who you’re talking to, no matter where you are; always treat it and handle it like it’s an interview.”

Social Media:

To Follow Eric Mac Lain on Twitter: @Mr_Clemson

Find JMI Sports Information: JMI Sports

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 19: David Pollack | ESPN College GameDay Analyst & Former UGA All-American Jul 28, 2017

Show notes

Episode 19: David Pollack | ESPN College GameDay Football Analyst & Former UGA All-American

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: David Pollack
- David doesn’t have one specific moment that caused him to post his thoughts about sports and parenting and really doesn’t know why he did it other than God put it on his heart
- He had no idea that it would be received like it was and even USA Today writing an article about it: David Pollack Shares Advice on Parenting Young Athletes
- Competition is the driving force behind David and he did not control it growing up and still today has to focus on not let his competitiveness control him
- Loved playing all sports and thinks it’s valuable to allow kids to play all sports and not just focus on one year-round
- Loved football more because he was able to hit someone
- Told his dad at an early age that he was going to play in the NFL
- Attended the University of Georgia because it was closest to home
- Memorable games at UGA included at LSU, Clemson series, and finally beating Florida
- Was very easy for him to retire from the NFL after the neck injury because the risk of getting hurt was too great and it ultimately was the best thing that ever happened to him
- David got his start in broadcasting on radio with 790 The Zone in Atlanta which led to ESPNU and ultimately to ESPN College GameDay
- Sports allowed David to learn almost every facet of life
- Prediction for 4 teams in College Football Playoff: Alabama, Florida St, Ohio St., USC
- David wouldn’t pick a champion yet
- Words of Wisdom from David: “You have a choice to win the day. Attack the day and don’t worry about tomorrow.”
Weekly Words of Wisdom:
- “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.” Tim Duncan

Social Media:

To Follow David Pollack on Twitter: @davidpollack47

Find Pollack Family Foundation Information: Pollack Family Foundation

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 18: Anna Hickey | 247 Sports Clemson Team and Recruiting Reporter Jul 25, 2017

Show notes

Episode 18: Anna Hickey | 247 Sports Clemson Team & Recruiting Reporter

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Anna Hickey
- Anna comes from a sports family and she remembers always going to NC State football and basketball games even early on in her childhood
- She really enjoyed playing soccer and gymnastics
- Sports was a way for her and her dad to connect and bond
- Her dad introduced her to recruiting message boards and premium subscription sites as a teenager
- Once she was able to drive, she would drive to NC State practice fields and hide behind bushes to watch camps and record notes in her notebook and then compare those notes with her dad
- One player, Earl Wolff stands out as he was an unknown recruit however she recognized his talent and followed him and he eventually signed with NC State and was drafted in the NFL
- She decided to Clemson University because she wanted to go to a football school rather than play soccer in college at a small school
- Interned with ESPNU while at Clemson and graduated in 3.5 years
- Connected with Roy Philpott and worked for free as she helped with connecting with recruits and earned more responsibilities in her senior year and thoroughly enjoyed it
- Anna knew at that point she wanted to be a reporter and cover recruiting
- Volunteered with 247 Sports after graduation and then 2 weeks later Scout contacted her with a full-time job offer covering Notre Dame football
- Anna moved to Indianapolis and 2 years later she was contacted by 247 Sports to cover Clemson football and it was a chance to cover her alma mater
- She just wants to focus on getting better at her craft and doesn’t want to focus on what’s next
- Words of Wisdom from Anna: “Learn from everyone but copy no one”

Social Media:

To Follow Anna Hickey on Twitter: @annah247

Find Clemson 247 Sports Information: Clemson 247 Sports

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 17: Tony Barnhart | Mr. College Football & SEC Network TV Studio Analyst Jul 21, 2017

Show notes

Episode 17: Tony Barnhart | Mr. College Football and SEC Network TV Studio Analyst

