Tower Sports Advising Podcast

Tower Sports Advising

At Tower Sports Advising, we are dedicated to guiding athletes and families throughout the year to achieve college athletic commitments. Our mission is to provide personalized support, ensuring every athlete understands their opportunities and potential at the next level. We seek coachable athletes and families who value transparency and are prepared for honest, informed discussions about playability and pathways for success in collegiate athletics.

  1. Oct 23

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #44: Trey Stover, Recruiting Coordinator at Monmouth University

    SummaryIn this episode of the Tower Sports Advising Podcast, Zack and Josh Tower sit down with Coach Trey Stover, Recruiting Coordinator at Monmouth University, for an inside look at the realities of college baseball recruiting, talent evaluation, and building a competitive Division I program. Coach Stover shares his journey through college baseball and provides valuable insight into how college coaches identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes. From building genuine relationships and establishing trust to managing rosters and balancing academics with athletics, this conversation highlights what truly matters throughout the recruiting process. The discussion takes listeners behind the scenes of Division I recruiting, exploring everything from incognito scouting and detailed recruiting evaluations to the importance of mental toughness, body language, and a player's ability to respond to adversity. Coach Stover also addresses common misconceptions families have about recruiting, the increasing competition for roster spots, and how programs evaluate players beyond statistics and measurable tools. Zack, Josh, and Coach Stover also discuss the importance of honest communication, recruiting relationships, and understanding the expectations of college coaches. With the college baseball landscape continuing to evolve, this episode provides valuable perspective on how players can separate themselves, maximize their opportunities, and find the right fit at the next level. Big takeaways for players & parents: ▪️Recruiting strategies in college baseball ▪️The importance of relationships and trust in recruiting ▪️Balancing academics and athletics for student-athletes ▪️The impact of roster management and player development ▪️Insights into the competitive landscape of college baseball ▪️ The importance of incognito scouting and hidden evaluations ▪️How relationships influence recruiting decisions ▪️The role of mental toughness and rebound ability in player evaluation ▪️Misconceptions families have about the college recruiting process ▪️The significance of detailed recruiting sheets and communication ▪️The arms race in college baseball recruiting and roster depth ▪️The impact of family background and baseball lineage on recruitment ▪️Strategies for high school players to improve their chances ▪️The value of honesty and transparency in athlete-coach relationships ▪️The influence of coaching philosophies and mental models Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Coach Trey’s Background 00:28 Introduction to the recruiting mindset and incognito scouting 01:13 Trey’s Playing Days and Recruitment to Hartford 02:21 The importance of relationships and trust in recruiting 03:46 Transition from Player to Coach and Early Lessons 04:50 How players can stand out during evaluations 08:08 Misconceptions families have about college recruiting 09:38 Pro Baseball Experience and Lessons Learned 11:59 The role of detailed recruiting sheets and communication 13:12 Advice for High School Athletes Navigating Recruitment 15:38 The arms race and roster depth in college baseball 19:00 The influence of family background and baseball lineage 21:42 Lessons from Different Coaching Stops 22:28 Strategies for high school players to improve their profile 25:51 Honesty, transparency, and building trust with coaches 28:00 The Role of Operations and Non-Playing Duties 29:29 The mental toughness and rebound ability in players 32:53 Closing thoughts and advice for the next generation 38:25 Key Factors in Recruiting High School Players 50:38 Timing and Strategy in Player Identification 54:52 The Future of College Baseball Recruiting ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

  2. Oct 16

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #43: Kyle Bouchard’s Journey: From D3 All-American to College Coach

    SummaryIn this episode of the Tower Sports Advising Podcast, Zack and Josh Tower sit down with Kyle Bouchard to discuss his journey from a high-level college baseball player to coaching, recruiting, and developing the next generation of student-athletes. Kyle shares his experiences in college baseball and offers an inside look at how the recruiting landscape continues to evolve. From understanding the differences between Division I, II, and III baseball to evaluating talent, building relationships, and finding the right college fit, this conversation provides valuable insight for players and parents navigating the recruiting process. The discussion also explores the growing importance of measurable data, social media, player development, and realistic self-evaluation. Kyle emphasizes why playing at the right level, earning opportunities, and continuing to develop are often more valuable than chasing a prestigious program or division. With recruiting becoming increasingly competitive, Zack, Josh, and Kyle break down what college coaches are really looking for, how players can separate themselves, and why work ethic, production, and relationships remain essential to long-term success. Big takeaways for players & parents: ▪️Kyle Bouchard's playing career and transition to coaching ▪️The speed and skill level of college baseball compared to high school ▪️The importance of early recruitment and process timing ▪️How social media and technology influence player development ▪️The differences between Division I, II, and III baseball ▪️The significance of building relationships and trust in recruiting ▪️The impact of geographic location and scouting on recruitment ▪️The importance of realistic self-assessment for players and parents ▪️The evolution of pitching speeds and player training ▪️The value of development over just playing games The importance of watching college baseball in person ▪️Realistic expectations for recruiting and talent level ▪️The impact of coaching transitions on players ▪️The value of playing where you can succeed ▪️The role of work ethic and production in recruitment ▪️The significance of fit over prestige ▪️The evolution of recruiting metrics like exit velocity ▪️Advice for uncommitted seniors ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

