https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/etcetera-with-the-woodards--7256203enPersonal JournalsCopyright BlaXcess Media LLChttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/616c5466fd6048e0d9f7b2c1ea55f1a9.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/etcetera-with-the-woodards--7256203Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:48:14 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCBlaXcess Media LLCadmin@blaxcessmedia.comEtcetera with the Woodards is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the important, interesting, and sometimes unexpected topics shaping our world. From current events and culture to family, community, and everyday life, the show creates space for...falsec02c7d3b-2d63-5216-8571-6ce64dde3057episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-erie-to-the-pros-levonne-rowan-s-journey-from-mercyhurst-prep-to-football-s-biggest-stage--74646246
A standout at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Rowan established himself as one of Pennsylvania’s premier defensive backs, earning three All-State selections and finishing his high-school career with an incredible 21 interceptions. And football wasn’t his only arena—his speed made him a dominant track athlete as well, capturing four Pennsylvania state championships in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

That talent earned Rowan a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where he became a key member of the Badgers’ secondary and special teams before pursuing his professional football dream with organizations including the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders, along with stops in NFL Europe and the Canadian Football League.

In 2026, his accomplishments came full circle when Rowan was inducted into the Erie Metro Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Levonne Rowan reflects on the journey—from Mercyhurst Prep to Big Ten football, the professional ranks and ultimately the Hall of Fame.

It’s a conversation about talent, discipline, opportunity, perseverance and what it means to carry Erie with you when your dreams take you far beyond home.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “From Erie to the Pros: Levonne Rowan’s Journey from Mercyhurst Prep to Football’s Biggest Stage.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74646246Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:45:07 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCLong before Levonne Rowan reached the professional football ranks, Erie already knew there was something special about him. A standout at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Rowan established himself as one of Pennsylvania’s premier defensive backs,...
A standout at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Rowan established himself as one of Pennsylvania’s premier defensive backs, earning three All-State selections and finishing his high-school career with an incredible 21 interceptions. And football wasn’t his only arena—his speed made him a dominant track athlete as well, capturing four Pennsylvania state championships in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

That talent earned Rowan a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where he became a key member of the Badgers’ secondary and special teams before pursuing his professional football dream with organizations including the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders, along with stops in NFL Europe and the Canadian Football League.

In 2026, his accomplishments came full circle when Rowan was inducted into the Erie Metro Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Levonne Rowan reflects on the journey—from Mercyhurst Prep to Big Ten football, the professional ranks and ultimately the Hall of Fame.

It’s a conversation about talent, discipline, opportunity, perseverance and what it means to carry Erie with you when your dreams take you far beyond home.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “From Erie to the Pros: Levonne Rowan’s Journey from Mercyhurst Prep to Football’s Biggest Stage.”]]>1900falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/behind-the-badge-detective-putney-bailey-on-why-representation-matters--74646095
For Detective William “Putney” Bailey of the Erie Police Department, the conversation about diversity in law enforcement goes far beyond numbers. It’s about trust, visibility, relationships—and making sure young Black men and women can see a place for themselves in a profession that has an enormous impact on their communities.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Detective Bailey sits down for an important conversation about the need for greater Black representation in policing, what it means to serve a community that knows you, and why recruiting officers from different backgrounds can strengthen the relationship between police departments and the people they are sworn to protect.

The discussion also explores what may keep young Black people from considering careers in law enforcement, the importance of mentorship and exposure, and what departments and communities can do to begin closing that gap.

It’s a conversation that doesn’t ignore the complicated history between Black communities and law enforcement—but asks an important question about the future: If we want policing to better reflect and understand our communities, who will answer the call to serve?

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “Behind the Badge: Detective ‘Putney’ Bailey on Why Representation Matters.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74646095Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:42:04 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCWho wears the badge matters. For Detective William “Putney” Bailey of the Erie Police Department, the conversation about diversity in law enforcement goes far beyond numbers. It’s about trust, visibility, relationships—and making sure young Black men...
For Detective William “Putney” Bailey of the Erie Police Department, the conversation about diversity in law enforcement goes far beyond numbers. It’s about trust, visibility, relationships—and making sure young Black men and women can see a place for themselves in a profession that has an enormous impact on their communities.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Detective Bailey sits down for an important conversation about the need for greater Black representation in policing, what it means to serve a community that knows you, and why recruiting officers from different backgrounds can strengthen the relationship between police departments and the people they are sworn to protect.

