THE SPAR LIFE: Recent Episodes
Kevin Bratland & Dylan Foley
Two college wrestling coaches who discuss their passion for NCAA Wrestling, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and what they believe it takes to optimize human performance for those who are chasing their own personal excellence. Kevin Bratland & Dylan Foley have combined for over 20 years of collegiate coaching, combined for seven Conference Coach of the Year accolades, and now lead the US Coast Guard Academy Wrestling program. They have transformed the Coast Guard’s “Semper Paratus, Always Ready” motto, into their own SPAR Life team mantra and way of being! This podcast is for people who want to learn more about the Coast Guard Academy, our Wrestling program, and how the methods we implement for our college athletes and military cadets can also help YOU optimize yourself in your daily life!
In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss the current state of Coast Guard Wrestling and the Bears finally get a chance to compete. Listen in to hear their thoughts!
In this episode of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss the decisions made by the NCAA to cancel the 2021 Division III winter championships. What does this mean for the USCGA wrestlers and where do we go from here?
0:00 - Intro and Week in Review
4:30 - 3x3 Intro
5:30 - Question 1 - 3 Things you wish you knew as a wrestler that you now know as a coach.
12:00 - Question 2 - 3 Things you can do to improve your wrestling that isn’t physically wrestling.
24:15 - Question 3 - 3 Rules you would change in Folkstyle wrestling
38:00 - Outro - Keep living the SPAR Life!
00:00 - Week in review
5:40- Admissions Questions Answered - 2 minute-is Drill
6:25 - Question #1 - What is AIM and should I attend if I am a rising senior?
18:38 - Question #2 - What is the PFE and Why is it important
26:00 - Question #3 - What are the academic standards to get an appointment to USCGA
37:35 - Question #4 - Besides Academics - what are others things I can do to make me a competitive applicant?
In this episode Kevin and Dylan talk briefly about where USCGA wrestling is currently at during the COVID pandemic and what the future holds.
Coach Bratland and Coach Foley revisit Leadership and discuss the difficult task of nurturing vs. tough love.
0:00 - USCGA Wrestling Update
4:30 - David Goggin Background
5:45 - David Goggin’s IG post and his Leadership Style
7:45 - Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
8:15 - Brene Brown vs. David Goggin’s Leadership Style
9:45 - One of the hardest aspects of coaching
11:45 - There is a time to be hard
13:00 - Can you be too nurturing?
13:30 - When is the best time to have tough love?
14:30 - Celebrate the victories/milestones
16:15 - Know your client or athlete to find the milestones
19:20 - Retention vs. Attrition
19:45- Teach, show, let
21:00 - Communication tactics at USCGA
22:00 - Please rate the workout
22:30 - There is a time for Tough Love, but also a time for Nurturing
23:00 - How do people perceive you?
24:30 - What Drives Winning Stories
26:45 - Ted Lasso
32:20 - Bill Belichik story
35:00 - Love Languages
36 :00 - Closing
Don't miss this entertaining conversation with Coast Guard Academy wrestling great, Chris Sullivan. Chris's path to the Coast Guard Academy was unconventional, but he has made the most of the opportunity!
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - The art of being a great gift giver
2:00 - The Christmas spirit and being thankful
3:45 - New Sweater Story
6:15 - What is Character?
7:30 - Physical Character and Moral Character
9:00 - Stronger Moral Character allows for better Physical Character
9:12 - Why does Character Matter?
10:15 - Surround yourself with like minded people
11:00 - How is Character used in athletics or coaching Field? Is Character innate?
11:30 - Constant work in progress
12:45 - Recruiting Character
19:22 - Coast Guard Cadets live to a high standard
19:30 - Cadets are held to the same standard as professional athletes
21:42 - Character Flaw or give a second chance?
23:00 - How to correct a mistake
23:30 - If effort to change is there…provide support
25:00 - Nick Saban Interview
26:30 - Age ole coaching question
27:15 - How to dismiss someone from your team if needed
30:40 - Coach Killers
31:45 - Good leadership and good captains are key
33:00 - Answer this question..Why does USCGA have a team with good character?
