Episodes

The intro episode will tell you most of what you need to know about the podcast host, Erik Thormaehlen.  It's weird to talk about yourself in the third person, so I'll just say it... the intro is about me and I paid a guy a small amount to do it.  Thanks to some great voice-over work, take 90 seconds to walk through the major points of my career as an educator in the State of Texas.  This episode gives you a brief description regarding my time on the school board at the age of 21, a teaching and coaching career, experiences as a high school principal, involvement in bringing football to UTSA, and so much more!  After reading this, you probably don't have to listen.

Check out the intro episode below though if you're interested:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast-intro/id1457356332?i=1000433838552 

You can also download on Apple, Google, Spotify, Overcast, Breaker, Overcast, RadioPublic, and coming soon to Podbean, TuneIn, and Stitcher.

Instructions for how to download on Apple can be found at the link below:

https://youtu.be/Udy6d_AnpNA

Coach Bludau is 37th all-time on the Texas High School Football Coaches wins list.  He led teams in Columbus and Boerne to the State Semi-Finals.  He led Yorktown to the State Quarterfinals and Schulenburg to the Regional Playoffs.  Coach Bludau had a profound impact on each community he worked in and you won't want to miss this incredible story of the career of one of the best ever in Texas.  Oh and... is he done coaching for good?  Listen now and find out! 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-1-tommy-bludau/id1457356332?i=1000434961882 

 i sat down with retired Coach Mike Williamson and recorded a riveting episode of Tale Lights.  Coach Williamson coached the 2002 Bandera Bulldogs to the State Championship in 3A Texas Football in a double overtime victory against Midland-Greenwood.  Coach Williamson had several other coaching stints in Pearsall, Eldorado, and Uvalde that are covered, as well. 

Part 1

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-2-1-mike-williamson-pt-1/id1457356332?i=1000434961881 

Part 2

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-2-2-mike-williamson-pt-2/id1457356332?i=1000434961880 

Follow Coach Ron Mills career from his first head coaching job out in Groom, TX., to a 1983 state championship season in Bay City, all the way to the Blue Bell factory in Brenham, with several stops along the way!  We will discuss the likes of Hart Lee Dykes, Joe DeLoach, and Rocky Road Ice Cream.  It's going to be an interview full of sweet memories.  One thing Coach Mills let me in on prior to the interview was "I've got a few stories and they get a little bit better every year!" 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-3-ron-mills/id1457356332?i=1000437059436 

Placed in Boysville at the age of 7 (in San Antonio, TX.), follow as Mr. Larry Taylor tells the story of being one of the first captains of the football team in Judson Rockets history, to an education and administrative career that has spanned over forty years.  With stops all over the Concho Valley and San Antonio, this promises to be an episode you won't want to miss!  Mr. Taylor has most recently served as the Education Service Center Region 15 Field Service Agent & Director of Administrative Services, as well as serving as an interim superintendent in many small districts throughout the San Angelo area.  We don't stop at just discussing his career, we go deep into school finance, relationships, and accountability.  This episode is perfect for people that serve in administrative capacities and feedback is welcome.  Please be sure to disclose whether or not you wish to remain anonymous, should you choose to provide feedback to my e-mail.  You wishes will be respected.

Part 1

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-4-1-larry-taylor/id1457356332?i=1000437051953 

Part 2

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-4-2-larry-taylor/id1457356332?i=1000437266723 

Do you have coaches on your staff that need to get a CDL?  Do they not even know where to begin?  Join Cagen Chaney and I as we walk through the process of getting the CDL in this day and age.  Coach Chaney has been teaching and coaching for two years and we promise to have some helpful and enjoyable stories about the process of obtaining a CDL, for the purpose of driving a school bus, in the State of Texas.  Not only that, but he (and his wife) Amanda have a brand new baby girl, Birdie Jo Chaney. We take a little bit of time at the end to discuss the balance of teaching, coaching, and being a new parent.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-5-cagen-chaney-and-the-cdl/id1457356332?i=1000437200800 

Coach Chaney was a Head Football Coach at Whiteface, Era, Bowie, and Alvord,  Coach Chaney then went to work for John Fellows at Iraan, before later being a coordinator on a state runner-up football team at Iraan, alongside Head Coach Mark Kirchoff.  We discuss the season that included tragedy and triumph in Iraan, TX., the abundance of tumbleweeds out in the region of Whiteface, the historic 11 win season in Era, TX., along with the first (non-tie breaker assisted) playoff victory in school history, a challenging transition to a larger classification, and a great run in Alvord that includes two memorable playoff games against Goldthwaite.  Tune in to listen to each and every step of Coach Chaney's career.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-6-mike-chaney/id1457356332?i=1000437283338 

Paul Darden has coached the Sundown HS Cross Country Teams to 12 state championships, 6 boys, and 6 girls. Coach Darden grew up in Midland and went to college at Texas Tech. We talk about his time running in high school, the start of his career in San Antonio, 5 years in Lubbock ISD, 2 years in Tomball, and nearly 30 years in Sundown. Along with walking through the course of his career, we spend time discussing track & field and cross country, what events we’d like to see added, what changes we’ve liked over the years, and numerous other thoughts and philosophies regarding the sport of running.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-7-paul-darden/id1457356332?i=1000439101824 

