Be Unexpected: Recent Episodes
Wyatt
Born with Cerebral Palsy on the right side of my body. Nobody expected me to do well in sports. Share my story on how I overcame the adversities I faced on and off the playing field with Cerebral Palsy. I will also Interview other people and learn about their stories through sports. From athletes coaches and your die hard sports fans.
Jake and Wyatt interview former Fremont High Coach Dave Sellon. Sellon was both Wyatt and Jake's Environmental Science teacher, as well as Jake's Freshman Football coach. Coach Sellon just retired from teaching and coaching at Fremont High, he was the Head Track Coach and Assistant Football Coach. He still plays a key role with the track team in coaching the pole vaulters.
We talk about his time growing up in Blair, his college journey from Morningside to Midland, how he landed the job at Fremont, his multiple coaching positions over the years at Fremont, the multiple championships his track team had, and the things he is finding much joy in now as he has "retired." Coach Sellon made a huge impact on us and many other students at FHS.
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Wyatt and Jake interview Husker alum Caroline Frankie. Caroline is the oldest of four siblings that grew up in Kansas City. Being in an athletic family Caroline chose to play soccer growing up. Sports have always been a big part of her life so when she went to the University of Nebraska she wanted to have a career in sports. When Caroline got to Nebraska she was majoring in sports broadcasting. Caroline was part of the first all women’s broadcast team during the 2022 Nebraska spring game. During Caroline’s junior year she had a change of heart and decided to switch majors to go into sports marketing. Caroline talks about the experiences she has gotten as an intern for the Atlanta Falcons and Sporting Kansas City. Along the way Caroline says her parents played a big part in supporting her decisions to go from sports broadcasting to sports marketing. Caroline talks about her love for the Kansas City Chiefs and Nebraska football she gives her takes on how she thinks both teams will do next season!
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On this episode Wyatt and Jake interview 3rd grade teacher Audrey Spalding. Audrey is married to Wyatt's twin brother Weston. Audrey talks about how her mom was a big influence on her becoming a teacher. She talks about how being a substitute teacher helped her figure out what grades she liked teaching the most. Audrey goes into what it was like for her as a teacher during Covid and how she saw it affect her students, not only in their school work but also socially. Audrey shares some adversity she went through in her personal life and how she really relied on her relationship with Jesus to help her get through it. Audrey shares the story of how her and Weston met and how they have both grown together in their relationship. Audrey talks about the adversity she faces in teaching, but she overcomes it by trying to find every way possible to help her students succeed in the classroom.
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Wyatt and Jake interview Fremont Alum Jesse Vitamvas. Jesse graduated from Fremont High School in 2014 with Wyatt. Jesse was involved in numerous activates at Fremont High School. Jesses , Jake and Wyatt talk about what it was like playing football together in middle school and High school. Jesses talks about how he got into acting and music in High school and what he learned from those experiences. After high school. Jesse worked with kids at the YMCA summer program. Then he went on to college in Norfolk he got a job working for an after school program. Jesses worked with kids in several after school programs in Omaha and Fremont. He shares what he learned from his experiences working with kids and the relationships he had with them!
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Wyatt talks about his trip to Washington DC and what he was doing there. Wyatt shares a new opportunity he has been selected to do with Special Olympics, he has some amazing trips he will be going on through 2027 with his good friend Kenny Bristol.
We also talk about Husker and Creighton Hoops, court storming issues, and who we think can make a deep run in the NCAA tournament this month. Take a listen!
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Take a listen as we interview former Fremont High Graduate Sydney Voss! Right away as a freshman in High school Sydney qualified for the state cross country meet, but leading into her sophomore year she suffered a hip injury that she was never fully ever recovered from.
Sydney talks about what life was like growing up in Fremont and with 3 siblings, how her parents showed her what life with Jesus was like, her injury freshman year of high school and how she responded to it, what "turning to Jesus" was like practically in her life, what she learned from one semester at Northwest Missouri State, and how much joy she finds now in running and training for full marathon!
Sydney talks about what it was like to qualify for state cross country as a freshman, but then physically never return to her full self. Sydney emphasizes how she wants to continually walk with Jesus in her day to day life!
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We had the opportunity to interview former Ball State quarterback, Detroit Lions Chaplin and current Family Life Today podcast host Dave Wilson.
Dave talks about his upbringing in Ohio and playing QB in high school, how he ended up at Ball State (he didn’t want to play at a big school), giving his life to Christ in college through Archie Griffin planting the seeds, his decision to work for Athletes in Action instead of taking a shot in the NFL, stories of working at Nebraska and the interactions he had with Tom Osborne, planting a church in Detroit while being the Lions Chaplain, and the work they are doing at Family Life Today!
Dave and Ann continue to make an impact on many people today while Speaking at Weekend to Remember events around the country. What a cool story to hear how Dave’s life was radically changed by the Gospel!
https://www.familylife.com/wtr-speaker/dave-and-ann-wilson/
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/01/26/detroit-lions-chaplain-pastor-dave-wilson/72316428007/
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Take a listen as we interview Mark Voss. Mark played a huge role in Jake and Wyatt's life growing up both in sports and life.
Mark dives into many topics, but what is most important is his relationship with Jesus Christ, which he shares how giving your life to Christ is the best decision you will ever make! Mark talks a lot about how Jesus showed humility in his life and there is no better person to learn humility from than Jesus. Mark talks about his upbringing in Fremont, Playing College football at Kearney State, moving to different places early in his career, raising 4 children, leading his family, Fremont sports memories, impacting kids outside of sports, and more!
The Fremont community was made so much better with Mark Voss in it. From coaching youth sports, leading FCA, and serving at his church Mark has made an impact wherever he was at. Mark continues to make such a positive impact on the Fremont community today.
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Wyatt interviews former Hastings College volleyball player Mikayla Callahan. Mikayla is one of ten siblings they grew up in Lincoln NE going to the gym they're family owned where volleyball l became a huge part of her life. Mikayla talks about her experiences in high school and club volleyball. Playing against higher competition made her a better player. When Mikayla went to Hastings College she was one of 16 freshmen that came in to help rebuild the program. Within the four years that she was at Hastings college they went from a rebuilding program to becoming NAIA women's college volleyball national champions!!!! Mikayla shares how it was special to win that national championship her senior year but also what made it special was sharing that moment with her sister who was a starter on the team with her. Mikayla shares how the bond with her sister and teammates was so strong it played a big part in the team having an amazing season on and off the court. Mikayla was a GA for Hastings college the next year she shares what the differences were for her between playing and coaching. Mikayla went through challenges in her life in the past years. She started having headaches when she was the GA for Hastings college only to learn that years later she would find out that the headaches she was having turn into realizing she had a brain tumor. Mikayla shares the process she went through trying to find out why she was having headaches she also had a episode where she had a seizure. Mikayla talks about the great support she had from her husband Drew the nurses that took care of her. Then of course family and friends that helped her get through the surgery helped her through her recovery. Today Mikayla is healthy and expecting her first child she has always wanted to be a mom!
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Take a listen as Jake and Wyatt interview former Husker and all Big 12 Running back Marlon Lucky!
The guys talk about Marlon growing up in Texas and California, what it was like to move from Hollywood to Lincoln Nebraska, his recruitment process and why he choose Nebraska, the switch from Bill Callahan to Bo Pelini, Husker memories, his run at the NFL, and what life has been like outside of football.
It was pretty cool to interview one of our childhood heroes, someone we really looked up to growing up. We both can remember running around the backyard pretending to be Marlon Lucky!
