Falling in Love with the Grind: Coach Chennis Berry on Success and HBCU Football (Podcast)
HOUSTON - Another episode of HBCU Legends' "Blow the Whistle" Podcast with host Kyle T. Mosley. The podcast that celebrates the rich history and incredible achievements of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us: Coach Chennis Berry, a renowned figure in HBCU football. Coach Berry will be sharing insights from his impressive 29-year coaching career, including his current role at Benedict College.
We'll dive into topics such as the importance of recruiting and visibility, building a strong football program, and preparing young men for success on and off the field. Additionally, Coach Berry will discuss the upcoming HBCU Legacy Bowl and its significance in providing a platform for HBCU athletes to kickstart their professional careers. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Coach Chennis Berry in this exclusive interview on HBCU Legends
Falling in Love with the Grind: Coach Chennis Berry on Success and HBCU Football (Podcast)
00:01:54 Great coaching and support staff define Benedict.
00:04:17 Prepare young men for life, love the process, focus on winning today.
00:09:16 Ability, discipline: keys to college football success.
00:10:07 Inspiring content, sets them on right path.
00:15:49 Familiar with SWAC and SIAC head coaches. HBCU football coach, passionate about impacting lives.
00:16:26 Grateful players capitalizing on Benedict College Football.
00:20:36 First class event, coaching staff gets opportunity.
00:23:29 Missed opportunities for exposure at NFL event.
00:27:20 Allen University's impressive start, exciting prospects.
00:32:36 Love the journey; appreciate hard work. Defense excels, pride in HBCUs.
00:33:14 Building special college football team at Benedict.
00:37:41 Coaches show love, young men need it.
00:41:05 Limited funding affects team morale and performance.
00:45:56 Advocate for smaller programs in athletics.
KEY POINTS
Primary Topic: Allen University's Success and Excitement
- Credit given to Teddy Keaton and his staff for Allen University's great start
- Excitement about the upcoming game between two successful teams
Primary Topic: Visibility and Recruitment Strategy
- Importance of visibility and recruitment
- Mention of the "gas tank philosophy"
- Emphasis on falling in love with the journey, grind, and process
- Highlighting the importance of hard work practices, weight room, and study hall
- Appreciation for the fruits of labor and support
Primary Topic: Strong Defense and Representing HBCUs with Pride
- Defense playing exceptionally well and likely ranked number 1 in most defensive categories in Division 2 football
- Desire to make alumni proud and represent HBCUs with pride
- Aim to have bragging rights throughout the year
Primary Topic: Financial Considerations and Conference Play
- How travel expenses are determined based on where a person is traveling
- The impact of not reinvesting the check into facilities and nutrition on team morale
- The importance of confidence during conference play
Primary Topic: Mindset and Winning the Day
- The importance of preparing young men for the "game of life"
- Focus on getting them "locked in" and falling in love with the process of striving for greatness every day
- Mindset of "winning the day" and not getting caught up in overall records
- Stacking successful days, weeks, and months to achieve a great year
Primary Topic: Coaching Experience and Impacting Lives
- Speaker's experience coaching at HBCUs for 29 years
- Education background and playing experience at Savannah State and Kentucky State University
- Love for coaching and impacting the lives of young people, including players and coaches
- Coaching coaches and having a young staff at Benedict College
Primary Topic: Building a Strong Football Program at Benedict College
- Having players with values who are grateful for the opportunity
- Capitalizing on the fruits of labor and having good people around
- Benedict College Football gaining recognition and building a strong program
- Attending a first-class event as an assistant coach and winning the event
Primary Topic: The Importance of Academics and Life Beyond Football
- Highlighting the success of Benedict College's football team both on the field and in the classroom
- Preparing young men for life beyond football
- Emphasizing competition in various aspects of life and striving to be the best
Primary Topic: College Football Program Success and Challenges
- Support for promoting packed games and cross-rival games between HBCUs
- Challenges faced by coaches when taking over a program and pressure to win immediately
- Success achieved through shared values at Benedict College and parallel to Coach Prime at Jackson State
Primary Topic: HBCU Legacy Bowl and Professional Opportunities
- 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl, Co-Head Coach with Southern University with Coach Eric Dooley
- Importance of presenting well and treating every day as an interview
- Instilling life lessons into the program and significance of the HBCU Legacy Bowl in kickstarting careers