Episode 16

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Published on:

15th Oct 2020

Desmond Randall - Villa Maria College Men's Head Basketball Coach

Desmond Randall, a 2010 graduate of the University of Maine, is the Villa Maria College Viking men’s basketball coach.

Coach Randall’s experience goes back to 2011 when he started as a head coach for the Upstate Basketball AAU 12U and 13U teams. In 2012, he joined the West Seneca High Staff as an assistant coach for varsity football and assistant coach for the JV basketball team. In 2013 Randall became an assistant varsity coach at Canisius High School where he helped lead them to a Federation title in 2014.

In 2015, Randall was hired as the head coach for Bishop Timon Varsity basketball and after going 13-12 his first year, the team won the Monsignor Martin Title (12-1) and finished 18-7 in his second year. In 2017, he stepped down at Timon and took over at his Alma Mater, West Seneca High School. He coached them to a 24-0 record, 12-0 ECIC 1 Champs, Section 6 Class A1 Champs and Section 6 overall champs before becoming far west regional runner up and finishing 24-1 overall. In 2018, the West Seneca team repeated as section class A 1 Champs.

Coach Randall also coaches for the Corey Graham Elite AAU 16U-17U Elite Travel Team.

In addition to coaching, Randall has been a part of a variety of camps. He started with the University of Maine Youth Basketball camps in 2009 and 2010. He continued his work at the Medaille College Youth and University at Buffalo Youth basketball camps in 2013. From 2015-2018 Randall was a part of the Daemen College Youth basketball camps.

Coach Randall brought so much insight and wisdom to the podcast, as he discussed his journey to coaching basketball, adversity that shaped his perspective, and a passion that has fueled his pursuit to coach at the highest levels of the game. We appreciate you Coach! Enjoy the episode!

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About the Podcast

Beyond the Ball

“Fueling your Faith and Family through Sport”

Welcome to the “Beyond the Ball” podcast with Coach Eric Klumpp and Coach Justin Gerstung, two basketball coaches here to celebrate the game of basketball, and all sport, with real discussions, with real coaches from all levels, that use their platform to serve others while finding balance off the court in their faith, with their families, and in their communities. Join us in celebrating the way YOU serve, love, and care.

About your hosts

Eric Klumpp

Eric Klumpp is a high school basketball coach in the Western New York area at Newfane HS. He has coached at the JV level for 9 years and at the varsity level for 9 years. He grew up on a dairy farm in northern Niagara County and has been teaching health and physical education at Newfane HS for the past 17 years. He is co-owner of Tents Unlimited; a party tent rental company that supplies large tents to customers for all occasions. He is an active member of Ridgewood Bible Church community and also has participated in men’s physique bodybuilding competitions.
Some thoughts from Coach Klumpp, “The journey of life is a difficult one, life will give you tests; and through those tests you learn valuable lessons. Through basketball and all sport, we get to learn valuable lessons to be used to serve ourselves and allow us to grow. I am very excited to share my experiences and knowledge in hopes to serve others on the same coaching journey that I have been on”. Through this pod I pray to bring light on important issues that surround the importance of mental, social and physical wellness and how it creates a better environment for us to thrive as a coach and build lasting relationships with those that we serve. One of my favorite verses in scripture is Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Justin Gerstung

Justin Gerstung is a high school basketball coach in the Western New York area at Akron HS. He has coached at the JV level for four years and at the varsity level for fifteen years. He has been married to his beautiful wife Rochelle since 2003 and has four children, Emma, Benjamin, Abby, and Noelle. Coach G teaches MS Social Studies at Akron MS, helps run the youth basketball program in the community, coaches AAU with the Buffalo Titans, and most importantly to him, is a member of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church vestry. In addition, he runs the Wall of Fame Committee at Akron, coaches youth soccer, and loves the Buffalo Bills. Some thoughts from Coach Gerstung “I believe that basketball is a microcosm for the game of life, those with the best spirit, approach, and perseverance are the ones that find true happiness. The game of basketball, and all sport, have created so many positive experiences in my life that the desire to share is overwhelming. This pod is a way to show gratitude for what I have, while trying to serve others. Taking initiative and being fearless is something I try to model for my kids and students and it is ultimately my goal to serve that helps define my priorities and in turn helps me create balance. I could not do any of this without the support of my wife and kids, family, and friends. Our family words… hungry, humble, fearless embody the approach I try to take everyday and pass on to my kids. I am learning as I grow as a Christ follower and husband, the value of the process and the importance of celebrating others and celebrating their successes! My hope is that this podcast can spread some of the love that I have for this game!” Coach Gerstung hopes that those that listen enjoy all the extra stuff that sport has to offer and encourages feedback and the creation of dialogue.