35:00 - Just be a good person.
35:30 - Milboyism - yes or no
37:00 - Double down on Character
0:00 - Recap of the current state of Coast Guard Wrestling
3:00 - Coach Foley and Coach Bratland have jokes!
4:00 - Introduction of the show format - 2 min. Drill
5:00 - Question 1 - Best things to come out of COVID-19?
9:15 - Question 2 - Best at-home workout exercise for wrestlers over xmas break, and if you
Have one piece of at home epuipment what would it be?
16:45 - Question 3 - One thing you remind yourself of daily
18:45 - Question 4 - What is something you have added to your life or changed your perspective that you have learned from the Cadets since being here?
25:30 - Question 5 - Thing you are most looking forward to getting back to once the pandemic is over?
28:00 - Question 6 - Top quality you look for in a prospective Cadet-wrestler?
30:15 - Question 7 - Christmas traditions question get sidetracked by stories about dogs!
39:00 - Outro - Keep living the SPAR Life!
0:00 - Life after a being a student-athlete…time to get a job!
3:15 - Why Coach Foley got into coaching
5:25 - Autonomy as a coach, but a few mistakes along the way
7:30 - Coaching is not just wrestling practice
9:15 - Developing a coaching philosophy
10:00 - Each student-athlete is motivated differently
12:50 - Learning from coaching peers
14:00 - Defining Coaching moments
15:00 - Identifying as a wrestler vs. a coach
16:00 - Coaching at USCGA
17:00 - Being Vulnerable
17:30 - Core root of the Foley Coaching Philosophy
19:30 - Dylan Foley peeling back onions
21:00 - Topics for Party Conversations
23:30 - Not good at saying “No”
25:00 - Important moments at USCGA
26:30 - Bratland and Foley’s first fight!
29:00 - The passion and resume is expanding
30:00 - Coach Foley and Coach Bratland are building USCGA wrestling
31:30 - It’s more than just winning the NCAA Championship
32:00 - Final thoughts
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Coach Foley talks about his recruiting process and how he ultimately makes his college decision.
7:00 - Another coaching change for coach Foley
10:00 - Coach Foley let's go of the University of Iowa dream
11:00 - Freshman Season - and the start of developing new mentors and support system
14:00 - Sophomore season begins
15:30 - Cutting weight breakdown story
19:20 - How not placing at Regionals drives Coach Foley reevaluate how he views himself
21:30 - Coach Foley develops a "Mantra" and how impactful that was for him during his 3rd season in college.
25:00 - The hard work and mental training pays off!
26:42 - The power of a strong support system
29:35 - Turning points to becoming an All-American, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
35:35 - Senior year NCAA experience
36:30 - Coach Bratland and Coach Foley cross paths for the first time
45:30 - Identity was tied to an NCAA Title
45:45 - Where to from here?
0:00 - 2:45 - Coach Foley's athletic and coaching accomplishments
3:00 - 4:50 - What it was like growing up and wrestling in Massachusetts
4:50 -6:15 - Coach Foley's wrestling start - the story.
7:00 - 9:000 - Coach Foley's wrestling coach is a hockey player, and the start of his competitive wrestling journey.
9:00 - 10:00 - Coach Foley gives credit to his support system.
10:00 - 11:30 - I am having fun and but I got a lot better!
11:30 - 13:00 - Wrestling just got serious!
13:00 - 17:00 - Wrestling coaches background
17:00 - 24:00 - Tough love given.
24:00 - 26:15 - Coaching Change adds some adversity
26:15 - 28:00 - The hockey coach gets Coach Foley ready for his senior season.
28:00 - 30:00 - The college search begins
30:00 - 30:42 - College Decision was made!
0:00-7:00 - Rundown of the week in Coast Guard Wrestling
7:00 - 10 :00 - Phil Rogers talks about the Running Light and it's value.
10:00 - 11:00 - Missions of the Coast Guard from the Running Light
11:00 -14:30 - Missions straight from the USCG Website and Phil Rogers explains that some missions every boat in the Coast Guard performs.
