Sports On I40

William Bain

Sports On I40 is the ultimate destination for Northeastern Arizona high school basketball and local sports fans. Hosted with passion for indigenous and rural communities, we deliver in-depth, long-form interviews with high school coaches, former players, and key figures who shape the game in the region. While we also cover exciting pro and college sports action, our heart is in high school hoops across Northeastern Arizona. Each episode peels back the curtain on the real stories behind the scores — the challenges, triumphs, strategies, and personal journeys of coaches and athletes that most fans never get to see. Whether you're a dedicated parent, player, coach, or community member rooting for local teams, this is your go-to source for authentic insight and connection. New episodes drop every Monday during basketball season (November–February), with periodic shows in the offseason. If you love Arizona high school sports and want real conversations that go beyond the box score, subscribe to Sports On I40 today.

Episodes

  1. Aug 29

    EP40 With Dean Becenti

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including basketball, wrestling, and personal experiences. It delves into the past, present, and future of the sport, highlighting key players and memorable moments. The speaker shares insights into the local sports scene and the impact of athletes on the community. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including high school basketball, rodeo, media coverage, and personal connections to sports. The speakers discuss upcoming events, past experiences, and the impact of sports on their lives. Takeaways Community impact of local athletesMemorable moments in basketball and wrestling High school basketball and rodeo are significant aspects of the Navajo community.Media coverage of sports, including basketball and rodeo, plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving the culture and traditions of the Navajo Nation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties03:55 Personal Experiences and Connections05:42 Off-Season Basketball Tournaments07:07 Coverage of Local Sports Events07:54 Influence of Sports on Personal Life18:29 Passion for Wrestling and Comparison to Basketball19:54 Favorite Wrestlers and Wrestling Memories26:05 Top Basketball Players and Season Recap36:33 High School Basketball and Rodeo37:31 Changes in Conference and Tournament Format39:24 Predictions for the Coming Season44:47 Comparison of Basketball in Arizona and New Mexico45:15 Personal Connections to Rodeo and Sports49:37 Media Coverage and Community Impact01:10:19 Upcoming Events and Athlete Participation

  2. Aug 17

    EP41 With Chad Cleland ARES Jiu Jitsu

    Chad Cleland, owner and head coach at ARES Jiu Jitsu in Snowflake, shares his journey into jujitsu, the evolution of the sport, and the benefits of training. He discusses the challenges and rewards of jujitsu, the unique community at his gym, and the diverse range of individuals who train there. Chad also highlights the schedule and offerings at ARES Snowflake, emphasizing the welcoming and inclusive nature of the gym. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to jujitsu, including personal experiences, competitions, the value of competing, the differences between jujitsu levels, the evolution of jujitsu, and the impact of jujitsu on rural communities. The conversation also delves into the benefits of jujitsu for women, the importance of finding a positive outlet, and the impact of jujitsu on mental and physical well-being. Takeaways Journey into JujitsuEvolution of the SportChallenges and Rewards of JujitsuUnique Community at ARES SnowflakeDiverse Range of IndividualsSchedule and Offerings at ARES Snowflake Competing in jujitsu provides valuable experiences and personal growth.Jujitsu serves as a positive outlet and a source of purpose for individuals, especially in rural communities. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Jujitsu03:01 Evolution of the Sport04:57 Challenges and Rewards of Jujitsu15:13 Unique Community at ARES Snowflake33:37 Diverse Range of Individuals30:12 Schedule and Offerings at ARES Snowflake38:00 Personal Experiences and Competitions38:58 The Value of Competing40:25 Differences Between Jujitsu Levels43:25 The Evolution of Jujitsu47:31 Impact of Jujitsu on Rural Communities52:11 Benefits of Jujitsu for Women55:30 Finding a Positive Outlet01:00:01 Impact of Jujitsu on Mental and Physical Well-being