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Wyatt Interviews Lincoln North Star tennis coaches Lincoln Chamberlin and Jeremy Jank. Chamberlin played at North Star then, Jank played at Hastings High school. They go into the matches that helped them learn how the mental game in tennis is so important in succeeding in the sport. Wyatt, Lincoln, and Jeremy discuss the lessons they've learned in tennis that they bring to their everyday lives. Coach Jank and Chamberlin go into how they prepare their players at North Star in matches and how the growth they see from the players on the court, but also as people off the court is the coolest thing they get to see as coaches . The coaches also give there thought's on where they see US tennis heeded the near future.
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On Todays episode Wyatt and Jake had the opportunity to interview Former National Championship coach for the Nebraska Volleyball team Terry Pettit!
For twenty-three years Terry was the head coach of one of the most successful athletic teams in NCAA history. Under Terry’s leadership the University of Nebraska’s women’s volleyball team won twenty-one Big 8 and Big 12 conference championships while leading the nation in both All American and Academic All American selections.
He directed the Nebraska volleyball team to forty-three NCAA tournament victories and the school’s first National Championship in women’s volleyball 1995. Terry earned National Coach of the Year honors in 1986, 1994 and 1996 before becoming a mentor coach to the University of Nebraska Athletic Department in 2000.
Coach Pettit shares with us ability to communicate a philosophy of leadership and team building that reflects his experience as a poet, journalist and championship coach, a few memories coaching Nebraska Volleyball, what he is doing now, and why Nebraska volleyball has had such a great year!
https://terrypettit.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNG7DDcuRWo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37gqvbGj8jM
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Wyatt and Jake interview Millard South coach Trevor Wiegert. Jake, Wyatt, and Trevor all went Fremont High School and played basketball together. While at Fremont High School Trevor was a part of an elite cross country team . In his high school career Trevor helped Fremont get two State runner ups his freshman and junior year. Then two state titles in Trevor's Sophomore and Senior seasons. Trevor talks about being a four sport athlete in High School. Cross Country, Basketball ,Track, and Baseball. Growing up baseball was his first love in sports. Trevor thought he would be a baseball player in college but as he had success in Cross Country and Track that became the favorite for him to get a scholarship. Trevor went on to run for D2 school University of Nebraska Kearney. During his college career Trevor talks about injury's he had to overcome. Trevor shares the joy he takes in coaching his players and seeing them thrive in sports!
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Wyatt and Jake recap the Nebraska vs Purdue game. Jake and Wyatt talk how at 5-3 Nebraska is one win away from being bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Nebraska is 3-2 in conferences play and is in position to win the west. Jake and Wyatt about how the offense is in proving but we have a fumbling problem's! Wyatt and Jake talk about what are some of the most unexpected things that have happened to Nebraska football this season. Wyatt also talks about what he does to prepare for his speeches and how hard it is being vulnerable.
Wyatt's speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3S2vnvMK_E
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Take a listen as we chat a little Husker Football which leads into our interview with former Husker Tight End Chancellor Brewington.
The journey to Nebraska has not been an easy one. Through trials growing up, obstacles in the recruiting process, injuries, coaching changes Chancellor is thankful for the most important thing, growing closer to Christ through all of it!
Chancellors zeal and passion for life is contagious, you can tell people just want to be around him. Chancellor continues to influence the Lincoln community and is still training to get back on a Professional Football Team.
Chancellor talks about his time at Northern Arizona and how that lead him to Nebraska. It was pretty cool to hear about his relationship with God and how it’s deepened in all this!
More info here:
@ChancellorBrew1
https://www.instagram.com/c_breww7/
https://www.youtube.com/@DNDVIDZ
https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/season/2022/player/chancellor-brewington
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It's hard to believe but Wyatt and Jake have been doing the Be Unexpected podcast for a little over a year! Wyatt and Jake talk about some of the people they have interviewed and share some highlight clips from past interviews. Wyatt and Jake open up about their personnel struggles to help the interviewee share their vulnerabilities. Jake and Wyatt are thankful to all the guests that have come on the podcast to share their story. Jake and Wyatt would like to thank all of our listeners as well!! Thank you for supporting the podcast in its first year!!! We hope this podcast has helped people see that everyone has a story and everyone goes through adversity in life, but its how you response to that adversity!
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Listen in as Wyatt and Jake interview the head coach of the Midland University Men’s basketball team Tyler Erwin!
A native of Laurel, Neb., Erwin attended Laurel-Concord High School, where he was an all-state and all-conference player in basketball and football. Served as a member of the 1994 Nebraska class C-2 State Runner-up Football Team and as a member of the 1995 Class C-2 State Championship Basketball Team. Erwin then went on to play at Midland and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Coaching Endorsement in May of 2000.
Jake and Wyatt talk to Coach Erwin about all his coaching stops, but then discuss his 13 years at UNO. Jake was the student manager at UNO from 2016-2019 and talked about the impact he made on his life in a dark time. Relationship with Christ, family, and pouring into young men is what shapes Coach Erwin!
Now the returning to where Erwin played over 20 years ago, he looks to impact young men just like he was impacted during his time at Midland!
23 Years of Coaching Experience2000-2003 | Midland University; Assistant Coach / Head JV Coach
2003-2005 | University of Nebraska Kearney; Graduate Assistant
2005 | Nebraska Cranes (USBL); Dir. of Basketball Operations / Assistant Coach
2005-2009 | Simpson College; Recruiting Coordinator / Assistant Coach
2009-2022 | University of Nebraska Omaha; Assistant Coach
2022-NOW | Midland University; Head Coach
Schedule and more information here: https://midlandathletics.com/sports/mbkb/coaches/Tyler_Erwin
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Wyatt and Jake interview Nebraska basketball player Sam Hoiberg. Sam talks about what it was like growing up with a dad that has coached in the NBA and D1 basketball. Sam shares how being competitive with his twin brother made both of them better athlete's. Sam played his first two years of High school basketball in Chicago and when he moved to Nebraska he and his brother played for Lincoln Pius X. Sam shares how he learned from his high school coaches to play tough defense and do the little things. That helped Sam when he went to the University of Nebraska to play for his dad, Fred Hoiberg. Sam wanted to prove that he wasn't just on the team because his dad was the coach. Sam spent time in the gym before and after the game getting up shots. Last year Sam was in the staring rotation and he proved to everyone that he was huge part in helping the huskers get some big wins last season. Sam's determination and toughness will play a big part in helping Nebraska basketball this upcoming season!
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Take a listen as Wyatt and Jake interview former Creighton standout and current Nebraska-Kearney assistant coach Antoine Young!
Coach Young talks about his upbringing moving from Nebraska to Texas to back to Nebraska, his time at Bellevue West and the great career he had there, what it was like playing at Creighton under two great coaches Greg Mcdermottt and Dana Altman, playing professionally overseas, and now coaching at the University of Nebraska-Kearney!
