Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom podcast! In this episode, host Mike Sanford, head football coach at Valor Christian High School, leads a roundtable discussion with fellow champion coaches: Sam Geiersbach (women’s lacrosse), Justen Byler (men's and women's golf and assistant athletic director), and Jeremy Noble (men’s lacrosse).

Together, they share insights on the journey of becoming coaches at Valor, building winning cultures, and what it means to educate and inspire students through sport with eternal values. You’ll hear stories from Sam Geiersbach about winning a state championship mere months after getting hired, Justen Byler on fostering team spirit in golf, and Jeremy Noble's path from Toronto to lacrosse stardom and coaching.

Listen in to hear how these coaches shape young lives and build an environment of joy, selflessness, and togetherness at Valor Christian High School. Perfect for anyone interested in athletics, education, and leadership!

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Toby Coffman welcomes back Ike Shepardson, Chief of Christian Integration and Discovery, to dive into the release of his new book, The Reconstruction Project. Together, they explore the vital role of apologetics in the Christian faith, address common misconceptions, and discuss how apologetics can lovingly remove obstacles to belief.

Dr. Shepardson shares insights into the current cultural trend of faith deconstruction and the top objections people raise against Christianity today—ranging from accusations of being anti-woman or anti-LGBTQ to concerns about hypocrisy within the Church. The conversation also includes practical advice for parents, students, and anyone interested in engaging thoughtfully with these tough questions.

One standout moment from the episode is Dr. Shepardson's discussion of the Ethiopian eunuch from the Book of Acts. He explains how this story illustrates God’s radically inclusive love—even for those considered outsiders—while also providing perspective on today’s debates about identity and belonging.

Tune in to hear how apologetics, approached with love and humility, can help guide honest conversations about faith, truth, and what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

In this episode, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Ashley Loaiza, Dean at Valor and former missionary, for an inspiring conversation about helping teenagers walk with Jesus—both in everyday life and through the challenges they face. Ashley shares her journey from the mission field in Costa Rica to her current role at Valor and opens up about her passion for student discipleship and mentorship.

One interesting fact discussed is the "Green Pastures Process," a restorative approach based on Psalm 23 that the deans use at Valor to guide students through mistakes and help them grow—emphasizing accountability, grace, and a soft place to land when things go wrong. Ashley also offers practical tips for families to encourage faith conversations at home, and shares how students and teachers at Valor integrate faith into daily routines.

Tune in for meaningful insights, real-life stories, and encouragement for parents, educators, and teens striving to follow Jesus in a busy world!

Thank you for listening. To learn more about Valor Christian High School please check out our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!