Podcast Summary:

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present — "Their Coach is A Fugitive; Their Record is Now 13-0"
Date: November 30, 2025
Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode Theme:
How a small-town high school football team in Virginia remains undefeated amid the shocking disappearance and criminal charges against their coach, and what it means for their community, the players, and their families.

Episode Overview

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes delve into a gripping and heartbreaking ongoing story out of rural Appalachia, Virginia, following Union High School’s undefeated football team as they play through a season overshadowed by the mysterious disappearance—and subsequent criminal accusations—of their longtime coach, Travis Turner. The episode explores not just the sensational details, but also the community’s response, the impact on the students, and the resilience of the team as they push toward the state championship.

Main Discussion & Key Points

1. The Story Unfolds: From Missing Person to Fugitive

• The Incident:

  • Days before a critical playoff game, Union High School's head football coach, Travis Turner, went missing (03:55).

  • Initially, the authorities stated there was no warrant—just a complaint they wanted to discuss.

  • Within days, Turner became a wanted fugitive with 10 felony charges: 5 counts of child pornography, 5 counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

    “They initially said he wasn’t wanted, they didn’t have any warrant for his arrest...sure enough, a few days later, it turns out he is now wanted on 10 counts.”
    — Amy Robach (03:55)

• Timeline:

  • Last seen by family on November 20, leaving home in a gray hoodie and sweatpants, reportedly with a firearm (09:56–10:29).
  • Search efforts have involved drones, canine units, and search-and-rescue teams without success.

• Community & Family Impact:

  • His wife and family have pleaded for his safe return and maintained belief in his innocence.
  • Thanksgiving was described as particularly devastating for the family, now surrounded by rumors and with no answers (11:50–12:31).

2. The Team & The Community Response

• Overcoming the Scandal:

  • Despite the turmoil, the Union High Bears continued to play, winning their playoff game (with a score of 21–14) and keeping their perfect record: 13–0 (04:53, 24:14).

    “Those kids went out on the field yesterday folks, played a football game and won.”
    — T.J. Holmes (04:53)

• Emotional Toll for Young Athletes:

  • The hosts dig into the psychological and emotional stress facing the teenage players, caught in a blinding media spotlight and subject to investigative questions from authorities and parents.

  • The hosts remind listeners these are still children, grappling with accusations swirling around a mentor many saw as a father figure (06:17–07:40, 22:00–23:14).

    “I had to stop myself and remember, these are children...impacted in a way that only children can be impacted.”
    — T.J. Holmes (22:00)

• Community Resilience:

  • In a town of just 2,000, football is a cultural cornerstone—a rallying point for hope and unity, particularly in times of crisis.
  • Over the past ten days, uncertainty, anxiety, and a manhunt have hovered over both everyday citizens and the football program (08:35–09:56).

3. The Unknowns and the Investigation

• Nature of the Charges:

  • While the allegations are grave, the podcast clarifies that no accusations of sexual assault have been filed; charges are strictly related to online solicitation and possession of illegal material (19:54–20:29).

  • Ongoing community and police concerns center around whether any local minors were directly victimized.

  • The investigation continues, and players closest to the coach have been questioned for signs or knowledge of misconduct (20:30–21:55).

    “These are serious, significant charges...but certainly, the spotlight has to turn to the kids who knew him best, who were with him day in and day out.”
    — Amy Robach (06:17)

    “Are there victims of his in that town, is what everybody in that town is asking.”
    — T.J. Holmes (20:30)

• Presumption of Innocence & Search for the Coach:

  • Both hosts repeatedly caution that Turner is innocent until proven guilty and that the immediate concern is his safety, considering he disappeared into harsh terrain with no supplies (17:56–18:51).
  • The broader hope is for him to be found alive to face the allegations and provide closure.

4. Spotlight on Leadership and Perseverance

• Interim Coaching & Team Leadership:

  • Defensive coordinator Jason Edwards has stepped in, leading the team through two critical, high-pressure games.

  • Seniors and team leaders kept teammates focused, as referenced in a powerful huddle speech (21:46):

    "We talked in the huddle and we said, listen boys, we're going to have to handle adversity here. We stick together as brothers here, and we should come out with the victory."
    — Senior Running Back (shared by Amy Robach, ~21:46)

• For the Record Books:

  • Union High faces Glenvar High next; if they win, they’ll advance to the state championship as one of only two undefeated teams left in Virginia (24:14).

    “Yes, we’re rooting for them in the game. But man, we are rooting for them all week, for what this possibly has done and we know it has done to that community.”
    — T.J. Holmes (24:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Every single tragedy we’ve ever seen, there’s beauty you find in it.”
  — T.J. Holmes (07:40)

• “Just the accusations alone...I imagine there’s some feeling of betrayal and some feeling of distrust of everyone and anything. And when you’re that young...it shakes you to your core.”
  — Amy Robach (23:14)

• “This coach was a hometown hero...so to have this spotlight not on their undefeated season, but unfortunately on what their coach is accused of...has to be just adding to the already tense situation.”
  — Amy Robach (08:35)

• “It became even more impressive to me that they were able to do what they did.”
  — T.J. Holmes (22:00)

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• 03:15: Segment starts – Introduction to the story; news about the missing/fugitive coach
• 03:55: Details of Union High’s situation and Travis Turner’s charges
• 06:17: Impact on athletes and the mental burden on the team
• 09:56: Timeline, details of Turner's disappearance
• 11:50: Insight into the family’s perspective
• 17:56: The focus on Turner’s safety and the charges
• 19:54–21:55: Detailed discussion of legal situation, investigation, and team responses
• 24:14: Interim coach steps up; Union High advances in playoffs, hope for the future
• 25:39: Hope for closure for community and family

Closing Thoughts

Amy and T.J. close with messages of hope for the Union Bears’ continued success on the field and for answers to bring healing to the community, emphasizing the resilience of young athletes and the power of unity in the face of scandal.

“We hope you get answers, and we hope that Travis Turner is found safe so that he can answer to these charges and his family can get some answers and they aren’t left with just questions and hopelessness.”
— Amy Robach (25:39)

A powerful listen for anyone interested in true community stories, the behind-the-scenes impacts of scandal, and heartfelt commentary on resilience amid adversity.