HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

Heavy Hitter Sports entertains, educates & inspires by spotlighting sports game-changers. Athletes & sports business leaders share their stories of resilience & provide valuable advice on how to tackle challenges on & off the field of play. Host Mark Hochgesang's commentary is shaped by his deep love & knowledge of sports & 30 years of management experience at Nike, adidas & Easton.

Recent Episodes

April 25, 2024

Jen Armbruster: 7X Paralympian & Gold Medal Winner

Jen Armbruster, seven time Paralympian, shares her gold winning success tips. She & host Mark Hochgesang discuss how to creatively overcome obstacles, the value of sports for the disabled & the magic of faithful guide dogs. …
April 23, 2024

Ann Schatz: Broadcasting Trailblazer

The renowned sports broadcaster Ann Schatz shares her groundbreaking journey. Ann & host Mark Hochgesang talk about the nation's new found love...women's college basketball. And Ann shares her love for learning, coaching and…
April 11, 2024

Dave Stevens: Overcoming Adversity

Dave Stevens shares his incredible story of achieving sports & broadcasting success, despite having no legs. Dave & host Mark Hochgesang discuss overcoming obstacles, disability challenges & the benefits of inclusion, while …
March 21, 2024

Frank Gifford Sports Legend: A Son's Perspective

Cody Gifford reveals behind the scenes stories about his father Frank Gifford, a true football icon. Cody talks about his dad’s challenging upbringing, thrilling USC and New York Giants on field exploits and game-changing AB…
Feb. 22, 2024

Dave Clark: Unsung Hereos

Dave Clark is the only man to play professional baseball while on crutches. Contracting polio as a baby would have stopped virtually any other athlete in their tracks. But Dave's dedication, perseverance and love of baseball…
Feb. 6, 2024

Michael Bergmann: Grand Slam Innovator

Michael Bergmann, author, innovator & former Nike product development guru, shares how to bring ambitious plans to life. His 'fearless innovation together' strategy helped revolutionize Nike Tennis & the Oregon track communi…

About the Host

Mark HochgesangProfile Photo

Mark Hochgesang

Host of Heavy Hitter Sports

Mark's goal is to educate, entertain and inspire by bringing compelling sports stories to life. He is a 30-year sporting goods industry veteran, having worked at Nike, adidas and Easton. Mark is now transferring his storytelling skills to the podcast airways. This venue and show focus is a great fit for Mark given his love of sports, industry experience and interest in psychology & personal growth.

Mark's love of sports is broad ranging...baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse and all things Olympics. Yes, you might detect a slight bias toward the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, the Portland Trailblazers and the Trojans since he was born in San Francisco, raised in Portland and educated at USC.

Mark also invests in sports related startups via Oregon Sports Angels. Mark, his wife Barbara and their son Chris have lived in Portland for the last 25 years.