🎙️ "We Can't Be Great in April and Mediocre in May" – Chad Blank, Clarinda HS (IA)
This week’s guest is more than a coach — he’s a track guy, a school counselor, and a leadership cultivator in small-town Iowa. Meet Chad Blank, head coach at Clarinda High School, who blends rural grit, Mike Tomlin inspiration, and student-centered mentorship to build a team culture that peaks when it matters most.
🔑 In this episode:
🧠 Why leadership must be taught — not just expected
🔥 How Mike Tomlin’s quote “Don’t run away from coaching” reshaped Chad’s program
💡 Coaching in Clarinda: small town, big expectations
🏃♂️ From gravel tracks to national coaching impact
📈 Why performance in May matters more than medals in April
🎓 How being a school counselor fuels his coaching mindset
📣 Chad’s transition from college athlete to coach after injury — and what it taught him about purpose
💬 “We can't be a great team in April and a mediocre team in May.” — Chad Blank
Whether you coach in a powerhouse program or a town with no Walmart, Chad’s story will inspire you to rethink how you shape your team, your culture, and your own growth as a leader.
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