Metro East Sports Podcast
The Metro East Sports Podcast
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Join host Dave as he interviews the best athletes, coaches, and legends in the metro east!
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Season 4; Episode 8. Featuring: Coach Trevor Spohr & Keaton Anderson; Coach Gerard Moore, Trevon Bond, Mario Brown, & Milton Dowell; Ryan O'Day; Coach EJ Brooks with Nick Deloach, Jr. & Jason Dowell
Possibly our biggest show to date! Episode 4.8 kicks off with Edwardsville HS Ultimate Frisbee Coach Trevor Spohr who is joined by his 4-year player and our Associate Producer, Keaton Anderson. The duo describes the sport, the current state of the program, and they discuss their state championship! Next, Granite City Boys Basketball Coach Gerard Moore is in the studio to describe the Warriors' recent winning season and his life-long love affair with the sport. Moore brings with him the Warrior hoop trio of Trevon Bond, Mario Brown, and Milton Dowell. The guys share their enthusiasm for the game and their respect for Coach Moore. Next, Wang Gang/Chappy's founder, and MESP partner, Ryan O'Day drops in to talk about hot yoga, the menu at Wang Gang, and his interest in the local sports landscape. Finally, Cahokia Wrestling Coach EJ Brooks details the history of the Comanche grapplers, his time wrestling at Mizzou, and his career as a professional fighter. Brooks brings with him Nick Deloach, Jr. and Jason Dowell. Deloach, a three-sport All-State athlete and Mizzou commit, talks about carrying on the family legacy, his decision to attend Mizzou, and his academic prowess, which includes the top academic ranking in his class. Dowell, also a three sport star, discusses looking up to Deloach, how he got started in wrestling, and his plans for the future.
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Mar 15, 2023
Season 4; Episode 7. Featuring Jon Wagner and Eric Pretto
In this Legends episode, Dave talks to the retiring Head Coach of Edwardsville Boys and Girls Wrestling, Jon Wagner, and his successor, Eric Pretto. Wagner and Pretto share their individual histories which led them to their coaching careers. Then, Wagner discusses his long, successful time leading the Tigers, and he comments on those things of which he is most proud. Pretto describes his vision for leading the Tigers and comments on what attracted him to the Tiger program.
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Mar 7, 2023
Season 4; Episode 6. Featuring Aubree Wallace; Steve Porter; Coach Mike Imes, Nathan Bassford, and Connor Lunnings.
Chad Opel of Front Office Fiduciary Network is back to present the latest Charitable Champion, Aubree Wallace of Civic Memorial HS. Wallace is a three-sport honor student, who goes "the extra mile in the classroom and on the field with a positive attitude." The UMSL soccer commit described her goals and positive experience as an Eagle. Next, Steve Porter is back to talk about another hall of fame induction; this time, he was accepted into the STL Hall of Fame. Porter describes the experience along with the upcoming Harry Gallatin Awards, which he helps organize and which recognizes "riverbend" high school basketball greatness. Finally, O'Fallon Boys Bowling takes over the studio as Coach Mike Imes is joined by team leaders Nathan Bassford and Connor Lunnings. Imes talks about the local history of scholastic bowling and shares his love for coaching. Bassford describes the dramatic ending to his career and his goals for the future as a collegiate bowler. And, Lunnings discusses the technical change from one hand to two, which has made a significant difference in his career.
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Feb 28, 2023
Season 4, Episode 5. Featuring Drew Landau; Coach Rashad Riley with Bernie and Dominic Thebeau; and Coach Joe Bauer.
Drew Landau of Edwardsville HS Wrestling begins the show. He discusses winning 100 matches as a Tiger, going undefeated in dual matches, and qualifying for state for the third time. Belleville East Wrestling is represented next in the studio with first year Head Coach Rashad Riley, who is joined by third place state finisher Dominic Thebeau and his father Bernie. The trio talk about the Belleville East philosophy of teaching more than just wrestling, and Dominic discusses wrestling at Nebraska next year with his brother. Finally, O'Fallon THS Head Baseball Coach Joe Bauer wraps up the show with a metro east baseball preview including a detailed description of the Panthers. Bauer also talks about the facilities upgrades and the strengths of his staff.