Coach Danny Threadgill was the first Head Football Coach of the Boerne - Samuel V. Champion Chargers!  He came to Boerne to work for Coach Tommy Bludau as a coordinator at BHS.  When Coach Bludau moved on, Coach Threadgill took over the reigns in Boerne and then later had the distinct challenge of opening up a brand new school and football program at Champion High School  Coach Threadgill and Coach Bludau still remain as the only two football coaches in Boerne history to ever win 12 games, although a few others have come close.  Coach Threadgill coached the first Boerne boys track and field program to a regional championship.  Coach Threadgill will discuss his stops in Yorktown, Bruceville-Eddy, and Boerne.  

Special thanks to Russell Hawkins for the photo!

Part 1

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-8-1-danny-threadgill/id1457356332?i=1000439268774 

Part 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-8-2-danny-threadgill/id1457356332?i=1000440179706 

Part 3  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-8-3-danny-threadgill/id1457356332?i=1000440306845 

Coach Paul Talbert was the Head Football Coach in Palestine Westwood, Tuloso-Midway, Wall, Comfort, Malakoff, and Gorman.  Coach Talbert led the Comfort Bobcats to 80 wins in 8 years, multiple appearances in the quarterfinals and semifinals, and an athletic program that was experiencing a great deal of success.  All this success in a place that had previously won a single playoff game in the history of the high school football program.  Join us as we take an in depth look at the career of Coach Talbert and the rise of the Bobcats!  From his humble beginnings working in a meat packing factory after high school and saving money in a Skippy peanut butter jar so that he could attend school at Ranger JC, we load up a banana box and enjoy a wild two hour journey, that sees his time coaching in the college ranks, signing a two year contract with the Houston Oilers, and takes us through the life and career of Coach Paul Talbert. 

Part 1:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-9-1-paul-talbert/id1457356332?i=1000440620325 

Part 2:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-9-2-paul-talbert/id1457356332?i=1000440620326 

His Texas Sports Hall of Fame Biography says it all!

http://www.tshof.org/about/thsfhof/details/index.html?staff_id=846 

Three state titles, three perfect seasons, the 1991 tie in the semifinals, and everything else one might imagine. This will be a podcast you can't possibly afford to miss. 

Part 1:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-10-1-bob-ledbetter/id1457356332?i=1000440822259 

Part 2:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-10-2-bob-ledbetter/id1457356332?i=1000440863296 

This episode will be a dream come true for many of my former teammates and I. Coach Dave Fulkerson coached in Boerne ISD for many years, capturing 6 state titles (2 at Boerne HS and 4 at Sam Champion HS). Coach Fulkerson also won a state title in Hawaii, took a team to a third place finish in Oregon (where he grew up and even raced against Steve Prefontaine in the mile relay) and to this date is the only coach in Texas High School Cross Country to coach a team to the NXN National Cross Country Championship (2009).

Coming this weekend!

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-11-dave-fulkerson/id1457356332?i=1000442233093 

Lt. Col. Bill Sultenfuss is a retired United States Marine and retired public educator.  When I moved to Boerne in 1996, living on Park Place created great opportunities to make friends such as, Chris Lowry, Brad Henson, and Matt Beaman, which led to a highly rational fear of the scary old guy who usually screamed at us, "Get out of my yard!", while dropping passes by the tree he had planted in our South Endzone (AKA the start of his yard).  Coach Sultenfuss coached track, football, and taught numerous classes at Boerne High.  He was our world geography teacher in 9th grade and while his style may have seemed crass to some, he typically offered a harsh dose of reality to each of our individual deficiencies.  The style he used, one might say, has become obsolete in our over-sensitized country, which is a shame, because it was often a great motivator to be laughed at for failing math.  With three older brothers, I definitely understood what his angle was and was so fortunate to have been taught by Coach Sultenfuss.  I later passed math. 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-12-bill-sultenfuss/id1457356332?i=1000442233092 

Stan Leech is very unique in the State of Texas. Most ADs are head football coaches, but when Stan Leech got the chance to assume the Athletic Director position in Boerne, he orchestrated an era of unmatched athletic success in the small community by hiring quality coaches, supporting all programs, and loving kids, which ultimately led to levels of achievement beyond any era in Boerne history. You won't want to miss out on a podcast that is sure to include some great Sam Champion stories, and many stories about some of the best times in Boerne history, including his start in Yorktown working under episode #1 guest, Tommy Bludau. Coach Leech amassed over 800 wins as a head basketball coach and took teams in Boerne to the state tournament on two separate occasions, with a state runner-up team in 1990. Coming this weekend!