Wyatt and Jake can both remember watching Antoine Young at his time at Bellevue West and Creighton while thinking “dang we wanna be a player like him” so it was awesome to get the opportunity to interview him! (Jake's audio is a little funky, he got stuck in the UNO parking lot)
Game winner vs Long Beach State below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s739nHuyNI
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On this episode Wyatt interviews Wahoo assistant high school football, girls basketball, and baseball coach Brandon Zetocka. Brandon and Wyatt went to college together at Midland University and have been best friends ever sense. Brandon talks how growing up in Wahoo they are very supportive of high school sports. Growing up Brandon wasn't the biggest or the strongest, but he was one of the hardest workers on his high school team. Brandon shares how he worked on being one of the fastest players on his basketball and football team. Brandon shares how his senior year of football was spent battling injury's. How his desire to play through some of his injury's hurt him in the long run. Brandon talks about how he almost quit basketball during high school because of the frustrations of not being one of biggest or most skilled on the team. He was glad he didn't because he got to be a part of some really great Wahoo teams. Wahoo was the State runner up Brandon's sophomore and senior year. Then was part of the Wahoo team that won the State Championship his junior year. Brandon goes into how he started his coaching career and how God just was openings windows for him to live out his dream. From coaching middle school basketball in college to getting his first coaching job at Dundy High School. Wyatt talks to Brandon how back at there time in the Midland dorms Brandon was telling Wyatt how it was his dream to go back to his high school to help the kids and have a great impact on them. Just like his coaches did for him. Now Brandon is living his dream!!!
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Wyatt and Jake Start a new segment on the podcast called the Unexpected in sports. Jake and Wyatt share there thoughts on Nebraska football games and what they think will happen in upcoming games. They recap the Minnesota game from week1. They talk about the unexpected things happen to Nebraska in the game. Wyatt and Jake share what they think will be the most unexpected thing to happen in the game against Colorado this and what there predictions for game will be.
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Wyatt interviews Hudl (Agile Sports Technologies) Scrum Master Robby White. Robby talks about what it was like for him growing up in sunny California to going to college at the University of Nebraska. Robby fell in love with Nebraska the moment he stepped on campus. Growing up just 15 minutes away from Los Angeles Angeles stadium sports were a big part of Robby's life Robby played on the boys volleyball team in high school. That is when his love for playing and later coaching volleyball started. Robby shares how he started his career at Hudl. From starting out as a recruiter for Hudl to then being promoted to a Scrummaster at Hudl. Robby goes more into detail on the products that Hudl has to offer. Coaching grills Volleyball Robby creates a great culture for his players. Its important to Robby to help his players get the little things right so they can succeed on and off the court
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Take a listen as Jake interviews the Head Women's Basketball coach at Creighton University Jim Flanery. They discuss many topics such as growing up in small town Iowa, how he became the Head Coach at Creighton, how he recruits his student-athletes, NIL & Transfer Portal, his 21 seasons as the Head Coach, what continues to drive him, the success Creighton has had, and much more!
Creighton’s all-time victory leader (379 and counting). Flanery is the only women’s basketball coach to guide Creighton to five NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Big Dance in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2022. The 2021-22 season was historic for the Bluejays as Creighton reached the Elite Eight with victories over Colorado, at No. 8 Iowa and over No. 10 Iowa State. Creighton also reached the NCAA Second Round in 2013, 2017 and 2018 as well as claiming the program’s first BIG EAST regular-season title in 2017.
One of the driving forces in Creighton’s success in 2021-22 was the ability to share the basketball. The Bluejays led the nation in assists (668), assists per game (20.2) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.59). The Bluejays also shot the ball tremendously well, closing the season fifth in three-pointers made (334) and third in three-pointers per game (10.1). Coach Flanery has found much success at Creighton and has kept it going for many years!
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On this episode Wyatt and Jake interview pro basketball player Mitchell Hahn. The middle child of three brothers. Mitch talks about how it was completive in the Hahn house hold. Growing up he played on the 5th grade basketball team as a 3rd grader! Mitch was a three year starter for the Fremont High School Basketball team. Mitch and Wyatt's twin brother Weston were the leaders of the team by their senior year. Mitch talks about how Wes and him pushed each other to become the best basketball players they could be. After high school Mitch went to Holy Cross where he played his freshmen year then transfer to University of Nebraska Omaha. Mitch shears the challenges he faced in College basketball going through multiple injury's during his college career. Mitch shears with Wyatt and Jake of what it was like playing overseas in Germany, Portugal, and playing completive 3 on 3 for the USA. Mitch talks about how his dad pushing him to be the best he could be and telling Mitch he believed in him played huge part in his success in basketball and life.
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Wyatt shares something he has been working at the last 10 years! Last weekend he played in the Cornhusker State games tennis tournament. He has been playing in adult tennis tournaments for 10 years now. Wyatt kept coming back knowing that one day he would be good enough to win a tennis tournament that was not Special Olympics. Wyatt reached that goal by winning the men’s 3.0 singles division! Wyatt talks about the long journey of hard work.
Wyatt and Jake talk about moments in their life that shaped them. Wyatt shares his battle with depression and choking in high school, and how he changed his mindset over the years to help him over come his circumstances. Jake talks about having to be taken to the Children's Hospital for his Eating Disorder in 2018. He shares how he got there and how he got himself out of a tough time in his life.
To finish up Wyatt and Jake share their excitement for College Football coming up and specifically the Husker Football team. They have for sure been drinking the Matt Rhule Kool-Aid!
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On this episode of be unexpected Wyatt interviews former Fremont High athlete Drew Sellon. Drew played football, basketball, and ran Track and Field for Fremont. Drew shares how his dad started him in football and track at a young age. Drew's older brother was his biggest supporter and taught him the fundamentals of football and Track & Field. Drew shares some his favorite moments in playing high school football from close games that Fremont won at very end to going to the playoffs his Junior year. Drew talks about his basketball career how his senior year they had nobody over 6 ft 2in, but they still upset serval teams! To rap up Drew high school career the track team won the class A State Championship! What made his High school career so great was through all of the ups and downs he had his dad as his football and track and felid coach. Drew is a redshirt freshmen for Morningside University football team. He plays wide receiver. We cant wait to see what the future holds for Drew in his college career!
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On this episode of Be Unexpected we had the opportunity to interview a former classmate of ours, Claire Meyer. Claire played Softball, Basketball, and ran Track at Fremont High, graduating with Wyatt in 2014. Claire is now a teacher in the Gretna Public Schools. She coaches Middle School track and JV basketball.
We discussed many topics during this interview including memories together growing up, how Claire coaches her athletes, lessons she has learned playing sports her whole life, her desire to play college sports, and what it was like being the daughter of the Head Football coach at Fremont High.
During High School Claire had the opportunity to make it to the State Basketball tournament twice in Lincoln and run at the State Track Meet at Burke High School in Omaha. Even though it did not turn out how she wanted, Claire talks about how much fun it was to compete at the highest level in the state of Nebraska. Playing in the State Basketball tournament and running at the State Track Meet were always what she dreamed to do growing up.
Claire continues to impact many students daily teaching and coaching; from a young age, she had always seen herself becoming a coach. She is enjoying pouring her time and efforts into these young student-athlete’s!
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On this episode of be unexpected Jake and Wyatt interview former Philadelphia Eagles Vince Papale. Vince whose football story was made into the movie “invincible with Mark Wahlberg” Vince goes to an open tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles and is best player there and is asked to come to training camp. Vince shared with Jake and Wyatt how before he tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles he played semi Pro Football. Vince was also a Highschool track coach for his alma mater. Vince talks about what it was like when he got to training camp and how nobody thought he'd make the team. How when he made the team he became one of the best players on special teams to where eventually he was named team captain of the special teams. Vince also shares with Jake and Wyatt what actually is real in the movie invincible and what Hollywood made up. Vince shares what the day to day of a NFL football player was like back in the 70’s. Today Vince says he enjoys watching his son live out his football dreams. How he runs his own speaking business and real estate business with his wife and daughter.
https://www.vincepapale.com/contactus.html
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Jake and Wyatt interview Fremont High School assistant basketball coach Seth Williams. Growing up Seth, Jake and Wyatt all played in the Fremont basketball pogrom from middle school through high school. Only difference for Seth was that his dad was the head coach for Fremont High school. Seth shares how growing up watching his dad coach and being around high school players as a elementary and middle school kid was pretty cool. When he got to high school Seth and his dad faced some obstacles as player and coach. Seth talks about how he and his dad didn't always see eye to eye on the basketball court and they would bring that home with them. Seth's older brother Ryan came into High school and was already a better player than he was that frustrated him, Ryan was a freshman playing Varsity. The biggest thing in Seth's playing career was the regrets he has as a player. Seth shares about having all access to the high school gym and weight room, but not taking advantage of that opportunity as much as he should of. Today Seth coaches youth and high school basketball so that they don't make the same regrets he did as a player.