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Tony Barnhart
- Prediction for college football top 4:
  - Alabama
  - Ohio St.
  - Florida St.
  - USC
- National Champion Prediction:
  - Alabama
- Grew up in small town in Georgia (Union Point)
- Fell in love with baseball early on but once he went to a football game at the University of Georgia he was hooked on football
- Went to Georgia Southern because he wanted to be away from Athens which felt too close to home
- Planned on being a PE teacher until he saw a salary chart for teacher’s salary in the state of Georgia and had second thoughts
- Saw an ad on the student board for help in the Sports Department for the school newspaper and inquired
- Fell in love with seeing his name on the byline in the paper and knew he wanted to be in journalism and transferred to the University of Georgia
- Got his first job as the one-man sports department for a small newspaper in Union, SC
- Moved then to Greensboro, NC and had some of the best years of his career there before getting the call to join the staff for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in Atlanta
- Became the beat writer covering the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team
- Promoted to Assistant Sports Director for AJC and learned so much on the job but was miserable not being close to the game and went back to being a beat writer for UGA in 1987
- Most memorable games to cover have been the National Championships and the greatest game he ever saw was the Texas vs. USC game in January 2006 for the national title
- Social media completely changed how he did his job and a relative convinced him that he should be on Twitter
- His goal was to have 100 Followers and he now has over 122,000
- Scott Peacock can be credited with giving Tony the name Mr. College Football after suggesting that Tony start writing a blog called “Mr. College Football”
- Prepares by compiling binders on each team with updated information during the off-season
- Sports completely defined his professional career and never dreamed that he would ever reach these heights
- Will celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary on August 14th and owes a lot of his success to his wife Maria
- Words of Wisdom from Tony: “You’ve got you got to be yourself. Figure out what works for you. Don’t try to be somebody else. Everybody’s road is different. ”

Weekly Words of Wisdom: “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.” – Elbert Hubbard

Social Media:

To Follow Tony Barnhart on Twitter: @MrCFB

Find Tony Barnhart on the Web: www.tonybarnhart.com

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 16: Ryan Hawk | The Learning Leader Show Creator and Host Jul 17, 2017

Show notes

Episode 16: Ryan Hawk | The Learning Leader Show Creator and Host & Former Collegiate Quarterback

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Ryan Hawk
- Ryan and his 2 brothers started playing at an early age they loved the competition
- He played all of the sports and didn’t just love one sport
- Loved the responsibility of playing Quarterback and the leadership role of the QB
- His brothers were everything for him in terms of his athletic development and competitive edge
- The importance of playing and trying to beat somebody else is I think healthy for kids to go through
- Ryan chose Miami coming out of high school because he really loved their coaches, loved the campus, loved the academics and loved the chance they would give him to play in the NFL as a quarterback based on what they were going to do all offensively
- Very difficult decision for Ryan to transfer to Ohio University because it was tough for him to fully understand that sometimes there are individuals that are just better such as his competition at Miami University with Ben Roethlisberger
- Got pulled back into football with the Birmingham Steeldogs of the Arena 2 Football league but didn’t know for sure if he should be there
- Ryan was committed at the time with football and did spend time in the CFL but realized at one point that it was time to move on
- Struggled with dealing with the fact that he wasn’t going to be a part of his collegiate team and that he wasn’t going to be a football player anymore
- Sales career helped him make the transition away from being a football player
- Your passion can follow you and quotes Mark Cuban, “if you go and do something and find out that you can develop some skill and you become pretty good at it, you’ll notice that you can become pretty passionate about it”
- Ryan became ritualized in calendaring and prospecting and he noticed that he became pretty good through repetition which was very similar to my football career
- Had dinner with Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban’s business manager and was fascinated by what he said and regretted that he didn’t record the conversation
- His experience of interviewing and studying the art of interviewing helped lead him to start The Learning Leader Show podcast and the coolest thing that he’s ever done
- He’s always on the path to learning more and knows that he’s only going to get better
- Greatest medicine for fear of participation is preparation and practicing is the most important thing he does
- Great leaders have humility, are serving and caring and they are also very curious about the world and incredible work ethics with routines
- Sports created the foundation for Ryan’s work ethic and preparation for everything he does and he can’t fathom what would have happened without playing sports
- Words of Wisdom from Ryan: “Don’t get too high or too low based on the words of other people.”

