RU STRONG

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. Today, we’re joined by an exceptional coach and leader shaping some of the most disciplined student-athletes in the nation, Coach Jimmy Criscione of the United States Naval Academy.Jimmy is a summa cum laude graduate of Monmouth University, a former team captain, and a three-time MAAC All-Academic selection. Before that, he competed at powerhouse Bergen Catholic, where his passion for sport and leadership first took shape.But today, Jimmy’s impact is felt in Annapolis, where he’s now in his third season as Assistant Coach for Navy Men’s Golf. At the Naval Academy, he works daily with midshipmen who balance military training, elite academics, and Division I athletics, a level of structure, intensity, and accountability unlike anywhere else in college sports.From navigating their packed military schedules,to preparing them for the pressure of the Army–Navy rivalry, to helping future officers become mentally strong, technically sound, and physically ready.Jimmy plays a pivotal role in developing young men who will not just compete but serve our nation.With certifications as a PGA Class A Professional, TPI Coach, and Golf Digest Fitness Trainer, Jimmy brings a complete,holistic approach to coaching, reflecting his core philosophy of “Developing Champions in Life.”It’s an honor to have Coach Jimmy Criscione on the show. Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today we’re spotlighting a young man whose journey through athletics, adversity, leadership, and personal growth is nothing short of inspiring.Our guest, Antonio Boone, is someone who not only competed as a college athlete but chose to devote his professional life to helping other student-athletes thrive in ways he never knew how to while he was in their shoes. Antonio’s path began in Virginia, where he grew up before heading to Richard Bland College to run track and earn his associate’s degree. From there, he continued his career at Virginia Wesleyan University, becoming a captainon the track team while earning his bachelor’s degree, a role that revealed his natural leadership and passion for supporting others He later earned his master’s degree in Sport Management from Georgia Southern University, before stepping into the coaching world, serving as a high school track coach, a club assistant coach at Old Dominion University, and eventually a track recruiting coordinator at Bryant & Stratton College. Hethen returned to Richard Bland as both a track coach and Residential Life Coordinator, impacting students on and off the track. Today, Antonio serves at Johns Hopkins University as the Director of Life Design for Student-Athletes, where he guides athletes through the most pivotal transition of their lives, the journey from sport to what comes next. His mission is deeply personal; he once struggled to navigate that sametransition, and now he’s become the very resource he wishes he had as a student-athlete himself Antonio’s story is filled with meaningful lessons, overcoming injury, learning discipline, discovering his “why,” balancing academics, work, and athletics, and ultimately finding purpose in helping others succeed. Most importantly, his heart for mentorship shines through every chapter of hisjourney.Antonio, welcome to the RU Strong Podcast. We’re excited to share your story and the impact you’re making on athletes everywhere.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. Today’s guest is a true embodiment of grit, discipline, and heart both on and off the mat.Nick Gravina is a four-time NCAA National Qualifier, a two-time Big Ten placer, a Round of 12 finisher, and the first five-time All-Academic Big Ten honoree in Rutgers wrestling history. With 77 career wins, Nick carved out one of the most respected careers in the Rutgers wrestling room and competed against the very best in the country. After graduating, Nick continued giving back to the sport by coaching at New Jersey City University and Columbia University. During that time, he launched his own mental performance coaching practice, helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and emotional control. That work evolved into Paragon Parenting, a family-development company Nick co-founded to help parents and children buildstronger communication, resilience, and support systems. Today, we’ll dive into his journey, from overcoming academic challenges, battling through significant injuries, and wrestling on the biggest stage to discovering his faith, finding identity beyond sport, becoming a new father, and dedicating his life to helping families grow stronger.It is my honor to welcome to the RU Strong Podcast Nick Gravina

