On The Bench Podcast artwork

On The Bench Podcast

110 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratings

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson talk high school basketball across Northeast Ohio.

Sports akron basketball canton coaching ohsaa
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

The Waiting Game

May 20, 2020 14:00 - 30 minutes - 17.9 MB

The podcast is back. Zac Jackson and Ken Rector discuss the waiting game, the shifting of the girls state tournament and more quarantine-related topics. 

Bulldogs and Brackets with Andy Vlajkovich

March 03, 2020 16:46 - 28 minutes - 17.3 MB

Second-year Canton McKinley boys coach Andy Vlajkovich talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about tournament formatting, his team's successful season, the Canton D1 district and more. 

Building A Winner with Boardman's Pat Birch

February 20, 2020 15:00 - 30 minutes - 19.7 MB

Boardman boys coach Pat Birch makes his podcast debut. He talks program building, facing stiff competition and establishing a winning attitude with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson. 

Talking Hoops with Wadsworth's Andy Booth

February 20, 2020 03:26 - 22 minutes - 12 MB

Longtime Wadsworth girls coach Andy Booth joins Zac Jackson and Ken Rector for a discussion on his program's sustained success, the state of girls basketball and the start of the state tournament. 

Bracket Talk + Zach Ross

February 14, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 12.6 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson discuss the release of the district brackets, lament the lack of super-districting and then bring in Jonathan Alder coach Zach Ross for a discussion on his career, the Central District and why he's excited about his program. 

A Conversation with Phil Schmook

February 13, 2020 15:40 - 21 minutes - 12.2 MB

Twinsburg coach Phil Schmook joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a conversation about his team, his long coaching career and why he's excited about the Twinsburg program. 

Talkin' Hoops with Medina's Chris Hassinger

January 28, 2020 12:00 - 22 minutes - 12.9 MB

Medina boys coach Chris Hassinger talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about lofty goals, tournament prep and spreading the wealth. 

A Conversation with Massillon Coach Josh Hose

January 27, 2020 03:07 - 29 minutes - 18.2 MB

Second-year Massillon coach Josh Hose joins Zac Jackson and Ken Rector for a discussion on program building, football's shadow and more. 

A Conversation with Ellet's Chad Hazard

January 21, 2020 14:42 - 37 minutes - 22.4 MB

New Ellet High coach Chad Hazard talks being a basketball lifer and building a program with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson

The Podcast Returns! Kyle McBride Joins

January 15, 2020 14:44 - 31 minutes - 18 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson discuss the return of the podcast, Ken's return to coaching and more. In the second half of the show, they talk hoops with first-year Barberton boys coach Kyle McBride. 

Back in the Game with Ken Rector

July 24, 2019 19:38 - 27 minutes - 21.1 MB

Our host is back in coaching. Ken Rector and Zac Jackson discuss Ken's surprise decision to return to coaching after he accepted the girls basketball coaching job at Barberton. 

The Next Chapter with Scott Callaghan

May 09, 2019 14:53 - 27 minutes - 15.5 MB

After resigning as girls coach at Hoban, Scott Callaghan joined Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on the state of the coaching business, his fondest memories and why basketball will always be a part of his life. 

A Chat with Legendary Wooster Coach Steve Moore

May 01, 2019 19:58 - 22 minutes - 13.8 MB

A season from retirement, legendary College of Wooster coach Steve Moore joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a conversation on his career, how the game has changed and what went in to all the winning Wooster has done during his tenure. 

Joey Lane: A Walk-On's Walkoff

April 26, 2019 02:16 - 23 minutes - 14.7 MB

Ohio State senior walk-on Joey Lane joins the podcast for a discussion about his career, his advice for the next basketball generation, what he learned in Columbus and his experience in the NCAA tournament. 

Mark Kinsley on Green's First Sweet 16

March 12, 2019 17:34 - 22 minutes - 14.2 MB

Green coach Mark Kinsley discusses his team's first district title, the success of point guard Kaleb Martin, the Federal League and more. 

Happy Homecoming with Matt Futch

March 12, 2019 17:32 - 35 minutes - 22.8 MB

Akron Buchtel coach Matt Futch discusses his team's regional appearance, the rise of Chris Livingston, how he relates to his players and why he's so excited about his program's future.

First Year Lessons with Kevin Byrne

February 19, 2019 18:51 - 34 minutes - 21 MB

First-year Walsh Jesuit coach Kevin Byrne discusses his program, his basketball journey and his goals for the future with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson. 