Big thanks to Seth for sharing his story and reflecting on things he regrets! He is impacting many high school kids today!
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On this episode of Be Unexpected we interview former Papillion-Lavista standout, former University of Nebraska-Omaha team captain and Drake point guard Ayo Akinwole! Take a listen as we discuss many topics with Ayo such as his childhood, love for sports growing up, moving multiple times as a kid, growing his passion for basketball, living a “others first” mentality, his playing career at UNO & Drake, and what he is doing now!
Ayo was a Four-year letter winner for coach Dan Moore. Two-time All-Nebraska and three-time All-Metro selection. Honorary captain of the Omaha World-Herald's All-Nebraska team and the Lincoln Journal Star's Super State Team after averaging 17.2 points and 5.2 assists per game as a senior. Also named state player of the year by Nebraska High School Hoops .As a junior, averaged 14.6 points and 5.5 assists per game. All-state honorable mention pick as a sophomore after averaging 10.5 points and 4.0 assists per game. Ayo Shot a school-record 52 percent from 3-point range.
Ayo played at UNO from 2017-2021, where he was a two-year captain. Ayo was the glue to the team through the ups and downs. Ayo talks about the success he had at UNO while there were also many tough moments. Ayo finished out his playing career by transferring to Drake in 2021. Ayo talks about the decision to leave Omaha and find A new home in Des Moines.
While Jake was the Student Manager for the UNO Basketball team from 2016-2019, Ayo made a huge impact on his life when he was struggling mentally and physically. This is not only true for Jake, but many other people such as coaches, teammates, classmates, fans, and the whole Omaha community have been impacted by Ayo.
More information on Ayo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP5_W3fZV5I
https://www.instagram.com/ayo_akinwole/
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/drake/drake-bulldogs/2022/12/30/drake-assistant-ayo-akinwole-on-switch-from-basketball-player-to-coach/69683128007/
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On this episode of Be Unexpected we had the opportunity to interview the Head Volleyball Coach at Creighton University-Kirsten Booth. Listen in as we talk about her upbringing, playing career, how she got into coaching, favorite memories coaching, and how she has built Creighton into a national powerhouse!
Coach Booth has steadily built a program that has appeared in the AVCA’s Top 25 poll each of the last 10 years. CU has reached 11 of the last 12 NCAA Tournaments, including a 2016 run to the Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen trips in 2015 and 2016 and eight straight BIG EAST regular-season titles. Since the start of 2014, CU is 139-10 against league foes.
Booth has led Creighton to nine conference regular-season championships in the past 10 years, a stretch that started in 2012 with an MVC crown and has extended from 2014-21 with the last eight BIG EAST titles. Coach Booth shares how she has continued that success! Prior to coming to Creighton, Booth went a combined 112-41 in three seasons at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. All three of her teams won at least 36 matches. Her 2000 team reached the NJCAA finals before falling to St. Clair College. Her 2001 team placed fourth nationally and her 2002 club won 39 matches and had seven players earn academic all-conference honors. She was named District Coach of the Year on two different occasions.
In addition to her coaching responsibilities, she served as the school’s human resource coordinator, where she was in charge of staff
development and wellness for all faculty and staff at Kirkwood. She shares what it was like to handle multiple different departments and find success. Kirsten is extremely thankful for the work she had to put in.
Booth served as a volunteer coach with the University of Iowa in the fall of 1997, helping to run drills and scout opponents. The following spring, she served as interim head coach while running practice and doing other assorted administrative tasks. She later earned her master’s degree in higher education administration with an emphasis in athletic administration from Iowa in 2000.
As an undergrad, Booth’s teams at Truman State went 101-54. She ran the offense as the setter and was named the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Freshman of the Year in 1993, and earned All-MIAA accolades her final three seasons as well. She capped off her career in 1996 by earning MIAA Player of the Year honors and setting new school records for assists in a season (1,662) and career (6,077), the latter of which ranked third in NCAA history at the Division II level when she graduated. She was inducted into Truman State’s Athletic Hall of Fame in October, 2011.Coach Booth is one of the best coaches in the nation and enjoys building relationships with her assistant coaches and players. We are excited to watch the Creighton Volleyball team this fall!
https://gocreighton.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/kirsten-bernthal-booth/4131
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Wyatt interviews Jake on this episode of Be Unexpected. Jake shares with us how important his faith is to him and how his relationship with Jesus grew from his childhood into his adult years. Jake shares how his mindset on life changed after he was in his car accident in 2013. During his college years he developed a eating disorder that put him in the hospital for several days. While dealing with eating disorder Jake felt alone at that time in his life. That is when he reached out to Wyatt and there friendship started to become stronger. Another thing that helped Jake get through rough times was being the basketball manager for University of Nebraska Omaha men's basketball team. Going through losing his best friends in the car accident to dealing with stress and eating disorder, Jake always kept the faith in God.
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview Fremont High school Football Coach Lee Jennings. Coach Jennings talks about how he got into sports growing up in Columbus Nebraska . Jennings ran track and played football for Columbus High school. He continued his athletic career at Peru State where he played defensive back. Jennings shares how the coaches he had growing up made an impact on him and influenced him to go into a coaching After being an assistant football coach for years. In 2020 Coach Jennings became the head football coach at Fremont High school. He talks about the adversity in that first year because of the pandemic and how his senior leaders really stepped up for the team. In Coach Jennings first season he took Fremont to the State playoffs where he won his first playoff game as the head coach. Coach Jennings talks about how he not only wants his players to become good football players, but also learn how to be good men off the field. Coach Jennings has made a huge impact on both of us during our time at Fremont High!
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Take a listen as Jake interviews Wyatt as they dive back into Wyatt’s story.
· When Wyatt was younger he thought he could just get rid of cerebral palsy, at what point did he accept the way he was born and change his perspective on life
· How being a part of Special Olympics has changed his life
· Always striving to be better than who he was yesterday
· What were Wyatt’s goals as a child and now as a young adult
· What jobs Wyatt had growing up leading into his internship now with Special Olympics
· Life changing memories being involved with Special Olympics
· Friends and family who have made an impact on his life
Continue to work hard, take an interest in others, and keep your eyes on your goals. Wyatt shows us how to do this in his everyday life!
“If you never give it your all today, you will never know where God will take you tomorrow”
https://www.2022specialolympicsusagames.org/athletes/wyatt-spalding
https://fremonttribune.com/news/local/wyatt-spalding-perseverance-personified/article_da4b923d-f8bf-5ab0-b14d-f71a22a9a221.html
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview one of the best High School basketball coaches in Nebraska history, Kelly Flynn. Kelly Flynn built a girls basketball dynasty at South Sioux City, ruling Class B for more than a decade, winning 11 state championships – 10 in the 11 years from 1995 to 2005. The Cardinals finished second in 1999. Flynn coached at South Sioux City for 27 years, piling up 508 career wins and 17 state tournament appearances. The Cardinals were nationally ranked for eight years, earning a No. 1 ranking in USA Today in 2001. Flynn was named national Coach of the Year in 2012 and was a national Coach of the Year runner-up in 2003. He coached in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American Game in 2003 in Atlanta and the McDonald’s All-American Game in 2005 in Indiana.
