North Texas is one of six schools which will join the American Athletic Conference on July 1. Brett Vito of the Denton Record-Chronicle discusses Mean Green basketball under new coach Ross Hodge after an NIT title, the history of the “Mean Green” nickname and the school’s great golf history. He describes the school’s excitement at joining a conference with several Texas rivals, its journey as a member of several conferences and the success of the softball program in recent years.
Wichita State women’s basketball assistant coaches Brooke Costley and Nick Bradford update fans on summer workouts, team building and bowling. We discuss Costley’s rise through NCAA Division II to Wichita State and her hobby as an artist. Bradford talks about his long friendship with coach Terry Nooner and how he learned to root for the Kansas City Chiefs and leave behind the Dallas Cowboys.
Wichita State women’s basketball assistant coach Antwain Scales talks about his return to Wichita, how a challenge from a youth basketball coach pushed him into the profession and his desire to improve the Shockers. We discuss newcomer Tre’Zure Jobe and their long relationship. We also reminisce about City League basketball, Lynette Woodard and his hobby rebuilding Chevrolets.
Basketball coach Terry Nooner stops by to update fans on his first two months on the job and the early days of summer workouts. We talk about how the returners are helping with the transition, why guard DJ McCarty elected to stick with the Shockers and how the four newcomers fit in. We discuss coaching influences, bowling with the Shockers and how he kept recruit Salese Blow on the roster.
Wichita State high jumper Destiny Masters talks about her dramatic qualifying for the NCAA Championships and how she progressed from uncertain Division I athlete at Bluestem High School to national qualifier. She details how coach Steve Rainbolt learned when to give her a break and when to push and how his positive reinforcement plays a role in her success. Masters also discusses her relationship with former Shocker assistant coach Pat Wilson and his role in getting her to Wichita State.
Wichita State volleyball coach Chris Lamb updates fans on spring practices, how his newcomers are fitting in, Morgan Stout’s busy spring in the middle and why he compares scheduling to baking an apple pie with the proper ingredients.
Wichita State director of track and field Steve Rainbolt discusses the championship at the American Athletic Conference outdoor meet, how depth and balance prevailed and how his college experiences taught him to value the team aspect of an individual sport. We also talk about how the Shockers changed to compete in a new conference, decisions on the margins that paid off and how coach Kirk Hunter produced a superb year for his distance runners.
Wichita State senior Lauren Mills talks about her slugging and command of the strike zone during her career as a Shocker. She talks about the pride she and her teammates feel about this era of softball and upgrades on the drawing board for Wilkins Stadium. We also discuss the importance of a good breakfast, animation trends in movies and the care and handling of a rabbit as a pet.
Wichita State men’s basketball associate head coach Kenton Paulino discusses his relationship with coach Paul Mills, his experience with Shocker fans while coaching at Tulsa and what it means to be an “All-Glue” kind of basketball player. We talk about coaching unselfishness, P.J. Tucker as a teammate and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes as a mentor. We wrap up by discussing his view of the best shooter on the coaching staff and his memories of beating West Virginia with a last-second shot in the NCAA Tournament while playing for Texas in 2006.
Wichita State basketball assistant coaches Quincy Acy and Chris Hollender talk about their relationship with coach Paul Mills and why they joined him. Acy reveals how playing with former Shocker Cleanthony Early introduced him to Shocker basketball and how Acy’s seven-season NBA career can influence his players. We wrap up by talking about his wife’s salsa. Hollender talks about wearing the sleeves at Evansville, his definition of pouring himself into players and why he recommends his players watch video of Kenneth Faried.
