The Write Team Podcast

David Weaver
  • 4.7 (3)
  • Sports

We Tell Your Story!

  1. 4d ago

    From The Press Box: Scott Surratt on Carthage’s Dynasty, East Texas Roots & Sustaining Success

    Carthage athletic director and head football coach Scott Surratt joins From The Press Box for a wide-ranging conversation about East Texas football, championship leadership and the remarkable dynasty he has built with the Bulldogs. Entering his 20th season at Carthage, Surratt reflects on why a job he once viewed as a possible steppingstone became home for his family—and how the Bulldogs grew into one of the most successful programs in Texas high school football history. In this episode: East Texas Roots Growing up in Linden and playing football for Linden-Kildare Competing against the legendary Daingerfield teams of the 1980s How East Texas football shaped his toughness, discipline and competitive approach Why the modern game is dramatically different from the football of his playing days The ETBU Years Choosing college baseball over football Becoming a four-year contributor behind the plate at East Texas Baptist University Lessons learned from longtime ETBU baseball coach Jim Kneipp How catching, calling pitches and leading a pitching staff helped prepare him to coach quarterbacks and run an offense The Road to Carthage Beginning his career as a baseball coach and football assistant Developing quarterbacks and coordinating offenses at Linden-Kildare, Waxahachie and Texas High Working with standout quarterbacks Why Carthage was always one of the East Texas jobs he viewed as a potential destination Building a Dynasty Winning Carthage’s first state championship during his second season How the Bulldogs continue avoiding complacency after 11 championships Why each season begins with the mentality of a program that has accomplished nothing The challenge of staying on top once everyone begins giving Carthage its best shot This season’s theme: focusing on the next rep, the next play and the next game Surratt also previews a talented but less experienced Carthage roster, discusses the difficulty of finding non-district opponents and reflects on the unforgettable experience of coaching his son, Jet, at quarterback. This is an inside look at the preparation, consistency and leadership behind one of the greatest dynasties in Texas high school football. #FromThePressBox #ScottSurratt #CarthageBulldogs #TXHSFB #TexasHighSchoolFootball #EastTexasSports #CarthageFootball #FootballCoach #ChampionshipCulture #SportsPodcast #TheWriteTeamPodcast Thank you to our podcast sponsors! Stiles Electric Elysian Fields ISD Hallsville ISD Smackover-Norphlet ISD Karnack ISD Write Team Services

  2. 4d ago

    Leadership Never Retires: Dr. Jerry Gibson on Legacy, Resilience & Continuing to Serve | School House Rocks

    Does a true leader ever really retire? In this heartfelt closing conversation on School House Rocks, host David Weaver sits down with Superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson to reflect on leadership, perseverance, and the desire to continue serving students—even after retirement. Dr. Gibson shares behind-the-scenes stories about secretly recruiting highly-touted football coach Claude Mathis to Marshall ISD, discusses why great leaders sometimes have to make difficult personal decisions, and opens up about navigating professional challenges while maintaining his faith and commitment to education. Most importantly, he explains why his greatest desire isn't another title—it's simply another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. Topics include: • Recruiting Claude Mathis to Marshall ISD • Building successful leadership teams • Putting people ahead of positions • Overcoming professional adversity • Trusting God's direction through life's valleys • The heart of servant leadership • Why leadership is about influence—not titles • Continuing to invest in students after retirement Whether you're an educator, coach, administrator, or anyone navigating life's unexpected turns, this conversation is a powerful reminder that purpose doesn't end when a job does. #SchoolHouseRocks #TheWriteTeamPodcast #Leadership #ServantLeadership #EducationLeadership #MarshallISD #EducationalLeadership #Resilience #FaithAndLeadership #Superintendent #Legacy #StudentSuccess

  3. 5d ago

    Faith, Government & Education: Teaching The Bible In Texas Public Schools | School House Rocks