The discussion also explores what may keep young Black people from considering careers in law enforcement, the importance of mentorship and exposure, and what departments and communities can do to begin closing that gap.

It’s a conversation that doesn’t ignore the complicated history between Black communities and law enforcement—but asks an important question about the future: If we want policing to better reflect and understand our communities, who will answer the call to serve?

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “Behind the Badge: Detective ‘Putney’ Bailey on Why Representation Matters.”]]>1835falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/her-turn-to-lead-mayor-daria-devlin-and-erie-s-next-chapter--74645890
When Daria Devlin became mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania, she became only the second woman in the city’s history to hold its highest elected office—following the trail first blazed by former Mayor Joyce Savocchio more than three decades ago.

But Devlin’s story is about much more than making history.

A lifelong Erie resident with years of experience in community development, education, nonprofit leadership and public service, Devlin now carries the responsibility of leading a city confronting questions about economic opportunity, neighborhoods, young people, public services and what Erie wants to become next.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Mayor Daria Devlin sits down for a conversation about the road that brought her to City Hall, the significance of becoming only Erie’s second woman mayor, the responsibility that comes with leadership, and her vision for the community she now leads.

It’s a conversation about public service, representation, leadership and the future of Erie—from a woman who now has the opportunity to help shape that future from the mayor’s office.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “Her Turn to Lead: Mayor Daria Devlin and Erie’s Next Chapter.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74645890Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:37:44 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCHistory has a way of making certain moments feel bigger than an election. When Daria Devlin became mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania, she became only the second woman in the city’s history to hold its highest elected office—following the trail first blazed...
When Daria Devlin became mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania, she became only the second woman in the city’s history to hold its highest elected office—following the trail first blazed by former Mayor Joyce Savocchio more than three decades ago.

But Devlin’s story is about much more than making history.

A lifelong Erie resident with years of experience in community development, education, nonprofit leadership and public service, Devlin now carries the responsibility of leading a city confronting questions about economic opportunity, neighborhoods, young people, public services and what Erie wants to become next.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Mayor Daria Devlin sits down for a conversation about the road that brought her to City Hall, the significance of becoming only Erie’s second woman mayor, the responsibility that comes with leadership, and her vision for the community she now leads.

It’s a conversation about public service, representation, leadership and the future of Erie—from a woman who now has the opportunity to help shape that future from the mayor’s office.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “Her Turn to Lead: Mayor Daria Devlin and Erie’s Next Chapter.”]]>3541falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/built-on-legacy-dorian-crosby-s-journey-to-the-top-of-college-wrestling--74645570
In 1988, Melvin Crosby captured a PIAA state championship for Erie Academy. More than three decades later, his son Dorian Crosby added his own name to Pennsylvania wrestling history, winning a PIAA Class 3A state championship for Cathedral Prep and making the Crosbys the first father-son PIAA championship duo in Erie County history.

But Dorian’s story didn’t stop there.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Dorian Crosby joins the conversation after completing a remarkable undefeated season at Gannon University and capturing the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship at 285 pounds—finishing his collegiate career as the nation’s No. 1 heavyweight.

Dorian talks about growing up with a state-champion father, carrying the weight of expectations, the lessons learned through victories and setbacks, and what it took to reach the very top of collegiate wrestling.

It’s a conversation about legacy, discipline, family, perseverance, and what happens when the son takes a wrestling tradition and writes a championship chapter of his own.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “Built on Legacy: Dorian Crosby’s Journey to the Top of College Wrestling.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74645570Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:30:21 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCWrestling greatness runs in the Crosby family. In 1988, Melvin Crosby captured a PIAA state championship for Erie Academy. More than three decades later, his son Dorian Crosby added his own name to Pennsylvania wrestling history, winning a PIAA Class...
In 1988, Melvin Crosby captured a PIAA state championship for Erie Academy. More than three decades later, his son Dorian Crosby added his own name to Pennsylvania wrestling history, winning a PIAA Class 3A state championship for Cathedral Prep and making the Crosbys the first father-son PIAA championship duo in Erie County history.

But Dorian’s story didn’t stop there.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Dorian Crosby joins the conversation after completing a remarkable undefeated season at Gannon University and capturing the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship at 285 pounds—finishing his collegiate career as the nation’s No. 1 heavyweight.

