RU STRONG

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we bring you the mindset, mission, and moments that shape champions, on and off the field.I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today I’m honored to reconnect with a hometown standout who has truly lived up to the phrase RU Strong. From Flemington, New Jersey to the heart of Paris, France, today’s guest has left his mark at every level.Jason Cabinda was Mr. Everything at Hunterdon Central High School before becoming a force at Linebacker U – Penn State, where he finished 9th all-time in tackles and earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors. That alone would be enough, but Jason kept climbing. He brought that same grit and work ethic to the NFL, playing for both the Raiders and the Lions.But what truly sets Jason apart? His character. He was nominated for the NFL Man of the Year Award, a testamentto his leadership, community impact, and unwavering commitment to the values passed down from his immigrant parents: set high standards and never let people down.In today’s episode, Jason opens up about hisjourney, his purpose, and how he's using his platform to inspire the next generation, not just in football, but in life.This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.This is what it means to be RU Strong.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we spotlight the mindset, mission, and momentum behind elite athletes and coaches who lead with grit, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest isnot only one of the most respected wrestling minds in the country but also a master communicator, transformational leader, and author of the powerful book Tiger Style. We’re honored to welcome Brian Smith, the Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Missouri.Coach Smith is a coach’s son who inherited notjust the love for the sport, but the responsibility of shaping young men into disciplined leaders, on the mat and in life. His passion for leadership is contagious, and his philosophy is built around purpose, preparation, and thepower of belief.In recruiting, Coach Smith doesn't just lookfor athletes, he seeks elite students, great teammates, and high-character competitors who want to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. With him, there are no shortcuts. No excuses. Just standards.He challenges his wrestlers to develop goodhabits, embrace failure as just a tough day, and finish each day with a positive thought. His “Take the Stairs”mentality means doing things the hard way, the right way, never cutting corners, never being late, always paying attention to the little things. Because details matter.He reminds us: “One more rep. One more effort. One more moment to get better.”He teaches that leadership starts in your head, you must believe before you canachieve. And more than anything, he encourages his team to expect to win.Today, we’ll dig into his story, his methods,and his message to athletes and coaches everywhere: To be great, it takes time. And it takes purpose-drivenleadership rooted in humility, discipline, and communication.Let’sdive in. This is Coach Brian Smith and this is RU Strong.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we shine a light on the mindset, mission, and momentum behind athletes and coaches who lead with grit, grind, and greatness on and off the mat.I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest is a man who didn’t just take on a challenge, he embraced a mission to build something special at Rutgers University from the ground up. Scott Goodale, head wrestling coach at Rutgers, has transformed the program through sheer determination, unwavering discipline, and an unshakable belief in doing things the right way every time.Coach Goodale doesn’t ask for handouts. In fact, he once told his team, “Until we win as a team, we ask for nothing. Keepyour mouth shut and go to work.” And that’s exactly what they did. He instilled a culture where winning wasn’t a goal, it became the expectation. He demanded more than talent. He demanded toughness. A championship lifestyle. A team-first mentality.He’s built a foundation rooted in core values, relationship-driven coaching, and relentless adaptability, where every wrestler is expected to grow in social skills, academics, and athletics. It’s not just about becoming an All-American; it’s about becoming a champion in life.When it comes to recruiting, he looks for more than skill. He looks for athletes who love to compete, who love the process, who work when no one’s watching, and who carrythe support and discipline of a strong family behind them.He teaches his athletes to believe in themselves, to communicate, to live their downtime right, and to always ask,what’s next? Because for Coach Goodale, the season is ajourney to enjoy, but the journey never ends.Let’s dive into the mindset of a coach who hasnot only raised the bar at Rutgers but reshaped the standard for what it means to lead, compete, and win the right way.Thisis Scott Goodale. And this is RU Strong.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we shine a light on the relentless mindset of athletes who rise through adversity, lead with purpose, and inspire far beyond the game.I’m your host, Jeff Durr and today’s guest brings a quiet strength and a bold message that every young athlete needs to hear. Justin Leigh, former Kean University football standout, didn’t just play the game, he grew up in it.Pushed by an older brother who never let himsettle, backed by a supportive mother who believed in him every step of the way, and fueled by a mindset that challenges aren’t roadblocks, they are reminders, you’ll hear how Justin took nothing for granted. He learned earlythat the world won’t hand you anything. You’ve got to earn it, show up every day with a plan, leave your ego at the door, and put in the kind of work that shows up when the lights come on.Justin's story is about accountability, discipline, and doing the things you don’t like as if you love them. It’s aboutbeing confident, not cocky. It’s about proving things to yourself, not anyone else. He built great relationships, embraced time management, and trusted the process—even when it was hard.If you're an athlete trying to figure out who you are outside the jersey, or a young person navigating how to lead, thisconversation is for you. Because Justin reminds us that football isn't forever, but the lessons it teaches are.Let’s dive in. This is Justin Leigh, and this is RU Strong.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast,where we spotlight the journeys of athletes who turn adversity into strength and lead with purpose beyond the game. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest is a powerful example of what it means to rise, compete, and inspire onand off the field.Kenie Wright is a former Rutgers Women’s Soccerstandout who went on to play professionally for NY/NJ Gotham FC. She brought intensity, leadership, and heart to every practice, every match, and every locker room she stepped into. Raised by incredibly supportive parents anddriven by a relentless inner fire, Kenie played with a chip on her shoulder and a deep belief that excellence wasn’t optional, it was expected.Her mission was always bigger than herself:dominate on the field, bring good vibes to the team, and help everyone around her rise to a higher standard. She believed working hard was the bare minimum. She focused on staying in the moment, being in the best shape possible, and making sure practice and games were not only competitive—but fun.Kenie connected with likeminded people, held herself and her teammates accountable, and never forgot to be grateful for the journey. Now, her passion is to be a source of motivation for others, reminding young athletes that if you stay consistent, believe in yourself, and find what brings you joy… you can achieve greatness and lift others along the way.Please welcome to the show, former pro soccer player, culture-setter, and competitor through and through,Kenie Wright.