Dinerpod 35: Ron Stateler-South Vermillion Wrestling Coach

In this episode, Red Velvet sits down with a pillar of the South Vermillion community, Coach Ron Statler. With over 34 years at the helm of the Wildcats' wrestling program, Coach Statler shares a journey that began with "broken English" in Centenary and evolved into a legendary coaching career.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "Old School" Days: From the grueling task of carrying heavy mats up cafeteria stairs to the hilarious realization that high school wrestling didn't involve throwing chairs or jumping off ropes like "Dick the Bruiser."

A History of Tradition: The story of how South Vermillion kept the "Old Gold and Black" colors and the Wildcat mascot through consolidation, maintaining a bridge to the past.

A Family Affair: How wrestling became a Statler family business, with children and grandchildren now coaching alongside "Papa Ron" to build the next generation of athletes.

The Evolution of the Sport: A look at how wrestling has become safer and more technical, including the rise of the newly sanctioned girls’ wrestling program and the success of standout athletes like Rosie Traviola.

Coaching Beyond the Mat: Why Coach Statler prioritizes fun and fundamentals in youth programs and how his "dividend" as a coach is the lifelong respect and love from former athletes.

Tune in for a heartfelt look at leadership, local history, and the true meaning of the "Wildcat Family."

Thank you sponsors:

Wabash Valley Plumbing

RJs Formalwear

Varsity House Outfitters

Ever Haute Co.

#wrestling #wrestlingseason #wrestlingcoach #highschoolwrestling #dinerpodsports

Dinerpod 34: JC Thomas

In this high-energy episode, we sit down with JC Thomas, a South Putnam football coach fresh off a historic state championship run. JC takes us on a journey from his early coaching days to the bright lights of Lucas Oil Stadium, proving that the road to a ring is paved with grit, a few "pew-pews," and a whole lot of weight room sessions.

In this episode, we dive into:

The "Big Shoulder Pad" Era: JC reflects on his playing days at Terre Haute North in the legendary MIC conference, playing with future NFL talent like Steve Weatherford and James Banks.

The Quarterback Evolution: How a 6'3" lefty tight end convinced his old-school coach to finally try the "shotgun" formation.

The ISU Connection: A look back at the glory days of gymnastics and dance classes—where big hits on the field met front handsprings (and the occasional "C" grade) on the mats.

Coaching the Alma Mater and Crossing Town: The emotional shift of trading in Patriot blue for South Vigo red, and the lessons learned as a young coach playing "big brother" to his athletes.

The State Championship Journey: A behind-the-scenes look at the South Putnam miracle, from the nail-biting overtime win against Riverton Park to the 7:00 AM weight room session on the morning of the state finals.

Whether you're a football fanatic or just here for the "Hot Mess Express" stories, JC’s story is a masterclass in local sports history and the power of community support.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Wabash Valley Plumbing

RJs Formalwear

Varsity House Outfitters

Ever Haute Co.

#football #fridaynightlights #footballcoach #highschoolfootball #dinerpodsports

Dinerpod #32 Aubrey Bartkowiak

"I just have a mission. I’m on a mission to win that state title."

In this episode of the Dinerpod, we sit down with a true pioneer of the mat: Aubrey Bartkowiak, the IHSAA Girls Wrestling Heavyweight State Champion from Attica High School.

Aubrey joins us to share her incredible four-year journey—from stepping into a wrestling room for the first time as a freshman (and crying on day one!) to becoming the first four-time state qualifier in her school's history. She opens up about the physical and mental hurdles of the sport, including shedding over 100 pounds to get healthy and finding the "championship mindset" required to reach the top of the podium.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Surreal Feeling of Gold: Aubrey describes the moment she realized she finally reached her goal after placing 2nd, 5th, and 3rd in previous years.

Overcoming the "Target": How she managed the pressure of being a top-ranked athlete and why her senior year felt different.

The State Final Turnaround: A play-by-play of her championship match, where she fought back from a 10-3 deficit in the third period to secure the pin.

Pioneering Girls Wrestling: Her perspective on watching the sport explode in popularity and becoming a role model for the next generation.

What’s Next: Her commitment to wrestle at the D-II level for Point Park University in Pittsburgh and her upcoming schedule at Nationals and Fargo.

Mental Health & Motivation: How the memory of her friend Ray fueled her "mission" this season and the importance of a strong support system.

