CSR 376 Sam Goodwin

CSR 376 Sam Goodwin

Author: Bruce Wawrzyniak April 20, 2026 Duration: 31:49

He played hockey growing up and then went on to not only play junior hockey in Dallas for the Texas Tornado, but from there earned a D1 athletic scholarship to Niagara University. During his freshman year at Niagara, he and two teammates set an NCAA record and made number 2 on SportsCenter's Top 10 when they scored three shorthanded goals on one penalty, in 69 seconds. He still today plays in a weekly men's league hockey game. He is the author of the best-selling memoir, "Saving Sam," about his having been taken hostage and wrongfully imprisoned while in Syria, as part of his travels to every country in the world - all 193 United Nations Sovereign States, having attended Mass in 65 countries and visited Catholic churches in approximately 115. Listen as he mentions having even coached hockey in North Korea!


Finding harmony between the roar of the crowd and the quiet of personal conviction is a challenge many face, and that's the central exploration of Catholic Sports Radio. Host Bruce Wawrzyniak facilitates conversations that go beyond scores and stats, delving into how faith informs competition, leadership, and life after the final whistle. Each episode features dialogue with Catholics involved in sports-from professional athletes and Olympic coaches to scholastic officials and clergy serving team communities. These guests share personal stories about integrating their spiritual journey with the intense demands of athletics, offering perspectives on perseverance, ethics, and purpose. The discussions are grounded in real experience, providing relatable insights for anyone navigating their own priorities, whether they are on the field, in the stands, or somewhere in between. This podcast creates a unique space where the parallels between spiritual discipline and athletic discipline become clear, fostering a sense of connection and reflection. It’s not about preaching plays but about understanding the whole person behind the jersey. You'll hear authentic narratives that resonate regardless of your background, highlighting universal themes of struggle, triumph, and balance. Tune in for thoughtful content that challenges the typical sports talk format and offers a deeper, more meaningful listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Catholic Sports Radio
Podcast Episodes
CSR 397 Bobby Valentine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
He was a first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers and went on to play ten years and well over 600 games with five different Major League Baseball teams before then going on to 16 years as a manager for three dif…
CSR 396 John Affleck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:33
He is a lifelong runner, having competed in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track in high school, earning six MVP awards, and later going on to six marathons, including a top 500 finish at the Boston Marathon. O…
CSR 395 Deacon Dan Cook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:39
He has participated in fundraising events as a cyclist since the 1980s and was a member of a committee that started a cycling event called Elephant Rock in Castle Rock, Colorado. He later would participate in other event…
CSR 394 Tom Schwein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
The founder and team captain of Team Samaritan Cycling as part of Ride Across America, a coast-to-coast cycling campaign from San Diego to St. Augustine. As a student athlete he played baseball at what was then called Re…
CSR 393 Eric Schon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
He was the top-ranked offensive lineman and the fourth-ranked player among all positions heading into last year's CFL Draft. Following last year's Gator Bowl, in which he played for Duke University, he stepped away from…
CSR 392 Dick Vitale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:02
He had a successful coaching career that included leading the NBA's Detroit Pistons as Head Coach, before joining ESPN in 1979. During his broadcasting career he has called more than a thousand games and even covered eve…
CSR 391 Glen MacKay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:04
He played cricket and rugby league in his youth and was very active sports-wise. At around 16 years of age he was introduced to tennis, got hooked by its international status, and around the same time watched films about…
CSR 390 Peter Iacavazzi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:08
He earned two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, seven Pan American and National Championships, a European Championship, and achieved the distinction of being ranked the No. 1 competitor in the world in his divisio…
CSR 389 Robert Prasch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
He began playing football at a young age and continued with the sport into high school, drawing attention from colleges who expressed interest. He went on to play semi-pro football for the South Jersey Generals. He has a…
CSR 388 Brian Bonin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1992 National Hockey League Draft and went on to play with both them and the Minnesota Wild. Along the way in his professional hockey career, he also played for Cleveland…