Deputy Director &
Chief Operations Officer
Turan De'Angelo Rush,
Turan Rush is the founding Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer of the Midian Leadership Project, and works to develop and implement Midian's strategies for building and supporting the next generation of leaders. He was a captain of the football team at Eastern Michigan University, where he graduated in 2021, and holds a Masters Degree in Sports Science at West Virginia State University. He is currently the Director of Fitness and Nutrition for the Capital High School Cougar Football team, where he once won a state championship as a student. Turan is passionate about education equity and criminal justice reform, and has brough his message of conviction and hope regarding faith, sports, education, and the school-to-prison pipleline to audiences across the country.
J. Tyrell Lucas, Jr.,
Chief Technical Officer
In addition to coaching, Tyrell serves as the Chief Technical Officer for the Midian Leadership Project, developing and implementing technical aspects of Midian's programming and facilities. His community work has a special focus on microenterprise and conflict resolution.
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Calvin Wilder III,
Community Peacebuilding
Calvin is a former college basketball player (Simmons College of Kentucky) who has presented to national audiences on the subject of sports, justice, and community development. Calvin’s work of restoration and reconciliation revolves around building the tools and circumstances to promote holistically restorative outcomes for at-risk young people and for those involved with the criminal justice system.
Henry Houchins,
Strength & Conditioning Coach
& Academic Program Specialist
Henry Houchins is a graduate of West Virginia State University, where he played defensive back for the West Virginia State Yellowjackets and majored in Sports Studies. Henry is a strength and conditioning coach for the Capital High School Cougar football team, and works to implement creative academic support strategies within Midian's programming.
Collin Pierce,
Data Systems Architect
Collin is a small business owner and West Side Middle School football coach who works to develop and implement Midian's data systems pertaining to operations, grants, and scientific research. He is a graduate of the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics, and uses his own business to mentor young people in entrepreneurship skills.
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In addition to coaching, Terry specializes in nutrition programming and creative ways of cooking, eating, and staying healthy. Terry is a graduate of Capital High School, and he is passionate about creating safe, neighborly, empowering spaces in which youth can develop their talents and passions.
Terrence Gray, Jr.
Nutrition Specialist
Rev. Dr. Jeff Biddle, Jr. is the founding director of the Midian Leadership Project. He holds a BA in Ecomonics from Harvard University, an M.Div from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and his doctorate from Palmer Seminary, where his thesis focused on sports, faith and community leadership development among young people affected by the school-to-prison pipeline. He is the coauthor of Playing For The City: The Power of Sports for Christian Community Development.