Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Big Stories

Big Stories is a show dedicated to the incredible tales surrounding the opponents of the BYU Cougars. You'll hear from people associated with Sam Houston, Arkansas, and the Big 12 teams BYU will play this season. Big stories is hosted by Cleon Wall.

Big Stories will have more great tales from the Big 12 coming up on January 6th. We will chronicle the Arizona State women's volleyball coach who left the high world of finance to coach his favorite game, the University of Arizona basketball coach who became the first African-American coach at a major university, the former Kansas basketball player who quit professional basketball to bring people to God, and so many more great tales.

Most young athletes dream of playing college and professional sports, and Wayne Simien was no exception. He not only played basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks but also achieved the pinnacle of success by winning an NBA championship with the Miami Heat. However, Wayne chose to leave it all behind. In this podcast episode, he shares his journey of faith in Jesus Christ and explains why he decided to give up basketball to spread his beliefs on college campuses across Kansas. Guests: Wayne Simien - KU Associate Athletic Director, former KU and NBA basketball player Ryan Hickman - Pastor at Community Church in Topeka, Kansas John McDermott - Senior Pastor at Morningstar Church in Lawrence, Kansas AJ Steward - UCLA Football Coach, former KU running back

When Bill Snyder arrived at Kansas State, the Wildcats were the worst team in college football—winless in 27 straight games. But, through his relentless dedication and a culture built on caring for his players, he led one of the most remarkable turnarounds in sports history. Along the way, Snyder touched the lives of many K-State Football fans through personalized notes. In this podcast episode, Snyder reflects on the Cats revival and hears from fans who received his letters. Guests: Bill Snyder - Former KSU Football Head Coach Ross Snyder - Bill’s son Wyatt Thompson - Senior Director of Sportscasting, Voice of the Wildcats

After an impressive career at the University of Kansas and in the NFL, Darrell Stuckey faced a career-ending injury that forced him to step away from the game he loved. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, he found a new purpose—using his faith, resilience, and hard-earned wisdom to guide the next generation. Now back at KU as a coach, Stuckey is helping young athletes navigate adversity and strive for success, just as he once did. Guests: Darrell Stuckey - KU Director of Football Relations, former KU and NFL Football player Chris Hughes - KU Assistant Director of Inclusive Excellence, former KU football player Scott Ward - Director of Peak Performance for Kansas Athletics Sam Burt- Former KU football player

Fred Snowden, a.k.a. "The Fox," made history as the first African American head basketball coach at a major university, taking the helm at the University of Arizona in 1972. Facing racism, death threats, and countless challenges, Snowden persevered and turned Tucson into a basketball town. His groundbreaking leadership paved the way for future generations of African American coaches, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the court. This podcast episode tells the story of a trailblazer who overcame the odds to change the game forever. Guests: Stacey Snowden- Fred's daughter Bob Elliott- former University of Arizona basketball player Beverley Elliott- Executive Director, African American Museum of Southern Arizona and Bob's wife Joe Nehls- former University of Arizona basketball player

2024 was a remarkable year for Kyle and Landon Bono. The father-son duo led their baseball team to victory, clinching the Little League World Series trophy after defeating Chinese Taipei. The Bono name is synonymous with baseball. From Mike and Sheila Bono’s early days as a “baseball couple” to their twin sons, Kyle and Ryan, playing for the UCF Knights, baseball has shaped every aspect of their lives. For some, it’s just a game. For the Bono family, it’s a way of life. Guests: Kyle Bono- Former UCF and professional baseball player Ryan Bono- Former UCF baseball player Sarah Bono- Kyle's wife Landon Bono- Kyle and Sarah's son Mike Bono- Dad Sheila Bono- Mom Kim Bono Kintner- Sister and daughter Mickey Bono- Brother and son Rich Wallace- UCF Baseball Head Coach

