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Little Caesars Pizza presents season 7! Episode 7.37 features two incredible segments, and Segment I is the High School Report presented by Joe's Market Basket. Volleyball experts Coach Ken Sheehan and Coach Jack Grimm join Dave and KP to talk all things IHSA Volleyball Playoffs. Jack and Ken go through all 4 classes, taking a close look at the teams and players to watch. Jack predicts a deep Mascoutah run, while Coach Ken feels Mater Dei may be the team to beat. Then, we round out the High School Report with a deep dive into football. First, Dave reveals our latest rankings for small, medium, and large schools. Since the IHSA has released their playoff pairings, some schools change groups based on the IHSA classifications. Dave defends the new system. KP isn't quite sold on it. Then, the guys go through all 8 classes, looking at the matchups that involve the local teams. Football fans will want to hear the segment to find out the updates on their favorite high school teams. For Segment II, we are joined by our latest Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month, the Sparta Bulldogs Football team. Dr. Langston is back to present the award to Coach Drew Kordys, who brought with him Jakhai Dancy, Dariontez Monroe, and DJ Hayes. Coach Kordys talks about the incredible improvement of his program: from no varsity team just 4 years ago to a 7-2 season, which has been a major shift for the Bulldogs. Coach talks about the excitement surrounding the team's first playoff appearance in 30 years. The boys talk about their favorite memories of the season and their highly explosive offense.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.36 features 5 HUGE Segments. Segment I features Edwardsville Volleyball Coach Heather Ohlau and her daughter Madelyn. Coach Ohlau describes the team's season, and she talks about what it's like coaching her daughter, one of the area's best players. Madelyn shares her thoughts on playing for her mom and her role as a leader for the Tigers. For Segment II, we do the High School Report. Tonight we are joined by Mike Baxter, who provides the latest news and ranking on XC. Heading into the post-season, Baxter names the individuals and teams to watch out for. Then, the guys reveal the latest football rankings, and KP and Matt talk about the stars from last week. KP talks about the big game at Central, and Dave describes the game at Roxana in week 8. Then, Kamp talks about the tough ending to the Tigers' flag football season against Champaign Central. Finally, Kamp discusses the recent state golf tournament highlights. For Segment III, we are joined by IL State Representative Katie Stuart. Stuart, who has been in office for 10 years, talks about the intersection of sports and politics. In particular, she discusses the resurgence of Fairmount Park. In Segment IV, we are joined by MESPY winner Ally Suhre, 2A Golfer of the Year. Suhre talks about her mental game and how having success at state has motivated her to pursue more success. She shares her thoughts on her state performance and describes how she needs to improve to be successful as a collegiate. For Segment V, we welcome back the boys from Red Bud Golf, MESPY Winners for 1A Golf Team of the Year. Coach Brock Quigley and Assistant Coach Chad Quigley (father) are joined by 5 of their young players:  Lane Diewald (11), Draeden Duncan (10), Porter Donjon (10),  Blake Marcheski (10), Lance Nottmeier (9). The guys talk about bringing home the 3rd-place trophy at state and they share their thoughts on the tournament and their favorite memories of the year.

Little Caesars Pizza presents this season, and 7.35 features three incredible segments. Segment I is the High School Report. Tonight we started with Jack Grimm's "Volleyball Update." Grimm presents his latest small, large, and inclusive rankings, and he updates listeners on the latest big events, including the recent showdown between Mascoutah and Mater Dei. Next, we talk all things boys soccer, and Dave reveals our latest small and large school rankings, and he makes a bold prediction: the 1A state championship will be won by the winner of the Columbia Sectional. Finally, we list the area's top 5 scorers, led by Parker Belchik of Marquette. Then, we talk football, including our latest rankings for small, medium, and large schools. Centralia tops the medium schools; Brown County still sits on top of the small rankings, and ESTL remains seemingly untouchable at 1 in the large schools. In Segment II, we are joined by one of the area's best volleyball players, Harper Whitworth of Mascoutah, alongside her coach Brooke Kloess. Whitworth, who began her career as a setter, shares her thoughts on "hitting vs. setting," and she explains why she loves both. Kloess talks about the expectations she has had for her squad all year, and both women discuss Mascoutah's recent outdoor game. For Segment III, we welcome back Edwardsville Gun Club Board members Dale Steinmetz and Justin Ramert. Steinmetz talks about the family atmosphere at the Gun Club, and he points out that many folks use the club for fishing, hiking, and walking their dogs. Ramert talks about the upcoming Open House this Saturday, which includes free food and shooting tutorials.