In 2018 Coach Flynn became the Head Coach of the Fremont High School girls basketball team. In his five seasons at Fremont, he guided the Tigers to 98 wins and the school’s first Class A championship in 2022. He was named the Omaha World-Herald’s coach of the year for a second time after that 27-2 season.
We dive into Kelly's story and talk about Flynn growing up and playing four sports at Parker High School before moving on to college at South Dakota. He got the opportunity to student teach and coach at South Sioux City before graduating with a physical education and health degree. First He was a boys basketball assistant for four years before taking over the girls basketball program for the 1984-85 season. It definitely worked out as Coach Flynn turned the school into a girls basketball powerhouse. The first state tournament appearance came in 1987 and eight years later, the Cardinals won their first of 11 championships under his guidance.
Flynn, a member of the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame, said he is excited for this next stage of life. A lot of family time with his kids and grandchildren is what he is looking forward to!
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake Interview Winona State Men's College Basketball Coach Todd Eisner. Eisner grew up in a basketball family. He played for his dad for six years. ( two years in middle school and all four years of High school). Eisner share what if like to win the state championship his senior year of high school with his dad as the head coach and his younger brother as teammate. Coach Eisner went on to play college basketball at Creighton University. Faced with adversity at the beginning of his college career. Eisner was talked out of transferring and giving Creighton another shot. Through his college career he had two ACL tears. Coach Eisner shares what the different lessons he learned through those injury's. Eisner sharers why he took the route starlight into college coaching. He shares what differences are in recruiting from the NAIA level to NCAA level. Coach Eisner wants to help his players learn how to be successful in life buy holding them accountable and challenging them to be the best person they can be.
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On this episode of Be Unexpected We had to opportunity to interview Addie Schiemann. Addie attended Arlington High School, while participating on the Fremont High and Club swim team. Addie is currently a student at the University of Arizona.
Going into high school is hard itself, Addie faced another obstacle going into her freshman year of High School. Addie was 14 years old when she faced the biggest challenge of her life on July 14, 2017 in Arlington, Neb when she was in a UTV accident. “I was the passenger in a Polaris Ranger,” Schiemann said. “The vehicle lost control on a dirt road, and my right arm was severed underneath it, resulting in large amounts of blood loss.” Addie had to undergo six months of occupational therapy. It was at this time that the predominantly right-handed swimmer had to relearn how to use her body and her left hand to do everyday tasks. The things we don’t think about become the most difficult like tying her shoes, cooking, writing, and just going through the daily things of life. Once Schiemann’s stitches were removed, a little less than three months after the accident, her doctors cleared her to go back to the pool. She wasn’t worried about getting back to competition, but she was excited to be back in the water. It was still a challenge for her to change her form. It was not just a simple “jump back in the pool” and get to training though. Many months of relearning how to swim, help from her coach, getting her mindset right were all a huge factor.
Addie is so thankful for the support she had during this process and continues to have! Her family, friends, coaches, community, doctors, therapists and so many other people have played a key role in her recovery.
After we were done recording Addie shared with us how important her relationship with Jesus Christ is. Without her relationship with God she is not sure where else she would have turned.
https://nebraskanewsservice.net/sports/as-tough-as-they-come-schiemann-wont-let-amputation-slow-her-down-in-the-pool/
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On this Episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview ESPN Reporter Jen Lada.
Growing up in Northern Illinois Jen whole family was into playing and watching sports. Jen talks about how all the little things she did as a kid like reading in church and how in grade school she won a young authors competition . Helped get her on the path to becoming a sports reporters. Jen went to Marquette University. Not knowing what she wanted to major in yet she was asked if she ever thought about Sports Broadcasting and Jen never looked back. Jen talk about the journey she took on her way to ESPN. From covering High School Sports, to going back to Illinois to report for some of her favorite teams. ( Chicago Bears , and Cubs). Jen talks about what its like to be on College Gameday. She also shares what she has learned from the athletes she has interviewed about overcoming adversity.( Jen interviewed Wyatt in 2018) Jen talks about how now she has the hardest but most rewarding and important job. Witch is being a mom to her three kids.
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Matt McCarty is entering into his 8th season as the Red Raiders' head coach, moving into that position in December of 2015. McCarty was the team's defensive coordinator for 11 years and also served as assistant head coach from 2012 to 2015. He has led the Northwestern football program to two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Football Championship Series (FCS) semifinals three times (2020, 2021, 2022) and has made one NAIA FCS National Championship game appearance (2020). McCarty led the Northwestern football program to their first NAIA national title in 2022 since the 1983 season.
On this Episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake talk to Coach McCarty about how he grew his love for the game of football and baseball growing up, his playing career at Northwestern College, how he got into coaching, the process to his success as a Head Coach, 2022 National Champions, his intentionality with his players, his relationship with Jesus Christ, Spring Football practice, and so much more!
"Do not get wrapped up in the business of the day to day, but find ways to positively impact who you are working with."
Coach McCarty information links below!
https://nwcraiders.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/matt-mccarty/2330
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRbLHpaA_5M
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview former Nebraska football player Garrett Nelson. Team Captain (2022), Second-Team All-Big Ten Academic All-Big Ten (2020, 2021), Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. Garett shares what it was like for him growing up in Scottsbluff Nebraska. Garrett talks about being on a State Championship team for Scottsbluff. Garrett talks about the lessons he learned form his parent's about having a hard work ethic in sports and in life. Garrett has always wanted to be a Division 1 athlete, but wrestling was his first love. Garrett shares the journey of working towards being a D1 wrestler like his dad to switching career paths later on in High School. Garrett realized if he wanted to go D1 football was his ticket. When Garrett got to Nebraska he had to learn not only how to become a better football player on the field, but also off the field on how to become a leader for the team. Witch he learned from others players and his coaches. Garrett shares the adversity he went through the 2022 season. From his coaches getting fired and the pressure he felt that was put on him to lead his team. Garett talks about how going to talk to the team psychologist saved his career. Follow Garrett as the NFL draft happens at the end of April!
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On this episode of “Be Unexpected” Wyatt and Jake had the opportunity to interview former Husker Jay Moore! We had fun diving into his story as he overcame injuries at Elkhorn High, shared stories about his time at the University of Nebraska, and what it was like to play in the NFL. It made it even more special because we were huge Jay Moore fans when we were elementary school kids!
Jay was an all-state Football player at Elkhorn and was getting recruited by schools all over the nation. Then came adversity, Jay had a major injury, but he did not let that slow him down. Nebraska still honored his scholarship and Jay went on to have a great career at Nebraska! From his his career playing at Nebraska or the NFL Jay has found ways to look for the small wins and build on them. Jay had to really fight for those small wins as an 18 year old kid coming to play football at Nebraska.
After finishing his time at Nebraska Jay was a 4th round NFL draft pick. Injuries cut his career short, but that did not change his mindset. Jay continued to have a winning perspective and was thankful for the way everything worked out. Jay now competes at a professional level playing golf and is in the Wealth Management business in Lincoln.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGgClGQChNE
https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/jay-moore/14124
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On this episode of "Be Unexpected" Jake and Wyatt interview Former Fremont High and Morningside Graduate Trevor Strong. Trevor is the current Defensive Coordinator for Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.