Aubrey’s Advice to Young Athletes: > "Don't give up. When you feel like giving up, don't do it. You need to push yourself until you absolutely know there’s nothing left in the tank."

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

#wrestling #statechampion #girlswrestling #highschoolwrestling #dinerpodsports

Dinerpod #31: Lucas Steward-Clay City Boys Basketball Coach

In this episode, Red Velvet hits the studio with Lucas Steward, the newly minted head basketball coach for the Clay City Eels. A Terre Haute South and Indiana State alum, Coach Steward opens up about his journey from a "no-engineering-degree-required" elementary ed major to leading a program with a rich winning tradition.

Steward shares insights into his "thrown into the fire" philosophy for a young Eels squad, the lessons he carried over from coaching football under local legends, and why he’s trading "bubbles" (carbonation) for high-energy transition offense.

What’s inside this episode:

The Transition: Moving from Riverton Parke to the fifth-grade classrooms and the "Eel Dome" at Clay City.

Gridiron Roots: How playing tight end at South shaped his perspective on leadership and toughness.

The GOAT Debate: Why The Last Dance is essential viewing and Michael Jordan remains the undisputed king in Stewart's eyes.

The Road Ahead: A preview of the Clay City Classic and the highly anticipated "Battle of Clay County" against Northview.Pregame Rituals: From mall Chinese food to "Rehab Monsters," we look at what gets a coach ready for Friday night lights.

Whether you're a die-hard Eels fan or just love the atmosphere of Indiana small-town hoops, this conversation captures the passion and grit of a coach ready to make his mark on the SWIAC.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Wabash Valley Plumbing

RJs Formalwear

Varsity House Outfitters

Ever Haute Co.

#basketball #basketballseason #basketballcoach #highschoolbasketball #coaching #teaching #educating #dinerpodsports #dinerverse #youthsporschowdown

Dinerpod #30: James Lott Jr.-Owner of JLJ Media

In this high-energy episode, Red Velvet sits down with the multi-talented James Lott Jr. (JLJ), owner of JLJ Media, for a candid conversation that spans decades and coastlines. Joining the studio via satellite from Inglewood, California, James takes us on a deep dive into a life defined by saying "yes" to every opportunity.

James reflects on a colorful journey that began in the "deep" Inglewood of the 70s and 80s, navigating the era of desegregation busing and the height of the Sunset Strip hair metal scene. From his early days as a nurse and a corporate switchboard operator at Morgan Stanley during 9/11 to his time fronting a punk dance band in San Francisco, James shares how a "varied life" shaped his fearless perspective on business and creativity.

Highlights of this episode include:

Growing up in LA: The grit of the 80s, the Sunset Strip, and the reality of living through the LA riots.

The San Francisco Hustle: Driving manual cars up impossible hills and surviving the "coldest winters" in the summer fog.

A Witness to History: James recounts his time working in finance during the 9/11 attacks and how it changed his outlook on life.

The Art of "Yes": How an open mind led James from nursing to retail to becoming a media mogul and artist.

New York State of Mind: Rats, pizza, and the electric energy of NYC in the mid-80s.

Whether you're interested in the history of Los Angeles, the reality of the corporate world, or just want to hear two "brothers from another mother" swap stories about food and craziness, this episode is a masterclass in living life to the fullest.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Wabash Valley Plumbing

RJs Formalwear

Varsity House Outfitters

Ever Haute Co.

#jameslottjr #mediamogul #media #california #losangeles #inglewood #podcast #podcaster #podcasting #dinerpodsports #youthsportschowdown

Dinerpod #29: New Years Eve

Join Red Velvet on New Year's Eve as he pops some Tums fresh off conquering the Hot Ones Challenge (with Coach Luke Carmody officially declaring him the winner after "reviewing the film") and sits down for an honest, heartfelt solo reflection on 2025.

From the emotional highs of his son's senior year, graduation, and military transformation (including Red's first-ever plane ride to Georgia for the turning green ceremony) to the financial lows of a brutal winter that tested the family business, 2025 was a true roller coaster.

Red opens up about the grind: buying the long-dreamed-of property next door, niching DinerPod down to sports, food, and fun, reigniting his passion for football, announcing games for North Central, diving deeper into independent wrestling, vending at conventions, emceeing unique shows, starting an Amazon delivery hub side gig, and expanding coverage from a handful of teams to 28 across the Wabash Valley.