Payton Washington, a standout member of Baylor University's Acrobatics and Tumbling squad, is known for her breathtaking performances and fierce competitive spirit. Her journey is nothing short of miraculous. Just months before moving to Waco, Payton survived a life-threatening shooting that left her with severe injuries. Despite the odds, she made a remarkable recovery, leading her team to a national championship and becoming a beacon of inspiration. Guests: Payton Washington: Member of Baylor’s Acrobatics and Tumbling Team Felicia Mulkey: Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach Keyona Huebel: Payton’s best friend and former teammate

Oscar Robertson was the consummate, all-around basketball player, but he was much more than a guy known as Mr. Triple-Double. In this episode of the Big Stories podcast, Robertson and others share the lessons Oscar learned in childhood, including receiving his first basketball from his mother and how "The Big O" was a changemaker even though he was quiet and shy. Guests: Oscar Robertson - Former Cincinnati and NBA Basketball player Mari Robertson - Oscar's daughter Julian Gibson - Robertson family friend, part of team Oscar Robertson Tay Baker - Former Cincinnati Assistant Basketball coach. Carl Bouldin - Former Cincinnati Basketball player

Assane Diop compares his journey to play basketball at the University of Colorado as a seed growing in foreign soil. It all started with his father pushing him to play basketball as a pre-teen. So how did this Senegalese seed end up in the Rocky Mountains? In this Big Stories podcast episode, Diop recounts how Greg and Denise Willis made him an offer he could not refuse and how he excelled in the classroom and the basketball court to end up with the Buffaloes Basketball team. Guests: Assane Diop - University of Colorado Basketball player Greg and Denise Willis - Assane's U.S. Legal Guardians Tad Boyle - University of Colorado head basketball coach Steve Englehart - University of Colorado strength coach Grady Whitt - University of Colorado basketball player

According to University of Utah president Taylor Randall, the university is built on three pillars: inspire, innovate, and serve. In this episode, we share the journeys of two individuals who embody these values. Adrian Portillo overcame bone cancer as a freshman and, with no family history of higher education, pursued his dream of becoming a doctor. Abe Bakhsheshy, an immigrant from Iran who lost both parents to violence, dedicated his life to teaching ethics and leading with integrity. Guests: Taylor Randall - President, University of Utah Abe Bakhsheshy - Ethics Professor, David Eccles School of Business Adrian Portillo - Medical Student, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine

Taylor Roe is one of the most decorated athletes in Oklahoma State Track & Field's history. A fierce competitor on the track, Taylor’s journey was shaped by overcoming self-doubt, anxieties, and emotional hurdles leading up to race day. From pre-race tears to triumphant finishes, Taylor’s story is a compelling look at elite athletes' mental and emotional challenges. Guests: Taylor Roe - Former Oklahoma State University Track and Field athlete Jennifer Roe - Taylor's mom T Roe- Taylor's dad Dave Smith - Oklahoma State Track and Field and Cross Country Head Coach

We hope you've enjoyed the Big Stories podcast. We will have more great stories featuring some of BYU's Big 12 basketball foes in January 2024. They will include tales from UCF, Kansas, Texas Tech, Texas, and Iowa State.

When JJ Van Niel became the head coach of Arizona State women’s volleyball, the program was in a tough spot—coming off three straight losing seasons and dealing with a depleted roster. How Van Niel helped turn the Sun Devils around is not quite as remarkable as how he transformed himself from working in the world of high finance to becoming a head volleyball coach. It's an episode you don't want to miss. Guests: JJ Van Niel- ASU Volleyball Head Coach Mary Shroll- ASU Volleyball Libero Geli Cyr- ASU Volleyball Outside Hitter Maddie McLaughlin- Former ASU volleyball player

Noah Guzman, a defensive back for the University of Houston, has taken the meaning of “early riser” to a whole new level. Noah’s morning starts at 4:30 a.m. with cold water splashes, a book on self-improvement, and a quiet moment of reflection. But don’t let the calm fool you—he’s an intense competitor who’s overcome serious challenges to play the game he loves. In this podcast episode, Noah shows that hard work, resilience, and a little faith led to one last chance to play college football for the Houston Cougars Guests: Noah Guzman - Houston Football Defensive Back Yvette Guzman - Noah’s mom George Guzman - Noah’s dad Kevin McAdam - Houston Assistant Strength Coach Joseph Manjack - Houston Wide Receiver Donovan Smith - Houston Quarterback Jamal Morris - Houston Linebacker