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Feb 21, 2023
Season 4, Episode 4. Featuring Coach Mark Tubb with Carter Barrale and Bradon West; Evie Tyrrell and Kaitlynn Jennings; Coach Hannah Schrage with Brady Betz and Avery Brooks.
Coach Mark Tubb kicks off show 4 to give insight into the success of the Mascoutah bowling teams. Tubb is joined by top-10 state finishers Carter Barrale and Bradon West, who talk about how they got their start in the sport and their goals for the future. Next, Evie Tyrrell and Kaitlynn Jennings of Edwardsville High School Cheerleading are in the studio to speak about their program-high, MESPY-winning season for Large Program of the Year. Finally, Triad Cheer Coach Hannah Schrage brings two of her girls (Brady Betz and Avery Brooks) to talk about their amazing MESPY-winning season for Medium-size Team of the Year. Betz and Brooks discuss the attitude instilled in the program by their coach, which included humility and focus.
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Feb 14, 2023
Season 4, Episode 3. Featuring Samira Khazaeli and Mark Thomas; Coach Robbie Walters, Grace Anderson, and Kierstyn Shreve; and, Greg Knolhoff with Alicia Franck
Samira Khazaeli and Mark Thomas of Gori Law Firm kick off the show to talk about the upcoming 5K to raise money for local females interested in pursuing higher education. Next, Columbia Cheer Coach Robbie Walters is in studio to share his passion for his sport, as he talks about his long, successful journey. Walters is joined by two of seniors, Kierstyn Shreve and Grace Anderson. The girls talk about finishing just .48 behind the state champions, their obstacle-filled season, and they get emotional speaking about what they'll miss next year. Finally, Greg Knolhoff, assistant girls basketball coach at O'fallon THS, is in the Front Office studio to be recognized as the Keller Williams Marquee, Jeb and Ginger Blasingame, Coach of the Month. Knolhoff discusses coaching with his son Nick, the Head Coach, and he talks about his love of the game and previews the upcoming playoffs.
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Feb 12, 2023
Season 4, Episode 2. A Legends Session Featuring Tom Pile with David Lipe and Chad Opel
Legendary Edwardsville HS baseball coach Tom Pile is back for a second session. Pile sits down with Dave and former player Chad Opel to discuss, amongst other topics, joining two more halls of fame, what he would've been if he hadn't been a baseball coach, toughness, what made his teams so successful, coaching with Daryl Butler and Mike Waldo, "the 5 or so people that put Edwardsville on the map," Tom Price, and why he wore one batting glove while coaching--hint, it's not homage to Michael Jackson.
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Feb 7, 2023
Season 4, Episode 1. Featuring Ashton Mersinger, Chad Opel, Dylan Ybarra, Colleen Lischwe, Uros Pelemis, Courtney "CC" Smith, Kelsey Hartung, Jordan Ben-Shlomo, and Abby Grohmann
In this season 4 kickoff show, Ashton Mersinger from McGivney HS is first, as the senior is in the studio to accept the honor of our latest Charitable Champion along with Front Office's Chad Opel, who presents the award to Mersinger. Next, Dylan Ybarra of O'Fallon THS drops by to accept the MESPY for 3A Boys XC Runner of the Year. Then, the conversation shifts to water polo, as Dave is joined by McKendree coaches Colleen Lischwe and Uros Pelemis and player CC Smith. The trio share their enthusiasm for the sport and they explain some of the rules. Finally, Gibault Girls Volleyball Coach Kelsey Hartung is back to accept the MESPY for 1A Team of the Year. Hartung is joined by assistant coach Jordan Ben-Shlomo and star hitter/Greenville College commit Abby Grohmann.