    Should the Bible be taught in public schools? It's one of the most discussed—and most debated—issues facing education today. In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver and retired superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson explore the intersection of faith, public education, constitutional rights, and school leadership. As committed Christians and experienced educators, both men share why they believe faith is essential while also discussing the legal, constitutional, and practical challenges school leaders face when government mandates intersect with religious expression. Topics include: • Bible instruction in public schools • The Ten Commandments in classrooms • Religious freedom and the First Amendment • Separation of church and state • Student-led faith activities • The role of families and churches in spiritual development • Challenges facing public school administrators • Balancing constitutional rights with educational responsibilities This is not a political debate—it is a thoughtful conversation between two longtime educators and believers seeking to navigate one of today's most complex educational issues with wisdom, conviction, and respect. #SchoolHouseRocks #TheWriteTeamPodcast #FaithAndEducation #ReligiousFreedom #PublicEducation #EducationLeadership #SchoolLeadership #FirstAmendment #ChristianLeadership #TexasEducation #EducationalLeadership #StudentFaith

  4. 5d ago

    School Choice, ESAs, & The Future of Texas Public Schools | School House Rocks

    What does the future hold for public education in Texas? In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver sits down with retired superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson for a candid conversation about the challenges facing today's public schools. From school choice and education savings accounts (ESAs) to district funding, property taxes, and the increasing pressure on school leaders, Dr. Gibson offers a superintendent's perspective on navigating one of the most significant transitions in modern public education. Rather than focusing solely on politics, the discussion centers on what school districts can control: providing exceptional educational opportunities, finding innovative revenue sources, strengthening career and technical education, and giving families compelling reasons to choose public schools. Topics include: • School choice and education savings accounts (ESAs) • Funding challenges facing Texas public schools • Property taxes and school finance • Creating competitive public school programs • Career and technical education opportunities • Revenue generation for school districts • School leadership during times of change • Why excellence remains the best strategy for public education Whether you're an educator, administrator, school board member, policymaker, parent, or taxpayer, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of education's most important issues. #SchoolHouseRocks #TheWriteTeamPodcast #EducationLeadership #PublicEducation #SchoolChoice #TexasEducation #SchoolFunding #EducationalLeadership #SchoolLeadership #Superintendent #EducationPolicy #StudentSuccess

  5. 6d ago

    School House Rocks | Dr. Jerry Gibson on Leadership, School Turnarounds, and Putting Students First

    What separates a good school district from a great one? Former Marshall ISD Superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson joins host David Weaver for an in-depth conversation about educational leadership, school improvement, and the philosophy that guided one of East Texas' most successful academic turnarounds. From his early days in ministry and coaching to leading school districts across Texas, Dr. Gibson shares how servant leadership, accountability, and a relentless focus on students transformed struggling campuses into thriving schools. In this episode, you'll hear: • How Dr. Gibson became an educator and superintendent • The story behind Marshall ISD's academic turnaround • Building trust between school boards and administrators • Leading major bond projects and new school construction • Navigating the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 • Why "student-centered" leadership changes everything • The importance of setting high expectations for students and staff • Lessons in leadership, teamwork, and transparency that apply far beyond education Whether you're an educator, administrator, school board member, parent, business leader, or simply interested in effective leadership, this conversation offers timeless principles for building organizations—and people—the right way. Subscribe to The Write Team Podcast, for conversations that highlight the people shaping education across East Texas and beyond. Thank you to our team of podcast sponsors: Elysian Fields ISD Karnack ISD Hallsville ISD Smackover-Norphlet School District Stiles Electric #SchoolHouseRocks #TheWriteTeamPodcast #EducationLeadership #SchoolLeadership #StudentSuccess #PublicEducation #MarshallISD #TexasEducation #Superintendent #Leadership #SchoolImprovement #EducationalLeadership

