Becoming Uncommon with Coach Rich

YouTube Description — Becoming Uncommon Podcast

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with a UC Riverside Hall of Fame basketball player, a former college and professional athlete, and one of my longest friends going all the way back to our days at Downey High School.

This isn’t just a sports conversation. It’s a life conversation.

We talk about growing up through sports, how family shaped the journey, and the lessons learned from high school gyms to college arenas to the professional level. We remini...

Too many athletes have the physical tools to succeed — but crumble when the pressure hits.

They train their bodies relentlessly, yet no one teaches them how to manage nerves, reset after mistakes, or trust themselves when it matters most.

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, Coach Christopher Richardson sits down with André Chapman Jr., founder of Winning Edge Performance, to break down why mindset isn’t a personality trait — it’s a trainable skill.

From walking onto UCLA’s Track & Field team as the slowest 400m runner in his group to becoming a two-time Pa...

Becoming Uncommon | Meet a Falcon ft. Dr. Lily Trinh

In this powerful Meet a Falcon episode of Becoming Uncommon, we sit down with Dr. Lily Trinh—former Cerritos College hurdler turned future physician and global mentor.

Lily competed in hurdles at Cerritos College from 2011–2012 after graduating from Fountain Valley High School. Following Cerritos, she transferred to University of California, Irvine as a pre-med student, where her path toward medicine began to take shape.

Her journey didn’t stop there. Lily went on to complete medical school at Tulane University, and she is now comple...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, Coach Richardson sits down with Team USA heptathlete Michelle Atherley—a NCAA pentathlon national champion, elite combined-events competitor, and one of the sport’s most thoughtful voices on what it really takes to thrive.

Michelle’s journey is unreal: South Florida → Port Charlotte High School → Auburn → University of Miami, where she built into a champion and earned her degree in Political Science plus graduate work in Public Administration and International Public Administration.
On the track, she’s hit the world stage—competing at the 2022 World Athletics Championships—and she won the World Athletic...

In this powerful episode of Becoming Uncommon, we sit down with Aryianna Faircloth, Rionna Wallace, and Jazzmine Davis — state champions, school record holders, and members of a regional-record-setting 4x100m relay at Cerritos College.

Together, they reflect on a season that tested them physically, mentally, and emotionally. From injuries and pressure to expectations and personal doubt, this wasn’t just a championship year — it was a year of growth, resilience, and transformation.

The athletes reminisce on:

Navigating adversity during a demanding season

Learning to trust teammates in high-stakes moments

The me...

Becoming Uncommon Podcast | Featuring Candice Chick (Director of BEACH XP)

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity—and do the hard work of caring for others?

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, we sit down with Candice Chick, current Director of BEACH XP, to explore a life shaped by service, resilience, and purpose. Raised in Southern California, Candice developed an early passion for empowering others before competing at the elite NCAA Division I level in water polo. Her academic journey reflects the same depth and intention—earning a B.A. in Communication Studies foll...

Becoming Uncommon w/ Chris Sweeney | Founder of RightMealz™ — Fueling Champions & Changing Lives Through Nutrition

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, Coach Rich sits down with Chris Sweeney, former Division I athlete and the visionary founder of RightMealz™, one of Southern California’s premier performance-driven meal prep companies.

Founded in 2015, RightMealz™ was born from Chris’s passion for self-work, nutrition, and fitness—and his desire to help both athletes and everyday people perform, feel, and live at their absolute best. What started as a purpose-driven idea has grown into...

BECOMING UNCOMMON | Featuring Anthony Neal

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, Coach Rich sits down with Anthony Neal — an entrepreneur, creator, mentor, and one of the most versatile leaders in the game today.

Anthony is the owner of The TRE Draft Training Complex, a powerhouse development hub shaping the next generation of athletes. He’s also the creator of multiple youth sports programs, an assistant coach for the nationally ranked Corona Centennial boys basketball team, and a former EMT, firefighter, music producer, and actor/entertainer.

But behind all the titles is a family man...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with my longtime friend and one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in California track & field — Rich Benoy, owner of VS Athletics, meet manager, TV statistician, CIF committee member, and one of the biggest track nerds I know.