14:30 - 17:00 - The color of the boast matters! Knowledge bomb!
17:00 - 19:45 - Phil Rogers talks about his journey to USCGA and why he chose the SPAR Life over the Naval Academy.
19:45 - 21:00 - 9 Majors at USCGA to graduate 70% stem
21:00 - 25:00 - Cool fact, your major doesn't always dictate your occupation or path in the CG
25:00 - 26:00 - What the Coast Guard does in one day! Saves 10 lives a day!
26:00 - 29:00- Use your "Why" to find your path to USCGA and Phil Roger's story about sharks and sailing on Eagle, which ultimately led him to choosing USCGA.
29:00 - 30:00 - Small school and networking is highly sought after and something USCGA offers.
30:00 - Know your "Why" and the missions of USCGA
Some true stories, some maybe not so true stories...you decide! Ten folklore stories that you might hear while at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
0:00-8:30- Catching up with USCGA wrestling-updates of the past week. National Gratitude month, CGA Crossfit Games, Scavenger Hunt and more!! Tune in for the story about the spicy donut!
8:30-10:45- 1. Chapel Light Story
10:45-13:20 - 2. USCGA Bear Mascot Story
13:20-14:40- 3. The Chase Hall riddle
14:40-17:35 - 4. The Hidden Museum
17:35-19:40 - 5. Alternate location for USCGA
19:40-21:34 - 6. The Hidden Tunnels at USCGA
21:34-22:10- 7. Athletics Hall of Fame
22:10-25:00- 8. The Henriques Room Ceiling
25:00- 29:00 -9. Why are you hiding that large chain?
29:00 - 31:30 -10. The SPARs
0:00- 2:10-Accomplishments aren't a big deal to Coach Bratland. Coach Bratland tells the tattoo story!
2:10-3:25-Coach Foley tells a story about his tattoo!
3:25-9:45-Coach Bratland talks about his path to being hired and why he decided to apply for the head wrestling coach position at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
9:45-13:30Coach Bratland talks to his wife Lindsi and decides to take the position as the Head Wrestling Coach of the United States Coast Academy. Coach Bratland answers the #1 questions he gets from recruits.
13:30-19:00-Coach Bratland talks about how adversity/obstacles and his "Aha moments" has shaped his demeanor and who he is today.
19:00-21:00-Coach Foley talks about a great book and what he learned from it.
21:00-22:30-Coach Foley talks about choices and although hard, we choose our hard! He also gives Coach Bratland some compliments!!
22:30-25:30-Coach Bratland talks about how you should never stop supporting people because you never know when you words will be impactful.
25:30-28:30-Coach Bratland tells parents, recruits, etc. what he would tell them about how they would be treated if they came to the United States Coast Guard Academy.
0:00 - 2:50 - Coach Bratland makes easy recruiting work for Milboy
2:50 - 6:30 - The Wartburg Experience, Coach Bratland's first tournament in a Wartburg singlet, Coach Bratland gets ejected!
6:30 - 8:00 - Coach Bratland discusses Lollipop Moments (Ah Ha Moments), what they are.
8:00- 12:30The Ravil experience and how this Lollipop Moment helped Coach Bratland turn the corner, and break down mental barriers preventing him from being successful. Once you make up your mind to not quit...it gets harder and harder to quit!
12:30 - 13:37 - Coach Bratland didn't have mental toughness, emotional intelligence...just work harder meant physically harder to him, not working on mental skills.
13:37 - 14:30 - Coach Foley tells a story of some of Milboy's compliments to Coach Bratland
14:30 - 16:35 Why mental toughness and emotional intelligence are important! Confidence in self and fighting are more important than winning.
16:35 - 18:30 - Which Wartburg national championship team is the best national championship team?
18:30 - 21:20 - Coach Bratland discusses why he got into coaching.
21:20 - 25:40 -Transformative experiences and mentors that have helped shape Coach Bratland's coaching philosophy, and used all of those experiences to overcome adversity and doubt.