Little Caesars Pizza presents this season! 7.34 has three incredible segments. Segment I is the High School Report with hosts Dave Lipe, Matt Kamp, and Coach KP. Mike Baxter is back with updated rankings for 1A, 2A, and 3A XC for boys and girls, plus the runners and meets to watch as we near the postseason. Then, the guys break down our first flag football rankings of the season. Edwardsville tops the list, but not far behind are SWC rivals ESTL and Belleville East. Finally, we reveal our latest small, medium, and large football rankings. East St. Louis continues to dominate the large schools, while Centralia and Brown County sit atop the medium and small schools, respectively. Check out the show for a complete breakdown of the rankings. In Segment II, we are joined by two of the area's most exciting offensive players, Carter Harris (RB/CB) and Jax Ohren (QB) of Highland HS. Harris, who leads the area in scoring, talks about his running style, and he shares his thoughts on the Bulldogs' 4-2 start to the season. Ohren, the area's passing leader with over 2,000 yards, talks about the confidence he brought into this season, which has lifted his game to a new level. Dave says that Ohren is his "MVP of the season so far." Harris talks about being a dual threat out of the backfield, and Ohren mentions his love for playing ice hockey for the Bulldogs in the winter. Finally, in Segment III, we recognize our latest Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month, the 11U Little Indians Football Team from Mascoutah. Dr. Langston is back to present the award to Coach Matt Cook, who brought the "whole team" to the studio for the picture. Representing the boys on the mic are Adam Young, Keaton Elbe, Bryce Cook, and Briggs Osborn. The boys describe what they love about the game, and Coach Cook talks about coaching this particular group since "they were 6." The Little Indians are off to a 6-0 start, and they talk about their lofty goals for the season; Coach Cook mentions the emotions he'll feel after this, his last season coaching this group.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and the show begins with Dave expressing sympathies to the Njai family, who suffered the terrible loss of co-owner Bobby Njai. Bobby loved our podcast, and he brought kindness and energy to every room. Rest in peace, Bobby, as our hearts go out to the Njai family during this difficult time. 7.33 begins with the High School Report. Matt Kamp, Dave, and KP are joined by "the Volleyball Guru," Jack Grimm, who provides the latest in volleyball happenings. Specifically, he shouts out the big win for Triad over Edwardsville, Mascoutah's continued dominance, Maddie Ohlau's great year at Edwardsville, and he and Kevin discuss the recent outdoor game at Mascoutah. Next, the guys reveal their latest football rankings. In the Small School Rankings Brown County stays on top with Sparta being the biggest climber from 6 to 3, while Red Bud drops 4 spots to #8. In the Medium Schools, we have a new #1 as Centralia jumps up one spot to take over Central, which drops to #2. In the Large Division, O'Fallon THS is up two spots to #4, and the guys preview the big matchup this week as Triad takes on OTHS. In Segment II we welcome our first-ever visit from a Harlem Globetrotter, as Alton native Ty’Ohn Trimble joins the show. Trimble talks about his long and winding road to becoming a Globetrotter in this, their 100th year of existence. He describes being "nearly homeless" in Australia, but he describes how his "faith" kept him strong until he got the call inviting him to join the world's most-famous basketball team. Trimble describes the training, travel, challenges, and thrills of the job, and he talks about the incredible reactions he witnesses on a nightly basis. Finally, in Segment III, we recognize our latest Charitable Champion, presented by Front Office Fiduciary Network, Landon Harris of Granite City HS Track and XC. Harris is joined by Head Coach Tom Miller and Assistant Coach Jeremiah Perry. Harris talks about his love for the sport of distance running, and he describes his affinity for leading the Warriors with support. Miller and Perry talk about coaching the "once in a lifetime talent" that Harris possesses, and they speak about his unwavering dedication to the sport and the team. Harris chose to donate his $500 prize to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; he describes his role of the President of the FCA chapter at GC, and he talks about the thrill of watching the club double in size. He also discusses his decision to run at SIUE next year.