Ahead Of The Curve with Jonathan Gelnar

Dusty Hart- Head Baseball Coach, Blinn College (TX)

This episode is brought to you by Motor Preference Experts
"Ready to elevate your performance? Meet Motor Preference Experts, the premier authority on natural motor preferences in North America. Discover how understanding your innate balance and coordination can optimize your performance and minimize injury risks. Whether you're passionate about playing, coaching or strength and conditioning, dedicated experts will guide you to respect and enhance your body's natural motricity. Join us today. Explore more at motorpreferenceexperts.com. Motor Preference Experts: Helping you become the best version of yourself. "
 
Bio
Dusty Hart and Blinn just finished their 2024 campaign with a 47-17 record, a Region XIV South Division regular-season crown, a Region XIV South Regional Tournament title, and a Mid-South District championship.
Hart is now 93-32 in two seasons at Blinn and holds a 718-314 career mark across 18 seasons as an NJCAA head coach.
Prior to arriving at Blinn, Hart spent 16 seasons as head coach of the Grayson College baseball team (Denison, Texas).
During his head coaching career, Hart has compiled an impressive 671-297 record, which includes the 2008 NJCAA Junior College World Series championship. In 2008, Hart was named the NJCAA National Coach of the Year, American Baseball Coaches Association Junior College Coach of the Year, and Diamond Baseball Coach of the Year, as well as the JUCO World Series Coach of the Tournament. Hart is a seven-time Region V North Coach of the Year and a two-time Southwest District Coach of the Year. 
Hart is a graduate of Lubbock Monterey High School, where he played for legendary high school baseball coach Bobby Moegle. Hart was the starting shortstop during Lubbock Monterey's successful run to the 1996 Texas 5A state championship. He attended Grayson College and was a two-year starter at shortstop during the 1997 and 1998 seasons before moving on to the University of Texas-Pan American. Hart played two seasons at shortstop for UTPA and graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology. 
Hart spent one season as an undergraduate assistant for UTPA and served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Grayson from 2001-05 before being named Grayson's head coach. 
Hart has sent dozens of players to Division I universities and 25 of his student-athletes have been drafted by Major League Baseball organizations. 
On the show we go through last years national championship team, what they do for hitting development (check out their world series scores) and Dusty gives of a ton of practical advice on how to practice better. This episode is so good with Dusty Hart!
 
Time Stamps
02:00- National Champs
14:00- Fall Development
26:00- Standards/Rules/Leadership
35:00- Pre Season / Player Meetings
45:00- Game planning / Pre Game Routines
57:00- Quick Hitters
Contact
dusty.hart@blinn.edu
@DustyHart

Pete Egbert- Head Baseball Coach, Misericordia University (PA)

This episode is brought to you by Motor Preference Experts
"Ready to elevate your performance? Meet Motor Preference Experts, the premier authority on natural motor preferences in North America. Discover how understanding your innate balance and coordination can optimize your performance and minimize injury risks. Whether you're passionate about playing, coaching or strength and conditioning, dedicated experts will guide you to respect and enhance your body's natural motricity. Join us today. Explore more at motorpreferenceexperts.com. Motor Preference Experts: Helping you become the best version of yourself. "
 
Bio
In his 18th season at Misericordia, Pete led the Cougars to the first national championship in school history. MU finished 44-11 while setting a school record for wins in a season. The Cougars won their 11th MAC Freedom championship and captured NCAA Regional and NCAA Super Regional titles. Egbert is 509-243-2 at Misericordia and owns a career record of 600-330-2 in 22 seasons as a head coach. On the show we discuss what set this last years national championship group apart, pete discuss culture development, how the win the preseason in the North with inclement weather
 
Time Stamps
02:00- National Champs
07:00- Upcoming Fall
11:30- Pre Season
17:00- Culture Development
30:00- Player Meetings
40:00- In Season
45:00- Post Season and Quick Hitters
 
Contact
pegbert@misericordia.edu
 

Chase Rowe- CEO of the Battleground and owner of the Marucci Spikes (PA)

