Coaches Corner Booth

Travis MIlls has established himself as an outstanding motivational speaker nationwide.  After being injured in Afghanistan by an IED, Travis has inspired millions worldwide with his story of positivity and perseverance.  But before life took him on this path, Travis had already established himself as an elite athlete in Michigan.  We talk about his days as a 5-sport varsity athlete and also his life as a husband and dad.   Also on the program, Travis' father-in-law and, now, manager Craig Buck tells us about his first impressions of the 6'4" 275lb giant who showed up at his door to court his daughter, Kelsey.  Chloe, John and Aiden make an appearance as well to close out.  Check out all things Travis Mills at www.travismills.org 

Former Sea Dogs' player, Jordan Procyshen, is kind enough to call in from his off-season home in Canada to talk about his baseball experience in Portland as well as his experience living with host family parents, Josh and Erin Chase.  Joining in the conversation are long-time host family parents Lauren and Mike Bove.  The conversation continues into the wobbly world of youth coaching, concerts, and dating at the VFW.  

Senior Captains of the University of Southern Maine Men's and Women's Soccer teams , the brother and sister duo of Charlie and Livvie Mull join Uncle Johnny and Timmy as well as Andy Coulombe on #coachescornerbooth.    

A break from the typical format, #CCB "interviews" Coach McDermott of the Buffalo Bills.  Coach Koharian is back in perfect form along with John, Tim, Hutch and Mad Max.  Stayed tuned to the end of the show when we give you a glimpse into the pregame festivities at Madden's Pub and Grill in Falmouth, Maine.  

Legendary coach and Portland native Ed Flaherty talks about his career as a coach, teacher and father of three great kids.  From his early years as a middle school teacher/coach to having the University of Southern Maine baseball field named after him, Coach Flaherty has been instrumental in raising the bar when it comes to baseball in New England and Nationwide.  

Hall of Fame football coach John Wolfgram (current Cheverus assistant), sits down with Hutch and Tim from #coachescornerbooth along with his son Josh Wolfgram (Portland Youth Football Flag Coordinator) to talk about the profound impact that the game of football has had on their players, their family and, soon, future players in Portland. John Wolfgram has won 10 state championships and says that he cannot remember any of them. He does, however, remember the faces of the vast amount of kids that got the treasure of having him as their coach. Also joining the program is Mony Hang, who is developing a growing mass of female flag football players in Portland. Mony also talks about the differences between playing team sports and individual sports, such as track and swimming.

Mike Hagerty, Yarmouth Soccer Coach, talks about some of the reasons why his teams have had such great success. With multiple state championships, Coach Hagerty has spent a great deal of time at the youth level helping develop a common coaching philosophy and expectation. High energy and positivity are two descriptions that are easy to use when talking about a class act like Coach Hagerty.

Hoffer breaks down 2018 Fall sports in Maine high schools

Personal Trainer at Evolution Ahtletix in Saco, Maine and member of the 2005 Little League World Series team from Westbrook, Maine talks about his experience in Williamsport back in the day. He also discusses the impact that coaches have had on his life as a coach and now, personal trainer.

Jack Dawson, legendary coach and founder of the Jack Dawson Sports Camp, sits down with #coachescornerbooth. Jack is a multi-faceted and highly respected member of the Portland community with a storied career as an educator, coach and entrepreneur. He talks about his coaching philosophy, his decades-long playing career in the twilight baseball league and his newest business venture.

Steve Schwartz, LL World Series Umpire and sports announcer, takes us to the other side of baseball and softball. Donating his time to Portland youth sports in the forms of umpiring, serving on boards, or announcing has allowed Steve the opportunity to experience many different coaching styles and philosophies. He may be the only person known to #coachescornerbooth who finds umpiring baseball and softball to be "relaxing". A kind-hearted, philanthropic, native member of Maine's largest city, Steve's work ethic and pursuit of excellence in everything that he does has gained him the respect of several generations of Portlanders.