Trevor shares his memories at Fremont High school growing up and how his passion for sports, specifically football led him to go on to play at Morningside College and have a great career. Listen as Trevor shares how Coach Ryan offered Trevor a scholarship, it definitely left Trevor nervous, but he is glad it worked out this way. Playing college football is a whole different ballgame and Trevor realized that very quick. Trevor put in a lot of work to see playing time at Morningside, and by his junior year it finally paid off. Now the Defensive Coordinator at Southwestern College, Trevor is extremely grateful for the journey and everyone that impacted him on the way. Trevor talks about Coach Ryan and how he has impacted his faith journey, coaching style, and the man he is today!
A 2014 graduate of Morningside College, Strong earned a degree in Business Administration. He was a two-year starter and two-time all-Great Plains Athletic Conference selection. He helped Morningside to three conference titles and an NAIA national runner-up finish in 2012. In 2012, he was a member of the best defensive scoring squad in the nation.
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On this episode of "Be Unexpected" Wyatt and Jake had the opportunity to interview Former Logan View standout, 3 time All American at Nebraska, and Current USA Olympian Jordan Larson!
Jordan shares with us what it was like growing up in Hooper, NE and how her love for the game of Volleyball began. Being an all-state athlete at Logan-View, Jordan had many options for college, but her heart was always to be a Nebraska Cornhusker, and nobody needs to explain her career in Lincoln! Jordan's mother passed away in 2009 from a 7 year battle with Breast Cancer, Jordan is so thankful for the memories she made with her mother and the influence she had on her, and the impacting she is making to has to this day. There is a pretty amazing story that Jordan shares about the regional final game against Washington in 2008.
Take a listen as Jordan shares memories of her playing days in Lincoln, where she has all played professional volleyball, the process of the Olympic team tryouts, where she is playing now, and much more!
https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/jordan-larson/
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Jake and Wyatt interview Content Director for NxtPro Hoops John Heuer. John, Wyatt and Jake grew up playing High school basketball together at Fremont High. John fell in love with the game of basketball at a young age. When John began tagging along with his parents to his older siblings basketball games, his love for the game then grew. John moved to Fremont at the start of middle school were he became a part of a brotherhood when he joined the Trinity middle school basketball team. In 2015 John really started to get more involved in photography and never looked back! Five years later in 2020, John talks about how he got started making basketball mix tapes for players. It wasn’t an easy journey to where he is today with NxtPro, but he is grateful for the journey! From learning how to make mix tapes, to finding the right job fit for him that would drive his passion for basketball. John opens up about the adversity he is currently facing in his life with the passing of his dad and shared how he is clinging to Christ through it all. These last few months John has really
enjoyed traveling around the Midwest watching basketball and helping High school players make their teams come true. Wyatt, John, and Jake talk some NBA, from their all time favorite players to KD going to the Suns and Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks trade
To get in touch with John and NxtPro go to https://www.nxtprohoops.com/
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview current Omaha Westside student-athlete and future Nebraska Cornhusker Tristan Alvano. People might know Tristan from his incredible performance in the 2022 Class A State Championship game against Gretna, but there is so much more to his story!
Tristan dives into many topics about his personal life and life on the football field. He specifically talks about the process of his recruitment and how being recruited as a high school kicker is not glamorous, but a very important role on the team. Because of his God given gifts Tristan has gotten to travel around the country on multiple recruiting visits and kicking camps. Through all of this Tristan has leaned on his family, friends, and Coach Moravec (Westside Coach) for support. One thing Tristan left us that really stuck out was "embrace the whole journey because you will never know when it will end"
Check out the State Championship Highlight here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we63dYgKyHM
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Growing up Wyatt never let his disability slow him down from practicing basketball, even though it was extremely hard at times. Wyatt knew his love for the game of basketball would change his life.
Wyatt explains how he fell in love with basketball growing up and how his Dad helped him become more involved with Special Olympics. Watching Kevin Garnett, Duke, and Nebraska basketball growing up were some of his most favorite memories and he still is a huge fan today!
It was not an easy journey growing up and realizing that he more than likely would never be able to play in a varsity basketball game, but that did not slow him down! Wyatt has worked hard to get where he is at today physically and has made a huge impact on many people!
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On this Episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview the Assistant to the Head Coach of Creighton Men's Basketball Steve Merfeld. Coach Merfeld talks about how he got into coaching High School basketball in Milwaukee, which eventually led him to start his college coaching career at Bowling Green State University. He coached at Hampton university for 6 years, these years played a huge part in developing him as a coach. In 2001 he took them to the NCAA tournament as a 15th seed, where they upset number the 2 seed Iowa St. Coach Merfeld shares his experiences on what recruiting was like for him when he first got into coaching compared to how it is now. Coach Merfeld talks about what it was like going from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East Conference for Creighton Basketball. For Coach Merfeld it is all about building relationships with the players on and off the court.
Coach Merfeld has been an assistant for Creighton men's basketball for 13 seasons and is a huge part of the success Creighton has had over the years.
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On this Episode of Be Unexpected Jake dives into more detail on his recover from his broken femur injury. Jake was on crutches longer than expected. After several months of recovery were jake should be seeing progress. He was months behind where he should be in his recovery. It was hard for Jake never being injured before and having to sit on the bench for a full basketball season. Jake and Wyatt discuses how important it is to have a strong mindset when coming back from any injury.
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As a senior at Millard South high school, Kyler Erickson witnessed a school shooting in January 2011. As it turned his world upside down, he struggled to find hope and purpose in such a horrific time. It took him a year and a half to finally admit to, and seek help for his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Kyler was an Outstanding basketball player, but after the school shooting his focus changed from being a great basketball player, to becoming a person who deeply cared about others and their well-being.
Wyatt and Jake talk with Kyler about the school shooting that he witnessed, mental health, seeking out help when you need it, his time at Northwest Missouri State and UNO, how Kyler impacted Jake at UNO, his relationship with Christ, people who poured into Kyler, and much more!
https://omavs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kyler-erickson/3853
http://kylererickson.com/
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This episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt interviews Jake about athletic career.
Growing up Jake played JC Football and his size and athletic ability helped him have success at RB/WR. Jake talks how it was his dream to play college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Growing up Jake looked up to Husker football and basketball players like Eric Crouch, Joe Ganz, Lance Jeter, and Cookie Miler.
Jake shares what it was like playing Quarterback growing up. From the feeling you get throwing a perfect pass for a Touchdown to how playing Quarterback helped him become a leader on and off the field.
Jake shares how during his Sophomore year of High school football a bad leg injury put his athletic dreams on hold and the adversity he face during his recovery.
Thanks Jake for sharing your story!
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Take a listen as Jake interviews Wyatt and they talk about some of the difficulties Wyatt faced as a young kid, but also some really fun experiences he had growing up!
Growing up Wyatt had many questions for his parents as well as his doctors, and as he got older he realized some of those questions would never get answered. In this interview Jake and Wyatt talk about what is Cerebral Palsy (CP for short), a few stories of Wyatt in elementary school, how Wyatt and Wes (his twin brother) bonded when they were younger, Wyatt's first questions to his parents, when death crossed Wyatt's mind, and much more!
Big thanks to Wyatt for sharing part of his story!
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Wyatt and Jake had the opportunity to interview Sam Griesel on the Be Unexpected podcast. Sam is the starting point guard for the Nebraska Men's basketball team, but it has not been an easy journey to where he is today.