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Jan 31, 2023
Season 3, Show 47 with Daryl Thomas, Colton McKiernan, Caleb Tyus, Chad Burgess, Devin Habermehl, and Nick Barron.
The Season 3 finale kicks off with SIUE Assoc. Head Wrestling Coach Daryl Thomas, who is joined by Cougar grapplers Colton McKiernan and Caleb Tyus. The three discuss their current season and their respective decisions to join the Cougars. Next. Collinsville Track and Field Coach Chad Burgess brings sophomore and 3-sport athlete Devin Habermehl, who talks about learning a new sport (wrestling), and the football team's success. Finally, Nick Barron becomes the first Principia College representative on the show. Barron describes his journey to become the Head XC and Track and Field Coach at "Prin," and he discusses Principia's recent decision to allow non-Christian Scientists to enroll in the college along with the great amenities his campus has to offer.
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Jan 24, 2023
Season 3; Show 46. Featuring Neil James, Britney Brown; Jon Burnett; and, Deryl Cunningham, Cade Altadonna, and Jake Ottensmeier.
O'Fallon Girls XC Coach Neil James kicks off the show alongside one of his top runners, Britney Brown. Brown talks about her move to O'Fallon from South Africa, and she shares her experiences as one of the TOP scholastic triathletes in the country including her commitment to Arizona State University in the fall to continue her athletic career. Next, O'Fallon Boys XC Coach Jon Burnett is in studio to discuss his team's dominant, MESPY-winning season for 3A Team of the Year. Burnett talks about his long career at OTHS and what he still enjoys about coaching. Finally, Highland boys hoops coach Deryl Cunningham discusses his journey which has led him to HHS; Cunningham is joined by "all-purpose" guards Cade Altadonna and Jake Ottensmeier. The boys discuss how they make each other better, their plans for the future, and life playing for Cunningham.
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Jan 17, 2023
Season 3, Show 45. Featuring Zach Klaustermeier, Jeb Blasingame, and Colton Rhodes.
Dupo Football Head Coach Zach Klaustermeier begins the show to talk about leading his team to the IHSA playoffs for the first time in a decade. Klaustermeier also talks about the learning process of his first year as a head coach. Next, Jeb Blasingame is in the studio to present the Keller Williams Marquee, Jeb and Ginger Blasingame Coach of the Month--Colton Rhodes of Collinsville Football. Rhodes is back to talk about leading the Kahoks to back to back playoff appearances for the first time in the history of the program.
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Jan 10, 2023
Season 3; Show 44 Featuring Isayah Kloster; Ray'Sean Taylor and Coach Brian Barone.
Chad Opel of Front Office is in studio to present the latest Charitable Champion, Isayah Kloster of Edwardsville HS. Kloster was nominated for the distinction by his basketball coach, Dustin Battas, who describes Kloster as a "mature leader who makes good decisions on and off the court." Kloster talks about his donations to the Lincoln School Foundation and the Tiger Basketball Boosters. Next, SIUe Mens Basketball Coach Brian Barone is back with star Ray'Sean Taylor. Barone and Taylor discuss the team's hot start as they sit atop the OVC with a record of 12-5. Joining Dave in the studio to talk to the Cougars is intern Keaton Anderson, who describes the new "Vadalabene Vibe!"
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Jan 3, 2023
Season 3; Show 43. Featuring: Coach/AD Dane Walter and Devin Hall; Coach Juergen Huettner and Lexie Munoz; and Coach Alex Schobert, David Marshall Jr., and Myles Liddell
Show 43 kicks off with Red Bud Boys Basketball Coach and AD Dane Walter, who talks about the specialness of Red Bud. Walter is joined by football and basketball star Devin Hall who describes life as a 3-sport athlete and his commitment to McKendree University next year. Next, SWIC Women's Soccer Coach Juergen Huettner brings All-American Lexie Munoz to the studio; the two discuss Lexie's style and the success of their program, which includes back-to-back trips to the National Tournament. Finally, Belleville West Boys Basketball Coach Alex Schobert is back with stars Myles Liddell and David Marshall Jr. The trio talk about the Maroons' style of play and their big plans for the future including next season.
