Dinerpod 43: Nick Wheeler-North Central Football Coach

Host Red Velvet is back in the studio for a deep dive into the rising football program at North Central (Farmersburg). Joining the show for his third visit is T-Bird Head Coach Nick Wheeler, but first, we sit down with a rising star on the offensive line—his son, Eli Wheeler.

We kick things off with Eli to discuss the high-stakes life of a Left Tackle (the "blindside" protector), the perks of being a coach's kid on the sidelines, and the ultimate family rivalry: who is actually better at Fortnite?

Then, Coach Wheeler joins the desk to pull back the curtain on the T-Birds' massive Year 2 turnaround. After a culture-building first season, North Central exploded for a 6-game win streak and their first sectional victory in years. Coach breaks down the "Red Velvet" play—a trick reverse flea-flicker he promised (and delivered) on game day—and explains why he wants his quarterback rocking an old-school cowboy collar.

We also get real about the mental side of coaching. From the "Energy Bus" leadership philosophy to the challenges of running a program with a small roster, Coach Wheeler shares his journey of building a "tough kids on the block" identity in one of the state's most competitive 1A sectionals.

What’s Inside the Episode:

The "Blindside" Life: Eli Wheeler on protecting the QB and out-gaming his dad.X's & O's: The mechanics of the "Red Velvet" trick play.

The Streak: How a 7-4 season changed the expectations in Farmersburg.

Culture Shock: Adding fireworks, PA antics, and "college-level" energy to Friday nights.

Looking Ahead: Spring break lifting, roster growth (42 and counting!), and the 2026 outlook.

Thank you to our sponsors:Wabash Valley Plumbing RJs Formalwear Varsity House Outfitters Ever Haute Co.

Youth Sports Chowdown 127

Spring sports have officially arrived in the Dinerverse, and host Red Velvet is feeling the heat! With a massive expansion to 38 high school baseball and softball teams across Indiana and Illinois, Episode 127 is a marathon through the box scores.

From professional updates in the NBA and Hungary to record-shattering performances on the track and "video game numbers" on the diamond, this episode covers the absolute best of local and next-level talent.

What’s Inside This Episode:The Big Reveal: Red discusses the logistics of covering nearly 40 high school teams and 15 college squads—plus a special announcement for Diner Podcast subscribers regarding the first-ever All-Dinerpod Boys Basketball teams.

Next Level Athletes: Updates on Craig Porter Jr. (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jalen Moore (Hungary), and a sweep of college baseball and softball standouts including Nick Sutherlin (ISU), Peyton Lear (IU Kokomo), and Sophie Moshos (App State).

The Varsity Special: * Baseball: Sullivan stays perfect at 3-0, West Vigo shuts out a rival, and South Putnam’s Hayden Tencher puts on a baserunning clinic with 5 stolen bases in one game.

Softball: Tori Detro (North Put) puts up a "cheat code" stat line (15 Ks and a HR), while Edgewood outscores opponents by a staggering 29-1 to start the season

.Track & Field: A massive shoutout to Ava Williamson (Greencastle) for obliterating a 21-year-old discus record and a recap of the Northview girls' dominant showing at the inaugural Mayor’s Cup.

The Rookie Report: Recapping the Looney Toons Showdown with hardware for the Riley Rebels, CYL 8U Knights, and the Mooresville 12U Pioneers.

Power Performers: The debut of the new Red Velvet Power Performers segment highlighting the week's most explosive athletes.

Community Links:Podcast Drop:

Catch the full interview with North Central Football Coach Nick Wheeler this Wednesday!

Soccer Alert: FHS Soccer is looking for two high school players for their travel team—don't miss the $40 deal!

"Don't miss the wave. Of course, if you miss the wave, I’ll still pick you up."

Thank you to our sponsors:Wabash Valley Plumbing RJs Formalwear Varsity House Outfitters Ever Haute Co.

#sports #sportsshow #youthsports #highschoolsports #dinerpodsports

Dinerpod 42: Patrick Rady-Executive Director of Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association

In this episode, Red Velvet welcomes Coach Patrick Rady, Executive Director of the Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association (HBCA), for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond basketball.

Coach Rady dives into the mission of the HBCA—highlighting and promoting talented athletes across Southern Indiana who might otherwise be overlooked. From organizing All-Star games to providing scholarships and academic recognition, the HBCA is all about giving student-athletes the spotlight they’ve earned both on and off the court.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Coach Rady shares his personal journey growing up as the son of a legendary coach, learning the game from a young age, and eventually building his own successful coaching career. From being cut by his own father to winning sectional championships and coaching high-level talent, his story is filled with lessons about perseverance, humility, and growth.

Red Velvet and Coach Rady also break down what’s missing in today’s youth sports culture—emphasizing the importance of playing for the love of the game, learning through pickup competition, and developing real basketball IQ instead of relying solely on structured systems.

They highlight standout local athletes selected for the HBCA All-Star Game and discuss how recognition—especially hearing your name—can make a lasting impact on young players.

The episode wraps with a meaningful discussion about the sacrifices behind the scenes, especially from coaches’ families, and the life lessons sports teach: accountability, teamwork, and passion.

🔥 Bottom line: This episode is about more than wins and losses—it’s about building people, celebrating effort, and keeping the love of the game alive.