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr.Today’s guest is a true legend of the gridiron, a former University of Maine Black Bear who turned his small-town determination into a nine-year NFL career. From Wareham High School in Massachusetts to Orono, Maine, Stephen Cooper’s journey is a story of grit, leadership, and resilience.During his time with the Black Bears from 1998 to 2002, Cooper dominated the field, earning titles such as Atlantic 10Co-Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist, and eventually becoming a proud memberof the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame. His college career stats say it all: 374 tackles, 57 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, and 7 interceptions, a defensive captain and force to be reckoned with.After college, Cooper went undrafted but refused to let that define him. Signed as a free agent by the San Diego Chargers, he spent nine incredible seasons with one team, a rare feat in today’s NFL. He became a team captain, led the Chargers in tackles in 2007 and 2008, and appeared in 92 regular season games, finishing with 503 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 8 interceptions.In today’s episode, Stephen opens up about his journey, from his early days in Cape Cod and the challenges of the NavalAcademy, to his rise at Maine and transition to the NFL. He shares how leadership, brotherhood, and second chances shaped not just his career, but his life after football.This is a story about perseverance, accountability, and betting on yourself when no one else will.So, sit back, get ready to be inspired as Jeff Durr goes one-on-one with Stephen Cooper, former University of Maine Hall of Famer and San Diego Chargers captain, right here on the RU Strong Podcast.

Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where grit meets greatness and athletes share their journey of resilience on and off the field.Today’s guest is someone whose story embodies Tiger Styletoughness and Scarlet Knight pride. A two-time NCAA All-American, five-time NCAA qualifier, and Southern Scuffle Champion, he’s also a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, proving that excellence doesn’t stop on themat. A proud member of the 100-Win Club with 107 career victories, and the 2024 Tiger Style Most Outstanding Wrestler, he’s one of the most decorated heavyweights to ever wear the black and gold of Missouri wrestling.Now calling Belmar, New Jersey home, Zach is training with the Scarlet Knight Wrestling Club at Rutgers University, embracing a new chapter surrounded by the beach, good food, and great competition. His journey from KansasCity to Columbia to Rutgers has been built on hard work, family, and faith, lessons learned from his longtime coach Brian Smith, his brother, and his own battle through injuries and adversity.Tune in to hear how Zach Elam continues to live Tiger Style, now carrying that same championship mindset into his next phase with the Scarlet Knight Wrestling Club and beyond.

Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. Today’s guest is someone who truly embodies leadership,resilience, and transformation. Bill Burke, former Michigan State University quarterback, peak performance coach, and host of Outside the Arena.During his time in East Lansing, Bill led the Spartans to a 10-2 record, a Citrus Bowl victory, and earned his place in program history with over 5,400 passing yards and 46 career touchdowns. He once held the single game passing record of 400 yards, set against none other than Michigan and a young Tom Brady on the opposing sideline.Bill was part of Nick Saban’s first recruiting class at Michigan State, where he learned firsthand what it meant to perform under pressure and embrace adversity. That journey, from battling on Big Ten fields to stepping into the business world, became the foundation for his life’s mission, helping othersreach their peak performance, mentally, physically, and professionally.In this powerful conversation, Bill opens up about:     His recruiting process and the lessons learned from playing under Nick Saban. What it takes to embrace discomfort and perform when everything’s on the line.      How to carry a “next-play mentality” into business, leadership, and life.The importance of team culture, mental toughness, and thetransformation that happens off the field.From shocking the world by upsetting #1-ranked Ohio State, to learning how to lead through adversity, Bill’s story is one ofgrit, gratitude, and growth.So, whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or leader striving for your own breakthrough moments, get ready for an inspiring playbook on how to stay strong, stay focused, and keep moving forward.This is the RU Strong Podcast and today’s guest, Bill Burke.