Maddie McLaughlin dreamed of playing at the highest level as a young girl. A debilitating battle with Lyme disease in high school almost crushed that dream. In this podcast episode, Maddie recounts how she returned to full health and defied all odds by playing at Arizona State University and then professionally. Guests: Maddie McLaughlin - former ASU volleyball player, professional volleyball athlete Peter McLaughlin - Maddie's Father Mary McLaughlin - Maddie's Mother JJ Van Niel - ASU Volleyball Head Coach Amy Pauly - Orlando Valkyries Head Coach Geli Cyr - ASU Volleyball player Carly Graham - Former Orlando Valkyries Teammate Jill Gillen - Former Orlando Valkyries Teammate

University of Kansas offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes almost gave up coaching college football. Jeff didn't feel like he could coach and spend quality time with his family. In this podcast episode, Jeff and wife Sheri share how they've survived the craziness of the coaching world to keep their family tight. The couple also share the emotional story of adopting his youngest daughter, Jada, and how that experience has shaped their perspective on life. Guests: Jeff Grimes - Kansas Offensive Coordinator Sheri Grimes Jada Grimes AJ Steward - Kansas Offensive assistant Brandon Doman - Former BYU Offensive Coordinator Connor Pay - BYU offensive lineman

The lives of former Utah Football safety Steve Tate and wife Savanna were changed forever once their son Hayes arrived. He was diagnosed with brain cancer and died when he was only 20-months old. The grief of losing their son still affects them till this day. Amid that grief, the Tate’s work to help the families of pediatric cancer patients through their Hayes Tough foundation. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear how the Tate’s feel God and Hayes has led them in their efforts. Guests: Steve Tate – Hayes Tough Foundation Vice-President, Former Utah Ute Safety Savanna Tate – Hayes Tough Foundation President Reno Mahe – Former BYU Football and NFL Player Emily Page Matt and Alison Quenneville

Tiffany and Tim Sahaydak both have impressive soccer backgrounds—from Tiff’s experience as a U.S. Women’s National Team player, Olympic gold medalist, and World Cup champion, to Tim’s career as a professional player in Major League Soccer. While it's rare to see married couples coaching together, their complementary strengths have helped them build a strong, competitive, family-oriented culture at the University of Central Florida. In this podcast episode, you’ll find out how they started this soccer journey and how they made it work as a married couple. Guests: Tiffany Sahaydak - Head Coach of UCF Women's Soccer Team Tim Sahaydak - Associate Head Coach Mia Asenjo - UCF Soccer Player, Team Captain

In this episode, we highlight the incredible career of Rob Glass, Oklahoma State’s Assistant Athletic Director for Speed, Strength, and Conditioning. While he’s known for building elite athletes, Glass’s character shines when directing the power-lifting competition for Special Olympics Oklahoma's Summer Games. Guests: Rob Glass - OSU Assistant Athletic Director Laurie Glass - Rob's wife Madi Madory- Special Olympics Athlete Angela Madory - Madi's Mom Ethan McGuire - Special Olympics Athlete Trumain Carroll - Kansas State Director of Strength and Conditioning Jamie Blatnick - Middle Tennessee State Strength Coach, former OSU football player

The University of Arizona's Adaptive Sports athletic department is a rarity. They are among the few nationwide, and each team is only made up of Wildcat student-athletes. But they don't want to be treated as a feel-good story. These men and women are seriously talented athletes. In this episode, you'll hear the personal journeys of several athletes and how the University of Arizona and playing sports have taken them to new heights on and off the court. Guests: Peter Hughes - Director of Adaptive Athletics Michael Beardsley - Wheelchair Men's Basketball Head Coach Josie Aslakson - Wheelchair Women's Basketball Head Coach, Paralympic Athlete Josh Wheeler - Former Arizona Wheelchair Rugby Player Garnett Silver-Hall - Arizona Wheelchair Basketball Player Ben Thornton - Arizona Wheelchair Basketball Player