Phil Schmook, Basketball Lifer

February 19, 2019 18:21 - 31 minutes - 18.9 MB

Twinsburg coach Phil Schmook joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of today's game, why he un-retired for his current job and why he feels good about the Twinsburg program going forward. 

Home Again with Chad Spurgeon

February 19, 2019 02:02 - 22 minutes - 14.6 MB

Perry coach Chad Spurgeon discusses his team's season, why he's so positive about his program going forward and why he misses sectional doubleheaders. 

Catching up with Mount Union Coach Mike Fuline

February 12, 2019 19:30 - 18 minutes - 10.9 MB

Mount Union coach Mike Fuline joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on the OAC meatgrinder, tournament time, the keys to his team's success this season and why he thinks there's so much good basketball in Northeast Ohio.

Win Streaks and High Seeds with Revere's Dean Rahas

February 12, 2019 15:50 - 31 minutes - 20.4 MB

Revere HS coach Dean Rahas talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about his team's win streak, raising expectations for the program and the fine line in March. 

On The Road Again with UPG's Brody Jackson

January 30, 2019 14:44 - 19 minutes - 11.6 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson are joined by Zac's brother, Pitt-Greensburg coach Brody Jackson, for a discussion on the Div. III lifestyle, navigating a rebuild and and trying to turn things around. 

Sizing Up The Season

January 29, 2019 16:51 - 29 minutes - 22 MB

On this episode of On The Bench, Ken Rector and Zac Jackson discuss the qualities great teams share, the tournament structure, how to handle schedule changes and other topics from the Northeast Ohio basketball season. 

A Conversation with Eric Flannery of St. Edward HS

January 29, 2019 01:00 - 28 minutes - 17.3 MB

Coach Flan makes his return to that other basketball podcast. He discusses his program's annual goals, the recent game vs. Spire, what he likes about the 2018-19 Eagles and how he handles social media. 

Chasing a Breakthrough with LCC's Ryan McGonagle

January 20, 2019 17:00 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MB

Lake Center Christian coach Ryan McGonagle talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about his first head coaching job, his program's lofty goals, why he chose this career path and more. 

A Conversation with Alliance Coach Larry Kukura

January 17, 2019 15:47 - 27 minutes - 16.8 MB

Longtime Alliance High School coach Larry Kukura talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about his 20 years in the lead seat, some games that got away, why he still gets excited for Friday nights and how high school basketball has changed. 

Stars and Reaching For Them with Mike Bluey

January 11, 2019 00:18 - 24 minutes - 15.4 MB

First-year North Canton Hoover coach Mike Bluey talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about his new job, the Federal League, his young team and why he's so excited about his program's future.

The First Season with Johnstown's Zach Ross

January 08, 2019 00:03 - 27 minutes - 17.9 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson are joined by first-year coach Zach Ross of Johnstown-Monroe in the Licking County League. Zach discusses his team's hot start, his path to the head coach's office and where he thinks his program can go from here. 

A Conversation with McKinley Coach Andy Vlajkovich

January 04, 2019 15:42 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson talk tradition, pressure, winning and long-range vision with first-year McKinley coach Andy Vlajkovich. 

Home Again with Wadsworth's Mike Moser

December 20, 2018 12:00 - 25 minutes - 16.1 MB

New Wadsworth coach Mike Moser discusses his new job, his return home, what he's learned during his winding coaching career and why he thinks the Grizzlies can win over the long term. 

Sustaining Success with Lake's Tom McBride

December 19, 2018 20:45 - 26 minutes - 16.3 MB

Longtime Lake coach Tom McBride joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on the Federal League, coaching his sons, how high school basketball has changed and how the Blue Streaks have remained competitive and successful. 

Talking Hoops with Nordonia's Matt Cash

December 13, 2018 14:30 - 23 minutes - 14.4 MB

Nordonia coach Matt Cash discusses his team, his second stint in the head seat and why he's a kinder, gentler coach this time around. 

Round Two with Crestwood's Josh Jakacki

December 13, 2018 14:02 - 26 minutes - 16.7 MB

Crestwood boys coach Josh Jakacki discusses his second stint with the Red Devils, coaching his sons and his vision for building a program with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson. 

Present and Future with Buckeye's Tom Harrington

December 07, 2018 15:15 - 23 minutes - 25.9 MB

Medina Buckeye coach Tom Harrington joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on his coaching journey, high expectations for his program and the importance of being involved with a youth program. 