25:40 - 31:40 - Coach Bratland's mindset now, and his story of when he competed in a Navy Seal Fitness screener.
31:40 - 33:15 - Looking for a challenge is fun!
0:00-2:03 - Introduction of guest Coach
2:03-4:51 - Not bragging, but bragging talk - a list of guest Coaches credentials not only in wrestling, but Strength and Conditioning credentials as well.
4:51-10:00 - Guest Coach introduces himself and gives some background information about himself such as where he grew up, where he went to high school, and drops some BIG names such as a world champ that are also from this tiny rural town. These guys along with a wrestling family provided role models for Coach during his youth.
10:15-14:30- Stories of early wrestling years and early adversity, and how Coach dealt with this adversity, sticking with the sport and having a successful high school career.
14:30- 16:50 - Coach heads to college as part of the #1 recruiting class in the country along 4x undefeated NCAA Champion Cael Sanderson. He talks about this experience and the continued adversity he faced at ISU.
16:50- 19:00 - Coach leaves ISU and heads to a division 3 school. Again, trials and tribulation push Coach to leave school once again. This new adventure did not include wrestling or school, but a life of manual labor.
19:00-22:00 - Coach takes a high school coaching position at his alma mater and speaks how this experience begins to shape his outlook on coaching. This experiences teaches him how much he doesn't know about coaching and how to treat student-athletes.
22:00-24:00 Coach starts to figure it out and along with some persuasion coach makes some important decisions for his future.
In this Episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss The Tail End. This article was written by Tim Urban and can be found on his blog at www.waitbutwhy.com. We encourage you to check it out!! This article puts in perspective not only how important time is, but also what we do with our time. Live with intention!
In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss the topic of Essentialism. Made popular by Greg McKeown's book "Essentialism" The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Also, check out "Chasing Excellence" podcast episode 145 where Greg interviews Ben Bergeron. Do more by doing less!
In this episode of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley revisit what living the The SPAR Life means. They revisiting a few topics from their very first podcasts and ultimately the reason this podcast was started.
In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley talk with First Class Cadet wrestler Jessup Pawelczyk. Jessup is taking on a physical challenge of completing Hero Workout "Murph" Listen in as he talks about his challenge and how it has changed him both physically and mentally.
In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley speak with United States Coast Guard 1970 graduate Tom Mills. Tom wrestled at the Coast Guard Academy where he was a 2x New England Conference finalist and 2x NCAA Qualifier.
Tom tells some exceptional stories about his time at USCGA and how this guided him to becoming a lawyer and opening his own law firm. Tom was either "Lucky or Good", but he always found a way to surround himself with great mentors to guide him on an upward trajectory to accomplishing his goals.
In episode 13 of the SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley talk with the Coast Guard Academy's new Head Volleyball Coach, Mark Thomas. Coach Thomas tells them how things came full circle when he was hired as the Head Volleyball Coach at USCGA. Coach Thomas talks of his values and philosophy as he looks to build Coast Guard Volleyball into a national contender!
In this episode of The SPAR Life, Dr. Snow educates Coach Bratland and Coach Foley about the philosophy of Objectivism. What it is and how it can be implemented it your life in the pursuit of happiness.
In Episode 11 of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley welcome back a fellow host. They also answer a few questions from listeners in regards to money, passion, and the trade secrets of coaching at USCGA.
In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley continue to talk about Swab Summer (Boot Camp). They interview Senior Chief John Lercara as he takes us through Swab summer through the eyes of someone that has boots on the ground. Senior Chief Lercara talks about his role in Swab summer, the value of it to the so-to-be cadets, and about his career in the United States Coast Guard.
As the Coast Guard Academy's Swab Summer just ended, Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss what Swab Summer is and what type of experience the young men and women of the United States Coast Guard Academy just had for the last seven weeks.