Welcome back to another powerful episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we celebrate the stories of athletes who refuse to quit when life gets tough.Today, I’m fired up to introduce a guest whose story defines resilience, discipline, and redemption, Mike Vanbrill, one of the most accomplished wrestlers to ever wear the Rutgers “R.”A South Jersey native from Clearview High School, Mike was a high school All-American, finishing with an incredible 37–1 record his senior year and a state runner-up finish. At Rutgers, he became a three-time NCAA qualifier, Big Ten bronze medalist, four-time Academic All-Big Ten, and two-time Academic All-American, proving excellence on the mat and in the classroom.But what makes Mike’s story truly remarkable isn’t just the stats. It’s his journey. From grueling training camps thattested his limits, to the heartbreak of seeing his first NCAA Tournament canceled by COVID, to walking away from wrestling and rediscovering himself in nature, even setting a world record cliff dive over 100 feet. Mike’s story is about finding balance, purpose, and faith in the process.Today, Mike is the Creative Director at Click Funnels, working alongside entrepreneur Russell Brunson, while still helpinglead his family’s thriving Van Brill Pools & Spas business in South Jersey. His path from a wrestling mat to the business world is a lesson in hard work, reinvention, and stayinggrounded no matter how high you climb.So, get ready because this conversation dives deep into perseverance, mindset, family, and the power of believing in yourself even when life throws you off balance.Here’s my conversation with Mike Vanbrill.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes and coaches who defineperseverance, purpose, and the power of mindset.Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Coach Jason Sousa, founder of The Athletic Precision Group, a transformational coaching company helping athletes rewire their minds for success beyond the game. Jason is a certified mental performance coach, a three-time collegiate All-American, and was a first-round USL draft pick by the Rochester Rhinos. Hisjourney also includes leading Le Moyne College to its first-ever Final Four appearance and earning a master’s degree in sports education.From his time as a professional soccer player to his mission today as a mindset coach, Jason has dedicated his life tohelping athletes develop the mental tools that separate good from great, teaching grit, confidence, focus, and resilience both in sport and in life.In this episode, we discuss the mental side of performance, how athletes create their own ceilings, the transition out ofsport, and why true success starts with mastering the mind. Jason shares his philosophy on redefining identity, breaking limiting beliefs, and finding purpose after the final whistle.If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent who wants to understand how mental conditioning drives long-term success, thisconversation is one you won’t want to miss.Let’s get started, here’s Coach Jason Sousa on the RU Strong Podcast!!

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define perseverance, passion, and purpose.Today, I’m fired up to welcome a young man whosejourney reflects courage, intelligence, and an unshakable belief in hard work, Jackson Proctor.Jackson grew up in Kent, Washington, and made alife-changing decision to travel 3,000 miles across the country to play football at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in America, Dartmouth College. There, he became the starting quarterback under the late Coach Buddy Teevens, a man who not only revolutionized the game with his approach to safety and leadership but also coached me decades ago when I played at the University of Maine.Jackson’s story is one of discipline, sacrifice, and growth. From adapting to life on the East Coast and managing therigorous demands of Ivy League academics, to becoming a team leader who helped his program capture multiple Ivy League Championships, Jackson has demonstratedthat true success requires balance in the classroom, on the field, and in life.In this episode, we talk about what it means to trust your gut, to make tough decisions at 18 years old, to overcomesetbacks like injuries and homesickness, and to embrace the “40-Year Plan” — the idea that what you do during four years of college sets the tone for the next forty years of your life.Now preparing to take his next step at Northern Illinois University, Jackson Proctor continues to embody the values of hard work, leadership, and humility, qualities that make him not only a strong athlete, but a stronger human being.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define perseverance,purpose, and personal growth.Today, I’m fired up to welcome a phenomenal guest whose journey takes us from the soccer fields of New Jersey to the front lines of athlete mental health and performance.Mia Gardner-Zambarano grew up in New Jersey,where her love for sports and competition took root at an early age. A standout soccer player at West Essex High School,Mia went on to compete at the Division I level at Sacred Heart University, where she majored in psychology andbuilt lifelong friendships and memories as part of the Pioneer family.Her college experience, however, wasn’t without adversity. A devastating knee injury tested her resilience and mental toughness, ultimately shaping the direction of her life beyond the game. That recovery journey sparked an interest in how the mind and body work together, and how athletes can use both to reach peak performance.After earning her master’s degree from Boston University, Mia became a licensed clinical social worker,specializing in mental health and performance for elite athletes. She’s now the founder of Geared Up, an innovative online mental health and performance training platform designed specifically for college athletes. Through Geared Up, Mia is helping redefine what it means to be “mentally tough,” empowering athletes to understand, assess, and strengthen their mental game the same way they train their physical one.In this episode, we dive into Mia’s journey, fromher playing days and her injury comeback, to her passion for helping athletes develop confidence, balance, and mental clarity both on and off the field.Get ready for an inspiring conversation with a true game-changer in the world of athlete wellness, MiaGardner-Zambarano.