  6. Jul 24

    NIL In Texas High School Sports: Is It Reality or Rumor? | From The Press Box

    Could NIL eventually reshape Texas high school athletics? On this segment from a recent episode of From The Press Box, David Weaver and Matt Paul discuss the growing possibility of name, image, and likeness agreements reaching high school sports—and why opening that door could permanently change the game. 🏈 High School NIL What current UIL rules allow Texas high school athletes to sign Why athletes cannot receive NIL payments until reaching college How other states are already handling high school NIL Whether Texas can keep NIL out of high school athletics long-term 💰 Money, Recruiting and Competitive Balance Could wealthy programs gain an even greater advantage? Would families begin choosing schools based on financial opportunities? How NIL could affect recruiting, transfers and community-based athletics Why some coaches believe high school NIL is inevitable 🎓 The Value of a Scholarship Has college sports lost sight of the value of a free education? Why only a small percentage of athletes will ever play professionally The difference between opportunities at Division I and Division III programs Could NIL funds be protected until an athlete graduates? The college sports landscape changed rapidly once NIL arrived. The question now is whether high school athletics can avoid becoming the next financial battleground. #FromThePressBox #NIL #HighSchoolSports #TXHSFB #TexasHighSchoolFootball #CollegeFootball #UIL #SportsRecruiting #EastTexasSports #SportsPodcast Thank you to our sponsors for making The Write Team Podcast possible! Elysian Fields ISD Karnack ISD Hallsville ISD Smackover-Norphlet School District (Ark.) Stiles Electric

  7. Jul 23

    Texas High Schools: New UIL Requirements Tackle A Hot Issue | From The Press Box

    Will new UIL practice regulations effectively tackle the heat in Texas? Football season is just around the corner —but before teams hit the field, there's a major rule change every coach, player, and parent needs to understand. 🏈☀️ In this segment of a recent episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt discuss the UIL's new mandatory heat safety protocols and how the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) system will change football practices across Texas. 🏈 New UIL Heat Rules What the WBGT system measures and why it matters How temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation determine practice conditions New restrictions on practice length and protective equipment When outdoor practices must be shortened—or canceled altogether ☀️ Player Safety Why the UIL made these changes mandatory in 2026 The growing emphasis on preventing heat-related illnesses How rapid cooling zones and emergency preparedness could save lives Why coaches have largely supported the new standards 🏫 Challenges for Schools The financial burden of meeting the new requirements How smaller districts may struggle with compliance Questions surrounding enforcement and accountability Could these rules eventually impact early-season football games? This episode takes a closer look at one of the biggest changes to Texas high school athletics in years and why player safety remains the top priority. #FromThePressBox #TXHSFB #TexasHighSchoolFootball #UIL #FootballSafety #HeatSafety #HighSchoolFootball #EastTexasSports #SportsPodcast #WBGT Thank you to our sponsors for making The Write Team Podcast possible: Elysian Fields ISD Karnack ISD Hallsville ISD Smackover-Norphlet School District (Ark.) Stiles Electric

  8. Jul 22

    From The Press Box | Texas Football Safety Rules, High School NIL, SEC Shakeup & ESPN Layoffs

    Football season is almost here, and some of the biggest stories are happening off the field. 🏈 On this episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt discuss new UIL heat safety rules, the growing debate over NIL and transfers in Texas high school football, the SEC's future, and whether ESPN is entering a new era. 🏈 Texas High School Football New UIL heat safety rules take effect this season How the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) system will impact practices Why player safety remains the top priority Challenges facing smaller Texas school districts 💰 High School NIL & Transfers Could NIL eventually reach Texas high school athletics? Should student-athletes be allowed to transfer strictly for athletic opportunities? Breaking down the recent eligibility rulings involving two high-profile Texas recruits The long-term impact on Texas high school football 🏆 College Football SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey hints at a possible break from the NCAA Is college football headed toward a true super conference? Strength of schedule vs. playoff selection How NIL has reshaped the national landscape 📺 Sports Media ESPN's latest round of layoffs What the departures of longtime personalities could mean Is the network changing its business model? Why live sports continue to drive the future of television #FromThePressBox #TexasHighSchoolFootball #TXHSFB #CollegeFootball #SEC #NIL #ESPN #SportsPodcast #EastTexasSports #Football

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4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We Tell Your Story!

Information

  • Creator
    David Weaver
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Write Team Podcast