Bryan Oelkers earned NCAA Pitcher of the Year honors in 1982 and was part of one of college baseball’s greatest staffs. The Shockers went to the College World Series in their fifth season under coach Gene Stephenson, led by a powerful offense and the rotation of Oelkers, Erik Sonberg and Don Heinkel. Oelkers talks about how he chose Wichita State after Missouri offered him a walk-on spot, how the Shockers coaching staff turned the Shockers into national contenders and a moment with catcher Charlie O’Brien that foreshadowed his success. Oelkers remembers how his summer in Alaska set the stage for his junior season and discusses a bit of mind trickery from pitching coach Brent Kemnitz that played a part in getting his mind right after a tough sophomore season.
Shockers center Kenny Pohto joins the podcast to discuss his freshman season, learning basketball in Sweden, his former life as a soccer player and how practicing against Morris Udeze helps him. We talk about his 14-point performance on Tuesday and why the Shockers offense improved. Pohto also talks about his favorite NBA players, his desire to be one of the faces of basketball for Sweden and how the emphasis on fundamentals and defense in Europe helped shape his game.
Radio voice Steve Strain discusses why the Shockers are scoring more, how improved post play is helping, Seraphine Bastin’s leadership role and how the AAC race is stacking up.
Wichita State softball assistant Presley Bell joins the podcast to discuss fall practices. She breaks down her pitching staff and talks about some of the position players who caught her eye. Bell also talks about her coaching influences, how team chemistry works for the Shockers and how often last season’s NCAA regional success is mentioned. We wrap up with Christmas talk – presents for her dogs, favorite song and favorite foods.
Wichita State wraps up the season with two matches this week. Liberos Lily Liekweg, Bryn Stansberry and Annalie Heliste join the podcast to discuss this season’s success, communication in the back row and the depth of Chris Lamb scouting reports. We talk about what it takes to earn your goggles in their group, spider webs and favorite Thanksgiving tradition.
Voice of the Shockers Mike Kennedy joins us to discuss Wichita State’s volleyball win streak, the start of basketball season and the additions to the American Athletic Conference. He talks about the effectiveness of Shocker middles Natalie Foster and Morgan Stout, what he likes about basketball newcomers Joe Pleasant, Qua Grant and Kenny Pohto and the upside of new conference members such as North Texas, Rice and Charlotte.
Shocker assistant baseball coach Mike Sirianni joins the podcast to wrap up fall baseball practices. Sirianni discusses fall practices with fewer COVID-19 restrictions and how veterans such as Ross Cadena and Garrett Kocis helped the newcomers. We talk about the unique architecture of Wichita State’s offices, recruiting in Texas and how the pro and college coaching styles mesh on the staff. Sirianni also talks about some key lineup developments in the fall and newcomers such as Payton Tolle, Brock Rodden and Xavier Casserilla. His World Series pick? The Atlanta Braves.
Sophomore DJ McCarty and freshman Ella Anciaux stop by to discuss the Shockers progress three weeks before the opener. They talk about the emphasis in practice on defense and the summer work on shooting. McCarty reveal’s Anciaux’s nickname, her belief that Kobe Bryant is the GOAT and discusses working to act as more of a vocal leader on the court. Anciaux tells us why she enjoys the diverse nationalities on the roster and how she acts as a tour guide around Wichita.
Wichita State baseball freshmen Payton Tolle and Xavier Casserilla prepare listeners for the Shocker World Series (starting at 1 p.m. Saturday) with their takes on college baseball. They talk about how they chose Wichita State, which teammates gave them the best advice and who they would have drafted to start their team. They also discuss their favorite big-league players, why baseball is their top sport and which Shockers fans should keep an eye on during the series.
Radio/TV analyst Bob Hull drops by to talk about the start of regular-season practices for Wichita State. Bob reveals his favorite city to visit in the American Athletic Conference and which arena offers the best atmosphere. We dig into the Shocker roster and how coach Isaac Brown might go about improving his team’s shooting. Bob discusses how newcomers such as Qua Grant and Joe Pleasant will fit in, why he thinks guard Craig Porter Jr., is improved and describes a Tyson Etienne moment in practice this week.