Baylor graduates Jimmy and Janet Dorrell transformed an unlikely location—beneath the rumbling I-35 bridge in Waco, Texas—into a thriving church community. Every Sunday, amidst the sounds of big rigs and traffic, something unexpected happens: worshippers gather to sing, clap, and share meals. In this episode, we explore how the Dorrells took their faith beyond the walls of a traditional church to serve those often overlooked by society. Guests: Jimmy Dorrell – Pastor of Church Under the Bridge, Mission Waco Founder Janet Dorrell – Jimmy's Wife, Mission World Director Cindy Finley – Church Under the Bridge Hotel Motel Residence Program Elaine Clark – Church Under the Bridge Office Manager and Youth Pastor Ryan Dirker – Church Under the Bridge Volunteer and Children’s Director of the Circle Up program Terrance Shelton – Church Under the Bridge Volunteer

Landry Weber’s college football career ended with an injury just a few plays into Kansas State's Texas Bowl victory over LSU. What came next was a total surprise. Members of the media sought out his story after it was announced during the game’s broadcast of his plans to become a Catholic Priest. In this episode, Landry talks about following God’s promptings and the tough decision to forgo his final year of eligibility as a Wildcat football player. Guests: Landry Weber - Seminarian, Former WR for Kansas State Stab Weber - Father, Radio Analyst for Wildcat Football, Former K-State QB Nancy Weber - Mother Seth Porter - Former K-State teammate Mason Barta - Former K-State teammate

Almost a year before Kansas State stepped on the field against rival Iowa State in Ireland, Wildcat quarterback Avery Johnson dedicated the 2024 season to his former high school principal, Chris Botts. The Maize High School boss has a rare form of cancer, and Johnson was hoping to raise money for Botts every time he scored a touchdown. The plan worked better than expected. In this podcast episode, we get a medical update from Chris and discover why Avery and other Maize High students have such affection for their principal.

University of Wyoming Women's Rodeo coach Jacey Hupp never thought she would pursue a rodeo career after completing her eligibility on South Dakota State University’s rodeo team. So, how did Hupp eventually land herself in Laramie coaching the Cowgirls? A family tragedy pushed Jacey to follow her dreams. In this podcast episode, we tell you how Hupp has found purpose in her new position and how family, her student-athletes, a South Dakota community, and her faith in God helped her overcome the loss of her parents and niece. Guests: Jacey Hupp, Wyoming Women's Rodeo Coach Tarin Hupp Blow, Sister Trevor Hupp, Brother Seth Glause, Wyoming Head Rodeo Coach

When you hear the squeak of sneakers on a hard court, you might think of basketball, but in this case, it’s all about futsal—a fast-paced, high-energy sport described as basketball with your feet. Esteban and Manuel Mariel, former Southern Methodist University soccer players, have teamed up with their other members of the Mariel clan to build City Futsal in Dallas, Texas. The Mariel’s dedication to futsal isn’t about the game; it's about community. With a family-first approach, they’ve created a space that strengthens old and young athletes alike Guests: Esteban Mariel - Twin Brother, President of City Futsal Manuel Mariel - Twin Brother, VP of Operations Felipe Mariel - Youngest Brother, Marketing Ximena Mariel - Sister, Program Director Federico Mariel - Father, Business Development Director Solange Mariel - Mother

A Chinese proverb states “The journey of one-thousand miles begins with one single step.” Former Southern Illinois Saluki football player Bill Story’s current thousand-mile journey is on artificial legs. Now, Bill hopes to walk one more time on the Saluki Stadium field. In this podcast episode, Bill shares how persistence, perseverance, and cool technology helped him walk again. Guests: Bill Story - Former Offensive Linesman for Southern Illinois University Deac Story - Bill's son Jerry Hardaway - Bill's former SIU teammate Bob Thomure - Bill's former SIU teammate Paulette Change - Bill's former classmate at SIU Morgan White - Doctor of Physical Therapy at Gainesville Health and Rehab Austin Williams - Physical Therapy Assistant at North Florida Hospital Charles McNeil - Physical Therapy Assistant at North Florida Hospital