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-13-stan-leech/id1457356332?i=1000442244316 

 One of the few reporters I've ever liked!  Russell Hawkins has photographed some of the best athletes and biggest events in Texas sports.  We'll be talking about his time in the USMC, officiating football games out in El Paso, covering the Sun Bowl, and so much more!  Mr. Hawkins is a quiet and very humble man, and I can't wait for this sit-down interview to start chipping away at the great stories of a man that has been an unsung hero in making high school athletes feel like a big deal for a long time... whether they were a big deal or not.  Coming this weekend! 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-14-russell-hawkins/id1457356332?i=1000442255533 

 Coach Steve Van Meter spent the majority of his career as the Head Football Coach of the Friendswood Mustangs, a program that has only known four different head football coaches in it's entire 60+ year existence. "Coach Van" not only coached the mustangs for twenty years, but he also played on the 1973 Friendswood team that won the state championship, under Coach Henry Winston. In his twenty years at Friendswood, Coach Van Meter won more than 185 games in twenty-five total years as a head coach.  He led teams to the State Semifinals on two occasions, and the quarterfinals three times while in Friendswood. Coach Van went on to Hutto and led the Hippos to the State Quarterfinals, as well. You won't want to miss this episode! 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-15-steve-van-meter/id1457356332?i=1000445613831 

 Coach Zayas coached me twenty years ago in the eighth grade, when I was a snot-nosed little punk in the jr. high at Boerne Middle School!  Believe me, I was not easy to deal with!  Fast-forward two decades later and this man is in charge of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (or what we call the "UIL" here in Texas).  Coach spent a couple of years in Texas Public Education as a teacher and coach in Boerne and at Pflugerville Connally, prior to heading to New Mexico to work on his PhD.  He ended up landing a job that lasted ten year with the New Mexico Activities Association (Similar to UIL), prior to taking a chance at the Executive Director role with the NYSPHSAA, and landing the job!  We'll be talking all about Athletic Administration and what it takes to be in that line of work for our listeners that are interested in that particular area.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-16-dr-robert-zayas/id1457356332?i=1000446307073 

  Coach Devlyn Lovell has coached teams at the Antonian College Preparatory High School to 15 state championships. We will be talking all about the TAPPS world and in the middle of two runs at Antonian, we'll talk about Coach Lovell's transition to the college world, before coming back to the high school level. Track and Field fans will want to listen closely, as well as those coaches out there that often think about the college ranks. We'll go deep into the process of making what is practically a career change, as we follow Coach Lovell's career from San Antonio all the way out to New Mexico and back. We'll talk all about his time running in college and going to Thomas C. Clark High School in San Antonio... What was that area even like before they built the rim and La Cantera? We can't wait to hear it all!

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-17-devlyn-lovell/id1457356332?i=1000447756183 

Alan Rich was elected to the Boerne ISD Board of Trustees in 2006.  Prior to that, he grew up in San Antonio, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School.  Alan then went on to Abilene Christian, before returning to the area, where he became an elected member of the Boerne ISD School Board.  Alan is the last remaining board member that I served with, and following the completion of his current term, will have 15 years experience on the BISD Board.  We'll be talking about all kind of things school board related, as well as, Alan's background, family, and much, much more!

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-18-alan-rich/id1457356332?i=1000447787842 

We reach back to humble beginnings in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to a career as the Head Football Coach at Odessa High, San Antonio Marshall, and Dickinson, all the way to becoming an athletic administrator with Round Rock and NISD, we cover it all!  The name of Coach Dub Farris is easily recognizable because of the thousands of people that fill Farris Stadium on a regular basis, not to mention the many that drive by the beautiful facility (located along 1604 in San Antonio) on a daily basis.  It was a real pleasure and honor to take an hour to listen in to stories from the career of a Texas High School Football Coaching Legend, as we traveled all throughout the State of Texas.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-dub-farris/id1457356332?i=1000451741514 

 In this episode I sit down with Boerne - Samuel V. Champion Head Baseball Coach, Chuck Foster. We start off in Pampa and head out to Odessa during his childhood, before moving on to the Houston suburb of Deer Park, San Jacinto College, Clemson University, and then a return home to coach all kinds of sports back at Deer Park. In 2002, Chuck Foster would make a big move into the head coaching world and take over the helm of the Boerne Greyhounds, where in 2004 they would capture the UIL Class 4A Championship. Join us for a great career retrospective that includes a lot of discussion of growing up in Houston during the 80s, a magical baseball journey, and continued success today as the Head Coach of The Champion Chargers. We dig deep into the weeds, discuss lots of former Boerne players, and forever memorialize a tremendous career in education. Want to know what it takes to be a great assistant? Woooo! Wait until we tell you about some of the great qualities of longtime assistant coach, John Uecker. So, put on your helmet and step up to the plate, because this episode of the Tale Lights Podcast is guaranteed to be great.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-chuck-foster/id1457356332?i=1000460680185 

Walt Wendtland grew up in Rosenberg, Texas, and went on to play baseball for Wharton County Junior College and Mississippi State, prior to taking a position as a teacher and coach in Bay City, Texas.  Coach Wendtland went on to an administrative career that involved stops at Lamar Consolidated and Yoakum, prior to returning to Bay City and finishing his career as the principal of Bay City High School.  These days you can find Coach Wendtland on a fishing boat in Matagorday Bay, or teeing off at the Rio Colorado Golf Course.  If you mention that you listened to the episode, you'll be in line for a discount the next time you come down to Matagorda and use him as your fishing guide.  For more info, visit:

 https://www.gofishmatagorda.com/ 

Available now at:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/21-walt-wendtland/id1457356332?i=1000461273342 