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Dec 29, 2022
Season 3; Show 42: Highland Optimist Club/Scott Credit Union Basketball Shootout Preview
Organizing committee members Matt Powers and Kevin Hemann are in studio to preview the upcoming Highland Basketball Shootout. The event which is presented by the Highland Optimist Club and Scott Credit Union attracts many of the country's best players and teams. Powers and Hemann discuss their roles in organizing the one-day event, and they delve into the rich history of its past. Hemann, the Highland Mayor, talks about the many positives of hosting the "showcase" in his community, and Powers, breaks down the 9 exciting games in this year's event to take place on January 7. More information and ticket purchasing details can be found on www.highlandshootout.com.
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Dec 22, 2022
Season 3, Show 41. Featuring Coach Austin Frazier and J'Vonta Mosby; Peyton Schieppe; and Coach Melissa Massey, Alyssa Frederking, and Annalie McWhorter
Althoff Football Coach Austin Frazier kicks off the show to talk about his team's playoff run and MESPY-winning season for 2A football. Frazier is joined by 3-year starter, J'Vonta Mosby, who talks about playing at Althoff and his goals for next season. Next, Bradley University freshman cross-country runner Peyton Schieppe is back for the third time to discuss her transition from high school to college. The former O'Fallon star talks about the difference in training from high school to college, and she has some good advice for high school seniors who are choosing schools for next year. Finally, MESPY winners for 4A Volleyball Team of the Year, the O'Fallon Panthers, are represented in studio by Coach Melissa Massey and All-state stars Alyssa Frederking and Annalie McWhorter. Coach Massey describes the significant impact these two girls have had on her program including taking the Panthers to new heights; Frederking and McWhorter discuss their OTHS careers and plans for their future
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Dec 13, 2022
Season 3, Episode 40 with Brooke Kloess and Mia Dircks; Greg Lieb; Wade DeVries and Terrel Graves; and Aaron Hilgendorf
Episode 40 begins with Freeburg volleyball Coach Brooke Kloess, who brings her star hitter, Mia Dircks. The two discuss their MESPY-winning season for 2A Volleyball Team of the Year. Next, Althoff Assistant Principal and Boys Basketball Coach Greg Lieb discusses his legendary playing and coaching career. Then Coach Wade DeVries and 1,000-yard running back Terrel Graves are in studio to talk about their MESPY-winning 3A football season. Finally, Mascoutah Head Football Coach Aaron Hilgendorf anchors the show to recount his team's awesome season, which included 2 playoff wins and an un-matched snow removal effort before the team's finale.
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Dec 7, 2022
Season 3; Show 39. Featuring: Derek Jarman and Bryce Davis; and Emily Nuttall and Madison Popelar
Civic Memorial soccer Coach Derek Jarman and his star player, Bryce Davis, discuss the team's recent historic season. Davis also receives the Charitable Champion Award from Front Office Fiduciary Network. Davis, who set the school record for goals, donated the $500 prize to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bethalto. Next, Edwardsville HS Girls Cross-Country runners Emily Nuttall and Madison Popelar accept the MESPY for 3A Team of the Year, and Nuttall is recognized for 3A individual. The two girls discuss their season including the sloppy conditions at the state meet.
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Dec 1, 2022
Season 3, Episode 38 Featuring Chris Eddy, John Hough, Josh Hunt, Bud Vallino, and Dr. Arthur Langston
Show 38 begins with MESPY winner for 2A Golf Team of the Year, Chris Eddy, O'Fallon THS Coach. Eddy talks about developing players and how he helps players during the round. Next, John Hough of the Gateway Sports Venue stops by to do a fall sports review focusing on volleyball, soccer, football. Finally, Dr. Langston of Integrity Spine and Joint Center presents the latest Team of the Month, Triad Girls Basketball. Repping the Knights is Head Coach Josh Hunt and his Assistant Bud Vallino. The two discuss their amazing chemistry and their plan to turn athletes into basketball players.