This episode is brought to you by Motor Preference Experts
 
"Ready to elevate your performance? Meet Motor Preference Experts, the premier authority on natural motor preferences in North America. Discover how understanding your innate balance and coordination can optimize your performance and minimize injury risks. Whether you're passionate about playing, coaching or strength and conditioning, dedicated experts will guide you to respect and enhance your body's natural motricity. Join us today. Explore more at motorpreferenceexperts.com. Motor Preference Experts: Helping you become the best version of yourself. "
 
Today we have on Chase Rowe CEO of the Battleground Baseball Group, owner of Respect The Game and the Marucci Spikes Baseball Club. His extensive experience as a player, coach, and entrepreneur demonstrates his deep involvement and impact in the baseball community. His success at La Roche University, along with his contributions to professional baseball and his entrepreneurial ventures, reflects a well-rounded and influential career in the sport.
 
 
Time Stamps
04:00- Travel Ball Development
16:00- Long term player development
26:20- Evaluation Process
40:00- College / Recruiting advice
45:15- Game planning / In game talks
 
A little background on Chase
He played one season at Gulf Coast Community College under Coach Darren Mazeroski and three seasons at Slippery Rock University under legendary head coach Jeff Messer.
Coaching Career at La Roche University:
At the age of 23, Chase took over as the head coach of the La Roche University Baseball program in the fall of 2006.
Under his leadership, the program has achieved a remarkable record of 340-180-1, boasting a .654 winning percentage over twelve seasons.
Notable achievements from his program include 8 All-Americans, 35 All-Region selections, 89 players named to the AMCC All-Conference Team, and 79 players named to the AMCC All-Academic Team.
Five players from his program have signed professional contracts.
Chase has been recognized as the AMCC Baseball Coach of the Year eight times.
Pro Baseball Experience:
Chase has held several roles in professional baseball, including serving as a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Hitting Coach for the Detroit Tigers organization.
He has also been involved in scouting for the Florida Marlins and the Colorado Rockies.
Entrepreneurship:
In addition to Battleground Baseball Group, Chase is the owner of Respect The Game LLC.
He also owns the Pittsburgh Spikes Baseball Club.
Resources
https://battlegroundbaseballgroup.com/

Chris Razo- Head Baseball Coach, Heartland Community College (IL)

This episode of Ahead of the Curve is brought to you by New Era. New Era is the official headwear provider of the MLB, NFL, and NBA. If you love to rock New Era Caps as much as I do, then you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to wear what the players wear AND get 15% off when you go to NEW ERA CAP DOT COM/AOTC and use code aotc at checkout. That's 15% off your order using promo code aotc.
 
 
Bio
Chris is fresh on leading the Heartland Community College baseball team to a national title this past season. Chris Razo also was named the 2023 ABCA NJCAA Division II Coach of the Year.
Under Razo’s leadership, the Heartland baseball team has made two appearances in the NJCAA DII National Tournament, and won the tournament this past season.
Razo joined the Heartland staff in 2018, serving as pitching coach, and became Interim Head Coach in the winter of 2020.
As a player, Razo spent two years as a Heartland Hawk before moving to Illinois State University where he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 24th round in 2013. While at ISU, Razo was selected to the MVC All-Conference first team, and also won Pitcher of the Year in the Missouri Valley Conference.
On the show we discuss the national championship run from last year, what it was like being named interim head coach at semester, and why the value winning first and development next. Here is Chris Razo!
 
Time Stamps
02:00 National Champs
04:00- Being named interim head coach at semester, and during COVID
08:30- Past summer agenda
11:30- Culture over Everything 
18:30 - Fall Development
27:30- Pre Season to In Season
41:00- Post Season
45:00- Quick Hitters
 
Contact
Chris.Razo@heartland.edu
 

Scott Steltz- Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director, Chatham Central HS (N.Y.)

This episode of Ahead of the Curve is brought to you by New Era. New Era is the official headwear provider of the MLB, NFL, and NBA. If you love to rock New Era Caps as much as I do, then you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to wear what the players wear AND get 15% off when you go to NEW ERA CAP DOT COM/AOTC and use code aotc at checkout. That's 15% off your order using promo code aotc.
 