Floyd Ciruti grew up in Baytown, Texas.  He went to college at Sam Houston State University, where he was an All-American Center Fielder. After his playing days were behind him, he continued his passion for the game of baseball by becoming the head baseball coach of the Wharton Tigers. Leading the Tigers to the State Tournament, more than 500 wins, and the playoffs more than 25 times in 33 years, Coach Ciruti was able to build a Hall of Fame coaching resume, while being a great husband and father at the same time. These days you can find Coach Ciruti on a fishing boat in Matagorda Bay.  If you mention the podcast when you contact Captain Ciruti, you'll be in line for a discount.  For more info, visit:

 https://www.gofishmatagorda.com/ 

Available now at:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/22-floyd-ciruti/id1457356332?i=1000461499707 

 Join me as we hop in the truck of current George West ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Brent Kornegay.  We will be talking Devine, Llano, Orange Grove, Yoakum, and George West.  What it's like coaching in your hometown.  We talk about college at Texas Lutheran University, the importance of coaching junior high first, and some of the most fun we had was talking about the Yoakum-Cuero rivalry, and so much more.  Coach Kornegay is an outstanding athletic director and with over 115 wins as a head football coach in 17 seasons.

It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/23-brent-kornegay/id1457356332?i=1000465788681 

  Richard Herbst was born and raised in Boerne, Texas.  In his basketball coaching career, he amassed a record of 699-336  After a brief stint in Texas Public Education, Coach Herbst went on to coach men's and women's basketball at the collegiate level.  Coach Herbst was an assistant at Colorado State University, the head men's coach at Schreiner College (now Schreiner University) the head men's coach at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and returned to Schreiner as the athletic director and head women's basketball coach.  After several years at the collegiate level, Coach Herbst decided it was time to go home.  He accepted the girls basketball job in Boerne, where he would lead the Lady Hounds to a state-semifinals appearance.  We discuss all that, his time as head coach in Copperas Cove and Clark High School (San Antonio), and much much more!    

It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/24-richard-herbst/id1457356332?i=1000468342066 

 If you've listened to the first two episodes of the Tale Lights Podcast, you know exactly what Coach Tommy Bludau and Coach Mike Williamson had to say about the importance of junior high football in terms of their successes.  I have maintained a great relationship with "Coach O" over the years.  He brought a level of passion and excitement to school (and athletics) that can only be found in a young coach.  While he no longer coaches, he is still teaching science.  From growing up in Brackettville, TX., to his time in San Angelo attending college, we take a fun (and in-depth) look at his time working with some of the kids that would go on to be one of Boerne's best groups ever on the football field, to stints in Fredericksburg, Lake Travis, SA Stevens, Mc Collum (Harlandale ISD), Floresville, and Smithson Valley.  Boerne Middle School was full of great teachers and coaches growing up, and many of them have become lifelong friends of mine.  Coach O is certainly one that I've been very fortunate to stay in touch with.  And you already know we talked a little Spooky Science!  Talk about guts!

 It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below. 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/25-michael-orourke/id1457356332?i=1000468414184 

 Mr. Dick has led the Friendswood Mighty Mustang Marching Band to ten consecutive UIL State Marching Band Contests, with seven appearances in the finals, and three runner-up finishes!  The list of awards and successes for bands led by Mr. Dick are far too numerous to place in this small box, but this is certainly going to be an incredible interview with a lot of great information for those listeners that have a distinct interest in music, and for the casual listener, as well.  Mr. Dick will discuss growing up on the Gulf Coast, attending college at SHSU, and teaching at Dickinson, Clear Creek ISD (where he was district teacher of the year in 2000), and Friendswood. 

It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/26-greg-dick/id1457356332?i=1000468630403 

 Join me for an ad free version of the Tale Lights Podcast that transforms into the Tale Lights Podclass! My kids are yearning for the learning and I've got the fire to keep on burning baby, woooooo! Quarantine? Coronavirus? Any of that stopping you? It might have stopped the STAAR Test, but as my students know, the value and importance of learning history goes far beyond a silly test, it's the key to freedom. The only way we remain the greatest society on earth, as free thinking and speaking citizens in the paradise of the globe, is to take the time to understand the importance and sacrifice made by those that came before us.  From the bloodshed on the battlefields, to the knock-down-drag-outs in politics, we pick up right where we left off, to ensure students receive a full-fledged, top-notch, 21st century education, that will make others around the globe, yearn for what you are about to learn! Nothing stops this train. Be ready because we're picking up right where we left off. Civil Rights in chapter 16. Don't have a book, you say? HA, I'm reading it aloud to you!!! Each edition of the Tale Lights Podclass will include a lecture (also posted on my canvas page as the Chapter 16 lecture), a read along of the textbook to follow, and life advice at the beginning. Chicka chicka, CHOOOO CHOOOOO! Let's roll! 

