Metro East Sports Podcast The Metro East Sports Podcast

This show kicks off with motocross rider, team owner, and coach, Jake Pauli. Pauli is back in the studio to discuss the growth of his team, the daily preparation necessary to compete at a world-class level, and the injury which nearly ended his career.

Next up, the undefeated Highland Bulldogs Baseball team are recognized as Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month. The "dogs" are represented in the studio by pitching coach Derek Reckmann, pitcher/first baseman Chase Knebel, and outfielder Jake Ottensmeier. Knebel and Ottensmeier discuss the strength of their team including their abililty to play any style necessary, and Reckmann describes building relationships with the players beginning in middle school and what he's learned from current Bulldog Head Coach, Coach Hawkins.

This show is all about the coaches! Marion High School Boys Tennis Coach Joe Pearce joins the show remotely to talk about winning the JD Miller Sportsmanship Award at the Edwardsville Invitational last weekend. Pearce, a first-year coach, talks about creating a culture of family and respect with the Wildcats. He is joined by Assistant Coach Bruce Myers and his two team captains, who talk about playing Pearce and Myers.

Next up. we talk LAX with Edwardsville United and EHS Boys Head Coach Zac Bilyeu and Defensive Coordinator Will Dunlap. The duo talks about how they got their start in the sport and the excitement surrounding the program at Edwardsville HS including gaining the program's first-ever win.

Wrapping up the show, Bill Roseberry of the Gallatin Awards Committee, is in studio with SWIC Head Women's Basketball Coach John Denney. Denney talks about his "style" as a coach and how his playing career helped shape his attitude as a coach. Coach Denney explains his passion for the game and love the love he has for his position at SWIC.

The Alton Redbirds Girls Basketball team is represented in the studio in the first slot, as Coach Deserea Howard makes her first appearance on the show, and she is joined by star players Jarius Powers and Kyoko Proctor. Coach Howard talks about all the things that made this team special, and how giving birth just two weeks before the season wasn't going to get in the way of another Redbird hoops season. Powers talks about what she'll remember from this season, and she describes her rugged style of play. Proctor shares her timetable for recovery from the injury in the Super-sectional, which ended her season, and she shares insight into what made her commit to SIUE to continue her playing career.

Next up, Rick Daleen, stops in to talk about the upcoming Leon Spinks Dinner of Champions, a tribute to Spinks, who is former Olympic gold medalist and world champion, who defeated Muhammad Ali. Daleen describes his passion for working with kids "to help keep them off the street" at the Boys and Girls Club of St. Charles, where is the Director of Operations. He also lists the impressive list of former World Champions who will be in attendance at the event.

In the third slot, three senior baseball players from three local high schools are in the studio to talk about their athletic careers, and the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program) in which they participate in their respective schools. Cole McClusky (Collinsville), AJ Sutberry (McGivney), and Blase Kurwicki (Highland). share the lessons they've learned and the connection between CEO and sports. The boys also describe their plans for the future and their individual CEO projects.

This episode begins with a visit from one of our great partners, Don Viviano, of Viviano Heating and Cooling. A life-long resident of the Metro-East, Viviano shares his passion for providing the best service to his HVAC customers in the Metro East.

Next up, Dalton Brown, football and track & field athlete at Edwardsville High School, is the latest Charitable Champion presented by Front Office Fiduciary Network. Brown, who was nominated by Head Football Coach, Kelsey Pickering, is a described a "selfless leader" who sets a tremendous example on the field and in the classroom. The Truman State commit discusses the Tigers' successful football season, and he talks about throwing the discus this spring.

Then, we focus on ultimate (frisbee) with three member of the SIUe program: the Driscoll brothers (Evan and Patrick) and associate producer, Keaton Anderson. the three talk about what attracted them to the sport, and they share the nuances of the game they love.

Finally, Mascoutah Volleyball Coach Breezy Gober is in the studio to be recognized for the MESPY for 3A Team of the Year. She describes coaching in Mascoutah and building the program there; she is joined by All-State outside hitter and MESPY winner for 3A Player of the Year, Avery Boehm, who describes being a three-sport standout at Mascoutah. Dave spontaneously brings Mrs. Boehm in the studio for an impromptu interview on what she looks for in a coach and what she loves about the Mascoutah sports scene.

Award winners only in this show!

This episode begins with the MESPY winners for 5A Football Team of the Year, the Highland Bulldogs, who are represented by Head Coach Jim Warnecke and players Ethan Greenwald and Ashton Zobrist. Warnecke explains his philosophy: "players win games, not plays," and his returning captains talk about the secret to their success--toughness and intelligence on the gridiron. Coach talks about the team's dramatic playoff run, which included two hard-fought wins to get to the quarterfinals, and the boys discuss the "The Dog Pound," the HHS school podcast and dirt racing!

Next up, one of the best soccer players to come out of the Metro East recently, Adam Reiniger, is back to accept is THIRD MESPY for 3A Player of the Year. Reiniger discusses his personal, intense daily training regiment, and his academic success, which has him ranked #1 in his class. The All-Stater also accepts the MESPY for 3A Team of the Year, which included the program's fourth consecutive SWC Championship.

Rounding out the show is our Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month, Jack Carmody, the Triad Boys Tennis Coach. Carmody discusses his the "secrets" to building his program's success, which includes a long stretch of Sectional and MVC Championships, and winning the recent Regional Coach of the Year Award.

This episode features hometown heroes and a former world champion trying to make a difference in the lives of others. Edwardsville HS Hockey Coach Jason Walker is in the studio to accept the MESPY for Hockey Team of the Year. He is joined by his goalie Kai Vetter, who earned the MESPY for Player of the Year. The two discuss their championship season, which included raising $40k for Hockey Fights Cancer in conjunction with the St. Louis Blues.

Next up, Anna Hall, a member of the Harry Gallatin Awards Committee, joins the show to talk about helping to organize the event, which recognizes the best basketball players in the Riverbend area. Hall, a two-time Gallatin Player of the Year, shares her thoughts on the upcoming ceremony.

Finally, former world champion boxer Devon Alexander stops by to share his candid story of growing up in North St. Louis in a "two bedroom apartment with 13 kids and two adults." Alexander "the Great" talks about when he first started the sport, and he details highlights from his 19 years in professional boxing. He is joined by Stewart Cumberland, a member of his foundation, and the two discuss their plans to bring hope to kids in North STL through education and boxing.