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast wheregrit, leadership, and passion meet purpose. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s episode is a special one for all athletes, coaches, and aspiring entrepreneurs out there.Joining me is a former college football player who took the lessons from the locker room and transformed them into apowerhouse of purpose through his company, Pratt for Athletic Training. He’s not just training athletes, he’s moldingleaders.From day one, his coaches made a lasting impact on him, they cared, they challenged him, and they helped shape the man he became. He’s carried that same standard forward: don’t expect less, lead by example, and model the behavior youwant to see in others.As a trainer and business owner, he’s upfront,honest, and relentlessly driven. He’s obsessed with his craft and laser-focused on one thing, getting the absolute best out of everything and everyone. No shortcuts. No exceptions.He believes in empathy, in asking for help, inlearning from mistakes, and most of all, in going all in. Whether on the field or in the gym, he brings the same fire he had as a player: a love for football, a passion for training, and a mindset to scale, grow, and make things enjoyable every step of the way.If you’re looking to be a better leader, buildsomething meaningful, or simply become the best version of yourself, this conversation is for you.Let’s dive in. This is RU Strong.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who embody resilience, mental discipline, and the will to win, on and off the field.I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest is someone who’s lived that mindset every step of the way. From dominating at the University of Maine and Rutgers University to now competing in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Shawn Bowman has always found a way to rise.Shawn shares the mindset that got him here, wherethere’s a will, there’s a way. From doing the small things well to constantly preparing, giving extra effort, and never getting complacent, his story is a reminder that success isn’t about luck, it’s about structure, choices, and relentless commitment to the standard.We talk about leaning on teammates, navigatingadversity, and staying focused on the end goal. Shawn reminds us that no one is coming to save you. you must earnit, prove yourself, and lay it all on the line. Every day.This episode is packed with lessons in mental toughness, accountability, and what it truly means to be RU Strong.Let’s get into it.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we celebrate resilience, grit, and the relentless spirit of athletes who turn life’s challenges into victories both in and out of competition. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest embodies the heart of what it means to be RU Strong.Cassidy Mulligan is more than a college swimmer; she’s a force of nature. Her story is one of deep self-belief, relentlessteam-first work ethic, and the courage to hold herself to a higher standard every single day. From early mornings in the pool to long days balancing academics, competition, and community service, Cassidy has proven that the roadto success isn’t always predictable but it’s always worth it when you trust your abilities and keep showing up.She’s learned how to manage pressure, be adaptable, and live in the moment. Her message? Don’t live in the past, take things day by day, have fun, and never quit. Whether it was her unwavering family support or the internal drive to “get her butt in gear,” Cassidy found her rhythm and never looked back.We dive into what it means to truly compete as a team, love being comfortable being uncomfortable, and how doing just one thing for yourself every day can transform your energy, focus, and life trajectory.Cassidy reminds us all: Be proud of what you do. Give yourself more credit. And remember, college sports isn’t just four years… it’s the foundation for the restof your life.Let’s dive into the mindset, motivation, andmission of a champion. Here’s Cassidy Mulligan.

Welcome to another powerful episode of the RUStrong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes who define what it means to lead with grit, heart, and resilience, on and off the field.Today, we tee it up with Oliver Whatley, a former college golfer whose journey proves that talent alone doesn't earn the win, discipline, mindset, and the will to outwork everyone around you does.Oliver grew up with a passion for the game and the belief that golf would naturally take care of his college future. But he quickly realized that without intentional effort, consistent practice, and total commitment to the process, the path gets rocky. With incredibly supportive parents by his side, Oliver learned to put in the work, every day, and push himself to make a lasting impact. Not by chasing outcomes, but by focusing on what he could control: his mindset, hishabits, and his growth.He talks about learning how to learn before you learn to win, and why appreciating the small victories, staying coachable, and being vulnerable enough to receive feedback werethe keys to unlocking his full potential. Oliver reminds us that mistakes are part of the game, and that acknowledging your weaknesses can make you stronger.This episode is about the discipline to say no, the willpower to stay focused, and the presence to love the game, even through the struggles. Because showing up isn’t enough. You must grind. You must grow. And above all, you must put in the work.Let’s dive in. This is Oliver Whatley. This is RU Strong.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, the show where resilience meets purpose, and athletes share the real, raw stories behind their strength.I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest isproof that mental grit and belief in yourself can overcome any obstacle, even in the quiet, high-pressure world of college golf.Joining us is Morgan Smith, a standout college golfer whose journey wasn’t always smooth. Recruited out of high school in a sport where leaderboards can define your worth, Morgan battled comparison, self-doubt, andthe pressure to measure up. But instead of folding, she chose to trust her game, ride the wave, and remind herself that confidence is a choice.Morgan is the kind of athlete who embraces the grind,who does the hard things every single day, even when no one’s watching. From mastering time management and setting a structured routine, to staying groundedin family and focused on the future she wants to build, Morgan shows us that pressure is a privilege, and greatnessis found in showing up and doing what others won’t.She’s not just a golfer. She’s a fighter. Aleader. A gritty example of what it means to be who you are, love what you do, and believe in yourself,because if you don’t, who will?Get ready for a conversation that will inspireyou to take control of your destiny, trust your work, and never doubt your abilities.This is the story of Morgan Smith and this is RU Strong.