  3. Oct 9

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #42: College Baseball Recruiting in October: Where Do You Actually Stand?

    SummaryIn this episode, Zack and Josh Tower break down the current state of college baseball recruiting and what players need to be doing right now to put themselves in the best position to get recruited. They discuss how recruiting periods can impact communication and evaluation, why proactive outreach continues to be so important, and how the recruiting process looks different depending on a player’s graduation year. Zack and Josh also dive into showcases, college camps, unofficial visits, the transfer portal, and what college coaches are really looking for beyond measurable tools. The conversation provides players and parents with practical advice on navigating an increasingly competitive recruiting landscape, building stronger relationships with college coaches, and making smarter decisions throughout the process. Big takeaways for players & parents: ▪️ How recruiting dead and quiet periods impact communication and evaluation▪️ Why consistent and proactive outreach to college coaches matters▪️ Where different graduation classes should be in the recruiting process▪️ How to use showcases and college camps strategically▪️ How the transfer portal continues to impact high school recruiting▪️ Why athleticism, body language, competitiveness, and baseball IQ matter▪️ The value of unofficial visits and getting on college campuses▪️ How players can strengthen their recruiting profile and separate themselves▪️ Why understanding your level and finding the right fit is critical▪️ What players can control when recruiting interest is slow Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:58 Understanding the NCAA dead period and its implications 04:05 What college coaches evaluate during fall baseball 07:00 How recruits can stand out and communicate effectively 10:05 The importance of regional recruiting and exposure 13:08 Insights into the transfer portal and roster management 16:51 Strategies for uncommitted 2027, 2028, and 2029 recruits 20:01 The value of unofficial visits and campus interest 23:04 The changing landscape of college baseball recruiting 27:07 The significance of athleticism, body language, and projection 29:58 The role of college program stability and coach movement 32:52 The importance of being proactive and taking ownership 35:53 Advice for younger recruits and the importance of development 39:10 The impact of rankings, social media, and followers 42:03 The value of growth, improvement, and character 45:04 Understanding the college selection process and fit 48:01 The significance of interest versus real interest 51:12 How to interpret campus visits and coach interest 54:06 The importance of honest communication in recruiting 56:48 Behind the scenes of college recruiting visits 59:53 The role of official and unofficial visits 01:03:00 The impact of coaching changes and the transfer portal 01:07:03 The importance of continuous improvement and development 01:10:08 The significance of being regionally focused 01:12:59 The evolving landscape of college baseball rankings 01:15:48 The value of early commitment and its perception ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

  4. Oct 2

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #41: Jayson King, Head Coach at the University of Dayton

    SummaryIn this episode of the Tower Sports Advising Podcast, Zack and Josh Tower sit down with Coach Jason King to discuss his nearly two decades of experience building successful college baseball programs. Coach King reflects on his 18-year run at Franklin Pierce, where he helped establish the program as a national Division II powerhouse, and shares what went into creating a winning culture centered around player development, accountability, relationships, and consistency. He also discusses his transition from Division II to Division I baseball, including his experiences at Army and Dayton and the challenges that come with building and maintaining a successful program at the highest level. The conversation dives into Coach King’s approach to recruiting and evaluating both high school and transfer players, what he looks for beyond talent, and the importance of athlete and family buy-in throughout the recruiting process. He also explains how coaching has evolved with analytics, changing roster rules, the transfer portal, and the constantly shifting landscape of college baseball. Throughout the episode, Coach King emphasizes the importance of relationships, integrity, culture, and winning while providing valuable insight for players, parents, and coaches looking to better understand what goes into building a successful college baseball program. Big takeaways for players & parents: ▪️Coach King's journey from Franklin Pierce to Dayton ▪️Building a winning culture and player development ▪️Recruiting strategies and evaluating talent ▪️The importance of winning and culture in baseball ▪️Adapting to changes in college baseball rules and environment ▪️The significance of relationships and integrity in coaching ▪️Transitioning from Division II to Division I challenges ▪️The role of parents and athlete buy-in in recruitment▪️Building a successful program over 18 years at Franklin Pierce ▪️Transitioning from Division II to Division I at Army and Dayton ▪️The importance of culture and player development in college baseball ▪️Recruiting strategies and evaluating high school and transfer players ▪️Adapting coaching techniques to modern analytics and player needs Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coach Jason King's Career 02:01 Reflections on 18 Years at Franklin Pierce 04:08 Transitioning from Division II to Division I 07:58 Building and Maintaining a Winning Culture 11:59 Player Development Stories and Lessons 15:51 Recruiting in the Modern Era 19:56 The Role of Analytics and Simplicity in Coaching 25:09 Moving to Army and Dayton: Challenges and Opportunities 32:07 The Future of College Baseball and Leadership Insights 45:00 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Favorites 01:00:04 Closing Remarks and Final Advice ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