Dorian talks about growing up with a state-champion father, carrying the weight of expectations, the lessons learned through victories and setbacks, and what it took to reach the very top of collegiate wrestling.

It’s a conversation about legacy, discipline, family, perseverance, and what happens when the son takes a wrestling tradition and writes a championship chapter of his own.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “Built on Legacy: Dorian Crosby’s Journey to the Top of College Wrestling.”]]>1809falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-the-gridiron-to-the-president-s-office-the-remarkable-journey-of-david-armstrong--74645397
A three-year starter on the offensive line for the Lakers, Armstrong distinguished himself both on the football field and in the classroom, earning All-District honors and recognition as a GTE Academic All-American. His accomplishments ultimately earned him a place among Mercyhurst’s athletic greats as a charter member of the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

But football was only the beginning.

Armstrong went on to earn his law degree, work as an attorney, coach football, serve in athletic and enrollment administration, and eventually rise to the highest levels of leadership in higher education. Today, he serves as the 10th president of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida, where his tenure has been marked by dramatic enrollment growth, campus expansion, new academic opportunities, and an increasingly ambitious athletic program.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, President David Armstrong reflects on the experiences that shaped him—from his days at Mercyhurst to the responsibilities of leading a modern university.

It’s a conversation about education, athletics, ambition, leadership, and the lessons learned when the discipline of the playing field follows you all the way into the president’s office.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “From the Gridiron to the President’s Office: The Remarkable Journey of David Armstrong.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74645397Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:27:19 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCLong before David A. Armstrong, J.D., led a university, he was helping to lead the way at Mercyhurst. A three-year starter on the offensive line for the Lakers, Armstrong distinguished himself both on the football field and in the classroom, earning...
A three-year starter on the offensive line for the Lakers, Armstrong distinguished himself both on the football field and in the classroom, earning All-District honors and recognition as a GTE Academic All-American. His accomplishments ultimately earned him a place among Mercyhurst’s athletic greats as a charter member of the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

But football was only the beginning.

Armstrong went on to earn his law degree, work as an attorney, coach football, serve in athletic and enrollment administration, and eventually rise to the highest levels of leadership in higher education. Today, he serves as the 10th president of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida, where his tenure has been marked by dramatic enrollment growth, campus expansion, new academic opportunities, and an increasingly ambitious athletic program.

On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, President David Armstrong reflects on the experiences that shaped him—from his days at Mercyhurst to the responsibilities of leading a modern university.

It’s a conversation about education, athletics, ambition, leadership, and the lessons learned when the discipline of the playing field follows you all the way into the president’s office.

Etcetera with the Woodards presents: “From the Gridiron to the President’s Office: The Remarkable Journey of David Armstrong.”]]>1846falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-erie-public-housing-to-superintendent-the-damian-bounds-story--73824378
On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Erie native Damian Bounds returns to his roots—at least through conversation—to share an extraordinary journey from growing up in public housing in Erie, Pennsylvania, to becoming a major educational leader in one of the largest school systems in Georgia.

Bounds has spoken openly about growing up surrounded by family and community in Erie public housing, where he says the experience provided him not only with lifelong relationships but also opportunities, jobs, and a scholarship that helped him attend college. Those experiences eventually fueled a passion for working with young people. Before climbing the ranks of school administration, Bounds spent years mentoring youth and coaching basketball through the Boys & Girls Club.

His educational career eventually took him south, where he served in administrative positions in both the Cobb County and Fulton County school systems. He became an assistant principal at Centennial High School before being selected in 2016 to lead Lakeside High School in the DeKalb County School District. At the time of his appointment, district leadership described him as a leader focused on positive school culture, classroom instruction, and student learning.

Bounds later returned to Fulton County Schools and was appointed principal of Elkins Pointe Middle School in 2019. Today, DeKalb County School District lists him among its senior school leaders as Secondary Area 1 Superintendent.

Bounds sits down with the Woodards to talk about growing up in Erie, the influences that shaped him, his path into education, leadership, the responsibility of serving young people, and what parents, students, and teachers need to be thinking about as a new school year begins. The original episode itself centers on his Erie upbringing and practical back-to-school advice for families and educators.