Wyatt and Jake talk to Sam about his passion for soccer and basketball growing up, his experience of attending Lincoln East and leading them to a 24-2 record, his time at North Dakota State. Sam opens up about a life threatening event that happened in 2021 right before the season started, and it sidelined Sam for over a month. Going through that changed Sam's view on life. Gratitude, being where your feet are, and taking a genuine interest in others are just a few of the things he grew in over that life threatening experience. Along this journey Sam talks about how he never wished these things had happened to him, but it has deepened his relationship with God, he is extremely grateful to be alive!
Check out more of his story here!
https://journalstar.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/east-grad-sam-griesel-says-death-crossed-my-mind-looking-back-on-traumatic-medical-emergency/article_aa0d239b-772c-565f-bcdd-e6355c5ad9d1.html
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Jake and Wyatt had the opportunity to interview Austin Hatch on the Be Unexpected Podcast. The journey to where he has got to today has not been easy, but is grateful for every step on his recovery to live life again, life to the full.
His path to helping others overcome adversity started with a devastating twist of fate that you could never imagine. At the age of 8 years old, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of Austin's mother, sister, and brother. His father was left severely injured. Austin only had a few physical injuries, but he part that is the hardest is the mental side of tragically losing family members.
Eventually, his dad was remarried to a wonderful woman with three children of her own. Together, they formed a blended family, which restored some sense of normalcy in his life. Basketball has always been his focus, and on June 15th, 2011, Austin was offered a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Michigan, It was a dream come true.
Nine days later, a second plane crash claimed the lives of his father and second mother, and put Austin in the hospital in critical condition and a medically-induced coma, with a long journey ahead of him. Two months later, he did come out of the coma and began the long road to recovery, which included re-learning how to walk, talk, eat, and live a normal life. After many months of hard work he achieved his goal of making it to The University of Michigan, where coach Beilein honored the scholarship.
Through many difficult situations in his life, Austin has learned to be grateful for the little things and take pride in wherever God has placed him.
Here is more on his story!
https://austin-hatch.com/meet-austin/
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Wyatt and Jake interview Special Olympics Nebraska employer Dylan Syndgraft. Dylan was also Wyatt's former Special Olympics flag football and basketball coach. Dylan stared coaching Special Olympics in 2007 when he was a sophomore in high school.
Dylan talks about how Special Olympics taught him a lot life lessons during his coaching career. Dylan shares how being competitive pushed him to want to help Special Olympics athletes be the best athletes they can be. Dylan talks about the coaches in his life that inspired him to be a coach. From being a volunteer coach to now working for Special Olympics Nebraska Dylan has seen Special Olympics grow in so many ways.
Dylan has been able to coach in two Special Olympics USA games In 2010 Dylan was part of the coaching staff on the Team Nebraska flag football team that went nationals that were held in Lincoln Nebraska. In 2022 Dylan was part of the coaching staff for the Team Nebraska Basketball team for the USA games that were held in Orlando Florida.
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What a great interview Jake and Wyatt had with coach Drake Beranek, Head coach of the Kearney boys high school basketball team. Coach Beranek talks about what it was like growing up with a dad who was high school basketball coach and how he got Drake started in basketball.
He shares what it was like to play for his dad coach Paul Beranek at Ravenna high school. How they Ravenna number 1 in class C scheduled a game with best team in class A Bellevue West. While in High school Drake team won 44 games in row. He led his team to a State Championship his Junior year and runner up his Senior year.
Coach Beranek talks about how as coach its important find kids/players that are competitive. He talks about how competing in basketball and in life will make you successful. Drake went on to play at university of Nebraska Kearney and then decided his senior year to walk on to the of Nebraska basketball team. Coach Beranek said the best part about coaching High School Basketball is the relationship's he builds with his players.
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Matt Coatney joins Wyatt and Jake to discuss many different topics! Matt dives into his story about how he got into sports broadcasting and why he is so passionate about it. Teamwork and fundamentals are some of the main reasons why Matt has enjoyed being the Nebraska Women's play-by-play announcer for so many years. Over the years Matt has enjoyed building relationships with the Husker players and coaches, he says building these relationships is his favorite part! The landscape of Women's Big Ten basketball might be the best it has ever been, Matt gives us a preview as conference play begins. If you have ever listened to Big Red Reaction after Husker Football games you know it can get pretty wild, Matt talks about what it is like to be the host. Even though Husker football has struggled in recent years, Matt has complete trust in Trev Alberts that he will make the right coaching choice (Matt Ruhle) going forward. Wyatt and Jake had to get a YOU BETCHA from Matt to close out this episode!
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Start your journey right now, where you currently are. Once expected to die, John now teaches others how to live. Decades after the fire, John now holds one of the greatest gifts of all: perspective. As an accomplished speaker, author and podcaster, John shares his perspective to awaken you to your life’s potential and energize you to live more thoughtfully, more boldly and more inspired. Jake and Wyatt had the opportunity to talk with John about his first speaking experience with a Girl Scout group, embracing what has happened to him, John has two books "In Awe" and "On Fire." God demands it, my family deserves it, the world is starved for it, LETS ROLL, NO EXCUSES. John calls us to live a meaningful life TODAY cause God demands it! John has learned to live a life of gratitude, one step at a time. In this short conversation you can tell that John has figured out the true meaning of life, giving your life away for others, humble service! Today is your day!
Find more about John below
https://johnolearyinspires.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086942858966
On this episode of Be Unexpected Jake and Wyatt interviewed women's college basketball Hall of Famer Jackie Stiles. Jackie dad was a high school basketball coach in Claflin Kansas Jackie would go to the gym with her dad at very young age, Before the WNBA even existed in 2nd grade Jackie told her teacher that she was going to play professional basketball when she grew up. Jackie shares story's form her high school basketball career. Jackie shares how having a sister pass away when she was 12 was the moment she deiced to dedicate all of her accomplishment's to her sister As one of the top college basketball recruits in the nation. Jackie shares what her reasons were to turn down schools like UConn Oklahoma and Kansas State to go play for mid major Missouri State. After having a very successful college basketball career. Jackie shares the adversity she faced with injury's when she was in the WNBA and the life lessons she learned from her pro experience. While being a college basketball coach Jackie shares the adversity she faced off the court in her personal life when dealing with eye cancer. How the people that helped her through it made a huge impact on her. Talks about how going through adversity you have to try real hard to look at positives in life. The biggest thing that helped Jackie through her cancer was she turned her attention to helping others!
Jackie is opening her own gym with next gen fitness in Springfield Missouri on December 1 https://www.jackiestiles.com/nexgenfitness
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What an awesome opportunity to talk with the voice of Husker football Greg Sharpe!
(Recorded 10/21)
Greg shares his thoughts on the Mickey Joesph buzz and his shot at the head coaching job. Greg had some pretty amazing mentors and sports reporters he worked with growing up, one of those was Mitch Holthus, who is the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs. Greg shares his experiences covering Husker baseball and Husker football, and how he has built a pretty cool relationship with the Husker baseball team. Greg explains how he believes in the plan Trev Alberts has. Iowa football is fed up and what is going on with the Big Ten West?!?! Texas A&M is a must go to for a college football game & Arkansas for baseball! This is a huge year for Fred Hoiberg, but it should be exciting! Greg closes by sharing what he enjoys doing outside of being at Husker sporting events.
Check out Sports Nightly every weeknight 6-8pm on AM 590.