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Nov 26, 2022
Season 3, Episode 37. Featuring Paul and Morgan Hanson; Skip Birdsong and Jake Pollock.
Show 37 begins with the father-daughter team of Paul and Morgan Hanson who have been sailing competitively for over a decade. The two share their love of the water and their time together. Next, Althoff Soccer Coach Skip Birdsong is back with All-American Jake Pollock. Birdsong details the many on and off-field strengths of Pollock, who talks about his Althoff soccer "family." Then, Birdsong and Pollock accept their MESPYs for 1A Soccer Team and Player of the Year.
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Nov 19, 2022
Season 3; Episode 36. Featuring Tyler Dacus, Colin McGinnis, Preston Foehrkalb, Adam McCollum, and Keaton Anderson
The show begins with Edwardsville HS soccer stars Collin McGinnis and Tyler Dacus, who talk about the "rough start" of their season, which turned into an amazing post-season run. Next, Chad Opel is back to present the latest Charitable Champion, senior linebacker from O'Fallon THS, Adam McCollum, who is joined by his position coach, Preston Foehrkalb. Foehrkalb shares his respect for McCollum, who discusses his love for Panther football. The third guest is Keaton Anderson of Edwardsville. Anderson talks about being on the Ultimate (Frisbee) Team at EHS, and he shares his thoughts on hosting The Jungle, the EHS Sports Podcast.
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Nov 12, 2022
Season 3, Episode 35 Featuring Adam Tyler, Mason Lewis and Carter Crow; Devan Faulkenberg and Jocelynn Carmody; Connor Hinterser; and Chloe Koons.
Edwardsville HS Boys Golf Coach Adam Tyler accepts the MESPY for 3A Team of the Year. Tyler is joined by MESPY winners for co-3A Player of the Year, Mason Lewis and Carter Crow, who talk about leading the Tigers throughout the season. Next, Triad Girls Tennis Coach Devan Faulkenberg discusses his team's record-breaking season, and he accepts the 1A Team MESPY. Faulkenberg is joined by his team's top player, All-State Team member, Jocelynn Carmody, who talks about playing #1, winning a third place team finish at state, and playing for her dad. In the third slot, SIUE Hockey Captain Connor Hinterser stops by to discuss his team's current season. And, finally, Chloe Koons discusses playing in the top singles spot for Edwardsville High School and her recent season, which included the MESPY for 2A Player of the Year, Southwestern Conference Player of the Year, and All-State recognition.
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Oct 25, 2022
Season 3, Episode 34: Featuring Adam Reiniger, Trey Peterson, and Coach Sam Quigley Smith.
Collinsville High School soccer stars Adam Reiniger and Trey Peterson begin the show; the boys recount the details of the conference-winning season, and they talk about the keys to the Kahoks’ success on the pitch. Next, SIUE Women’s Basketball Coach Sam Smith returns. Coach Sam previews the Cougars’ upcoming season, discusses her coaching style, and shares some insight into her personal life including her love for Taylor Swift. (recorded 10/25/22)
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Oct 17, 2022
Season 3, Episode 33: Featuring Nathan Wilkening and Gabby Jesse; Bill Roseberry; Chris Janek.
Master Nathan Wilkening of Goshen Academy of Martial Arts begins the show alongside one of his students, Gabby Jesse. Wilkening and Jesse discuss the benefits of martial arts and how they got started in it. Next, Bill Roseberry previews some of the area’s basketball stories, and he shares the details of the upcoming Gallatin Awards trivia night. Finally, Tanks Training Facility CEO Chris Janek shares his powerlifting journey from “chubby kid” to professional football player to gym owner. (recorded 10/17/22)
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