For young people who may look at where they live today and wonder how far life can take them, Damian Bounds’ story offers a pretty compelling answer.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73824378Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:13:01 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCWhat does it look like when the community that raises you becomes the inspiration for the career you eventually build? On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Erie native Damian Bounds returns to his roots—at least through conversation—to...
On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Erie native Damian Bounds returns to his roots—at least through conversation—to share an extraordinary journey from growing up in public housing in Erie, Pennsylvania, to becoming a major educational leader in one of the largest school systems in Georgia.

Bounds has spoken openly about growing up surrounded by family and community in Erie public housing, where he says the experience provided him not only with lifelong relationships but also opportunities, jobs, and a scholarship that helped him attend college. Those experiences eventually fueled a passion for working with young people. Before climbing the ranks of school administration, Bounds spent years mentoring youth and coaching basketball through the Boys & Girls Club.

His educational career eventually took him south, where he served in administrative positions in both the Cobb County and Fulton County school systems. He became an assistant principal at Centennial High School before being selected in 2016 to lead Lakeside High School in the DeKalb County School District. At the time of his appointment, district leadership described him as a leader focused on positive school culture, classroom instruction, and student learning.

Bounds later returned to Fulton County Schools and was appointed principal of Elkins Pointe Middle School in 2019. Today, DeKalb County School District lists him among its senior school leaders as Secondary Area 1 Superintendent.

Bounds sits down with the Woodards to talk about growing up in Erie, the influences that shaped him, his path into education, leadership, the responsibility of serving young people, and what parents, students, and teachers need to be thinking about as a new school year begins. The original episode itself centers on his Erie upbringing and practical back-to-school advice for families and educators.

For young people who may look at where they live today and wonder how far life can take them, Damian Bounds’ story offers a pretty compelling answer.]]>1993backtoschool,blackeducators,blackexcellence,blaxcessmedia,builtinthe814,damianbounds,dekalbcountyschools,educationalleadership,educationmatters,eriepa,erieproud,etceterawiththewoodards,publiceducation,schoolleadership,studentsuccess,unlockingtheculture,youthmentorshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/khyl-horton-from-erie-s-lower-east-side-to-the-hall-of-fame--73824127
On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Khyl sits down to tell the story behind the highlights—and those highlights are serious.

At Mercyhurst Prep, Horton became the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He finished his high school career with 1,886 points, currently listed by the Erie Sports Hall of Fame as the third-highest total in Erie history. He was a three-time All-Metro League selection, two-time All-State selection, a McDonald’s All-American selection, Dapper Dan All-Star Game MVP, and a Keystone State Games gold medalist.

But perhaps the defining moment came in 1991, when Horton helped lead Mercyhurst Prep to the PIAA state championship, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a 58–55 championship-game victory over a Wilkes-Barre GAR team featuring future NBA player Bob Sura.

His game then took him to the Division I level at George Mason University, where he played 48 games and averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds, including 12.8 points and 8 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He eventually returned home to play for Gannon University, scoring 784 points in two seasons and averaging 16.7 points per game, including a season in which he led Gannon at 19.6 points per game. Altogether, Horton scored more than 1,500 collegiate points.

His accomplishments ultimately earned him induction into the Erie Metro Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

But the numbers only tell part of it.

Khyl talks with the Woodards about where he came from, what pushed him, becoming one of Pennsylvania’s premier high-school players, winning a state championship, making the jump to major college basketball, coming home to Gannon, and the experiences that shaped the man beyond the player. This is more than an Erie basketball story. It’s the story of what can happen when talent, opportunity, toughness and belief meet.

Etcetera with the Woodards — The Khyl Horton Story]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73824127Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:59:34 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCBefore Khyl Horton became an Erie basketball legend, he was a kid from the lower East Side of Erie, Pennsylvania, developing a game that would eventually make him one of the most decorated players the city has produced. On this episode of Etcetera...
On this episode of Etcetera with the Woodards, Khyl sits down to tell the story behind the highlights—and those highlights are serious.

At Mercyhurst Prep, Horton became the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He finished his high school career with 1,886 points, currently listed by the Erie Sports Hall of Fame as the third-highest total in Erie history. He was a three-time All-Metro League selection, two-time All-State selection, a McDonald’s All-American selection, Dapper Dan All-Star Game MVP, and a Keystone State Games gold medalist.

