Joe Martin (THSCA) and Rusty Dowling (THSADA)

Episode: Joe Martin (THSCA) and Rusty Dowling (THSADA)
Host: Chris Doelle
Interviewer: Libby Pacheco (Texas High School Coaches Association Education Foundation C.O.O)

Guest: Joe Martin, Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association and Rusty Dowling, Executive Director of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, Interviewed by Libby Pacheco

Episode Summary: This episode explores the “Educate, Excel, and Play” campaign, a collaborative effort between major Texas coaching associations to protect and promote education-based athletics against the rise of sports-centric academies. The guests discuss why maintaining the traditional Texas model is critical for student development and offer actionable strategies for coaches and administrators to defend their programs.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Education-Based vs. Sports-Centric Models: Unlike sports-centric academies that prioritize “winning at all costs” through remote or AI instruction, education-based athletics integrates sports into the school’s mission, using full-time teacher-coaches to develop character, leadership, and citizenship.
2. The Risks of Specialization: Sports-centric environments often lack the professional certifications, athletic trainers, and holistic support systems (like counselors) found in public schools, potentially leading to student burnout, physical wear, and a transactional atmosphere.
3. The Value of the “Whole Student”: College recruiters and future employers value the intangible skills—such as loyalty, discipline, and teamwork—that students gain while navigating a diverse “brick-and-mortar” school community.
4. Action Steps for Coaches:
5. Refuse to legitimize sports academies by not scheduling games or renting facilities to them.
6. Educate parents on the benefits of community-based sports.
7. Promote success stories of local programs and facilities.
8. Remain active in the recruitment process to protect athletes from predatory agents.

Notable Quote: “We need to do a better job of telling the story of education-based athletics… we need to adapt and we need to adjust to that new environment”.

Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA): www.thsca.com

Produced by Fresh Media Works
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