  5. Sep 25

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #40: The State of College Baseball Recruiting in Fall 2026

    SummaryIn this episode, Zack and Josh Tower break down the evolving landscape of college baseball recruiting and what prospective student-athletes need to understand when navigating the process. They discuss the importance of finding the right academic and athletic fit, producing at the appropriate level, and making informed decisions throughout recruitment. The conversation also covers recent changes in college baseball, the growing impact of the transfer portal, the difference between genuine offers and general recruiting interest, and why self-advocacy is so important for players. Zack and Josh also share practical advice for uncommitted athletes on how to create opportunities, communicate with coaches, and ultimately find the right place to continue their baseball careers. Big takeaways for players & parents:▪️Performance and fit are now more critical than ever in recruiting decisions. ▪️The transfer portal has made roster management more dynamic and unpredictable. ▪️Kids are committing earlier because they know what they want, aided by access to information. ▪️D3 and D2 programs are becoming more competitive and attractive options. ▪️Understanding the evolving rules and trends is essential for players and coaches alike. Kids need to understand the difference between interest and a real offer. ▪️Always advocate for yourself; if you're interested, reach out to coaches. ▪️Playing at a high level on a national circuit can increase exposure, but it's not the only path. ▪️Focus on your process and development rather than just where others are committed. ▪️Be honest with yourself about your playing level and academic fit. ▪️Use social media and video to showcase your skills effectively. ▪️Don't commit early out of fear of being uncommitted; wait for the right fit. ▪️Understand that college camps are often fundraisers, but some are valuable. ▪️Build genuine relationships with coaches based on mutual interest. ▪️Stay focused on your goals and control what you can influence. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the State of College Baseball Recruiting 00:04 Introduction to recruiting insights 00:22 Changes in Recruitment Timing and Commitments 01:27 The Shift from Early to Late Commitments 01:51 Understanding the difference between interest and offers 02:19 The Impact of NCAA Rules on Recruiting Landscape 03:27 What College Coaches Prioritize Today 04:43 The Role of Performance and Fit in Recruitment 05:06 The importance of self-advocacy and proactive communication 06:58 Recruiting Success Rate and Class Composition 10:04 How coaches evaluate players during camps and showcases 10:31 Are Kids Committing Too Early or Too Late? 12:36 The Influence of Information Access on Decision-Making 14:46 The role of social media and video in recruiting 15:14 The Value of Campus Visits and Program Insights 18:46 Understanding Player Skill Levels and Expectations 20:06 Strategies for uncommitted players and late bloomers 21:14 The Shift in Recruitment Focus and Opportunities 24:57 Myths about recruiting and common misconceptions 25:25 Differences Between Today and When We Played 29:43 The Significance of the 34-Man Roster 30:10 Building relationships with college coaches 34:39 Transfer Impact on Recruiting and Roster Building 35:08 Choosing the right school for your development and fit 36:46 Roster Size and Injuries in College Baseball 39:50 The significance of playing level and athleticism 40:29 The Changing Perspective on Playing Time and Success 45:02 Final advice for athletes navigating recruitment 45:52 The Future of College Baseball and Player Development 49:14 Interest vs. Offers and How to Interpret Them ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

  6. Sep 18

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #39: Harrison Barlow, Co-Recruiting Coordinator at Salve Regina University