But perhaps the defining moment came in 1991, when Horton helped lead Mercyhurst Prep to the PIAA state championship, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a 58–55 championship-game victory over a Wilkes-Barre GAR team featuring future NBA player Bob Sura.

His game then took him to the Division I level at George Mason University, where he played 48 games and averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds, including 12.8 points and 8 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He eventually returned home to play for Gannon University, scoring 784 points in two seasons and averaging 16.7 points per game, including a season in which he led Gannon at 19.6 points per game. Altogether, Horton scored more than 1,500 collegiate points.

His accomplishments ultimately earned him induction into the Erie Metro Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

But the numbers only tell part of it.

Khyl talks with the Woodards about where he came from, what pushed him, becoming one of Pennsylvania’s premier high-school players, winning a state championship, making the jump to major college basketball, coming home to Gannon, and the experiences that shaped the man beyond the player. This is more than an Erie basketball story. It’s the story of what can happen when talent, opportunity, toughness and belief meet.

Etcetera with the Woodards — The Khyl Horton Story]]>2027basketballlegend,blackathletes,blackexcellence,blaxcessmedia,eriebasketball,eriepa,eriesports,eriesportshalloffame,etceterawiththewoodards,gannonbasketball,georgemasonbasketball,khylhorton,mercyhurstprep,piaa,statechampion,unlockingtheculturefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/easy-essie-an-nba-dream-manifested-into-reality--73823651
At Strong Vincent, Hollis was a high school All-American who exploded for 753 points and a 30.1-point-per-game average during the 1972–73 season, leading the Colonels to city and district championships. And that was only the beginning.

At St. Bonaventure University, Hollis amassed 1,905 career points and 977 rebounds, averaged 17.5 points per game for his career, became a two-time ECAC All-Star in 1976 and 1977, served as co-captain of the 1977 NIT Championship team, and scored 24 points in the championship victory over Houston. He helped the Bonnies win 72 games during his four-year career and was named the team's MVP as a senior.

Hollis was selected in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Jazz, 44th overall, and went on to play for the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first basketball player from Erie to reach the NBA. His career then took him overseas, where he became a major figure in European basketball. During two ACB seasons with Baskonia, he averaged 24.5 points and 8.3 rebounds, including an incredible 53-point game; in 1983–84 he averaged 27 points per game and ranked first in the league in overall player rating.

His legacy has been recognized on both sides of the Atlantic: Hollis was inducted into the Erie Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and the St. Bonaventure Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988; his No. 25 was retired by St. Bonaventure, and he was later selected to the Bonnies’ Centennial All-Time Team.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73823651Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:37:08 +0000BlaXcess Media LLCThis week, Etcetera with the Woodards sits down with Essie Hollis, one of the most accomplished basketball players ever produced by the city of Erie. At Strong Vincent, Hollis was a high school All-American who exploded for 753 points and a...
At Strong Vincent, Hollis was a high school All-American who exploded for 753 points and a 30.1-point-per-game average during the 1972–73 season, leading the Colonels to city and district championships. And that was only the beginning.

At St. Bonaventure University, Hollis amassed 1,905 career points and 977 rebounds, averaged 17.5 points per game for his career, became a two-time ECAC All-Star in 1976 and 1977, served as co-captain of the 1977 NIT Championship team, and scored 24 points in the championship victory over Houston. He helped the Bonnies win 72 games during his four-year career and was named the team's MVP as a senior.

Hollis was selected in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Jazz, 44th overall, and went on to play for the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first basketball player from Erie to reach the NBA. His career then took him overseas, where he became a major figure in European basketball. During two ACB seasons with Baskonia, he averaged 24.5 points and 8.3 rebounds, including an incredible 53-point game; in 1983–84 he averaged 27 points per game and ranked first in the league in overall player rating.

His legacy has been recognized on both sides of the Atlantic: Hollis was inducted into the Erie Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and the St. Bonaventure Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988; his No. 25 was retired by St. Bonaventure, and he was later selected to the Bonnies’ Centennial All-Time Team.]]>2051basketballhistory,basketballlegend,blackathletes,blackexcellence,blaxcessmedia,bonniesbasketball,detroitpistons,easyessie,eriebasketball,eriepa,eriesports,essiehollis,etceterawiththewoodards,nba,nitchampions,stbonaventure,strongvincent,unlockingtheculturefalsefull