Tim Hopley, 7-time state champion coach of the Portsmouth High School Baseball team, calls in to speak with the Coaches Corner Booth at Madden's Pub and Grill. Coach Hopley talks about how he has gone from an o-fer season and some lean years to a national record 89-0 run in recent years. Staying true to his coaching philosophy, Coach Hopley has gained the respect of his players and the coaching community in New Hampshire and nationwide. Coach of the year in both Girls' Basketball and Baseball in the 2017-18 school year is a well-earned honor for this humble, player-centered professional.

Regan Flaherty, Deering High grad '09 and Western Kentucky grad, talks about his experiences with getting drafted by the Seattle Mariners at 18 years old and then making the difficult decision to attend college instead of accepting a sizable signing bonus. He discusses the importance of playing multiple sports and working hard in order to become the elite athlete that lead him to a successful D1 run at Western Kentucky. Currently working as a Certified Financial Planner in the Portland, Maine, Regan talks about how his teammates along his journey is what he remembers most about his baseball career. Sitting in on the interview squad are USM grads and D3 College World Series Champs Steve Giroux '94 and Jim DiMillo '94 along with CCB regulars (and former interview) Andy Coulombe, Kennebunk High School, and Tim.

St. Joseph's College (Maine) standout athlete, Cheverus High School head softball coach, Westbrook High School co-varsity coach, Portland High School assistant coach, Theresa Hendrix, joins John, Tim and Jason at Madden's Pub and Grill. Theresa talks about growing up in a sports environment and her rise to collegiate dominance at St. Joseph's College. She also talks about her new passion for coaching at the high school level. Already seasoned at a young age, Theresa's drive and maturity have helped her become a respected colleague in the Maine coaching ranks.

Tony award winner, Tyler Micoleau, and Tony nominee, John Cariani, share a matinee chat with Tim and new-to-the-show Kathleen Harris (Deering Players legendary leader). Both graduates of Maine high schools in 1987 (Tyler from Deering and John from Presque Isle) and both at the top of their fields! Tyler talks about his journey from engineering aspirations to Broadway lighting designer. John talks about his multifaceted career in the industry including a star role in Broadway's , 'A Band's Visit', as well writing the most produced play in North America called 'Almost, Maine'. Two of the kindest and most humble guys you could meet.

Kat McKay, head softball coach at the University of Maine at Farmington, makes the trip down to #coachescornerbooth to talk softball and coaching at both the high school and collegiate level. Coach McKay took a very non-traditional path to becoming a standout player at the University of Southern Maine during her playing days. After finishing her degree, she coached the Poland Regional HS softball team until entering the world of college softball. Coach McKay is humble and grounded as she follows her passion for coaching the game of softball.

Mike Owens, head baseball coach at South Portland High School, talks baseball with John, Michael and newcomer Jason Maxwell. Coach Owens talks about his career as a player, his current team and his coaching philosophy. One of the great coaches in high school baseball today, Coach Owens talks about the importance of building relationships with players in order to teach them how to be young men through the game of baseball.

Former Boston Celtics assistant coach and current Portland City Manager Jon Jennings graciously provides #coachescornerbooth with a glimpse at his eclectic career as a basketball coach, White House Fellow, business man and City Manager. A humble and caring person, Coach Jennings talks about his mother's influence on his value system that has shaped his success in life. He also talk about the massive influence Red Auerbach had on his career path. Big names from the Boston Celtics in the Bird, Parrish, McHale, Walton, Johnson glory years of the late 80's. Great guy with a great story. Portland is lucky to have him guiding the city.

Former Portland Sea Dogs bullpen coach and great friend to #coachescornerbooth, Mark Gafur, calls in to talk about his years with the Portland Sea Dogs (farm team of the Boston Red Sox). Our brother-from-another-mother discusses his duties as a bullpen coach as well as the special relationships that he developed with possible future Hall of Famers Josh Beckett and AJ Burnett in their years before their big breaks.

Brad McKenney of the Minnesota Twins Operations group and 2012 Greely High School graduate calls into the #coachescornerbooth from the Twins' extended training camps in Florida. Following his passion for baseball, Brad talks about how he wound up in the Dominican Republic learning Spanish and teaching English (or "American" as John called it) to future Major League Baseball players. Brad is at the beginning of what will likely become a stellar and rewarding career in the business end of baseball.