Emani Jenkins, Asia Strong, Rachel Johnson, Ene Adams and Shamaryah Duncan join the podcast to discuss their choice in uniform numbers, WNBA favorites, Halloween candies and teammates helping them adjust to college.
Mark Grogan played baseball at Wichita State from 1982-85. His book “I Owe It all to Baseball,” details growing up in a family of nine and the drama that included. He learned to deal with his temper playing basketball and handled disappointment when the Minnesota baseball coach declined to recruit him. That rejection started him on a journey to Wichita State and a starting spot in the 1982 College World Series. He describes teasing from Charlie O’Brien at his first practice, the infamous Texas doubleheader in 1982, the rivalry with Oklahoma State and the talents of Shockers Russ Morman and Kevin Penner.
Wichita State freshmen Jaden Seymour, Chaunce Jenkins and Ricky Council IV and junior Trevin Wade discuss movie and TV recommendations, which Shocker veterans are guiding them, favorite NBA players and passing time during the pandemic.
Wichita State basketball newcomers Clarence Jackson, Craig Porter Jr., and Alterique Gilbert talk about their adjustment to the new program, flipping tractor tires to keep in shape, Gilbert’s experience as a make-you-miss running back, best shooters on the team and favorite TV shows.
Shocker volleyball scrimmaged Saturday and associate head coach Sean Carter joins the podcast with his impressions of the action. Brylee Kelly continued her strong fall and several freshmen played well. Carter details about how the program is handling the pandemic, the candidates to take over at libero and his best and worst birthday presents.
Shocker softball is in the midst of fall practices and assistant coach Elizabeth Economon joins the podcast to discuss Wichita State’s senior returners, Wylie Glover’s improvement during the abbreviated 2020 spring, how the team is compensating for pandemic restrictions and newcomers off to a good start.
Ted Woodward is the new public address announcer for Wichita State men’s basketball. We discuss his favorite Shocker names, how an announcer tries to stay out of the spotlight, the Kevin Costner baseball regional in 1996, Woodward’s low point as a track and field announcer in college and his love for Mr. Pibb.
The 2007 and 2008 Wichita State baseball teams advanced to the program’s first super regionals, both fueled by dramatic regional victories. Outfielder Ryan Jones and shortstop Dusty Coleman talk about those moments – vs. Arizona (2007) and vs. Oklahoma State (2008). We also discuss Conor Gillaspie’s video-game energy, outfield defense, a conversation with Buster Posey and hide-and-seek in a hotel during wacky weather in Illinois.
Wichita State pitchers Jaime Bluma and Shane Dennis talk about 1990s baseball. They pitched on the 1991 and 1993 NCAA runner-ups (and the 1992 team that also played in the College World Series). We discuss the rivalry with Creighton, favorite regional memories at Eck Stadium, favorite Dreifort (Darren and Todd) home runs, Billy Hall’s surprise season and how the 1990 regional loss stuck with the 1991 team.
The NCAA model is undergoing significant changes and Wichita State associate athletic director for compliance Korey Torgerson is here to update fans. We talk about what fans might see from image and likeness proposals, how returning seniors might affect rosters for spring sports, the progress on immediate eligibility for transfers and more. For more information on name/image/likeness, Torgerson recommends this interview with Blake Lawrence of @opendorse.