Available now at: 

https://anchor.fm/erik-thormaehlen/episodes/27-The-Tale-Lights-Podclass-ebqhng

 Jennifer Fox grew up in the Houston area and went to Cypress Creek High School.  Go Cougars!  Coach Fox then went on to play softball at UTSA, where a small burgeoning university program, was able to crack the Top 25 (at the time the first time in history).  Coach Fox went into public education and worked in Marble Falls and Spring Branch ISD, before taking her first head softball coaching job, leading the Boerne Greyhounds to a class 4A (now 5A equivalent) state title.  We talk about the Boerne Hall of Honor, and the inductions we were privileged to be a part of.  Coach Fox left Boerne after the 2008 season, and moved on to Northeast ISD to lead the Johnson Jaguars softball team in their inaugural season.  During her time at Johnson, she's coached the team to several district titles and playoff runs.   

Available now at:

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/28-jennifer-fox/id1457356332?i=1000469284684 

 Mike Barnett grew up in Luling, TX., and coached in Luling for 31 years.  Mike went to Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where he currently resides today.  Coach Barnett coached his hometown cross country team to a UIL record (that's all sports AND all genders), eight straight state championships, as the Head Cross Country Coach at Luling.  Not only did they have the streak of 8 straight, but Coach Barnett also coached a boys cross country team in the fall of 1999 to the school's first state championship, and the girls track team that following spring to the second state title in school history, for a combined total of ten state championships.  Join me as we learn a lot more about a man that did incredible things for the children of Luling in cross country and track and field! 

Available now at: 

It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below. 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/29-mike-barnett/id1457356332?i=1000469303505 

 Coach Billy Nabours spent more than two decades at Comfort High School. He was one of the most recognizable coaches in the area, and loudly supported each and every one of his runners. He had kids participate at the state meet in just about every event imaginable, along with sending boys and girls teams to state in cross country throughout the years, and a bronze medalist team in 2006. Coach Nabours recently retired and now works for the Hill Country Community Journal in Kerrville, and substitute teaches at Medina and Center Point. He spent time years ago in Angleton, Weatherford, and Big Spring, working for the local newspapers, prior to beginning his career in education that saw stops in Harper, Iredell, Weimar, and Comfort.  Coach Nabours recently became the Head Boys and Girls Track Coach at Our Lady of the Hills Regional Catholic High School in Kerrville.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/30-billy-nabours/id1457356332?i=1000469634428 

  Ben English spent his early years in the schools of Terlingua, and graduated from Fort Stockton HS. After high school, Ben joined the United State Marines and headed for San Diego. Following his military service, Ben went to school at Angelo State and then began a career with the Texas DPS, as a State Trooper.  Ben English is one incredible man, as following more than twenty years of serving the people as a Trooper, he dove into a two years of teaching the kids criminal justice at Ozona HS. Ben and Cathy (his wife) have since moved to Alpine. and Ben has since gone on to pen the books "Yonkederlings" and "Destiny's Way" and has become a member of the Big Bend Board of Directors.  It's my pleasure to introduce to the Tale Lights Podcast listeners, a one of a kind individual, Ben H. English!  Ben English is one of the finest Americans I've ever known.  In all my stops throughout my journey, I've met few that see America, so passionately, for the great country that it is.  You can't blame us, as we do get a little off the path every once in a while discussing topical and patriotic issues throughout the extent of our discussion.

  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/31-ben-h-english/id1457356332?i=1000469758880 

For more information on Ben's books:

 https://www.benhenglish.com/ 

Scott Hippensteel grew up surrounded by farm life in the State of Indiana.  Coach Hippensteel was recruited by the University of Texas for the sports of cross country and track & field..  He came to Texas and he began his career as a permanent sub at Lanier High School, prior to taking a job as a junior high coach at Leander Jr. High.  In the fall of 1988, Coach Hippensteel began a run at Lockhart that is well known and respected throughout the cross country and track & field world in the State of Texas.  Coach Hippensteel has coached numerous individuals to state championships in cross country and track.  He also coached the 1998 and 2000 Lockhart Lions Cross Country Teams to the UIL Class 4A state title, and finished 2nd or 3rd in the state on countless occasions..  We had a great discussion that goes deep into the subject of what "success" really is in running.

  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/32-scott-hippensteel/id1457356332?i=1000469812055 

 Rick Bachman grew up in San Angelo.  After graduating high school, he joined the Navy and set sail.  Upon returning to the San Angelo area he enrolled in college at Angelo State University.  Coach B began his career down in Alice.  After spending time in Alice, he decided to head back out west to Ozona, where he took a job in the oilfield.  After many year in the oil industry, he was brought back into education by one of our previous guests, Larry Taylor, who at the time was the Superintendent of Ozona.  Coach B eventually took a job in Beeville, before heading back out west to Fort Stockton where he would begin his administrative career as an assistant principal.  Rick eventually took on the role as middle school principal in Ozona, and then returned to Fort Stockton, where he retired from his career in education.  These days you can find him back in the oil industry.  Are you an educator that wants to know how to get into the oil industry?  If so, then listen to this episode, because we cover the two most important ways for you to do it!  Not to mention, you'll have the opportunity I received to listen to a great man tell you a lot of truth about the world of public education in the State of Texas.  

