Words of Steele

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele reviews a notable week in West Virginia sports, including the Mountaineer men’s basketball team’s strong Backyard Brawl win and a halftime performance by Red Panda that continues to draw attention for its precision and consistency.

He also outlines the situation at LSU, where the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly has led to a major contract dispute and ongoing legal action, rais...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom takes a look at the ever-changing world of college football. He talks about the recent ups and downs of the West Virginia Mountaineers, coaching changes at Penn State and Florida, and what these shifts reveal about the state of the sport today. Blending personal reflection with thoughtful questions, Tom invites listeners to consider how success, loyalty, and perspective all play a part in the...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom takes listeners inside the thrilling Backyard Brawl as West Virginia pulled off a 31–24 overtime victory against Pitt. Sharing his firsthand experience from the game, Tom reflects on the highs, lows, and historic weight of the rivalry. Blending football memories, personal perspective, and a faith-filled reminder from Galatians 6:9, he reminds us of the rewards that come from perseverance—both...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom reflects on the arrival of football season and the cultural weight it carries in America. With humor and candor, he unpacks the many clichés that dominate football commentary—from “taking care of the football” to “giving 110%”—and considers how they mirror lessons in everyday life. He also looks at the upcoming season for West Virginia University under returning coach Rich Rodriguez, predicti...

After a short summer break, Words of Steele is back! 

In this episode, Tom reflects on changing seasons—both on the calendar and in life—and highlights the inspiring story of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler. More than his impressive athletic achievements, it’s Scheffler’s character and unshakable faith that take center stage. With humility and purpose, he offers a powerful reminder that true identity isn’t rooted in performanc...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into the recent developments surrounding the participation of Becky Pepper-Jackson, a transgender athlete, in West Virginia’s high school track and field championships. From legal battles and bright-line rules to the broader implications of fairness in sports, Tom explores the complexities of this ongoing national conversation.

With personal reflections as a coach, parent, and believer, ...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele unpacks the drama and debate surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft. From the massive crowds at Lambeau Field to the surprise fifth-round pick of Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, Tom offers thoughtful commentary on fan outrage, media narratives, and deeper questions about race, character, and leadership in professional football. Whether you're an NFL diehard or just curious about th...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into the rollercoaster world of sports fandom, with a special focus on West Virginia University athletics. With April Fool’s Day as the backdrop, he reflects on the recurring theme of disappointment and unfulfilled promises within the world of college sports.

He discusses the recent departure of WVU basketball coach Darian DeVries to Indiana, along with his star player son, Tucker DeVrie...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into March Madness. He explores the excitement of the NCAA tournament, the thrill of underdog victories, and the controversial selection process that determines which teams make the cut. Tom shares his thoughts on West Virginia University’s surprising exclusion from the tournament, the role of NCAA Selection Committee Chair Bubba Cunningham, and the eyebrow-raising financial incentives ...

As winter fades and spring approaches, Tom reflects on the comforting return of baseball. The game stirs nostalgia, bringing back childhood memories and the lessons learned along the way. This year, as he steps back into his role as the PA voice for the West Virginia Mountaineers, he welcomes another season filled with hope, fresh starts, and the timeless beauty of baseball.

In this episode, Tom shares a reading of Casey at the Bat,...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into America’s biggest spectacle—the Super Bowl. He explores its cultural influence, from record-breaking viewership to multimillion-dollar commercials, and considers if our devotion to sports has reached an unhealthy level. Tom contrasts the Super Bowl’s influence with the U.S. presidential inauguration, considers the impact of halftime entertainment, and reflects on what we truly valu...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into the theme of mediocrity, exploring how it surfaces in the sports world and in our personal lives. Reflecting on NFL leadership, team performance, and cultural attitudes, Tom challenges us to rethink how we measure success and how we perceive our own efforts. With biblical insights from 1 Corinthians 12 and reflections on sports history, this episode encourages listeners to find con...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 on Words of Steele. In this reflective episode, Tom reflects on New Year's resolutions and the deeper motivations behind them. He shares personal experiences with past resolutions and emphasizes the importance of aligning goals with spiritual growth rather than driven by guilt or selfish ambition. 

Drawing from insights in Galatians 5, Tom explores the tension between the flesh and the ...

In this Christmas episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele reflects on the current state of college football, including the impact of the transfer portal and the growing influence of money in sports. He discusses the recent coaching changes at West Virginia University, including the controversial re-hiring of Rich Rodriguez, and explores how financial incentives are shaping coaching decisions.

Tom also offers a deeper reflection on th...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom shares personal reflections on family, grief, and respect, while also offering a humorous yet thought-provoking story about an unexpected encounter with a Bengal cat on a plane. With the holiday season upon us, Tom explores the idea of boundaries, both in our personal relationships and in society, and considers how our actions impact those around us. He also reflects on the legacy of his late...

In this Words of Steele episode, Tom Steele reflects on the choices and values that shape our lives, especially as election season intensifies. As early voting unfolds, Tom dives into the deeper issues, examining what it means to make meaningful decisions—from selecting our leaders to choosing where to invest our time, talents, and energy. He explores thought-provoking topics like voter responsibility, political identity, and even ...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom reflects on WVU’s recent victories and setbacks, delving into the unpredictable nature of sports and how they reflect life’s uncertainties.

Drawing inspiration from Coach Nick Saban’s philosophy of moving from a transactional to a transformational approach, Tom relates this shift to personal growth, addiction recovery, and faith. With thoughtful insights, he emphasizes the need for soul transf...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom reflects on the concept of commitment, drawing from personal experiences and recent events in college football. He discusses the growing trend of players quitting mid-season, using the examples of Matthew Sluka from UNLV and Bear Alexander from USC. Tom shares how his own upbringing instilled the importance of perseverance and finishing what you start, a lesson often missing in today's c...

In this special episode of Words of Steele, Tom opens up about a difficult weekend for his beloved West Virginia Mountaineers, following a tough 38-34 loss to the Pitt Panthers. Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of being a die-hard sports fan, Tom shares insights on how partisan views, whether in sports or life, often cloud our perspective. He also connects the struggles on the field with larger issues of faith and characte...