Justin Willyoung- Author/Speaker

02/26/2026

I see this and share it at least once a year. Coaching is a blessing and a calling for me, but it takes a toll.

To all the great coaches out there, keep up the good work, I see you!

02/09/2026

This is a great group of kids! I think they will all finish well above their ranking!

🏆🟡⚫️ STATE BOUND! ⚫️🟡🏆

We are proud to announce that the following Mountaineers have qualified for the NCHSAA 6A Indoor Track & Field State Championship! Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have earned them a spot among the best in North Carolina.

🔥 State Qualifiers:
• Quashard Ingram – 4x400m Relay
• David Johnson – 500m Run, 4x400m Relay
• Matthew Saenz Gutierrez – 4x400m Relay
• Joakim Shorts – 4x400m Relay
• Ja’mareon Thurman – 4x400m Relay
• Colton Willyoung – Pole Vault

📍 JDL Fast Track | Winston-Salem, NC
📅 Thursday, February 12, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM

Let’s wish these student-athletes the best of luck as they represent Kings Mountain on the state stage! Your Mountaineer family is cheering you on every step of the way.

02/08/2026

01/31/2026

⛄️ Snowed in? ❄️

Amazon probably can’t get a delivery to you today but you can always download the audio or digital copies of Iron and Thunder and Forever Coach.

When you order a copy you aren’t just getting a glimpse into how Faith, Character, Resiliency, and Purpose can create extraordinary results in your life and the lives of others, you’re also donating to a good cause!

I donate a portion of each copy sold to the scholarship foundation set up in Coach Fred Blackhurst’s memory.

Grab a copy today and learn more about him and his timeless lessons.

Iron and Thunder:

https://a.co/d/2bZdsi3

Forever Coach:

https://a.co/d/e3zDCQY

01/24/2026

One of my lifelong best friends and successful business owner Travis Repman spoke at Gardner Webb University tonight about the influence of great coaches in a young persons life.

He made specific mention of Coach Fred Blackhurst, who was one of the main inspirations for my books Forever Coach and Iron and Thunder.

When a coach teaches faith, character, resiliency, and purpose those lessons stay with a person and shape who they are, often becoming the catalyst to their future success. Travis is an awesome testiment to this and his tribute to Coach Blackhurst was amazing!

Great job Travis, proud of you buddy!

Grab your copies of Forever Coach and Iron and Thunder today to see how you can make a difference in the life of others!

Iron and Thunder:

https://a.co/d/9qo6xm6

Forever Coach:

https://a.co/d/9ALq1eS

01/22/2026

❄️ Before the storm hits, remember where your strength comes from.
Faith doesn’t wait for perfect weather — it stands firm in the wind, snow, and waiting. ✝️

📘 Iron and Thunder — a true story of faith, purpose, and timing
📗 Forever Coach — building faith, character, resiliency, and purpose beyond the field

Get your copies here:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/IRON-THUNDER-STORY-PURPOSE-TIMING/dp/B0DK82HQZD

👉 https://www.amazon.com/FOREVER-COACH-Mr-Justin-Willyoung/dp/B0FBS5CR4Q

01/18/2026

I’m so appreciative of everyone who has bought copies of Forever Coach and Iron and Thunder recently since Coach Blackhursts passing.

My plan is to continue donating a portion of every book sale to the scholarship that has been set up in his name at FHS and this recent spike in sales has really got the ball rolling!

Help me keep the legacy of Coach Blackhurst and many other amazing coaches alive by buying a copy today and passing down the message to future generations.

Iron and Thunder:

https://a.co/d/7GuwaWh

What does it take to become a coach who leaves a lasting legacy? In , author Justin Willyoung draws on decades of experience as a record-breaking athlete, championship-winning coach, and high school counselor to uncover the secrets, strategies, and values necessary to become a coach or mentor ...

01/15/2026

My random 2 cents today:

It might surprise you to find out that I start every coaching season with the same thought in my head the first few weeks.

"I think this might be my last season"

Every season comes with new groups, new issues, new personalities, it always seems like those first few weeks that maybe I just don't "have it" anymore. My corny jokes and sarcasm (thanks Coach Blackhurst) fly right over the new kids heads and I just don't feel like I'm making any real impact.

And then it happens, I see that one kid fall in love with an event or discipline that we have been working on. It doesn't happen overnight but the day they lock in is always noticeable and impactful for me.

They hang around late, ask questions, always want "1 more rep". They stand close listening to the advice and coaching being handed out to others and absorb it. They even start laughing at my jokes.

Then I'm locked in and can't even believe I ever thought about hanging up the whistle. I live for those moments as a coach, it fills me with purpose. It reminds me of why I wrote Forever Coach because my coaches helped to make me who I am today.

If you are a coach, keep it up even when you don't feel like you are making an impact. If you want to learn more about being the best coach you can be, grab a copy of Forever Coach today!

What does it take to become a coach who leaves a lasting legacy? In , author Justin Willyoung draws on decades of experience as a record-breaking athlete, championship-winning coach, and high school counselor to uncover the secrets, strategies, and values necessary to become a coach or mentor ...

01/12/2026

01/11/2026

I’ve decided that in addition to honoring the life and legacy of Coach Fred Blackhurst by passing his values and lessons on to others through coaching and writing that I’d also like to make yearly contributions to the scholarship fund that has been set up in his name at Franklin High School.

Moving forward, I will be donating a portion of my book sale proceeds to the scholarship.

If you would like to contribute to my mission of honoring his legacy, order a copy of Forever Coach or Iron and Thunder today to learn more about the profound impact he had on my life and countless others!

Forever Coach:

https://a.co/d/iftQQrW

Iron and Thunder:

https://a.co/d/fVoBW8m

What does it take to become a coach who leaves a lasting legacy? In , author Justin Willyoung draws on decades of experience as a record-breaking athlete, championship-winning coach, and high school counselor to uncover the secrets, strategies, and values necessary to become a coach or mentor ...