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In this episode of the Coaching Changes Series, Robert sits down with Southern Nazarene University's first-year head baseball coach, Chris Moddelmog, to discuss his background, coaching philosophy, and vision for the SNU program.
On the Coaching Journey:
Moddelmog details his "crazy" background, from his time as a college athlete at Murray State and Neosho County to coaching stints at Belmont and Ren Lake College.
He shares his experience stepping away from coaching for over a decade to raise his children, a period where he gained new perspectives on life and baseball.
During his time away, he owned a sporting goods store and did private lessons, which allowed him to observe a variety of coaches and coaching styles across different sports.
Coaching Philosophy & Team Culture:
Moddelmog emphasizes the importance of a hands-on coaching style and player development. He believes in a collaborative dialogue with players to help them improve.
He discusses building a culture based on discipline and accountability, starting with the little things like tucking in shirts and taking off hats indoors.
A key part of his approach is building strong relationships with his players, meeting with them one-on-one monthly to talk about life, not just baseball.
He also highlights the importance of "servant leadership" and the example he wants his senior players to set for the younger guys.
The SNU Program & Future:
Moddelmog talks about the swift hiring process at Southern Nazarene and the personal family ties that drew him to the university.
He praises the university's Christian values and its "purposely different" approach to education.
He outlines his offensive philosophy, focusing on a fast-paced, high-tempo style of play designed to put pressure on opponents.
Moddelmog shares his excitement for the future, highlighting the program's potential and the support from the university's leadership.
This conversation offers a deep dive into the mindset of a coach returning to the game with renewed passion and a fresh perspective, ready to build a program at Southern Nazarene from the ground up.