In S2, Episode 8, of the SPAR Life, Coach Bratland and Coach Foley talk with LTJG Matt McAllister. Matt is a former Coast Guard Academy grad and wrestler. His email to Coach Bratland sparked the Lead From the Front episode, so we decided to get him on the show to discuss the email, what he is doing now, and the lessons he learned at the Coast Guard Academy and on the wrestling team that has allowed him to LFtF or Lead From the Front. Matt's Lead From the Front mentality helps build culture, get buy-in, and to be the tip of the spear in leadership.
In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss an email they received from a former Coast Guard wrestler on leadership, culture, and its importance in not only coaching wrestling, but in any team, unit, family, etc.
In this Episode of The SPAR LIFE Coach Bratland and Coach Foley test their knowledge of each other as show host Dr. Snow presents the first ever USCGA Wrestling Coaches, "The Newlywed Game!
In this episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow have Coast Guard Wrestling's 2x National Qualifier and NWCA All-American Patrick Irwin on to discuss his upcoming future plans and his most recent challenge of running four miles, every four hours, for forty-eight hours.
In this Episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow talk about pursuing excellence in your chosen field. This may be your occupation, your education, a sport, or just something you enjoy doing. They also discuss past stories and mistakes they have made and how they have used those experiences to be better versions of themselves today.
In episode Three of season Two, Coach Bratland, Coach Foley and Dr. Snow...talk about the Netflix survival show, "Alone". They dive into the mental battle of what it takes to be the last person standing.
For more information check out the Joe Rogan podcast with Season 6, Alone winner Jordan Jonas.
Click here to watch the Joe Rogan Interview w/ Jordan Jonas
Q and A with Jordan Jonas season 6 winner of Alone
Here
Click below
www.jordanjonas.com
In this Episode of The SPAR Life Dr. Snow and Coach Bratland put Coach Foley on the "hot seat". Coach Bratland and Dr. Snow dive deep into the inner workings of Coach Foley with 20ish questions about his life, philosophy, role models, and if he thinks a Hot Dog is a sandwich. If you ever wanted to get to know Coach Foley then this is an episode you cannot miss!!
Does the Quarantine got ya down and the number on the scale up? Listen to Ep. 1 of Season 2 of The SPAR Life for some tips, stories, and advice on how Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow have kept their workouts going during the quarantine.
In this episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow discuss the parable of the Mexican Fisherman and the American Business Man.
An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, that it only took a little while. The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish. The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.
The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor."
The American scoffed. "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "But señor, how long will this all take?"
To which the American replied, "Fifteen or twenty years."
"But what then, señor?"
The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."
"Millions, señor? Then what?"
The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
In this episode Kevin, Dylan, and Robyn discuss the highly controversial Netflix documentary "The Game Changers". Are plant based diets the next step to unlocking your athletic potential? Find out in this episode of The SPAR Life!
In this Episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr Snow discuss work/life balance. Do successful people in their field have work/life balance? How does society define work/life balance? Sometimes you just need to take a Dyl-day and watch the Patriots play.
In Episode 23 of The SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan are joined by guest Dr. Robyn Snow. In the second episode of a two-part weight cutting series the group discusses weight cutting, how to cut weight properly and the effects of poor weight cutting. If you want to learn how to improve your performance through weight cutting this episode will help!
In this episode of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan discuss weight cutting in the sport of wrestling. They dive into why athletes cut weight, some common myths and some of the key factors that really impede performance. The episode is a preface to part 2 where they will talk more specifically about how to cut weight to be the best version of yourself in competition.
In this episode Coach Foley puts Coach Bratland on the hot seat, asking him thought provoking and imaginative questions that will help you get to know more about Coach Bratland. Small disclaimer...In the movie Point Break the character's name is Bode not Brody.
In this episode Kevin and Dylan discuss a winning philosophy vs. a performance based approach to athletic or academic performance.
In this episode Kevin and Dylan discuss their brand, The SPAR Life, and how they use social media to spread their message to their team, fans, and alumni. Social media is a popular and powerful tool that is an amazing, free resource that anyone can use to spread their brand!
In this episode of the SPAR Life, Dylan flies solo as he discusses his 30 day challenges and the goals he has set for himself for the month of October.