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.32 features 3 scintillating segments beginning with the High School Report. Dave, Matt, and KP are joined by the local King of XC, Mike Baxter, who updates his rankings for 1A, 2A, and 3A Boys and Girls XC Teams. Baxter describes the "fun" he has witnessed so far this season, and Dave pins him down for a prediction for "how good" MELHS and EHS can finish at state this season. Running fans won't want to miss Baxter's expert analysis of the local running scene. Then, the guys take a close look at our latest football rankings. In the Large Schools, Edwardsville made a big jump with their 27-0 win over Belleville East, while Triad continues their winning ways. In the Medium Division Central continues to dominate while Centralia soars up to the #2 spot. In the Small School class, 13 schools received votes, and Red Bud is the biggest mover up from #10 to #4. Finally, Dave lists the area's top football scorers and passing leaders, and Dave says Jax Ohren, Highland QB, is the MVP of the first 4 weeks of the season. For Segment II, we welcome to the studio for the first time Jersey Community HS Boys Soccer Coach Daniel Drainer, who talks about his third year at the helm of the program. He is joined by Bradley Tueth, who is currently second in the area with 15 goals! The speedy Tueth talks about his transition from the "back line to up top" for the Panthers, and he describes how his successful track career has translated to success on the pitch. Drainer talks about coaching Tueth, and his plan for turning around the Panthers. In Segment III, we are joined by Brian Hoener, Boys Soccer Coach and AD at Marquette Catholic. Hoener's Explorers are playing at an elite level, and the coach talks about the team's hot start and the impact that Parker Belchik, the area's leading scorer, has had on the program. Hoener also reveals the challenges of being the AD and Head Boys and Girls Soccer Coach, and he discusses the many things he loves about his busy life at Marquette.

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.31 has three HUGE segments! Segment I is the High School Roundup presented by Joe's Market Basket. In tonight's roundup we start off with the latest football rankings. Dave reveals the latest large, medium, and small school rankings, and he takes a look at the biggest risers (Triad, Mt. Vernon, and Sparta) and fallers (Edwardsville, Red Bud, and O'Fallon). Levi Wedel talks about the incredible atmosphere and hospitality at the Mascoutah vs. Highland game last week, and Dave reveals his MVP of the first three weeks: Jax Ohren, the Highland QB, who leads the area with over 1,100 yards. After football, "the Volleyball Guru," Jack Grimm, is in the studio to provide the latest rankings for small and large schools. Grimm talks about the latest Tiger Classic Tournament in which Morton finished ahead of our top-ranked team, Mascoutah. Finally, Dave lists our updated soccer rankings, and he talks about the surging teams at O'Fallon, Marquette, Columbia, and he mentions the surprisingly strong starts by Jerseyville and Staunton. In Segment II, we are joined by Granite City Braves Youth Football Coaches Brandon Tacacs and Justin Lockhart, who lead the 10-and-under team. The guys describe what's "right" with youth football, and they describe the athletic and personal growth they've seen from their boys. Lockhart describes his intention to help change the football culture in GC, and Tacacs shares a story about a boy on the team who tragically lost his mother last year, and he describes watching the boys rally around their teammate. In Segment III, Jason Burianek, Belleville East Head Football Coach, joins the show with his star wide receiver and safety James Johnson, a University of Cincinnati commit. Burianek, whose background is in college football, discusses the subtle differences between collegiate and high school coaching, and he describes coaching the uber-talented Johnson. Johnson, who scored twice last week against Althoff, talks about his love for football, and how the time he spent with his dad prepping for his career made him a better player. The two talk about their week 4 opponent, the Edwardsville Tigers, and Johnson describes his leadership style and why he chose to join his Lancer teammate Jonathan Rullo at Cincinatti.