Social Media:

Learn more about The Learning Leader Show: LearningLeader

To Follow Ryan Hawk on Twitter: @ryanhawk12

To Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 15: Takeo Spikes | Former All-Pro NFL Linebacker & Author of Behind The Mask Jul 14, 2017

Show notes

Episode 15: Takeo Spikes | Former All-Pro 15-Year NFL Linebacker & Behind The Mask Author

Subscribe on Apple Podcast | Google Play | Stitcher

Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Takeo Spikes
- Writing the book was harder than playing 15 years in NFL because of writer’s block
- Inspired to write the book “Behind The Mask” after tearing his Achilles Tendon in 2006 and wanted to share stories of linebackers before him
- People in the book all had common themes of commitment, sacrifice and were outliers
- Trying to compete with his brothers motivated him at an early age and not being selected for neighbor games also motivated him to proof people wrong
- Loved basketball growing up but football allowed him to hit people without getting into trouble
- Track became an important sport for him because it allowed him to surprise people because many people were surprised he could run so fast
- Fear of coming in last is what motivated him to succeed
- Chose Auburn University
- Named MVP of SEC Championship after losing to Peyton Manning and the Tennessee Volunteers 30-29 in 1997
- Decided to enter NFL draft after his Junior season
- Played 15 years in the NFL and was named Team Captain 13 of those 15 years
- Doesn’t regret leaving Cincinnati and like time in Buffalo because that city loved their football like a local high school team
- Doesn’t dwell on the fact that he never played in an NFL Playoff game after playing in over 200 games
- Brett Favre is the toughest QB he’s ever played against and an interception is better than a sack
- Words of Wisdom from Takeo: “If you are what you have and what you have gets taken away then who are you.”

Weekly Words of Wisdom: “When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient; when you’re committed to something you accept no excuses, only results “

Social Media:

To Follow Takeo Spikes on Twitter: @takeospikes51

To Follow Takeo Spikes on Instagram: @takeospikes51

Find “Behind The Mask” Book: www.behindthemaskbook.com

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 14: Todd Jones | Detroit Tigers All-Time Saves Leader & Former AL All-Star Jul 11, 2017

Show notes

Episode 14: Todd Jones | Detroit Tigers All-Time Saves Leader & American League All-Star

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Todd Jones
- First memories of sports was playing little league baseball
- Realized in College, Sophomore, and Junior year that he might be able to have a career playing baseball
- Played basketball and baseball growing up
- Involved in some AAU baseball teams nothing like it is today
- Feels bad for athletes today because they don’t get to experience the seasons of other sports
- Had dreams of being a pitcher like other kids but never thought it would be a reality and thankful to have a uniform
- Chose Jacksonville St. University in Jacksonville, AL because his academics would be helped there more
- Regrets not going back to get his college degree
- Was a starting pitcher in college and in the Minors but couldn’t maintain level of pitching due to pitch limit
- Sometimes playing is not about your ability but your availability
- First game in Majors was July 7, 1993 with the Houston Astros
- Was player rep for Astros in 1994 during MLB strike
- Traded to Detroit Tigers after Billy Wagner became Astros top closer
- Having best year in career in 2000 and was excited to make AL All-Star team but would have been upset if not selected
- Remembers facing Barry Bonds for the first time and thinking it was cool that Barry had to focus on him for the next 30 seconds
- Magical mystery tour starting in 2001 and had his toughest season in 2003 in Colorado
- His Faith helped him during those tough times in his career and his wife was great support
- Would have rather played in the World Series and lost rather than not have played in World Series
- Sports revealed that he does have a lot of fight in him
- Words of Wisdom: “God is the only thing that matters because he’s over and above everything”

Social Media:

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 13: Connor Shaw | NFL and Former South Carolina QB Jul 07, 2017

Show notes

Episode 13: Connor Shaw | NFL and Former South Carolina QB

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Connor Shaw
- Was recently released by the Chicago Bears only to receive a Facetime call from the Bears Offensive Coordinator driving back to Greenville, SC that Mark Sanchez was hurt and he needed to return to the Bears
- Had an advantage by having his dad as a football coach
- Basketball was actually his favorite sport growing up in Georgia
- Was Florida Gator fan as he always felt he wanted to be different
- Looked up to Brett Favre and Drew Brees
- Once in a lifetime opportunity to play for his dad in high school
- Best memories was watching film with his dad after Friday night games
- His dad and Steve Spurrier are very similar
- Dad offered advice to leave high school early and enroll at University of South Carolina and it was difficult for him to be there instead of being in high school
- No regrets for leaving high school early
- Feels that everyone needs to have a “Why”
- Connor would have debates with Coach Steve Spurrier but having success with him is something that he will cherish forever
- Was definitely nervous in some games but not scared
- Loved playing in front of the crowd for the University of South Carolina
- Playing with a chip on your shoulder is somewhat exhausted
- Josh McCown has helped him tremendously
- Injuries can affect your confidence but he doesn’t want to be a product of circumstances
- Words of Wisdom: “Never get ahead of yourself & stay in concrete in the moment”

