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In episode 313 of the Glass and Out Podcast we visited the University of St. Thomas campus in Minnesota to chat with Tommies Head Coach Rico Blasi.
Blasi's coaching career dates back to 1994 with the Wexford Raiders. He would take over the University of Miami (Ohio) program, his alma matter, at the ripe old age of 27 - and would eventually turn them into a perennial contender.
Now in his fifth season at St. Thomas, he has the Tommies on a similar track to success in the brand new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena.
As you'll hear, Blasi's story is a reminder that while we’re all on our respective coaching journeys, life is happening all around us.
Listen as he shares his approach to getting players to play free, why the human need for connection is a vital part of coaching, and why his favourite day of the week is "Battle Tuesdays."
Video Timestamps:
- 0:00 New Tommies arena
- 3:25 Recruiting and development tools
- 6:20 Relationship with George Gwozdecky
- 10:05 Experience as a college captain
- 12:35 Deciding coaching was his future
- 14:20 Coaching University of Miami at 27 years old
- 16:50 Standing out and belonging
- 22:05 The Brotherhood
- 26:15 Lessons from first 6 years at Miami
- 29:30 Getting to know yourself/being humbled
- 34:00 Managing intensity
- 38:20 Disappointment at National Championship
- 41:10 Building a consistent program through relationships
- 45:30 Taking a step this year
- 48:15 Taking a break from coaching
- 54:30 Importance of relationships with opposing coaches
- 57:05 Characteristics of a Tommie
- 1:00:25 Playing free
- 1:04:40 Battle Day
- 1:06:00 Mentors
- 1:09:20 Book recommendations