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and 7.30 has 4 incredible segments! Segment I features Illinois State Representative Jay Hoffman. The Highland native talks about his baseball-crazy childhood, which led to stardom at HHS, and a four-year career as a starter at Illinois State University. Hoffman talks about his "brush with greatness," the time he got mowed over by Bo Jackson at the plate, and he discusses the importance of sports tourism in the region, especially at World Wide Technology Speedway and Fairmount Racino. In Segment II, we delve into the High School Report presented by Joe's Market Basket. Mike Baxter is back to break down the local XC scene, as he provides the MileSplit Heartland rankings for the local teams. Then, the guys talk about the upcoming Lang-Robinson race at Wilson Park in Granite City this coming weekend. In Segment III, we are joined by local attorney Mark Thomas, who has spearheaded the soon-to-be-opened Courthouse 618, a multi-sport facility, which will facilitate up to 5 basketball games at once. Thomas explains how his facility will cater to player development in the fundamentals of "passing, dribbling, and shooting" using technology to provide integral data, which trainers and players can use to improve their game. The facility has an opening date set at 10/23. In Segment IV, we recognize The Red Bud Football Team as our Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month. Coach Dave Lucht is back to celebrate the achievements of his 2-0 Musketeers. Dr. Langston joins the crew first to talk about the transition high school athletes are making as they enter their fall seasons, and he has some suggestions on how to do that safely. Then, Coach Lucht brings the boys into the studio: Adam Walker (10), Jackson Pensoneau (10), Landon Ruebusch. Walker, an offensive lineman, talks about the "Red Bud vibe" of positivity, and Pensoneau is recognized for the Icon Trophy and Design Moment of the Week for his blocked punt return for a touchdown, which brought his team back to within a point against Marquette Catholic last week. Ruebusch, the team's QB and safety, talks about playing both sides of the ball, and the emotions he felt scoring the game-winning touchdown with just 3 seconds to go in the game.

Little Caesars Pizza presents season 7! 7.29 is all about the beginning of Fall sports in the Metro East. First, Jack Grimm, the "Volleyball Guru," joins Dave and KP for the High School Report. The guys reveal our football rankings for Small, Medium, and Large Schools, with a breakdown of the biggest games from Week 1, and a discussion of the players and the teams that made the greatest rises and falls in the rankings. KP mentions several top performers, including Jax Ohren (Highland HS), Luke Clover (Civic Memorial), and Nigel Gooden (Cahokia). KP also talks about his "Game Day Experience" at his alma mater, Althoff, which had a big win over Collinsville in Week 1. Then, Jack gives us his Small, Large, and Inclusive Volleyball Rankings. The Guru says that O'Fallon and Columbia are the teams to beat, but that there are several local teams poised to take a shot at the "queens." Dave suggests to KP that he do a "Game Day" at a volleyball game, and Grimm suggests the outdoor game at Mascoutah. Finally, to complete the High School Report, Dave gives the "preseason" soccer rankings; games start this week, but we reveal our rankings with a discussion of the teams to watch. Kamper says the SWC is "loaded" with EHS, OTHS, and Triad at the top, but he noted the talent in both Bellevilles and Collinsville. For Segment II, we welcome from Triad Football Kannon Seipp and Dawson Deatherage. Seipp, the quarterback, talks about the "nerves" associated with playing the position, but also the love he has for playing football. Deatherage is recognized for the Icon Trophies and Design "iconic moment of the Week" for his 52-yard touchdown run, which secured the victory for the Knights over Highland in Week 1. Seipp, a middle infielder for the Knights Baseball Team, describes the challenges and joys of playing two sports at THS, and Deatherage talks about carrying on the "family tradition" of playing running back at Triad. Both boys shout out the strength and conditioning program at Triad and look forward to finishing their season strong.