Rich went from a small-town hurdler with no coach, to a college athlete, to working in track production for NBC and ESPN, and eventually taking over one of the largest track & field equipment companies in the country. His journey is full of twists, setbacks, reinventions, and lessons every coach, athlete, an...

YouTube Description — Becoming Uncommon: Meet a Falcon | Dr. Angel Sifuentes

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon – Meet a Falcon Edition, Coach Richardson sits down with Dr. Angel Sifuentes, one of the most decorated and versatile athletes in Cerritos College history and now a rising leader in sports performance and chiropractic care.

A multi-sport athlete for Cerritos College (2012–13), Dr. Sifuentes’ legacy began with immediate impact. As a freshman, she won the state championship in the javelin with a mark of 42.27m, tying the school record and establishing herself as one of the conference’s elite competitors. She added...

How to Master Your College Recruitment (Do NOT Skip These Steps)

If you want to find the right school, stop guessing and start ranking what actually matters. Follow these steps ⬇️

1️⃣ Academics —
Does the school have your major, your program, and a real pathway for graduate school?
If not… keep scrolling.

2️⃣ Athletics —
Is the coach right for you?
Does the conference level fit your goals?
Do the facilities help you get better?

3️⃣ Environment —
Can you thrive in the culture, community, and social climate on campus?
If the vibe is off, the...

Becoming Uncommon: Meet a Falcon with Josh Morales and Coach Rich. Discuss how Josh got into running and how he overcame injuries to build the grit to become one of the top runners in the State.

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Crystal Irving, head coach and athletic director at Long Beach Poly, one of the most renowned high school track and field programs in the nation.

Krystal shares her incredible journey from being a standout sprinter at Poly and UNLV to becoming the first woman to lead Poly’s men’s and women’s programs—and winning multiple CIF and state championships along the way.

We talk about her path as an athlete, her 28+ years of coaching, and the challenges she’s faced breaking barriers in a male-dom...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Tiffeny Parker—former heptathlete, Team USA competitor, and now performance and life coach—to explore her journey of resilience, transformation, and impact.

Tiffeny opens up about the sacrifices and challenges of training at the Olympic level, her battles with identity and self-worth after athletics, and how she discovered her true calling: helping others unlock their potential. From the track to coaching leaders and athletes, she’s learned that real strength comes from perseverance, authenticity, and service.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ The mental tou...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with my friend and mentor, Jeremy Fischer—Olympic coach, entrepreneur, and father. Jeremy’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

From a record-breaking high jumper to coaching athletes who’ve earned nearly 20 Olympic and World Championship medals, Jeremy has lived at the highest levels of sport. But his journey didn’t stop there—he walked away from a secure coaching career to build his own platform, MBA Services, creating opportunities for athletes and coaches worldwide.

We dive into his early days chasing Ol...

Brain storming session and introduction to the Inaugural Falcon Alumni Gala. This is our Track and Field/Cross-Country Hall of Fame and Alumni Networking event to celebrate Falcon Greatness through the generations.

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Tony Veney—veteran coach, educator, and mentor whose influence spans over five decades in track and field. Tony’s journey goes far beyond coaching; it’s a story about leadership, purpose, and the lifelong impact of guiding others.

From mentoring Olympians to shaping generations of athletes and coaches, Tony shares invaluable lessons on discipline, patience, and what it really means to build a legacy that lasts. We explore his time learning from legendary mentors, his philosophy on developing people over performances, and his approach to sustaining excellence while...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Gary Cablayan, a true entrepreneur at heart whose story is rooted in grit, hustle, and resilience. From running small side hustles to building real businesses, Gary’s journey is about betting on yourself, learning through failure, and pushing past doubt to create success.

Gary opens up about his upbringing, the early challenges that shaped his mindset, and how he built the confidence to take risks and turn ideas into opportunities. We dive deep into the lessons he’s learned as a business owner, a leader, and someone who...

n this episode of Becoming Uncommon, Coach Richardson sits down with Coach Megan Martinez, one of the most inspiring leaders in college athletics.

Megan’s journey started with a tough 0–30 record and a $4,000 coaching salary—but she refused to quit. Over the past decade, she’s built Long Beach City College Softball into a powerhouse program defined by resilience, discipline, and heart.