  3. Jul 30

    EP39 Sports On I40 with Mike Brogan

    The conversation with Coach Mike Brogan covers his coaching journey, experience with girls' basketball, and the impact of school alignment changes on the game. It also delves into the analysis of preseason rankings and factors affecting game outcomes. The conversation covers topics such as team preparation and practice, game analysis and projections, coaching philosophy and player preparation, comparison of boys and girls basketball, and community support and program success. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and strategies involved in coaching high school basketball, as well as the impact of community support on program success. Takeaways Coaching journey and backgroundTransition to coaching girls basketballImpact of school alignment changes on the game Importance of team preparation and practiceUse of game analysis and projections for strategic planningCoaching philosophy and player preparation are crucial for team successComparison of boys and girls basketball reveals differences in athleticism and emotional dynamicsCommunity support plays a significant role in program success Chapters 00:00 Introducing Coach Mike Brogan01:00 Coaching Journey and Background03:04 Transition to Coaching Girls Basketball04:33 Coaching Experience in Different Locations07:31 Differences in Basketball in the East and North11:06 Impact of School Alignment Changes24:25 Preseason Rankings and Game Analysis34:04 Factors Affecting Game Outcomes38:23 Preparation and Practice39:22 Game Analysis and Projections42:56 Coaching Philosophy and Player Preparation50:29 Comparison of Boys and Girls Basketball01:15:10 Community Support and Program Success

  4. Jul 24

    EP38 Sports On I40 with Jamers Thomas

    The podcast episode features an interview with MMA fighter Jamers Thomas, covering his journey in MMA, wrestling, and jujitsu. The conversation delves into his experiences, training, and the evolution of MMA and jujitsu. The interview also touches on the technical aspects of MMA, the growth of jujitsu gyms, and the importance of training in various disciplines. The conversation covers a range of topics including the experience of a fighter during a match, the promotion and its key figures, weight classes in MMA, nutrition, and the challenges of being a referee. The guest also shares his high school sports experiences and the impact of sports betting on high school sports. Takeaways MMA Fighter's JourneyTraining and Discipline Fighters prioritize safety and well-being during matches, considering the impact on their work and personal lives.The role of a referee in MMA is challenging and requires a keen eye for detail and quick decision-making.Nutrition plays a significant role in an athlete's performance and overall health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and MMA Event03:19 Getting into MMA05:09 Wrestling Background and Transition to MMA06:26 Weight Class and Fight Preparation13:20 Training in Jujitsu and Wrestling20:03 Evolution of MMA and Jujitsu30:05 Striking and Finish Controversy31:57 The Fighter's Experience35:43 The Promotion and Key Figures37:45 Weight Classes and MMA39:08 Nutrition and Performance55:50 High School Sports Experiences49:18 Challenges of Being a Referee58:32 Sports Betting and High School Sports

  5. Jul 20

    EP37 Sports On I40 With Mac

    The NABI tournament in Phoenix featured a mix of fan participation, with standout teams like Run and Gun, Res Bombers, and NAS Soldiers drawing the most attention. The tournament included pool play games and bracket play, with teams from as far as New Zealand and Alaska participating. The conversation also delved into the challenges of youth sports, the impact of privilege on athletic success, and the upcoming basketball season in the North conference. The conversation covers a range of topics including high school football, basketball, and the NFL. It also discusses the NABI Basketball Tournament and the teams and players involved. The conversation delves into the dynamics of various teams, predictions for upcoming games, and the impact of live streaming on game viewership. Takeaways NABI tournament featured a mix of fan participationChallenges of youth sports and the impact of privilege on athletic successUpcoming basketball season in the North conference High school sports teams in the North Conference are discussed, with predictions for upcoming games and the potential for all North teams to make it to the state championships.The NABI Basketball Tournament is highlighted, showcasing the participation of teams from various states and the impact of individual training on player improvement. Chapters 00:06 NABI Tournament and Fan Participation03:03 Challenges of Youth Sports and Privilege30:41 Upcoming Basketball Season in the North Conference35:36 High School Football Predictions36:36 Nabi Basketball Tournament38:14 Impact of Live Streaming on Game Viewership40:33 Discussion on NFL and Football Coverage01:08:04 Player Improvement and Training Challenges

About

Sports On I40 is the ultimate destination for Northeastern Arizona high school basketball and local sports fans. Hosted with passion for indigenous and rural communities, we deliver in-depth, long-form interviews with high school coaches, former players, and key figures who shape the game in the region. While we also cover exciting pro and college sports action, our heart is in high school hoops across Northeastern Arizona. Each episode peels back the curtain on the real stories behind the scores — the challenges, triumphs, strategies, and personal journeys of coaches and athletes that most fans never get to see. Whether you're a dedicated parent, player, coach, or community member rooting for local teams, this is your go-to source for authentic insight and connection. New episodes drop every Monday during basketball season (November–February), with periodic shows in the offseason. If you love Arizona high school sports and want real conversations that go beyond the box score, subscribe to Sports On I40 today.