Weekly Words of Wisdom:
- “Success isn’t something that just happens, success is learned, success is practiced and then it is shared.” – Sparky Anderson, Hall of Fame MLB Manager

Social Media:

Follow Connor Shaw On Twitter: @cmshaw14

Follow Connor Shaw on Instagram: @cmshaw9

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 12: Brendan Haywood | 14 Year NBA Veteran and TV Analyst Jul 03, 2017

Show notes

Episode 12: Brendan Haywood | 14 Year NBA Veteran, NBA Champion, & Analyst

Subscribe on Apple Podcast | Google Play | Stitcher

Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Brendan Haywood
- Grew up in Greensboro, NC in a single parent family with his mom
- Mom wanted him to have a father figure in his life so she pushed him to play basketball
- Was cut from the basketball team in 8th and 9th grade however Coach David Price convinced him to stay on the team because of his size
- Brendan matured into his size and became the most highly recruited basketball player in his school’s history at Dudley High School
- Recruited by legendary Head Coach Dean Smith and decided to attend North Carolina after Roy Williams at Kansas offered another big man instead of Brendan
- Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers in First Round of 2001 NBA Draft but ultimately was traded to the Washington Wizards and played there until the 2010 season
- Traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2010 and became an NBA Champion after Dallas upset Lebron James and the Miami Heat
- Eventually retired after 14 seasons in the NBA in 2015 due to foot injuries
- Had already been working on a broadcasting career before retiring and now is a radio host and TV analyst for CBS, ESPN, and NBA TV
- Words of Wisdom: Find something that you really like, work towards that goal, and have a plan to get there

Social Media:

Follow Brendan Haywood On Twitter: @bwood_33

Brendan Haywood Website: www.bhaywood.com

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

Episode 11: Dan Everett | Founder of Everett Sports Marketing Jun 30, 2017

Show notes

Episode 11: Dan Everett, Founder of Everett Sports Marketing

Subscribe on Apple Podcast | Google Play | Stitcher

Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

Rich Spotlight: Dan Everett
- Grew up on a chicken farm in SW Georgia
- Loved sports at an early age and baseball was his passion
- Eventually fell in love with college football and was transient student at the University of Georgia
- Career aspirations of being an Optometrist
- Chance meeting with UGA Running Back Danny Ware led to starting Sic’Um Signatures in 2007
- The genesis of the ESM camps began shortly after in 2008 and 3rd party marketing opportunities began to grow
- Really started representing more of the players no one else wanted to represent anymore
- Players took a leap of faith by coming to ESM
- Turning point for ESM was the year ESM represented both Aaron Murray and Connor Shaw
- ESM focuses on maximizing marketing opportunities where other agencies do not
- Decision was then made to only focus on football representation, golf representation, and youth football camps
- Market activation is the beginning of an endorsement
- Jonathan Allen is one of the most interesting clients they’ve ever represented
- ESM focuses on positioning clients with brands that are a natural fit for their personality
- ESM Youth Football Camps focus on football as well as role modeling and leadership
- Words of Wisdom involve two keywords: Proactive and Accountability
Rich Headlines
- NBA Draft is another sign of the youth movement in the NBA with 16 Freshman selected in the First Round
- LA Clippers traded Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets for 7 players and a future draft pick
- James Dolan, owner of the NY Knicks parted ways with Phil Jackson signaling the end of the Phil Jackson era in the NBA
Weekly Words Of Wisdom
- Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those whose hustle. Abraham Lincoln
Deshaun Watson Signed Print Giveaway
- 3 winners to be selected
- Follow on Twitter – @richtakesports and Retweet “pinned tweet”

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