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/33-rick-bachman/id1457356332?i=1000469911461 

The greatest virtual classroom on earth has returned for another week, and likely won't go away until the COVID-19 scare disappears.  There's lots in store for the kids this week, as we begin Vietnam and you know what that means?  Two episodes of Super Teacher!  The #1 hit educational broadcasting phenomenon that teaches kids about the Domino Theory and Agent Orange, and so much more!  If you're a student in my class, tune in again this week for another ad free episode of the greatest podblast on earth, The Tale Lights Podclass!  We've got the learning to fulfill your yearning, wooooo!

It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below. 

https://anchor.fm/erik-thormaehlen/episodes/34-Tale-Lights-Podclass-Dos-ec3r7n

I spent a lot of hours with Mr. Uecker, long before this interview.  I'm taking a chance on this one because if anybody has the dirt on a junior high Erik, it's him!  He was our assistant principal at Boerne Middle School North, and remained in that job for years.  He was so adamant about the fact that I could pass algebra 1, he scheduled to meet with me at 7 AM 3 days a week to tutor me in the mornings.  This guy is one of the best ever.  He went on to become the transportation direct in Boerne, before taking the transportation director position in Hutto ISD.  We'll go all the way back to his days in Roma, and his time in Boerne teaching Auto Tech!  So buckle up, because there's a lot of tea Mr. Uecker has saved up, and my bet is he'll be spilling some of it tonight.

It's always best to use a podcast App (Apple Podcasts is great, spotify, etc.), search Tale Lights Podcast, and find the episode you like, but you may attempt to listen at the link below. 

In post-production!  Available SOON!

Sam Harrell grew up in Seminole, and later moved to Brownwood, where he would play football for Coach Gordon Wood.  Coach Harrell was the son of a coach, and had the privilege playing for, learning from, or coaching against, nearly every great football coach in Texas history!  He graduated from ACU and then began a career in education in Plainview.  He then went on to join Coach Wood's staff in Brownwood.  Coach Harrell took his first Head Football Coach in Reagan County, leading the Owls (Big Lake) for four successful years, prior to accepting the same position at Ennis High School.  For some listeners, the draw will be the many games Coach Harrell has won (including three state championships), and while his record is certainly incredible, the most intriguing portion of this podcast, is the moment life came crashing down as he began a struggle with MS, that removed him from the Friday Night Lights.  Coach Harrell was very fortunate to find a friend that filled him in on a procedure available in Panama.  Thanks to God, Panama, and stem cell treatment, Coach Harrell is back on the sidelines in Ennis, Texas, and the Lions are poised for great things in the future.  This episode is one for the books! 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000470248475

Rose Helmke grew up in San Antonio.  She attended Thomas Jefferson High School, and enjoyed taking pictures of fighter jets at Randolph Field.  Rose spent many years as an elementary educator, not only in Texas, but also in New Mexico!  Have you ever thought about being a double dipper?  Rose explains a lot about teaching in New Mexico Public Schools, but also talks about her time teaching on the Reservation at the Mescalero Apache Schools.  From the good seats of the Inn of the Mountain Gods, Dave (her husband) and Rose were able to watch the Mescalero high school basketball team win a state title, in an empty stadium.  Thanks, Coronavirus.  This episode could be really helpful to folks considering the process of "double dipping!"  Who says teachers can't go out and get some of that Social Security?  Very grateful to Rose for taking the time to share this awesome story.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000471207578

 Callan Nokes grew up in Arlington, Texas.  After testing the waters outside the State of Texas, at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, Coach Nokes came back to the Lone Star State to finish his education at the University of Texas at Austin.  After finishing up with school, Coach Nokes spent a year in Pflugerville, before beginning accepting a teaching/coach position at Westlake High School.  Coach Nokes has been the Head Golf Coach for nearly 20 years at Westlake High School, in Austin, Texas.  Coach Nokes has coached the Chaps to 6 state titles in Golf, and 15 trips to the state tournament in 17 years!  Tune in to learn a little bit about what it takes to be a successful golf coach, and professional educator, from one of the finest in Texas! 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000475150050

 Matt Wernecke grew up in Wharton, Texas.  No thanks to the help from a pair of double bogey's, Matt caught the eye of the Sam Houston State University Golf Coach, where he went on to play golf in college.  After graduating, and finishing his collegiate career, Coach Wernecke began his career in education at Rice Consolidated.  Following a semester stay at Rice Cons, Coach Wernecke headed home to Wharton, where he became the head golf coach and found himself running the program fresh out of college.  After 5 successful years at home, he decided to head towards Austin and made a short stop at Pflugerville Hendrickson, prior to making a jump to lead the golf program of the Vandergrift Vipers.  As the first and only head coach in the golf program, Coach Wernecke has led both groups to state on multiple occasions, including numerous third place and runner-up finishes on the boys and girls side, and an incredible three year run of state championships for his boys program. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000475219507   