It can be difficult for entrepreneurs to start a new business when they don't know what they are doing. They might not know how to get money or create a business plan, but many have a good idea. That's where the University of Houston and the SURE program comes in. SURE stands for Stimulating Urban Renewal Through Entrepreneurship. Under-resourced entrepreneurs can apply to the program and get free help from student consultants. In this episode, you'll hear the remarkable stories of the entrepreneurs who have benefitted from the guidance of Houston's future business leaders. Guests:  Dr. Saleha Khumawala - University of Houston Professor of Accounting, Founding Director of the SURE program Heather Davis - Owner, Chic Sweets Fine Desserts Kiley Summers - Owner, SpenDebt Arneisha Sadler - Founder, CEO, Emeniss Call Center Bilqees Adeymi - University of Houston Student Consultant Makayla Lemons - University of Houston Student Consultant DJ Buenaventura - University of Houston Student Consultant Hanah Sadiki - University of Houston Senior Consultant

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes was founded so that athletes and coaches could promote the transforming power of Jesus Christ. But FCA at TCU is so much more than football players and volleyball stars witnessing to others that they are Christians. It's about being there to help anyone along life's journey. In this episode, find out how Chauncey Franks, Carrie Casey, and the Horned Frogs let their light shine and help others become disciples of Jesus Christ. Chauncey Franks - TCU FCA Character Coach Carrie Casey - TCU FCA Character Coach Sutton McTavish - TCU Beach Volleyball Player Riley Self - TCU Football Player Summer Holt - TCU Soccer Player Cory Hatchel - TCU Track Athlete

Go before you’re ready. That is Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney's life anthem. The former University of Kansas golfer mantra helped him become a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. It also pushed him to establish a non-profit that helps the families of fallen and disabled U.S. military service members receive scholarships. In this episode, we find out the genesis of Folds of Honor and how it helped one family during a dark time in their lives. Guests: Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney - Folds of Honor founder Jen Stephens - Folds of Honor Recipient

The University of Central Florida was founded to support NASA. It's a fascinating story that UCF's Athletic Department wanted to tell the world. That's why they came up with the Space Game each football season, featuring out-of-this-world uniforms and nods to reaching the stars and beyond. Guests: Jimmy Skiles - UCF Senior Executive Associate Athletics Director, Chief Branding Officer Manoj Chopra - UCF Professor of Civil Engineering, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the College of Engineering and Computer Science Jillian Gloria - United Launch Alliance Propulsion Systems Test Engineer, UCF alum Charlene Martin - Lockheed Martin Engineer, UCF alum Stephen Martin - UCF Football Wide Receiver, Charlene's Son

Thane Baker desired to run in the Olympics at an early age. His mother timed him every day running home with an alarm clock. Then an accident at garage almost derailed Thane's budding track career. In this episode, find out how Baker walked on to the Kansas State track team, lived out his dream as one of the fastest men in the world, and was eventually honored as one of the greats in Wildcat sports history. Guests: Thane Baker - former Kansas State and Olympic Track Star Catherine Nicholson - Baker's daughter and author of the book, "Running in Borrowed Shoes: Thane Baker and the 1952 Summer Games" Cliff Rovelto - Kansas State Track and Field Head Coach

What is a twirler? It's someone who performs routines and tricks with a baton. The University of West Virginia has a proud tradition of competitive twirlers and even won a national competition in 2014. But these twirlers spend lots of time and money to be a Mountaineer feature twirler. So why do they keep twirling when they could focus more on academics? For these women, the benefits go beyond twirling. Guests: Alexis Kiesling - WVU Feature Twirler Kirsten Barincle - Former WVU Feature Twirling Coach, SMU Assistant Athletic Director for Development