"Down 4 With 2 Minutes Left"

December 05, 2018 20:40 - 29 minutes - 17.1 MB

Medina boys coach Chris Hassinger joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on the Bees' program, prepping teams for the postseason, surviving a brutal schedule and keeping up with the times. 

First Things First with Rootstown's Cody Calhoun

November 20, 2018 09:00 - 23 minutes - 14.3 MB

New Rootstown boys coach Cody Calhoun joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion about his first head-coaching job, why he always wanted to be a coach and what's ahead for his program. 

The New Guy (Sort Of) with Tallmadge's Bill Johnson

November 20, 2018 06:00 - 24 minutes - 15.7 MB

New Tallmadge boys coach Bill Johnson joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on his coaching career, his second stint at Tallmadge and what's ahead for the Blue Devils. 

New Beginnings with Gilmour Academy's Dan DeCrane

November 19, 2018 17:22 - 26 minutes - 16 MB

New Gilmour Academy coach Dan DeCrane discusses his hectic summer, his team's move to the NCL and his coaching path with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson. 

Talking Suits and Hoops with Tyler Bates

October 22, 2018 16:15 - 30 minutes - 19.1 MB

Zac Jackson and Ken Rector talk hoops with Loudonville High School girls coach Tyler Bates. 

A Conversation with Leadership Trainer Jamy Bechler

October 12, 2018 16:06 - 30 minutes - 19.4 MB

Jamy Bechler, a former basketball coach who's now an author and leadership trainer, joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on basketball, developing leaders and and more. 

Competitive Balance + Chippewa Coach D.J. Shrock

September 20, 2018 19:10 - 40 minutes - 25.3 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson are back. They talk the OHSAA's competitive balance court battle, the state of the game in the Twitter era and they interview second-year Chippewa boys coach D.J. Schrock. 

Taking the Next Step with Matt Hackenberg of GlenOak

June 26, 2018 20:16 - 28 minutes - 18.2 MB

GlenOak Coach Matt Hackenberg joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on his program's growth, the plusses and minuses of his first two years on the job, the importance of summer basketball and the young talent set to take the floor for GlenOak this winter. 

Becoming a Better Shooter with Peter Patton

May 25, 2018 15:37 - 26 minutes - 16.2 MB

NBA shooting coach Peter Patton joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on using the summer to improve your shot, what he's learned from working in the NBA and what he thinks young players should do to improve their shooting. 

Andy Olesky on New Challenges and Expectations

May 09, 2018 14:54 - 27 minutes - 18.2 MB

Garrettsville Garfield Coach Andy Olesky joins Zac Jackson and Ken Rector for a discussion on his program, the importance of summer ball, his coaching roots and raising expectations. 

Offseason Reset

April 26, 2018 22:49 - 36 minutes - 23.6 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson discuss an offseason plan of action, Ken's experience with various ways to approach summer ball, St. Vincent-St. Mary's move to Div. I and the looming vote on the new OHSAA transfer proposal. 

Reflections with Nate Axelrod and J.J. Kukura

April 10, 2018 23:57 - 35 minutes - 22.1 MB

J.J. Kukura just finished his career at Mount Union. Nate Axelrod won the Jostens Trophy as the nation's most outstanding Div. III player in his final season at Ohio Wesleyan. They joined Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on their accomplishments, their advice for young players and what's next. 

Transition and Expectations with Jackson's Tim Debevec

April 08, 2018 14:06 - 30 minutes - 20.3 MB

Massillon Jackson coach Tim Debevec joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson for a discussion on his team's Sweet 16 season, the Federal League, maintaining high expectations and opportunities ahead for the young players in the Jackson program. 

State of the Game with Nick Sales

April 04, 2018 14:35 - 30 minutes - 20.4 MB

Ken Rector and Zac Jackson discuss the end of the 2017-18 season at the high school and college levels. They're then joined by Nick Sales, assistant coach at Marietta College and former player under Rector, for a discussion on the state of college basketball, basketball across Ohio, where the game is headed and more. 

Changing Times with Duquesne Assistant Terry Weigand

March 28, 2018 16:11 - 19 minutes - 11.5 MB

Duquesne University assistant coach Terry Weigand talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about his career, last year's change of scenery, what he sees from today's high school players and more. 

The Bigger Picture with Shaker's Danny Young

March 12, 2018 20:38 - 37 minutes - 24.7 MB

Shaker Heights Coach Danny Young joins Zac Jackson and Ken Rector for a discussion on his team's Sweet 16 appearance, the pursuit of a state title, social media, his day job and more. 

Books

First Things First
1 Episode