Lynn Graves grew up on a farm in Buncombe, Texas. He attended high school at Carthage High School and then went to college at Stephen F. Austin State University. Prior to being a head coach, Coach Graves spent time as an assistant at SFA, and in Jacksonville ISD. Coach Graves began his head coaching career as the Head Football Coach at SFA, where he coached the Lumberjacks all the way to the National Championship Game in 1989. With a close loss in the championship game, and impatience during a time of building the program back up, SFA decided to go in a new direction. Coach Graves did the same and took the Head Football Coaching job for the San Augustine Wolves and led the team to a 2003 UIL State Title against the Tuscola- Jim Ned Indians and quarterback Colt McCoy.  Four days later, he was fired.  No worries though, they rehired him later on down the road, and Coach Graves has a tremendous outlook on life and didn't let things get to him, as his mission of building kids into quality people, always took the forefront. You won't want to miss this wild and incredible story.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000485310766

Gary Proffitt grew up in Ballinger, Texas.  Coach Proffitt went to college at San Angelo State University, and then entered into his coaching career as an assistant coach of the Goldthwaite Eagles in 1980.  Working under Coach Chan Priest, the Eagles won their first state football title in 1985.  In 1986, Coach Proffitt took over the program and would lead Goldthwaite to 5 additional state championship football games, winning 3 state titles in all as the head coach, and sending the community on numerous enjoyable runs over the course of 27 seasons.    We discuss the old playoff formats, the new playoff formats, the crazy method of breaking tie football games back in the day, and much more!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000486018314

 Chan Priest grew up in the small town of San Saba, Texas, where his father was the Head Football Coach of the Armadillos.  We talk in depth about the history of "The Graveyard" (the football field in San Saba) and  Coach Priest tells a great story about the time his father and older brother (who were strong influences on his life), were involved in an altercation (which emanated from Mason, TX.) between the two and a couple of chain crew cowboys in the land of the Punchers, which from the sound of it, likely would have been a main event at the old Dallas Sportatorium.  Coach Priest played football at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and headed out to New Mexico to begin a career as a game warden.  He ended up following in his father's footsteps instead, and coaching a year in New Mexico, before returning to Texas and going to work at Early High School.  From Early, Coach Priest headed to De Leon, and went to work for Coach Jack Waggoner, where the Bearcats won the 1975 state championship in football.  By 1980, Coach Priest was ready to fly out on his own, as he accepted the position of Head Football Coach of the Goldthwaite Eagles.  Coach Priest, and his staff (which included our previous guest, Coach Gary Proffitt), would take a football program out of the slumping seventies, ending a decade long playoff drought, to kick off the electric eighties!  After the Eagles won the 1985 UIL Football State Championship (and a great story about Coach Gordon Wood's halftime locker room visit on that night), Coach Proffitt goes on to discuss the time he followed legendary Coach Randy Allen, to become the HFC of the Ballinger Bearcats.  After 5 years at Ballinger, Coach Priest had won 98 football games (as a head football coach) in his first ten years, and he was riding high into Gatesville, Texas, as the newly hired leader of the Hornet football program.  Coach Priest won 16 games in 6 years at Gatesville and his story of of the time he spent in Gatesville is every bit as interesting, honest, and fun to listen to, as the great triumphs of his life and career.  Coach Priest is pictured above, to the right of Coach Gary Proffitt, following the 2009 UIL State Championship won by the Goldthwaite Eagles.  Coach Priest's description of the picture is as follows "Gary's 4th and my 5th. I started adding Gary's to mine after I retired. When you get over 60 you can do that."

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332#episodeGuid=c4db1129-5657-4398-930d-b5dbd6d59fb1    

Steve Taylor grew up the son of a Baptist preacher in Spur, Texas.  He went on to play college football at San Angelo State University.  After a couple of years as a graduate assistant, Coach Taylor decided it was time to go for the "big money" in the Texas Public School System!  Coach Taylor headed for Muleshoe and joined Mike Wartes and Alan Cornelius to make up a trio of a head coach, an offensive coordinator, and a defensive coordinator, that is their ages had been added together, didn't even equal 75 years of age.  From Muleshoe, that same trio headed on to Denver City, where Cornelius would take the head job after Wartes departed, and then finally Coach Steve Taylor would take his first head coaching position, as he was promoted to lead the Mustangs.  Coach Taylor spent 6 years at the helm, before taking a job in "the biggest little town in the world", Ozona, Texas.  Coach Taylor and his staff took the reigns and immediately put the Lions on track for a great season.  After 5 years of leading the Lions, Coach Taylor would take a job at Midland Greenwood, where he and his staff would lead the Rangers to the State Quarterfinals in 2006.  After 5 years in Midland, Coach Taylor decided to head further west and took the job as the Head Football Coach of the Brownfield Cubs.  A year later, he was headed home to Denver City for another great run with the Mustangs.  Tune in for all the great details.  You won't want to miss a great story about Coach Rip Sewell, a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association, Hall of Honor.  Not to mention, discuss one of the most incredible ladies I've met in my life, Anne Shaw.  It's an interview that you won't want to miss!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332#episodeGuid=032de2eb-19ea-4d11-b25d-5af9aa85576b