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and episode 28 features plenty of XC and football talk! We begin the show with the High School Report, presented by Joe's Market Basket. Dave Lipe, Kevin Pawlow, Matt Kamp and Mike Baxter discuss the high school scene. Baxter previews the top boys and girls XC teams in the Metro East. He mentions Father McGivney, Metro East Lutheran, Waterloo, O'Fallon, Edwardsville, and Collinsville amongst his teams to watch, and he includes some early-season rankings and runners to watch out for. Then, Kamp, KP, and Dave reveal our small, medium, and large football rankings. KP discusses players to watch out for in every category, and the guys discuss teams they think might be over- or under-rated. East St. Louis, Calhoun County, and Breese Central are our top teams in their respective categories. Dave thinks Mater Dei will be a force with returning QB Hunter Hochbaum, and KP picks East Side to beat Mt. Carmel in a Week 1 matchup. In Segment II, we are joined by "the best voice in Metro East coaching," Austin Frazier, Head Coach at Althoff; he is joined by star running back Steven Brown. Frazier describes the "fun" he had this summer teaching his players. Brown, a two-way player, describes his style as a back, and he talks about playing defense this year for the first time since his freshman year. Brown and Frazier convince Dave and KP, that the Althoff tailgate is one not to be missed, and the guys preview the Crusader's game in just 3 days, as they host the Kahoks of CHS.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.27 brings the fall heat with scintillating conversations with Jack Hull of Central Illinois Sports, Jack Grimm of Civic Memorial HS Girls Volleyball, and Chris Eddy of O'Fallon THS Girls Golf. In Segment I, we welcome Jack Hull of Central Illinois Sports. Hull, a graduate of Camp Point HS, is an expert on all things WIVC, and his passion and knowledge for football in that region are unparalleled. Hull breaks down the football teams in his area, shares his personal history, and he makes some predictions about the upcoming season. In addition, he mentions what folks who have never seen WIVC football are missing. Lots of talk in this segment about Brown County, Camp Point Central, Maroa-Forsythe, and Calhoun County High Schools. In Segment II, Jack Grimm, our "Volleyball Guru," provides an impeccably detailed breakdown of the upcoming girls volleyball season. Grimm mentions the teams, stories, and players to watch this fall. He discusses how adding teams to the SWC makes it tougher, and he is adamant that "Mascoutah is the team to beat," and that this might be the "year of the small school" with Maryville Christian, Okawville, and Red Bud all poised to make deep post-season runs. In Segment III, we are joined by the area's top girls golf coach, Chris Eddy of O'Fallon THS. Eddy previews the biggest upcoming matchups on the links this fall. He talks about how the Edwardsville Tigers gained two special players this year including Ally Suhre, one of the area's top players. And, he indicates that "O'Fallon, Edwardsville, and Mater Dei" are the "big three locally." Finally, Coach Eddy predicts that Mater Dei will "finish in the top three at state." This show has us excited for fall volleyball, golf, and the gridiron.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and 7.26 features three incredible guest segments with pro tennis champion Vignesh Gogineni; Lewis and Clark CC Men's Golf Coach Shane Callahan and sophomore golfer Henry Neely; and Daisy Dougherty of Roxana HS basketball, volleyball, and track. The show begins with hosts Matt Kamp and Dave Lipe discussing the recent Edwardsville Futures Pro Circuit Tennis Tournament, which concluded yesterday. The guys recap the week, with an emphasis on community involvement activities and the challenges posed by the weather. Kamp highlights the event's growth over the past 15 years, and then we welcome, via phone, the 2026 champion and recent Yale graduate, Vignesh Gogineni. The American of Cincinnati talks about his upset victory over the field in Edwardsville, and he describes the "big crowds," which make Edwardsville unique on the tour. Next up, in Segment II, we welcome LCCC Men's Golf Coach Shane Callahan alongside sophomore golfer Henry Neely, formerly of Alton HS. Callahan describes a direct conversation on the team van that turned the season around for his squad. Neely talks about being a team leader next year. then, Callahan, who teaches sports psychology at Lewis and Clark, gives some advice on how coaches can use sports psychology to their advantage. Finally, in Segment III, we welcome Roxana HS recent graduate, Daisy Dougherty, the all-time leading scorer for RHS basketball. Dougherty talks about what she'll miss about being a Shell, and she describes what she's looking forward to at Lincoln Land CC, where she will continue her hoop career. She also answers questions about how she got started in the sport, and she describes the emotions associated with breaking the scoring record at RHS.