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On this episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake talk to coach Greg Tonagel. Coach Tonagel is a 3 time NAIA national championship coach (2014, 2016,2018). Coach Tonagel talks about growing up in Indiana. He shares what it was like playing High school basketball in the State of Indiana. Coach Tonagel talks about the adversity he faced in college at Valparaiso in his freshmen year. He became head coach at Indiana Wesleyan when he was just 24 years old. Coach Tonagel explains how he balances the demands of being a college basketball coach, but how his commitment to family is number one priority. Coach Tonagel talks about his faith and shares how you should put God first, others second, self third, and how this could transform your life. Coach Tonagel wants his players to take more than just basketball when they leave his program. His main focus is for his players to become good men, that put their relationship with Jesus Christ first to help benefit others.
You can watch the interview on our YouTube Channels 'Life with Wyatt Spalding"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnXrQnP2PHBPoc3wbtYikQ/videos
If you'd like be on the show please email us at beunexpected100@gmail.com
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Jake and Wyatt are going to share parts of their story about what they have went through, how they have handled adversity, and how it has shaped their life today.
On this episode of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake got the opportunity to interview Mitch Sherman from the Athletic. Mitch Sherman is a staff writer for The Athletic covering Nebraska football. He previously covered college sports for ESPN.com after working 13 years for the Omaha World-Herald. Mitch is an Omaha native and lifelong Nebraskan. Mitch explains what it was like being a student reporter for the Huskers in the 90s (4:30). How Mitch began covering husker athletics (and other sports) for the Omaha World Herald (7). Nebraska's baseball success in the early 2000s (10:30). Mitch explains how he writes for Nebraska Football as a fan (16). The search for the next Husker football coach (24:30). How Mickey Joseph is a great leader (29:40). The relationships Mitch has made over the years (37). Covering Alex Gordon and what that was like (40:40). Mitch making his claim to fame on ESPN (50:30).
Twitter: @mitchsherman
https://theathletic.com/author/mitch-sherman/
Here are a few of his ESPN clips
https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/14577200
https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/14240298
https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/23784279
Email us at beunexpected100@gmail.com if you'd like to be on the show
Instagram: @beunexpected100
On this Episode of of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview Zach Best. Zach is the Founder and CEO of the sports website FanSided. Wyatt shares how he and Zach got connected through the Special Olympics games in Florida. (0:50) Zach tells how him and his brother started FanSided as a blog to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs.(2:15) He talks about the adversity he faced with FanSided in the early days. (9:40) Zach talks about variety of sports they cover on the FanSided website.(19:15) Zach talks about chasing your dreams in life. Many FanSided employees have gone on to work for ESPN, CBS, The Athletic etc. Zach shares how that is a win for him because Zach loves to see people go for their dreams in life. (29:00) Zach shares his love for Kansas State, where he went to college. Jake and Wyatt talk some College football with Zach, from NIL to the transfer portal and playoffs (35:00) Zach shares his thoughts on NFL roughing the passer calls and what needs to change.(45:00)
For a good sports read check out his website https://fansided.com/.
On this Episode 5 of Be Unexpected Wyatt and Jake interview Aaron Drury. Aaron share his story of how his parents adopted him from Kygo Ecuador (1:02) Aaron and Wyatt share how they me each other threw Ingram. Then got to know each other more when they both joined the University of Nebraska Lincoln UNL Unified club.(8:21) Aaron shares how while grouping up in Hickman Nebraska it was hard fitting in while in High School. Aaron share the success he's had through special Olympics'. Especially in Track & Felid where from 2014-present he's won 10 gold medals 7 straights in 50 meter walk (17:00)
Aaron also shares his love and sports knowledge for his sports teams from Milwakee Bucks Cleveland Cavilers and Ohio st Buckeyes basketball (21:30) NHL champions Colorado Avalanche (25:00) Jake and Wyatt talk Nebraska Football Aaron. Aaron tells the story of how he bought season tickets to Nebraska Football the pass 12 years (26:25)
If you'd like to be on the show to share your story email beunexpected100@gmail.com
On this episode on the "Be Unexpected" podcast Wyatt and Jake interview Jason Romano. Jason Romano is the Director of Media with Sports Spectrum and the host of the popular Sports Spectrum Podcast. For 17 years, he was an Emmy-Award winning Producer and Senior Manager at ESPN. He has created and produced content for shows such as SportsCenter, Monday Night Football, Mike and Mike in the Morning, Sunday NFL Countdown, College Game day, NFL Live, MLB’s All Star Game and many more. Jason shares what it was like working at ESPN, meeting his hero Darryl Strawberry, seeing Lebron James and Peyton Manning at ESPN, his book "Live to Forgive" and how he has rebuilt his relationship with his father, the difficulty of leaving ESPN, his relationship with christ, and his love for the New York Mets.
Find more out about Jason below!
https://sportsspectrum.com/
https://www.jasonromano.com/book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7wU3CT-Oa4
On this weeks episode of "Be Unexpected" Jake and Wyatt interview Haley Waggoner. Haley and Wyatt are doubles partners in tennis. Haley talks about how she started playing tennis (2:00) Haley shares her and Wyatt experience at the 2018 Special Olympics USA games. In Seattle Washington. Where they made a comeback and won a gold medal in tennis for doubles. (3:54) Haley also talks about how she did at 2022 Special Olympics games in Orlando Florida (9:52) Haley shares what her disability is and how she is determined to overcome the challenges she faces everyday with her disability. (23:34) Haley shares what being a advocate for people with disability's means to her. How she wants to Change the narrative for people with disability's (37:19)
If you'd like to be on the show email us at beunexpected100@gmail.com
In this Episode of Be Unexpected. We're changes things up. Wyatt introduces the co host Jake Burnside. Who will now be doing the show with Wyatt. (0.23) They share very first memories of playing sports. From Wyatt memories of playing baseball with his dad (3;10) To Jake memories of playing YMCA basketball. (6:07) They talk about people who have made a big Impact on their lives from Wyatt's Football and basketball coach (10:06) To Jake's JC football coaches and teammates.(13:47) Then Wyatt and Jake dive deeper into life challenges they deal with in their personnel lives. From Wyatt being born with Cerebral Palsy and serval medical condition's he deals with everyday.(15:40) Jake talks about his car accident he was in 2013 and the affects he deals from it today.(22:39 )Wyatt and Jake talk about What gets them motivated everyday (28:33) and the best sport memory they have ever experienced (35;00).
If you'd like to share your Sports/life story email Wyatt and Jake at beunexpected100@gmail.com
Follow the YouTube channel "Life with Wyatt Spalding" to watch this episode on video.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnXrQnP2PHBPoc3wbtYikQ
In Episode 2 of Be Unexpected.
Talk about how sports isn't life and death (1:57) One moment in sports can help get you through hard times in life. (2:23) I tell the story how in 2014 a college basketball game Nebraska vs Wisconsin gave me hope that everything was going to be ok ( 3:00) Seeing your sports teams do the unthinkable. makes us feel better about the adversity we are going through in our everyday lives (7:45).
You can also watch this on my YouTube Channel "Life with Wyatt Spalding"
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCSnXrQnP2PHBPoc3wbtYikQ/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D
In this very fitrs episode of Be Unexpected I talk about why I'm staring this podcast. How I want hear other people's story about the adversity they face in sports and there everyday lives. Talk about my love for sports movies How my love for sports movies helped me come up with name for this podcast. Share how sports movies like Coach Carter Remember the titans, helped me get through times in my life. As someone that has Cerebral Palsy and medical condition's. The sports motives motivated me to want to get better at sports.