3 Guys Before The Game - Pro Football Talk Founder Mike Florio (Episode 642)

Ross Hodge's new life is just starting to become normal. Three months after being named West Virginia University's head men's basketball coach, Hodge can finally take a deep breath. He has retooled the WVU roster with players and staff, along with moving his family from Texas. The 44-year-old Hodge knows it's still very early, but the pieces are coming together for his debut season. In this episode, the "Guys" do a deep-dive into Hodge's philosophy of the game and expectations for the Mountaineer program.  No topic is off limits in a fun and entertaining conversation with the new man in charge of WVU hoops.

When it comes to longevity and consistency, he's West Virginia University's Cal Ripken.  Randy Meador's touch has been part of West Virginia University basketball since 1984.  It's the longest tenure by anyone involved in program history.  His 41 seasons as head athletic trainer have been defined by professionalism and dedication to his craft. And, oh yeah, he NEVER missed a single game.  Not one!The Ohio native will never be officially credited with any coaching victories, but his behind-the-scenes work led to countless wins for the Mountaineers. In this episode, the "Guys" celebrate Meador's retirement and look back at his amazing career with the Mountaineers. 

A middle school football coach kicked Mike Florio and it changed his life. That's not hyperbole, it's the truth.  Actually, it was more than one kick to Florio's backside, but regardless, the impact is still being felt today.  In this episode, the "Guys" spend an entertaining visit with the founder of Pro Football Talk. While his passion remains the NFL, his non-football writing continues to gain popularity.  It's a enlightening and fun conversation with one of the most interesting guys to appear on the podcast. 

Wren Baker is the 13th Athletic Director in West Virginia University history. It’s fair to say none of his predecessors have navigated the changes and challenges that he’s encountered. Forget about the “normal” requirements of the job, Baker is also leading WVU in the transition from college amateurism to a pay-for-play model.  It’s uncharted territory for everyone involved and, for Baker, just another challenge that’s being handled with both confidence and optimism. In this episode, the “Guys” dig deep into the new world of college athletics and learn Baker’s plan for how WVU athletics will compete in a very new world.

Little has been heard from Zac Alley since his arrival in Morgantown.  West Virginia University's defensive coordinator is a rising star in coaching circles. You could say Alley's decision to join the WVU program is Rich Rodriguez's biggest recruiting coup yet. Alley's departure from Oklahoma gives Rodriguez the aggressive attacking nature that pairs well with his fast-paced offensive attack. In this episode, Alley reveals his motivation and goals in his role with the Mountaineers.  It's an insightful visit with Alley, who admits West Virginia University football changed his life before he ever arrived in Morgantown. 

Bill McKenzie.It's a name that will forever be associated with West Virginia University football.  His story about life as a Mountaineer is as remarkable as improbable. The West Virginia kid from the small high school became one of the most recognizable names in WVU history with one single kick of a football. In this episode, Bill and the "Guys" celebrate the 50th anniversary of that play and the dividends it continues to pay. 

Treysen Eaglestaff has a story. The self-described chubby high school kid has blossomed into one of college basketball's top scorers. That's why his entrance into the transfer portal produced numerous scholarship offers, which included Kentucky, Kansas, Gonzaga and South Carolina.  Instead of 'blue bloods", Eaglestaff chose the Gold and Blue of West Virginia and will be part of Coach Ross Hodge's debut season.In this episode, Eaglestaff shares his obsession with improving and an improbable journey from North Dakota to Morgantown. 

Nathan Adrian says it's time. The former Mountaineer basketball standout recently celebrated his 30th birthday.  He still loves the game that's taken him around the world to play, but his body is hurting. In this episode, Adrian talks about his recent season in Japan and his future plans.  It's a fun and informative episode about how the game of basketball transformed Adrian's life on and off the court. Listener questions and comments complete the show. 

Sometimes you just have "stuff" to talk about. Welcome to episode 636 of 3 Guys Before The Game.  It's an episode that covers a number of topics in the ever-changing world of WVU football and basketball. The "Guys" dig into the latest roster additions and jump into the latest basketball and baseball news. Listener questions and comments complete the episode. 

The list of coaches Travis Trickett has worked with is jaw-dropping.  Imagine being mentored by Bobby Bowden, Nick Sabin, Jimbo Fisher and Rich Rodriguez. That group, which has combined to win 10 national championships and 40 conference titles, makes Trickett an invaluable resource as he returns to the WVU football program. In this episode, Trickett explains his decision to return to Morgantown and the rebuilding of the WVU roster. It's an informative inside look into a massive roster rebuild and how it will come together.