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and this episode features three CHAMPIONS! Segment 1 features Wilbur Suhre Memorial Golf Tournament Champion Chris Brant. Brant details his long, illustrious golf career, which included medals at Edwardsville High School, NCAA glory at the University of Iowa, and four and a half years of professional play. Then, we discuss his record-setting win at Oak Brook GC last week. Brant reveals the challenges of professional golf, and he talks about when the game was "the most fun." He also outlines the significant contributions of the Suhre family and what they've meant to him in particular. Segment 2 features Roxana Jr. High Girls Track sprinter Peyton Cincoski and her coach, Wade Devries. Cincoski talks about being recruited to run out of "7th grade PE class" and the emotions of winning state. Devries shares his thoughts on coaching Cincoski and his anticipation of her continued success in high school in both volleyball and track. In Segment 3 we recognize our latest Charitable Champion presented by Front Office Fiduciary Network, Riley Patterson, kicker for the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Patterson talks about his deep convictions for mentoring "high school-aged kids," and the significance of his faith in Christ. Patterson also talks about the challenges he has faced throughout his career, and he sheds light on the competitive fraternity of NFL kickers. The Edwardsville HS and Memphis University graduate explains why he chose the EHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes as his "charity of choice."

Season 7 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.24 has three incredible segments. In Segment I, hosts KP and Dave are joined by our volleyball expert, Jack Grimm. Grimm cites his top male and female players! KP mentions our upcoming fall sports previews, and Dave talks about the upcoming Edwardsville Futures tennis tournament. In Segment II, we are joined by our Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month, The Belleville Rockies. The team is represented in the studio by the team's Manager, Jim Thomspson, and his son, AJ, who is the team's "Jack of All Trades." The Thompson boys describe the idyllic field of dreams that is the Mon-Clair League and the Valmeyer Tournament in particular. In Segment III, we are joined by the MESPY winners for Tennis Doubles Team of the Year, Schaefer Bates and Isaac Chleboun of Edwardsville HS. Bates and Chleboun reflect on a career that included 4 trips to the state tournament. KP asks the boys what it was like playing for Lipe, and Dave shares a few of his best memories with these two.

This season is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 7.23 features the High School Report with Dave Lipe, Kevin Pawlow, and Matt Kamp; sports photographer Paul Baillargeon; and state champion hurdler Sophie Shapiro of Edwardsville High School. In Segment I, the High School Report, KP reveals his top 10 baseball teams regardless of size: Triad, Edwardsville, O'Fallon, Mascoutah, Freeburg, Waterloo, Belleville West, Breese Central, Nashville, and Columbia are all recognized. Next, the guys talk about the 6 athletes who were offered scholarships after their showing at the recent Edwardsville Live Basketball Showcase. Finally, Dave lists the top 10 tennis singles and doubles teams. Edwardsville, O'Fallon, Triad, Highland, Marquette, Mascoutah, Collinsville, Belleville East, and Belleville West are all listed. In Segment II, we welcome back Paul Baillargeon, who will soon be inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame for his long and successful career as a sports photojournalist. This will be his 5th such recognition. Baillargeon describes how he got his start in the business; he talks about the art of getting the right shot; and he mentions the role that luck plays in getting the perfect shot. Finally, we are joined by the MESPY winner for Large School Female Track Athlete of the Year, Sophie Shapiro, who brought back 4 medals from the recent state track meet along with a team championship. Shapiro describes the detail-oriented coaching that helped her win and her lofty goals for her final year of high school and beyond.