Starting from a challenge from a friend, find out how Dylan tries to make small improvements in his day-to-day life by developing habits that become a lifestyle.
What goals will you conquer this month?
In episode 17 of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan discuss Kevin's experience spear gun fishing with wrestler and avid spear gun fisher Paul Detwiler. Kevin's experience spurred a conversation about getting out of your comfort zone and if this is necessary to being the best version of yourself. Adversity and discomfort create a vulnerability that as adults we don't like to admit often. As coaches and parents we are the all knowing Yoda's to our children and athletes. How important is it to hold on to the believe we are invincible vs. admitting we have fears, too?
In episode 16, Kevin and Dylan take their discussion of character one step further. We all know good things happen to good people, but good things also happen to bad people. How important is moral character such as lying, cheating, and stealing when determining a person's athletic, occupational success or personal potential? Can a person be at the top of their profession despite lacking a moral compass? Tune in to find out how core values can help guide you in decision making and becoming the best version of yourself.
In this episode of the SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan discuss the latest in the Antonio Brown-NFL saga and the balance of talent versus character.
While New England celebrates the signing of a super-talent, Dylan laments the apparent character flaws in the star wide receiver.
How important is character in the formula of success? Find out on this episode!
In this episode Kevin and Dylan are joined by Lindsi Bratland the owner of Pure Barre Waterford. We discuss raising your standard beyond what is considered "common" to the new standard of "uncommon". The people you surround yourself with and the habits you create for yourself are not an overnight phenomenon to change. The process is a journey that is unique to each of us. Wherever you are in your self optimization journey the principles of the "uncommon" are invaluable to helping us create the habits required to reach our goals!
In this episode Kevin and Dylan discuss their new hashtag #SetYourStandard.
The conversation goes from individual ownership of choices, to a discussion on genetic predisposition, and to the role parents play in offspring's potential.
What standard are you setting for yourself?
In this episode of the SPAR Life Dylan is at the National Wrestling Coach Association Leadership Academy where he catches up with fellow leadership grad Cam Simaz.
Cam was a 4x D1 All-American for Cornell, winning the 2012 National Championship. Naturally inquisitive, he and Dylan hit it off right away, finding out they had plenty of similarities - Including coaching at military schools.
Cam is now the Assistant Coach at SDSU, and discusses his journey through coaching, the relationships he’s made along the way, and the standards he set for himself in order to reach the heights he did as an athlete.
In this episode of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan discuss the definition of a coach and explain why the dictionary definition does not encompass what it takes to be a successful coach. Successful coaching is similar to owning and operating a boutique fitness studio. If you have ever stepped into a well run boutique fitness studio you will understand and appreciate how the experience is revolved around YOU...your fitness goals, your experience, your community! Relationships create the experience that make successful student-athletes and successful boutique fitness studios!
In this episode of The SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan talk with legendary coach Jim "Milboy" Miller. In 22 years of college coaching, Milboy’s teams won 10 NCAA Division III Championships and finished second 8 other times. He is regarded as the best Division III wrestling coach of all time, one of the best coaches of all time, and the greatest motivator of our era.
Milboy talks about growing up in Waterloo, IA and his transition from youth, to college athlete, to coach. He also speaks in depth about the impact mentors and coaches are in shaping lives, and helping us reach our potential. If you are looking to be inspired or want to know what it takes to be a Hall of Fame wrestling coach, this is a must listen episode.
In this episode Kevin and Dylan celebrate the upcoming 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games, beginning this week!
On the surface, we all know the importance of moving our bodies and exercising. Whatever you do that keeps you moving consistently is great! Something is always better than nothing.
If you follow “The SPAR Life” on social media, you already know, we choose CrossFit. Listen in as we discuss our Top 7 reasons why high intensity interval training (HIIT) has our full attention. Anyone interested in getting started in CrossFit, or has questions about it, please reach out to us on social media!
If you are interested in honoring Thomas Cameron and completing his workout it can be found at the link below.
https://www.crossfit.com/workout/2013/03/26
Tag us in your work out completing “Cameron!” @thesparlife on Instagram
In this episode of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley speak with Coast Guard Academy graduate, Dan Fiorvanti.