Rick Keith grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast, when his family's livelihood sent them headed out east to Connecticut.  In many ways it was a real blessing because in Connecticut, "Tex", as he was called, would find the sport of cross country.  As a state qualifying cross country runner, and a member of the varsity hockey team, Rick had quite the adventure in a place where many believed he was a foreign exchange student.  He returned to Texas to attend UT before serving in the military, overseas in Germany.  After returning and completing his education, Coach Keith began a journey that eventually led him out west to Alpine, Texas.  During his time in Alpine, Coach Keith served as the head coach of volleyball, girls track, and cross country.  With over 300 wins as a volleyball coach in 11 seasons, learn how Coach Keith made the switch to cross country and launched an entirely new program at AHS.  Coach Keith and I even engage in a fun debate over whether or not the girls in Texas should be running a 5K.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000488315342

In the 45th edition of the Tale Lights Podcast, I did something different.  I sat down with a former player of Coach Rip Sewell to honor the deceased coach that made a major impact in the lives of kids out in Ozona, Texas, for many years.  Blake Moody not only played football and ran track for Coach Sewell, but was also the son of the superintendent during Coach Sewell's time as AD/HFC. We talked about what it was like growing up in Ozona,, playing for Coach Sewell, the experience of an undefeated 1976 season, and much more.  One road we go down is the disappointing 4-3 school board vote in 2015 that determined the stadium would not be named in Coach Sewell's honor.  Coach Sewell is in the THSCA Hall of Honor, and a legend in West Texas.  The fact that small town politics so often get in the way of doing what's right, is as usual, highly disappointing to many of us that appreciate the decades of love and dedication Coach Rip Sewell showed to the kids out in Ozona.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000491856079

Coach Shivers grew up in Boerne, Texas.  He graduated the Salutatorian of BHS in the Class of 1992.  As a high school basketball player, Robbie helped the Boerne Greyhounds reach the 1990 State Championship game.  He then went on to Stephen F. Austin University to play college basketball and continue his education, before transferring to Concordia University in Austin, to team up with his older brother David, in a reunion that saw Robbie named as a 2nd Team NAIA All-American.  After graduating, Coach Shivers headed back to Boerne to work as an assistant basketball coach, under his high school coach, and previous podcast guest, Stan Leech.  After 4 years of being an assistant, Coach Shivers decided to move into the head coach world which saw stops in Utopia, Brazoswood, San Marcos, and Lampasas.  Join us as we take a trip down memory lane in the virtual yellow dog, cruising throughout numerous parts of Texas, and expanding upon impressions of each place and the good times.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/46-robbie-shivers/id1457356332?i=1000492626464

Dickie Faught grew up near Brownfield, Texas, and attended college at San Angelo State University.  Coach Faught began his coaching career in Klondike, Texas.  After a two year stint in Klondike, Coach Faught made a jump back towards home and went to Brownfield as an assistant coach for a few years before taking over the girls basketball program at a time when 3 time WNBA MVP, Sheryl Swoopes was in high school.  Coach Faught would coach Brownfield to a state title in 1988.  Soon after he took a job as Girls Coordinator at Hereford High School where he stayed for three years, before jumping to Ozona, Texas, a place where his teams went on to play for three state titles, and win two.  Coach Faught finished his career with a 9 year run in Seminole, and more than 600 wins throughout his amazing career. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000492746803

Kerry Barboza grew up in San Antonio, Texas. After attending high school at Thomas Jefferson, Kerry was on his way to Oral Roberts in Tulsa, before checking out the coast of Virginia while working on his Master’s Degree and getting his feet wet in the news/sports reporting business. Kerry made it back to the San Antonio area in February of 2002, when he took a job at the Boerne Star. For nearly 20 years, Kerry Barboza has been around every state championship moment, the UIL Lone Star Cup, the split of two high schools, the development of a major private school, and the coverage of the Comfort Bobcats/Deer, and he’s seen it all. From the Paul Talbert years in Comfort, to covering so many amazing Boerne coaches, athletes, programs, and moments, Kerry Barboza got a great seat for the action. The thing is, he was usually standing the whole time, taking pictures, and then headed back home to write about all of these moments and give Boerne Athletes coverage that few are lucky to receive at the prep level. You won’t want to miss it as we cover the top ten stories in Boerne over the last many years. We talk about all kinds of things, but you’ll have to tune in to hear for yourself. Episode #48.1 includes Kerry’s life, growing up, going to college, and returning to the SA area, and then we dive right into the #’s 10, 9, and 8! Later in the week I’ll release #48.2, and we’ll finish out the top 10, by coverings #’s 7-1. I’d have released the entire interview at once, but with a day job, I needed a few night to clean it all up for maximum enjoyment! Don’t miss us discussing the Hall of Honor, Sam Champion, and so much more!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tale-lights-podcast/id1457356332?i=1000493713408

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