Bio
Scott is coming off back to back state championships in class C in New York State . He is 3X ABCA Regional High School Coach of the Year, a 15+ year member ABCA Selects the ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association) Region 1 High School All-Americans for the Northeastern states.
 
On the show we discuss how he turned the program from a .500 ball club to competing for state championships, we go over how he adjusts his practice and development for multi sport players and how they contribute to get better as the season goes on. This episode is so good with Scott Steltz!
 
 
Time stamps
02:30- state champs
08:00- offseason development
17:00- culture and standards
28:00- pre season structure
36:00- arm health with multiple sport and multiple position athletes
41:00- in season practices
52:00- quick hitters
 
Contact
Email- steltzs@chatham.k12.ny.us
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hangingcurve5
 

Tyler LaTorre- Head Baseball Coach, Westmont College (CA)

This episode of Ahead of the Curve is brought to you by New Era. New Era is the official headwear provider of the MLB, NFL, and NBA. If you love to rock New Era Caps as much as I do, then you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to wear what the players wear AND get 15% off when you go to NEW ERA CAP DOT COM/AOTC and use code aotc at checkout. That's 15% off your order using promo code aotc.
 
Bio
Tyler, in his first year  leading his team, led them to the first NAIA National Championship in program history. The  Warriors went 48-9 last season, which culminated in a 7-6 victory over Lewis & Clark State in the 66th Avista NAIA World Series.
 
LaTorre  came to Westmont from Sacramento State where he served as pitching and catching coach. He also previously coached at San Jose State and San Francisco State. While at San Jose State, LaTorre was honored as both the 2018 San Jose Assistant Coach of the Year and the 2019 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year.
 
 
On the show we discuss last years national championship run, how they are attacking the transition from NAIA to division 2, and we go over lessons learned in his first season that set them up for success. You’re gonna love this episode with Tyler LaTorre.
 
Time stamps
01:00- national champs
07:00- fall development and the transition to d2
20:00- year 1 reflections
28:00- fear of failure
33:00- Pre season
42:00- in season / post season
50:00- quick hitters
Contact
EMAIL tlatorre@westmont.edu
PHONE 805-565-7092
Twitter-@tylerlatorre
 

Robert Valli- Head Baseball Coach, Rowan College at Gloucester County South Jersey (NJ)

Bio
Rob Valli has amassed 30 plus years of experience educating students and has worked at every level of baseball from youth to Major League Baseball.
Coach Valli is entering his 24th season of collegiate baseball with 20 years of experience as head coach That span includes an impressive 650+ wins, averaging 35 wins per season, 12 of 13 trips to the NJCAA World Series, and 1 NJCAA National Championship.
Regarded among the finest player development experts in college baseball; 28 of his players have been named All American, 72 advanced to professional baseball, including 7 major leaguers. The vast majority Gloucester players are receiving high value baseball scholarships at prominent universities. In 2019; 7 of alumni began professional baseball careers.
As a Major League Baseball Scout for 9 years; Valli served five with the Colorado Rockies and four with the Miami Marlins. Working primarily in the Northeast; his role was to identify and evaluate top high school and college prospects being considered for the amateur draft. Additional responsibilities included evaluating minor league players in opposing organizations and administering personality evaluations to top prospects.
Valli and his wife Sara have two children, Sophia and Alex.
Contact
Phone:
856 468 5000 Ext. 2213
Email:
rvalli@rcsj.edu

Brook Cupps- Head Basketball Coach, Centerville HS (OH)

