Building Better Men: Coach Pope’s Mission at HB
Huntington Beach’s offensive line coach breaks down the importance of nutrition, rest, mental focus, and building trust in the trenches.
0:00 – You’re On My Mind by Kem kicks off the episode as Huntington Beach Offensive Line Coach Ryan Pope joins the show.
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0:30 – Coach Pope shares his background, starting with basketball before discovering football in his senior year of high school.
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1:45 – A deeper look into how football transformed his life and opened up new opportunities.
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3:30 – Begins his college football journey at Long Beach City College.
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4:30 – Talks about JUCO as a valuable path to the next level for athletes.
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5:30 – Breaks down the difference in game speed between JUCO and Division 1 football.
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7:00 – Transfers to San Diego State—and how his mom helped make that decision.
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9:00 – Adjusting to life in San Diego and the difference in work ethic between JUCO and D1.
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10:00 – Discusses life skills he learned along the way: “Your body is a resume.”
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11:00 – Coach Pope reveals his go-to coffee recipe.
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12:00 – The role of nutrition, body care, and meditation in daily life and football.
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15:00 – How meditation improves on-field performance.
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15:40 – Emphasizes the importance of sleep and proper rest.
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16:40 – Why he walked away from chasing the NFL to find fulfillment in coaching.
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17:10 – How he got connected with the Huntington Beach football program.
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18:00 – The importance of building trust and meaningful relationships with players.
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18:30 – How yoga at the beach became part of the Oiler off-season training.
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20:00 – Teaching players how to make their own decisions and grow as young men.
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21:00 – Advice on eating clean and staying away from processed foods.
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22:30 – Coach Pope shares his approach to mentorship and guiding players toward their goals.
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24:00 – Reinforces that experience, repetition, and practice lead to success.
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24:45 – Why taking care of your body shows up on game day.
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25:20 – Expectations for Huntington Beach this upcoming season.
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25:40 – Spotlight on the Oilers’ offensive weapons: Brady Edmunds, Troy Foster, and Steel Kurtz.
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26:15 – How communication and chemistry drive O-Line success.
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27:30 – Pope reflects on balance, presence, and life beyond the field: “Be where your feet are.”
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29:00 – Final shoutouts and closing thoughts.