Bill Potts loved his time as a student and marching band member at the University of Texas. Potts believed his time in Austin helped him become the man he is today and continually battle cancer. In this podcast episode, Bill details his fight with different cancers, what has kept him going, and how God encouraged him to write a book. Guests: Bill Potts - Author of Up For the Fight Kim Potts - Bill's wife

BYUradio’s Big Stories podcast is getting even bigger. Host Cleon Wall and the Big Stories team will continue telling the inspirational tales from across the Big 12—but now, they’re also diving into the biggest moments on the field and court. Since it’s Week Zero and three Big 12 teams are kicking off the season—including Kansas State and Iowa State in the legendary “Farmageddon” rivalry—we’re spotlighting the biggest narrative surrounding each team heading into the 2025 season. Podcasters: Damon Fairall - PHNX Arizona Wildcats Podcast Anthony Totri – PHNX Arizona State Sun Devils Podcast Ashley Hodge – Sic’m365.com Ryan Koenigsberg – DNVR Colorado Buffs Podcast Charlie Walter – Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast John Walters – Voice of the Iowa State Cyclones/Cy Cast Podcast Brian Hanni – Voice of the Kansas Jayhawks John Kurtz – 3Maw Podcast and Open for Business Big 12 Newsletter Melissa Triebwasser – Frogs Insider Podcast RC Maxfield – The Red and Black Report Podcast Adam Eaton – Sons of UCF Josh Furlong – ksl.com and The Utah Checkdown Podcast

Lauryn Salazar was mad. When she was 17, she was told she was too fat and ugly to be an opera singer. She didn't want anyone telling her what she could and could not do. Now, the Professor of Musicology at Texas Tech University has blown the roof off conventional musical studies at the collegiate level. She has turned her cultural anthem of Mariachi into a pathway for education and success for students in Texas and across the country. Guests: Lauryn Salazar - Associate Professor of Musicology at Texas Tech University Marissa Hernandez - Texas Texas Mariachi Los Matadores Gabby Olivarez - Texas Tech Mariachi Los Matadores

Conrad Hawley was living every football-loving boy’s dream. He had a scholarship to play quarterback for the University of Kansas. So, why did he give it all up to become a walk-on for the Iowa State basketball team? In this podcast episode, Conrad explains his decision and how he’s helping and benefitting from being the team’s CEO or Chief Energy Officer. Guests: Conrad Hawley - Iowa State Basketball Player Tre King - Iowa State Basketball Player

Cassady Brewer wanted out of Apopka, Florida. The softball player wanted to play anywhere else other than UCF. But her mother’s dying wish was for Cassady to be a star player for the Knights. In this podcast episode, we discover why Cassady decided to stick close to home to play softball and how coach Cindy Ball Malone influenced her life and her ultimate return to the Knights as an assistant coach. Guests: Cassady Brewer - UCF Assistant Softball Coach Bobby Brewer - Cassady's Father Cindy Ball-Malone - UCF Head Softball Coach

Oklahoma State’s wrestling team is legendary. The Cowboys have won 34 national titles and it’s largely been supported by wrestlers from Oklahoma. How hard work has produced some of the top wrestlers in the country and set men up for life. Also, Kay Norris asked how she could help OSU’s athletic department during the expansion of Gallagher-Iba Arena. They asked her to turn a hallway into Heritage Hall. Find out how Kay was able to turn it into a museum where Cowboys can come and learn about the history and traditions of Oklahoma State sports. Guests: John Smith - Oklahoma State Wrestling Coach Lee Roy Smith - Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Daton Fix - Oklahoma State Wrestler Dustin Plott - Oklahoma State Wrestler Larry Reece - Oklahoma State's  Senior Associate Athletic Director for  Development Chris Norris - Son of Kay Norris