Growing up, we are all told to never judge a book by it's cover... Looking at Dan Fiorvanti today you would assume he has always been successful. He is about to be the Executive Officer of a Coast Guard Cutter, was a two-sport athlete in college, and personifies the SPAR LIFE.
Dan stated he was not born innately talented, but built himself up by never giving up, busting his tail in every facet of his life, and making the decision to find out what his true potential is. He suffered set backs and adversity, but through it all kept a positive outlook and crafted himself into the person he is today.
His message is simple: You don't have to stay where you are. If you want more, make the decision, stick to it, and go work your tail off!
In this Episode of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan speak with Karl Bratland, founder and owner of the Hammer Wrestling School in Illinois.
The conversation becomes one about coach-athlete relationships and the power your words and thoughts can have on your (and someone else’s) performance.
Karl’s story goes to show that sometimes you need someone to believe in you more than you believe in yourself.
In Episode 6 of The SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan discuss a performance enhancer that is readily available to everyone, free of charge, and completely legal. That’s right. We are talking about sleep!
Optimizing your sleep requires tracking in order to monitor the three most important factors of sleep: quality, quantity and consistency.
Want to perform better in all realms of your life, feel happier, be more productive, and reap countless medical benefits? The answer is simple - Get a good nights sleep. Learn how today!
With Day 1 of Swab Summer beginning for the Coast Guard Academy Class of 2023 beginning today, what could be better than hearing from rising CGA senior, George McBurney on his experiences through his first three years of Academy life!
Kevin and Dylan talk with 1/c McBurney about why he chose to attend the US Coast Guard Academy, what life is like as a Cadet, and some of the amazing places you will go as a member of the US Coast Guard.
George leaves us with his thoughts as to why every qualified high school candidate should take a long, hard look at becoming at a Cadet-athlete here.
Don’t take our word for it, listen to someone who lives the Academy life each and every day!
For LeRoy Gardner it took finally winning a National Championship for him to realize wrestling was something he did, not who he was. To him, a new heavyweight national champion would be crowned next season. The shine of the trophies would eventually fade. What he would always carry with him though, were the lessons he learned along the way.
Now, as the Head Men's Wrestling Coach at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas, LeRoy is focused on coaching young men to be champions on the mat and in life. Kevin and Dylan talk with LeRoy about his career path, going from the financial districts in Boston and New York, to becoming an Officer in the US Navy, to landing his full-time coaching position now - With several stops in between.
LeRoy provides invaluable insight on his wrestling program, his coaching philosophies, and what drives him and his team.
In Episode 3, Kevin and Dylan dive into the Nutrition branch of the second element in the SPAR LIFE formula - Systems.
Perhaps one of the most undervalued systems to be discussed this season, nutrition is the fuel that allows our body’s to perform on the mat, in the game, and in the Board Room. Everyone’s nutrition will look slightly different from the next. Knowing this, Kevin and Dylan created SPAR Nutrition to tailor a specific nutrition program to meet each individual’s needs, in order to optimize their performance.
Learn more about the ins and outs of these nutrition plans, how the first SPAR Nutrition 4 Week Challenge went, and how you can get more information on receiving your individual meal plans.
Welcome to the SPAR LIFE!
Kevin and Dylan tackle the first element of the SPAR LIFE formula - Character.
Citing experiences from their coaching careers and personal lives, the duo discusses the most important characteristics a person can possess, the impact of first impressions, and team culture.
The discussion transitions from morality and into just HOW practicing strong character can help you be a better competitor on the mat and in the game of life.
Welcome to the SPAR LIFE!
In Episode 1, Kevin and Dylan, co-creators of SPAR LIFE, talk about the origin of the brand, what it means to “live the life,” and how an idea, originally intended for the United States Coast Guard Academy Wrestling team, turned into something much, much greater.
An optimized version of yourself is right around the corner. Find out how to live the Semper Paratus, Always Ready Lifestyle!
Welcome to the SPAR LIFE!