In Episode 22 of “Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee,” presented by the Swinford Media Group, our host and legendary high football coach, Kerry Martin, engages in a compelling conversation with two promising young coaches, Matt Griffith and Sam Swinford, at the Crown Brew Coffee Shop in Marion, Illinois. Both Griffith and Swinford, hailing from Marion and now coaching in Harrisburg, IL, share insights into their coaching journeys. Griffith, a 2011 Marion High School graduate, discusses his transition from playing football at Marion and Southern Illinois University Carbondale to becoming the head football coach at Harrisburg High School. With three winning seasons under his belt, Griffith’s recent accomplishments include leading his team to an 8-4 record and the IHSA quarterfinals. On the other hand, Swinford, a 2017 Marion High School graduate, reflects on his basketball career at Marion and Southeastern Illinois College, followed by earning a Sports Management degree at Fontbonne University. Hired as the head basketball coach at Southeastern Illinois College in 2021, Swinford has successfully revitalized the Falcons, achieving notable milestones such as a winning season and postseason bid, along with coaching four USCAA All-Americans and two Student Athletes of the Year. Notably, Swinford’s achievements earned him recognition as the Student Athlete World Coach of the Year in 2023 and the Small College Basketball Coach of the Year in 2024. This episode delves beyond football and basketball, offering listeners a glimpse into the formative experiences that have shaped these coaches’ careers. Tune in to this conversation between Coach Martin and these rising coaching talents!
@New York Islanders
