Metro East Sports Podcast The Metro East Sports Podcast

All MESPY winners in this show, which begins with 1A Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Lauren Flowers and her Coach Brian Madson of Carrollton HS. Flowers led the Lady Hawks in nearly every category, and the 3-sport star describes her game on the hardwood, and her goals for her senior season and beyond. Madson describes taking the job just as the season beginning, and he talks about what Flowers means to the program as a player and a leader in his program.

Next up, we talk tennis with 2A Singles Player of the Year MESPY winner Colton Hulme and 1/2 of the Doubles Team of the Year, Jesse Hattrup, both of Edwardsville HS. Hulme looks back over his career and shares what he'll miss about being a Tiger; Hattrup talks about focusing on doubles this year with his partner, Jade Dynamic. The two boys also describe the adventures this team took and the immense improvement they saw in their teammates.

Finally, the MESPY for 3A Boys Basketball Team of the Year goes to the East St. Louis Flyers. The Flyers are represented in the studio by Coach Mark Chambers. Coach Chambers describes his "disciplinarian" style, how kids have changed, and competing the always-tough SWC. After Coach Chambers talks all things Flyers Hoops, he is joined in the studio by his daughter, O'Fallon tennis player, Morgyn Chambers. Dad describes the emotions he feels watching Morgyn play, and he talks about getting her started in the sport. Morgyn shares her fondest memory from last year--a come from behind dramatic victory over Edwardsville to secure the Panthers' victory--and she talks about her goals for her senior season and beyond.

This episode begins with the Extreme Softball Director, Jessica Schmittling. Schmittling talks about growing up with four siblings and the role the softball diamond played in her childhood, and she discusses being a Lancer in high school and playing for Coach Rita Menke. What she does on a daily basis is described, and she reveals what she loves most about her sport.

Next up, the MESPY winners for 4A Basketball Team of the Year, the Belleville West Maroons are in the house to talk about their challenging regular season, which resulted in a dramatic and successful post-season run. Coach Schobert talks about the turning point in the season, and Jordan Lacey and Daylen Byrd describe being down "20 points to Belleville East" in the first round of the Regional, and what went down at halftime which sparked a one-point comeback victory. The guys also talk about their thrilling second round win over SWC Champions, the Kahoks.

Finally, Jenny and Doug Mennerick are in the studio to share their thoughts on growing up playing and coaching tennis in the Soutwestern Conference. Jenny (Belleville West Head Girls and Assistant Boys) and Doug (O'Fallon THS Head Boys and Assistant Girls) speak fondly of their days playing at OTHS and McKendree following in the footsteps of their older brother Greg. Jenny discusses what she learned from Coach Bob Keefe, legendary BW tennis coach, and both discuss what it takes to build a successful program and what they love about the game.

This show begins with Caryn Mefford of My Pocket CEO in the studio to present the latest Charitable Champion, Devin Habermehl of Collinsville HS. Habermehl, a football and track standout for the Kahoks, was nominated by track coach, Chard Burgess. An honor student who serves his community, Habermehl chose "Kids for Christ" to receive his $500 donation from Front Office Fiduciary Network on his behalf. Habermehl described what he is proud of from his most recent track season, and he discusses the leadership style of Kahok Head Football Coach Colton Rhodes along with his future plan to become a physical education teacher.

Next up, legendary coach Lori Blade joins the show. Blade, who is assisting as a "bench coach" for the Edwardsville Tigers this season, comes in fresh from the Sectional softball semi-final with Belleville East. She describes her team's tough loss tonight, what she loves about golf, Kate Martin and the WNBA, and she discusses her upcoming "Lori Blade Fundamentals Softball Camp" at "the Sports Barn East."

This show begins with LEGENDARY retired Civic Memorial Boys Soccer Head Coach Don Woeffel. Coach Woeffel shares stories from the program he began in 1977. He talks about the advice he'd give young coaches, and he talks about serving on the Bethalto school board as a retired teacher.

Next up, "masters division" track athlete Mike Young, discusses competing on a world class level at 62 years of age. Young talks about a tough injury that almost knocked him out of the sport, his weekly training regimen, and his upcoming meet schedule for the summer.

In the third slot, we recognize the Belleville West Girls Volleyball Team as the MESPY winners for 4A Team of the Year. Coach Me'Ashah Franklin describes how "shaking up the lineup" was just what her Maroons needed to make a thrilling post-season run. Coach "Me" is joined by her middle blocker, Addison Geluck, who shares her memories from the regular season and the post season, and she describes what it's like playing for her coach.

Eric Scroggins kicks off episode 14 to talk about his incredible career as a three-sport athlete at Roxana HS and his current position as Marketing Director for Heaterz Chicken! Dave calls it the "best chicken sandwich" he's ever had, and Scroggins discusses their desire to work with local sports teams and events to raise funds for their respective programs.

Next up Belleville West golfer Morgan Jung stops by to discuss his career on the links for the Maroons, and on the night before his last day of high school, he describes what he'll miss about BW. Jung describes his "next step," which is studying golf management at Mississippi State University.

Then, Ellie Bush of O'Fallon Township HS is our MESPY winner for 3A Runner of the Year. Bush is joined in the studio by her coach Neal James, who describes the prodigiously talented sophomore's ability to "feel the pace" of the race. Bush talks about what attracted her to the sport and her future plans.

Finally, Travis Williams is amongst the all-time greatest athletes to come out of East Alton Wood River HS. Williams, a three sport high school star, describes his upbringing, the many positive role models he had at EAWRHS, his recruiting process, and his decorated career with the Illini. Williams also discusses playing in the Arena League and coaching his son's team at Fenwick HS in Oak Park, Illinois.

This show begins with the MESPY winner for 1A Boys XC Runner of the Year, Hunter Ponce, who is joined by his coach, Ben Scamihorn. Ponce reflects on his state-qualifying season and talks about leading the Shells. Scamihorn talks about building the program to reflect his lofty goals in just his second year as head coach.

Next up, we check out the local boxing scene as manager and coach Tyler Woodard is in the studio with two of his top guys, Jeremiah Robinson and Justin Spalding. Woodard describes how he got into the sport; Robinson and Spalding guarantee "1st round knockouts in their fight," and they reveal what they love about it.

Finally, SIUE ultimate frisbee star and podcast co-producer, Keaton Anderson, is back to update everyone on his recently completed season, which included a "first-ever" trip to Regionals, where the "Geese" battled some prominent competition.