He gets raw about the mental battles of self-employment and content creation – the dark days, the tears, the doubts – and how an incredible support system of coaches, wrestlers, podcasters, and friends pulled him through undefeated.

Looking ahead to 2026, Red is fired up: more live streams, food challenges, wrestling talk, youth and high school coverage (aiming for 32–34 football programs), growing Ever Haute Co.'s new letterman jacket services, and building an even stronger community around local sports.

It's a long, rambling, deeply personal episode full of gratitude, laughs, shout-outs, and resilience. If you've ever chased a dream, battled hard days, or just love Wabash Valley sports and wrestling, this one's for you.

Happy New Year – let's make 2026 the best yet!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Wabash Valley Plumbing

RJs Formalwear

Varsity House Outfitters

Ever Haute Co.

#happynewyear #newyears #newyearseve #lookingback #reflection #resilience

Dinerpod 28: Merry Christmas

It’s 10:25 PM, I’m past my bedtime, and I just got back from "the club" (also known as Sam’s Club). In this special Christmas Eve solo episode, Red Velvet pulls back the curtain on the holiday season, past and present.

From the "dark ages" of his youth to the realization that the best gift doesn't come in a box, this is a raw and reflective look at what matters most. We’re talking about the transition from 90s Christmas traditions—shoutout to disgusting oyster soup and giant shoulder-mounted camcorders—to the "Iron Man" toughness of a one-eyed Jack Russell named Luke who survived a Christmas Eve run-in with a truck.

In this episode:

• The Best Gift: Welcoming his son home from military holiday block leave and what it means to have the whole family under one roof.

• Holiday Traditions: Why "experiences" are replacing "stuff" for the kids this year.

• Schedule Update: Why the highly anticipated interview with James Lott Jr. is moving to the 2026 season premiere.

• The Churro Tragedy: A cautionary tale about Sam’s Club holiday hours.

Whether you're driving to see family or hiding in the kitchen for a moment of peace, join us for a heartfelt message about growth, change, and the "old-time Christmas feel."

Dinerpod #27-Justin Lowry-South Vermillion Athletic DirectorRed Velvet sits down with South Vermillion Athletic Director Justin Lowry for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life as a small-town Indiana high school AD.Fresh off his first-ever plane ride and battling jet lag, Justin joins via satellite to share his journey: from South Vermillion grad to Indiana State alum, to teaching and coaching stints at Owen Valley (under legends like Roger Fleetwood), to middle school AD, and finally returning home for his third year leading the Wildcats' athletic program.The guys dive deep into the chaotic, often thankless world of an athletic director:Why scheduling officials is a multi-year nightmare (football refs booked through 2030!)The stress of game night until the national anthem playsRunning concessions, staffing events, greeting teams, and handling every last-minute crisisWhy most ADs step away from coaching — and how Justin still scratches that itch with his son's 9U/10U travel baseball teamThey geek out over the Banks of the Wabash rivalry series — the four-school showdown with Park Heritage, Riverton Parke, and North Vermillion that's about to heat up:Wrestling Banks duel tournament (hosted tomorrow night — Friday night lights on the mats!)Upcoming cheer and basketball Banks eventsTraveling trophies, packed gyms, and why these local rivalries hit differentPlus, classic WRC talk: Milk Jug, Bronze Helmet, Battle of the Backroads at the old Clinton CRC gym, throwback jerseys, and the nostalgia of small-town Indiana hoops and football.Justin shouts out his incredibly supportive wife (and all the spouses who make these jobs possible), talks family life with his two young boys, and shares his love for Gulf Shores vacations.Technical difficulties? Of course — even the interview had a mid-show dropout, perfectly illustrating the "turn chicken poop into chicken salad" mentality of high school athletics.If you love Indiana high school sports, small-town pride, and the unsung heroes who make it all happen, this episode is a must-listen.Go Wildcats — and KEEP POOSHIN!Thank you to our sponsors:Wabash Valley PlumbingRJs FormalwearVarsity House OutfittersEver Haute Co.Thank you to our subscribers! For 99 cents per month, you can subscribe to The Diner Podcast on Facebook!#athleticdirector #highschoolsports #athletics #highschoolathletics #coaching