    SummaryIn this episode, Harrison Barlow shares his journey from a high school baseball star in Rhode Island to a college coach at Salve Regina. He discusses recruiting strategies, the evolution of college baseball, and the importance of fit and development for student-athletes. In this episode, college baseball coach Harrison Barlow shares insights on recruiting, player evaluation, and building a successful program at the Division III level. Discover practical tips for high school athletes and parents aiming for college baseball. Big takeaways for players & parents:▪️Harrison Barlow's playing career and transition to coaching ▪️Recruiting strategies and the importance of fit ▪️The impact of social media on recruiting ▪️Differences between division levels and the importance of development ▪️Salve Regina's success and program culture ▪️The role of coaching stability and staff consistency ▪️The significance of academic and social fit for student-athletes ▪️Innovative practice and game strategies in college baseball ▪️The influence of regional talent and national recruiting ▪️The changing landscape of summer baseball and player development Recruiting strategies and process ▪️Player evaluation and video tips ▪️Importance of character and fit in recruiting ▪️Role of prospect camps and showcases ▪️Relationship building with high school coaches ▪️Mentality and identity in athletes Chapters00:00 Introduction and Harrison Barlow's background 00:12 Introduction to recruiting insights from Harrison Barlow 01:01 Playing career at South Kingston High School and URI 02:08 High school experience and early recruiting 03:02 What coaches look for in player videos 03:28 The role of social media in recruiting today 07:09 The importance of identity and self-awareness 07:25 Realization of college baseball as a career goal 09:54 Changes in recruiting rules and processes 11:26 Salve Regina's coaching staff and program stability 11:49 Building relationships with high school coaches 13:56 Recruiting philosophy: fit, development, and culture 16:05 The role of prospect camps in recruitment 17:55 Salve Regina's success and national recognition 19:56 Evaluating players during games and showcases 22:50 Balancing recruiting, development, and program culture 24:00 The significance of character and team fit 27:34 Academic and social fit for student-athletes 28:04 Advice for high school athletes and parents 29:52 Salve Regina's recent achievements and future outlook 31:47 The best division three atmosphere and rivalries 33:24 Regional talent and the Northeast baseball scene 36:00 Harrison Barlow’s favorite field in New England 36:28 The challenges of playing baseball in New England 38:28 Practice structure and game simulation in fall 40:12 The mental aspect of recruiting and player mentality 43:37 Creating pressure and competition in practice 44:04 Final advice for aspiring college baseball players 50:45 Teaching the game and player understanding 54:17 Communication, questions, and player engagement 58:30 Recruiting mindset and the importance of fit 01:04:34 The value of division three baseball and player development 01:08:25 Summer baseball and player growth 01:11:21 The evolving landscape of college recruiting and player choices 01:13:54 The importance of commitment and fit over prestige ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

  7. Sep 11

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #38: Matt Burns, Owner of MVP New England

    SummaryIn this episode, Matt Burns shares his extensive experience in college and travel baseball, emphasizing the importance of honesty, player development, and strategic decision-making in youth sports. Zack Tower and Matt discuss the evolution of travel baseball, recruitment strategies, and how to best prepare young athletes for college and beyond. In this episode, Matt, Zack, and Josh discuss the intricacies of travel baseball, player development, program selection, and navigating the evolving landscape of college recruitment. They share insights on how to make informed decisions and focus on what truly benefits young athletes. Big takeaways for players & parents:▪️The role of honesty and transparency in youth baseball ▪️How travel baseball has evolved over the years ▪️Strategies for effective college recruitment ▪️The importance of player development over games ▪️The impact of coaching and coaching culture ▪️The influence of parents and advisors in youth sports ▪️Differences between youth and college baseball environments ▪️The significance of realistic expectations and assessments  ▪️The impact of program branding and buzzwords in travel baseball ▪️How to evaluate a travel team's development and exposure value ▪️The importance of coaching integrity and transparency ▪️The role of relationships and connections in college recruiting ▪️Understanding the changing rules and landscape of college baseball ▪️The significance of player effort, attitude, and coachability ▪️The difference between showcase events and developmental tournaments ▪️The importance of honesty and realistic expectations in athlete development Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 04:28 The Shift from Town Ball to Travel Ball 04:58 The importance of effort over program reputation 05:52 Honesty and Transparency in Player Promotion 07:00 The Role of Social Media and College Commitments 08:13 Resources and Rankings in Youth Baseball 08:14 Navigating college recruitment and the role of relationships 09:00 The Value of Data and Background Checks in Program Selection 10:21 Training vs. Playing Games at Youth Levels 11:57 The impact of rule changes and the evolving landscape 13:04 Development Focus for Younger Players 15:33 The value of honesty and transparency in coaching 15:58 The Importance of Realistic Expectations and Goals 18:07 The Evolution of Youth Baseball and Its Impact on Development 19:56 Player development focus: skills, effort, and attitude 21:15 College Baseball Culture and Player Expectations 22:17 Matt Burns' College Playing and Coaching Career 24:30 The Legacy of Pierce and Coach King 25:35 The significance of program identity and coaching philosophy 26:27 Building a Culture of Competition and Improvement 28:53 The Transfer Portal and Its Effects on College Baseball 29:58 The future of amateur baseball and industry challenges 34:07 The Meritocracy of Performance and Opportunity 35:00 Rapid fire questions: misconceptions and advice for recruits 36:28 The Role of Development and Exposure in College Recruitment 42:25 The Impact of Travel Baseball on Player Development 45:46 The Importance of Honest Evaluation and Communication 52:29 Building Trust and Relationships in Recruiting 55:11 The Role of Realistic Goals and Program Fit 58:35 The Cost and Value of Travel Baseball Tournaments 01:00:36 Strategic Planning for Showcase and Tournament Success 01:02:02 Understanding the Meaning of 'National' Teams ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

