Raising a Champion John Boruk

Are you ready to journey behind the scenes of youth sports with us? Brace yourselves, as we turn the spotlight on our guest, John Boruk, a former Philadelphia sportscaster and dedicated hockey parent. As we traverse through the fast-paced world of athletics, John shares valuable insights from his unique vantage point that combines both the perspectives of a seasoned sportscaster and a devoted parent navigating the world of youth sports.

In this riveting dialogue, we delve into the significance of your role as a parent in igniting a passion for sports in your child. We discuss how the pouring in of money has reshaped the sports landscape, making it more challenging for parents to foster a love for the game in their young ones. Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the value of unstructured play, leadership, and the critical commitment needed for children's development in sports. 

But that's not all! We also bring to light how access to facilities like ice can significantly influence a young athlete's progress. From the importance of nutrition and leadership to handling the pressures of money in sports, we leave no stone unturned. So, join us for an enlightening conversation about youth sports, parental involvement, and the journey of raising a champion — a story of tenacity, passion, and perseverance.
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As we welcomed Kate Allgood, mental performance coach and CEO, onto our latest podcast, we couldn't help but be astounded by her fascinating journey from ice hockey player to a specialized mental trainer for athletes. Her insights into the inner workings of an athlete's mind proved to be thought-provoking and enlightening - a must-listen for any parent, coach, or aspiring athlete. She taught us that the heart of an athlete's performance indeed lies in their mindset – focus, internal confidence and psychological wellness are the game-changers. 

This episode took a deep dive into the all-important topic of goal-setting in youth sports. Who should carry the mantle? The athlete or the parent? Kate shared that the answer isn’t black or white and how the responsibility shifts as the athlete grows older. We learned that goals should always be within the athlete's control and regular check-ins are crucial to ensure they remain committed. We also confronted the mental hurdles young athletes face and shared strategies to help them navigate, manage their mental state during competitions, and foster a healthier approach to performance evaluation. 

In the final stretch of our conversation, we explored a critical issue – an athlete's identity. Far too often, athletes lose themselves to the sport, forgetting their identity outside the field. The role of parents proves pivotal here, setting healthy examples and supporting their children to develop a sense of self. We confronted the concept of ownership in athletics, underscoring the impact of taking charge of even the minute details on overall performance. The power of visualization and mental preparation was also at the center stage. This episode is packed with invaluable insights into the psychological aspect of sports performance. Join us in this enlightening conversation with Kate Allgood!
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What if you could change the culture of youth sports for the better? Join us as we talk to Don Bozzuffi, a man who has done just that by taking on the issue of parental behavior at Little League Baseball Games. With nearly 50 years of experience in youth sports and serving as the president of Deptford Little League since 2010, Don shares his journey of tackling this pervasive issue and how his efforts are creating a positive environment for young athletes.

In our conversation, we dive into the reasons behind the drastic shift in parental behavior over the years, from entitlement to misunderstanding the importance of being a positive influence. 

Don also sheds light on the impact of inappropriate language and actions on children, emphasizing the necessity of teaching situational plays and the skillset of baseball. Furthermore, we explore the implementation and benefits of a code of conduct policy to protect volunteers and ensure a more structured and disciplined atmosphere at games.

Our insightful and thought-provoking discussion with Don Bozzuffi offers hope for a better future in youth sports. By addressing the issue of sportsmanship head-on and implementing a code of conduct policy, Don's efforts have garnered national attention and inspired others to follow suit. Listen in to learn how we can all work together to create a more positive culture in youth sports and raise the next generation of champions.
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In this episode, Jim and Andrea MacMenamin discuss the process to raise and develop two collegiate hockey players.

Eldest son, Colton, attended and played hockey for Division-III Stevenson University in Maryland, while their youngest son, Connor, just completed four years at Penn State University and has committed to play for Minnesota-Duluth for the 2023-24 season.

Both parents have a history of military service in their family and much of the discipline and regimen has been utilized in their parenting styles.

The McMenamins talk about sending Connor away to Shattuck-St. Mary's - a Minnesota boarding school - at the age of 14 before moving on to the USHL and college hockey. 

They also explain the maturity of hockey players and why playing collegiately as a teenager is so difficult. Andrea details how the PeeWee Quebec Invitational was the start of grabbing the eye of regional and international scouts.

 
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Sue Humphrey is a three-time Olympic coach who also served as the head coach for the U.S. Olympics Women’s Track and Field team at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece. She has trained some of the world’s best athletes from high jumper Charles Austin to gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

Humphrey’s career has also heavily involved in advocating for women’s rights in college sports through the Title IX amendment.

Currently a high school track coach in Texas, Humphrey is the author of “I Want to Run: The Olympic Developmental Training and Nutritional Guide for Young and Teen Track Runners Ages 10 to 18.”

In this episode, we discuss the impact international athletes have on the changing landscape of collegiate athletes, why running shouldn’t be used as punishment in other sports and the biggest challenge to Title IX - Transgender athletics and how the NCAA should categorize the transgender athlete.
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Mitch Lyons has made it his mission to reform and remodel athletics within the public school system.

His belief through historical context and research-based learning implored him to advocate for students, parents and administrators through two non-profit organizations: GetPsychedSports.org and EndAbusiveCoaching.org.  As a result, he has conducted workshops on educational athletics and Social Emotional Learning.

Mitch has also coached basketball for over 25 years at just almost every level (community, travel, AAU, high school and college). Now retired, Mitch also practiced law and used that skill set to help implement change and legislation in the state of Massachusetts.

In this episode, Mitch discusses the work of his non-profit organizations, the emotional and physical abuse that comes with youth sports, how to create a positive environment and giving children a voice to feel comfortable speaking openly with their coaches.
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