The Selmon Brothers are among the best football players ever to don an Oklahoma Sooners jersey and anchored one of the best defenses in college football in the 1970s. They have been honored with a statue outside of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. But Lucious, Dewey, and Lee Roy Selmon are so much more than their success on the football field. Discover their rise to prominence and how their parents and God helped guide them in life. (AP Photo/Cliff Brunt) Guests: Dewey Selmon - Former Oklahoma Football Player Lucious Selmon - Former Oklahoma Football Player Barry Switzer - Former Oklahoma Football Coach Berry Tramel - Sports Columnist, Sellout Crowd

Jack Trice Stadium is home of the Iowa State football team. But who is Jack Trice? We dive into the life and death of the Cyclone's first African-American player and how the stadium came to be named after him. And, how former Iowa State softball player Lea Nelson's social media post led to two team's fan bases coming together to support the "Cycloneers." Guests: George Trice - Jack Trice's Cousin Tom Emmerson - Former Iowa State University Journalism Professor Darien Porter - Iowa State Football Player Rebecca Wells - Iowa State University Student Life Archivist Lea Nelson - Former Iowa State Softball Player Randy Mazey - West Virginia Baseball Coach

West Virginians take pride in their Mountaineers. In this episode, we will focus on five who have blazed their own trails. The 69th Mountaineer mascot, Mikel Hager, is small in stature but big in heart. We detail Hager’s determination that got him to the University of West Virginia and to be the living symbol of WVU. Hot Rod Hundley was a basketball legend. We document the Mountaineer basketball legend's journey away from the state only to return home to a hero's welcome. Finally, three European Mountaineers have traveled across the sea to fulfill their football dreams in Morgantown. How they discovered the American-created sport and received scholarships from West Virginia. Guests: Mikel Hager - 69th WVU Mascot Melanie Martin - Mikel's Mother Brett Kuhn - Boone County Commissioner and Scott High School Teacher John Atonik - WVU's Director of Athletic Content Dan Lohmann - Director of Documentary Film, "Hot Rod" Victor Wikstrom - Mountaineer Tight End Jairo Faverus - Mountaineer Safety Edward Vesterinen - Mountaineer Defensive Lineman

This podcast episode focuses on a Texas Longhorns legend and the son of a legend. Former Texas running back Earl Campbell is an official Texas state hero. His son, Tyler, is a hero of a different kind. Tyler shares his football tale of redemption, faith, and a no-quit attitude after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Darrel K. Royal is football royalty at the University of Texas. The school's football stadium has his name plastered on it. The former Longhorns coach impacted the lives of many players, but a decision at the end of Royal's life will affect many others in the future. Guests: Tyler Campbell - Motivational Speaker, Former College Football Player Sammy Mack Royal - Son of Darrel K. Royal David Kazen - Grandson of Darrel K. Royal Debbie Hanna - President of the Darrel K. Royal Research Fund

Lubbock may not be to everyone's liking when it comes to scenery, but there is a different feel when it comes to the people. This podcast episode tells four stories of strength, resilience, and love. Tim Siegel's son Luke suffered severe brain damage from a golf cart accident, but his strength and faith in God have led him to help other families going through similar trials. Texas Tech Football Chaplain Bobby Dagnel hopes to show players the good life outside of football, even if he has to be careful what he says. Red Raider quarterback Tyler Shough draws strength from his mother, who is a cancer survivor. Tech defensive lineman Tony Bradford wants to be the change in policing and desires to be a police chief one day. Guests: Tim Siegel - Team Luke Hope For Minds Executive Director Bobby Dagnel - First Baptist Church Pastor and Texas Tech Football Chaplain Tyler Shough - Texas Tech Quarterback Tony Bradford - Texas Tech Defensive Lineman

TCU walk-on point guard Darius Ford brings energy and determination to every Horned Frog basketball practice. How he went from homelessness to college hoopster is truly inspiring. And one of college football's biggest awards is named after a Texas Christian University quarterback. We dive into the man behind the Davey O'Brien award, why the winner isn't always the best college quarterback, and how the the O'Brien Foundation is more than just a trophy. Guests: Darius Ford - TCU Point Guard Duane Broussard - TCU Assistant Basketball Coach Riquel Archer - Create and Collaborate Founder and CEO David O'Brien - Son of Davey O'Brien Kendall Cason Iles - Davey O'Brien Foundation Executive Director

We've wrapped up another amazing season of the Big Stories podcast! ????️ Join producer/host Cleon Wall and producer Whitney Sheffield as they share their favorite moments from Season 2. We invite you to listen to this special episode and catch up on all our Seasons 1 and 2 episodes. Don't forget to leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback means the world to us. We can't wait to bring you Season 3!

