Wichita State pitching coach Mike Pelfrey joins us to talk about Payton Tolle’s two-way brilliance, Grant Adler’s roaming and Clark Candiotti’s slider. We discuss statistical measurements for pitching and how a good catcher can steal strikes. We wrap up by arguing whether Pelfrey’s gone soft, or if he is smartly learning new ways to work with his pitchers.
Wichita State is in the national rankings and ready to play at Wilkins Stadium this weekend. Pitching coach Presley Bell and pitcher Lauren Howell join the podcast to discuss the staff’s hot start, how video plays a role in preparation and how the pitchers complement each other. We also talk about Jefferson City’s famed Central Dairy, how Howell chose to transfer to Wichita State and travel tips.
Wichita State’s Trajata Colbert and Jane Asinde discuss the convincing victory over Tulsa, how they work together on the court and why Colbert sometimes wants to tell Asinde to slow down in practice. We talk about Colbert’s love of “The Golden Girls” TV show and why coaches consider her an “old soul.” Topics also include senior memories, advice for freshmen and travel tips.
Outfielder Jordan Rogers and pitcher Caden Favors discuss uniform choices, falling in love with baseball and best and worst walk-up songs on the team. Favors explains his many roles on the staff, including last season’s run as the “opener.” Rogers talks about “energy vampires.” We also break down airplane comforts, newcomers to watch and how the Shocker coaches provided support during a time of transition.
Libero Lara Uyar, a native of Turkey, discusses the current crisis in her country caused by an earthquake near the border with Syria. We learn how she is handling the emotions of being far away from family and friends during the difficult time and how her teammates offer support. We also talk about sports in Turkey, her adjustment to the United States and spring volleyball practices at Wichita State.
Wichita State softball coach Kristi Bredbenner takes fans through the roster, which positions she is watching closely as opening day approaches, and how the revamped pitching staff might look. We talk about the recent reveal of plans to improve Wilkins Stadium, why those efforts are important and how the rise in softball’s popularity is helping. A discussion of the home schedule is also included, highlighted by the story behind Stanford’s visit to Wilkins Stadium in March.
Wichita State assistant coach Josh Gliege and sophomore Michael Winslow talk about playing in the U.S. Amateur, rooming together on road trips and picking music for Instagram posts. We break down Winslow’s progress as a Shocker, favorite golf courses and how the Shockers hope to rebound from a disappointing fall when the spring schedule begins. Winslow discusses growing up in a big golf family and how they handle the stress of watching him play.
Shocker softball seniors Zoe Jones and Sydney McKinney are on the mic to discuss their first impressions of each other, how Jones keeps the mood light in the locker room with her chatter and how she is trying to improve her ability to read the room. We talk about bamboo pillows, bus-trip candy, books and the team’s “culture of weirdos.” They reveal their most anticipated non-conference opponents, break down the rivalry with UCF and why they think Caroline Tallent is ready for a breakout season.
Ezinne and Chidera Okoro join the podcast with the indoor track and field season near to talk about their journey to Wichita State, the team atmosphere with the Shockers and how the high school track meet at Cessna Stadium introduced them to the university. We discuss the difficulty of learning the triple jump and learn which sister uses an agenda to stay organized and which relies on her memory. They describe the joy of the feeling when everything goes right during a jump and update on us what they’re reading and watching.
Wichita State interim baseball coach Loren Hibbs joins us with the season drawing near. We discuss returners such as Brock Rodden and Jordan Rogers and newcomers such as Clark Candiotti and David Herring. We talk about Hibbs’ plans to listen to players and use their ideas, while demanding effort and accountability. We spend a few minutes on 1991 Shocker nostalgia and the nightmares Billy Hall and Chris Wimmer caused pitchers. We wrap up with Hibbs revealing his favorite uniform top and his feelings on how combinations are selected for each game.
Podcast: The Roundhouse 
