Jamy Bechler

Providing Insights on Leadership and Success. Coach Bechler is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Member.

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Dec 13 2018

Episode 106: Greg Tonagel, Indiana Wesleyan University Basketball Coach

Greg Tonagel is the head men’s basketball coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. Tonagel and the Wildcats have won three NAIA Division II National Championships in a five year spans with titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Since Tonagel took over the program in 2005, he has become the winningest coach in program history both in total wins and winning percentage. Prior to coming to IWU, Tonagel served as Director of Basketball Operations at Valparaiso University, where he also played for legendary Homer Drew and appeared in four NCAA Tournaments as the starting point guard. He also led his LaPorte High School team to the last single class state finals in 1997. Much of the unprecedented success of the Wildcats can be attributed to the culture Tonagel built at IWU.  The IWU culture is built around two Biblically transforming principles; I am Third and Fearless. This has helped the influence of IWU basketball to extend far beyond the court. Tonagel and his staff have been committed to using basketball as a platform for discipleship.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • What any coach can do to create a better culture
  • Why IWU is so good year in and year out
  • How he convinces great players (including DI transfers from IU and Kansas) to come to IWU
  • … and so much more!!!

[Read more…]

Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: Podcast Episodes, Teams & Organizations · Tagged: Basketball, Bryce Drew, Chad Briscoe, Chris Oliver, Christian, Coaching, Culture, dwane casey, Homer Drew, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan, Indiana Wesleyan University, IWU, jason romano, Jesus Christ, Jon Gordon, larry desimpelare, Leadership, Marion, Marion Giants, Marion High School, NAIA, Todd Gongwer, travis daugherty, Valparaiso University

Feb 04 2018

Episode 065: Executive Director of the NCCAA Dan Wood

Dan Wood is the Executive Director of the National Christian College Athletic Association. He joined the NCCAA national office staff in 2000. Dan was the recipient of the 2016 Professional Excellence Award from Southern Wesleyan University’s (SWU) School of Education. He serves on the Advisory Board of Sports Spectrum Magazine, is a member of Greenville Connect Ministry, and as a member of ALIVE Wesleyan he has provided leadership in building and capital campaigns and youth ministry. Prior to his time with the NCCAA, he was involved in Christian Higher Education, beginning in 1987 as a professor, coach, and Athletic Director at Christian universities. Dan was awarded NCCAA and NAIA Coach of the Year in Men’s Soccer and Men’s Golf; received the NCCAA Meritorious Service Award; and was inducted into SWU and Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

  • What the NCCAA does
  • Why Christian Higher Education is important
  • The high level athletics played at the NCCAA level
  • How he overcame cancer and losing an eye during his life

[Read more…]

Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: Podcast Episodes · Tagged: Brent Ellis, Chad Briscoe, Character, Christian, community service, Darrin Gray, greenville, horst schulze, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University, Jonathan Milligan, larry desimpelare, Leadership, Marion, mark batterson, NAIA, NCAA, NCCAA, servant leadership, service, Serving, South Carolina, Todd Gongwer

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