Cincinnati. The Queen City. It's the home of the first-ever professional baseball team and the chili capital of the U.S. It's also the city that showed a lot of love for a foe. This podcast episode reflects on how Cincinnatians came together to support Buffalo Bills DB Damar Hamlin after he collapsed in a game against the Bengals. Also, football saved former Cincinnati Bearcat running back Isaiah Pead's life. Then, that saving grace of football was taken away from him after he severed his left leg in a car accident. Pead proves you can move on with help from God. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) Guests: Joe Danneman - Fox19 Now Sports Director Tim Pritts - UC Health Trauma Surgeon William Knight - UC Health Emergency Medicine Physician Sarah Robin - Cincy Shirts Isaiah Pead - Former Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back

In this episode of BYUradio's Big Stories, Cleon Wall tells three stories of Kansas Jayhawk's love. In the first tale, Kansas play-by-play announcer Brian Hanni had a great job after graduating from the University of Kansas, but he wanted to impact the world more than talking about sports. Hanni shares why he started the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic and how it helps kids with cancer. Story number two focuses on Darius and Kwinton Lassiter, two brothers who play for two different teams. Darius is a wide receiver for BYU, and Kwinton plays cornerback for Kansas. But Darius may not be in this position if he weren't adopted by Kwinton's family when he was young. Finally, we pay tribute to John Hadl, a Kansas football legend who loved Lawrence and his alma mater. Guests: Brian Hanni - Voice of the Jayhawks Tyrel Reed - Former KU Jayhawk Basketball Player Nicole and Taylea Vannicola Darius Lassiter - BYU Football Player Kwinton Lassiter - Kansas Football Player Ericka Lassiter David Lawrence - KU Jayhawks Football Color Analyst and Former Football Player Steve Young - Former BYU Quarterback

The Wild Band of Razorbacks statue outside Reynolds Stadium at the University of Arkansas is massive. Each hog represents a positive trait like relentlessness, courage, or integrity. This podcast episode focuses on three Hogs who live those traits. Joey Sua almost died of meningitis and lost the majority of his hearing. But now Sua is fighting for playing time on the Razorbacks football team. Will Lambley's blindness has led him to help others find greatness. And Arkansas football player Cam Little is kicking field goals for a cause, helping to raise money for the Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas. Guests: Joey Su'a - Arkansas Razorbacks Football Player Joseph and Nalo Su'a Jody Grant - Bentonville High School Football Coach Will Lambley - Arkansas Student and Motivational Speaker Melissa Lambley Chad Morris - Clemson Football Offensive Analyst Cam Little - Arkansas Razorbacks Football Player Lindsay Dover - Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas Program and Member Coordinator Liam Meza

Southern Utah University has been the right place for so many students. That includes Brad Sorensen and Donald Long. Sorensen was a walk-on quarterback at BYU with almost no shot of playing time. But he bet on himself, transferred to SUU, and became the first T-Bird drafted in the NFL. Long's journey to the university was not a direct one out of high school. It included service in the Air Force, being stabbed in a fight, and homelessness. But Long bet on himself, started his college career at Southern Utah and is now a cancer research scientist at Cornell University. Guests: Brad Sorensen - Former SUU Football Player and Wealth Advisor Dylan Flowers - BYU Football Player Fesi Sitake - BYU Football Coach and Former SUU Football Player Steve Clark - BYU Football Coach and Former SUU Football Coach Justin Ena - BYU Football Coach and Former SUU Football Coach Donald Long - PhD Candidate at Cornell University and Former SUU Student Bruce Howard - SUU Chemistry Professor