Referral link: https://www.neweracap.com/aotc
 
This episode of Ahead of the Curve is brought to you by New Era. New Era is the official headwear provider of the MLB, NFL, and NBA. If you love to rock New Era Caps as much as I do, then you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to wear what the players wear AND get 15% off when you go to NEW ERA CAP DOT COM/AOTC and use code aotc at checkout. That's 15% off your order using promo code aotc.
Bio
Brook Cupps is the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Centerville High School in Ohio.  Brook graduated from Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio near Springfield in 1995, and following a 4-year playing career at Capital University in Columbus, he returned to Graham.  He became the head coach in 2000 and spent 12 seasons at Graham.  In 2012, following his time with the Falcons, including a trip to the state semifinals, Coach Cupps left his alma mater to become the head coach at Centerville High School where he has earned several coach of the year honors while guiding the Elks to multiple sweet 16 and elite 8 appearances. His 2021 team recorded a school record 26 wins on the way to the Division I State Championship in Ohio, the first in school history.  His 2022 team was the state runner-up.
Brook is the author of the book “Surrender the Outcome”, teaches two leadership courses at Centerville and also writes a weekly blog on bluecollargrit.com
 
On the show we discuss installing culture, how to live out and establish core values, and we take a dive into application of roles and parent advice! You’re gonna love this episode with Brook Cupps!
 
Time stamps
01:00- intro
02:30- off season personal growth
10:30- installing culture
21:20- core values
43:00- application of roles
49:10- parent advice
53:00- Quick hitters
 
Contact
Twitter
Blog

Kevin Brooks- Head Baseball Coach, Angelo State University (TX)

Referral link: https://www.neweracap.com/aotc
 
This episode of Ahead of the Curve is brought to you by New Era. New Era is the official headwear provider of the MLB, NFL, and NBA. If you love to rock New Era Caps as much as I do, then you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to wear what the players wear AND get 15% off when you go to NEW ERA CAP DOT COM/AOTC and use code aotc at checkout. That's 15% off your order using promo code aotc.
 
Bio
Kevin Brooks has guided the Angelo State baseball program to six NCAA Division II College World Series appearances with six South Central Championships and has compiled an impressive 742-333 overall record since starting the ASU program in 2005. In 2023, the Rams claimed the Division II National Championship for the first time in program history.
 
The only coach in ASU baseball history, he has recorded 10 trips to the NCAA postseason. The Rams are the only Lone Star Conference team to ever make the College World Series and Brooks has taken them there six times in 19 seasons at the helm, including back-to-back appearances in 2015-2016 and three consecutive seasons in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Rams have also won the Lone Star Conference tournament championship six times, including sweep­ing the competition in 2015, 2021, 2022, and while also winning in 2007 and 2012. The Rams have never had a losing season under Brooks and have compiled 40-plus wins in 10 seasons. He has coached 125 All-Lone Star Conference selections, 55 All-Region picks and 28 All-American selections. Brooks has also prepared his players for the next level as 51 former Rams have played or are currently playing professional baseball.
 
On the show we discuss his messaging to his team after coming off of a National Championship, what they are doing this fall, and his advice on how to win in the post season. Here is Kevin Brooks!
 
Time Stamps
01:00- national champs
11:00- Fall Development
27:00- pre season
34:00- in season advice
45:00- developing coaches
48:00- Post Season Advice
52:00- Quick Hitters
 
Contact
EMAIL: kevin.brooks@angelo.edu
 

Rob Stacy- Head Baseball Coach, Clinton HS (TN)

Referral link: https://www.neweracap.com/aotc
This episode of Ahead of the Curve is brought to you by New Era. New Era is the official headwear provider of the MLB, NFL, and NBA. If you love to rock New Era Caps as much as I do, then you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to wear what the players wear AND get 15% off when you go to NEW ERA CAP DOT COM/AOTC and use code aotc at checkout. That's 15% off your order using promo code aotc.
BioRob is the head baseball coach and co-athletic director of Clinton High School (TN). Before Clinton Played college baseball 2 years at Brevard College, 2 years at the University of Pikeville and coached 2 years at the University of Pikeville. He then got into personal training Director of Personal training at Lifestyles Fitness Center And Part owner and founder of CrossFit East 10  for 9 year before getting back into coaching as an assistant coach Assistant Baseball at David Crockett High School
on the show we discuss his journey to being the head coach at Clinton, and Rob shares his plan for building better baseball player but more importantly better men.
Time stamps02:00- Journey to head coach11:00- fall development27:00- standard and rules35:00- player meetings and winter break48:00- pre season to season55:00- quick hitters
ContactFollow Rob on Twitter