We dive deep into:
✅ How she rebuilt her life and career after early setbacks
✅ What it takes to lead young women through adversity
✅ The balance between being a coach, a mom, and a men...

Becoming Uncommon Podcast | Featuring Mackenzie Monson – Cerritos College Track & Field All-American

From South Torrance High School, where she was voted Team MVP three years in a row, to becoming a California Community College Hammer Champion and All-American, Mackenzie Monson has built her journey around one core belief — greatness isn’t about a single season, but a lifelong pursuit of growth.

In this episode, Mackenzie opens up about her path as a thrower, balancing school, athletics, and self-discovery while chasing excellence at Cerritos College. She reflects on how each stage of her career — from mastering the hammer a...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, Coach Richardson sits down with Aron McGuire, CEO of USA Bobsled & Skeleton, to uncover one of the most unexpected journeys in Olympic sports.

Aron went from studying to be a high-school science teacher to representing Team USA on the world stage — and eventually becoming the CEO leading America’s fastest winter athletes.

His story begins with a cold call to the Olympic governing body that changed his life forever. From there, Aron became a national team bobsledder, worked behind the scenes at USA Track & Field, and helped shape the next...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with my good friend Curtis Beach — once one of the most promising decathletes in the nation and now a creator, coach, and founder of Beach Track Club in San Diego.

Curtis’ journey is one of reinvention and resilience. From breaking national records in high school to competing at Duke and facing the harsh realities of injury and identity loss, he’s redefined what success truly means — both in sport and in life.

We dive deep into:
✅ The highs and lows of chasing Olympic dreams
✅ Finding iden...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with two people who’ve shaped not just my coaching career, but my life — Coach Larry Wade and Coach Yvonne Wade.

Larry is a former U.S. Track & Field champion turned world-renowned boxing trainer, working with elite fighters and building champions from the ground up. Yvonne, a former Olympian for Japan, has spent over 20 years in Division I coaching and now serves as the first-ever Athletic Director at Nevada State University.

We talk about:
✅ Transitioning from athletes to leaders and entrepreneurs
✅ The power of faith, r...

As a coach, introvert, and someone who grew up with dyslexia, social situations were never easy for me. From recruiting athletes to presenting in front of thousands, I’ve had to push far outside my comfort zone—and over time, I discovered what I now call my superpower.

In this video, I share my journey from struggling in special education classes to learning how to thrive on stage, in meetings, and in the toughest rooms. From giving best man speeches without notes to leading banquets, teaching certifications, and recruiting athletes at Cerritos College, I’ve learned the import...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Isaias Hernandez, the co-founder of Smoke & Fire Social Eatery, to uncover his journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving, family-centered restaurant empire.

Isaias shares how he turned a simple idea written on a bar napkin into a brand that’s not only loved for its incredible food but also for its deep community impact. From working his first job washing dishes at 15, navigating the challenges of opening during a pandemic, to creating a business rooted in family and resilience, Isaias gives us an inside look at wh...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Isaias Hernandez, the co-founder of Smoke & Fire Social Eatery, to uncover his journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving, family-centered restaurant empire.

Isaias shares how he turned a simple idea written on a bar napkin into a brand that’s not only loved for its incredible food but also for its deep community impact. From working his first job washing dishes at 15, navigating the challenges of opening during a pandemic, to creating a business rooted in family and resilience, Isaias gives us an inside look at wh...

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Richard O’Riley, affectionately known as Coach O, the founder of NY Metro Elite Track Club. Richard has dedicated his life to mentoring sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers throughout the northeast region and beyond, guiding multiple All-American, state champion, and nationally ranked athletes who have gone on to compete in conferences like the ACC, Big 10, Big East, Ivy League, and more.

We dive into his journey as a coach, mentor, and leader—exploring how he builds athletes not just for competition, but for life. Richard also serves on the...

Welcome to the very first episode of Becoming Uncommon!

For our debut, I’m sitting down with someone who means a lot to me — my former athlete and lifelong friend, Hassan Ilyas. From the track to business and everything in between, Hassan’s journey is full of resilience, risk-taking, and lessons learned the hard way.

We talk about his path from being one of my athletes at Compton College, following me to Cerritos, and then competing at Central Missouri. Along the way, we dive into the highs and lows — from chasing big athletic dreams, dealing with maj...