  8. Sep 4

    Tower Sports Advising Podcast #37: College Baseball Has Changed Again — What Players & Parents Need to Know for Fall 2026

    SummaryIn this episode, Zack and Josh Tower discuss the ins and outs of college fall baseball, including practice structures, competition, transfers, and how fall stats influence spring rosters. They share insights from their own experiences and practical advice for high school players aiming to succeed in college baseball. In this episode, Zack and Josh Tower discuss the nuances of college baseball, fall evaluations, rule changes, and advice for players and parents navigating the recruiting process. Big takeaways for players & parents:▪️Fall practice structures and rules across divisions ▪️Importance of opportunity and competition in fall ▪️Transfer portal dynamics and roster management ▪️Evaluating fall performance and its impact on spring ▪️Player development and adapting to college baseball culture ▪️Team practices versus individual work in fall ▪️The role of fall stats in spring roster decisions ▪️Building team camaraderie and accountability Fall baseball evaluation strategies ▪️Recent rule changes in college baseball ▪️The role of JUCO in player development ▪️Advice for high school players and parents ▪️The importance of roster evaluation and adaptability Chapters00:00 Introduction to College Fall Ball and Its Significance 01:56 Fall Practice Structures Across Divisions 03:53 Opportunities in Fall and Tryouts for Walk-Ons 04:16 Key Strategies for Fall Roster Assessment 06:06 The Role of Fall Games and Innings in Evaluation 07:59 Establishing Yourself as a Freshman in College Baseball 10:05 Adapting to the College Game and Building Team Camaraderie 10:31 Impact of Weather and Facilities on Training 11:55 The Importance of Team Culture and Accountability 14:08 The Value of Organized Activities and Practice Efficiency 15:07 Evaluating Performance in Different Settings 15:47 The Impact of the Transfer Portal on Roster Competition 17:53 Plug and Play in the Transfer Market and Competition for Spots 20:09 The Significance of Fall Stats and Performance Evaluation 20:38 Lessons from Fall Scrimmages and Spring Success 21:56 Balancing Practice, Competition, and Player Development 23:53 The Benefits of Live Reps and Scrimmages in Fall 24:56 The Role of JUCO in Player Development 25:52 Preparing for the Demands of College Baseball 27:51 Evaluating Fall Games Versus Spring Performance 29:49 The Role of Hard Work, Accountability, and Competition 30:18 Rule Changes in College Baseball 32:10 The Importance of Earning Your Spot and Continuous Improvement 34:01 Final Thoughts on Fall Baseball and Player Success 34:56 Technology and Its Effect on the Game 40:11 Advice for High School Players and Parents 45:02 The College Recruiting Process and Decision-Making 49:58 The Future of College Baseball and Innovations 55:12 Final Tips and Wrap-Up ▪️Where to find Tower Sports Advising▪️📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towersportsadv📲Twitter/X: https://x.com/towersportsadv📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@towersportsadv🖥️Website: https://www.towersportsadvising.com To book a consultation with Tower Sports Advising 👇🏻https://www.towersportsadvising.com/contact

About

At Tower Sports Advising, we are dedicated to guiding athletes and families throughout the year to achieve college athletic commitments. Our mission is to provide personalized support, ensuring every athlete understands their opportunities and potential at the next level. We seek coachable athletes and families who value transparency and are prepared for honest, informed discussions about playability and pathways for success in collegiate athletics.

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