In Episode 60 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Cameron Wright, the Olympian, five-time All-American, former SIU head coach, and Southern Illinois native whose journey is one of relentless drive, faith, and personal growth.
From his small-town beginnings in Anna to clearing 7'1" for a state championship, Wright rose to become one of SIU’s most decorated athletes, earning five All-American honors and setting a Missouri Valley Conference record that still stands three decades later. In 1996, after battling self-doubt and disappointment at several national meets, Wright delivered the jump of his life at the U.S. Olympic Trials — punching his ticket to the Atlanta Games and fulfilling a lifelong dream.
But his story doesn’t end on the track. Wright went on to coach at SIU, eventually leading the program as head coach, before making a major life shift into pharmaceutical sales. There, he climbed to the top once again, earning six national sales awards and induction into the Pfizer Hall of Fame. Through every chapter, his commitment to growth, humility, and putting people first has remained constant.
In this episode, Kerry and Cameron explore the mindset of elite performance, the power of visualization, and the courage it takes to face failure head-on. They discuss the importance of culture in coaching, the sacrifices and rewards of family life, and the profound personal lessons learned from both victory and adversity. Wright also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Olympic Games, his coaching philosophies, and how faith has guided his journey.
It’s a conversation about grit, gratitude, and the pursuit of excellence — on the track, in leadership, and in life.
