Wichita State’s Harlond Beverly joins the podcast with the story of why his dad wanted him to wear No. 20 and the NBA player who also wore that number. We discuss Beverly’s admiration of LeBron James and his growing affection for UFC. We also talk about why the Shockers improved over the season’s final weeks. He describes how coach Paul Mills challenged him to be a better offensive player and how Mills’ work building relationships pays off. We wrap up with movie talk, diving into Beverly’s favorite films by Christopher Nolan.
We check in on spring volleyball with libero/DS Katie Galligan and outside hitter Emerson Wilford. They update us on the two newcomers, goals this spring and how the NIVC title helped set a high standard in the gym. We also talk about contentious game nights at the Galligan house and how their family lives shaped their college careers. We wrap up with a Morgan Weber appreciation segment before discussing Katie’s future as an influencer and plans for the team’s trip to Brazil in May.
Wichita State pitching coach Anthony Claggett joins the podcast to dive into a staff that is among the nation’s leaders in ERA and WHIP as the halfway point of the season approaches. We discuss how the coaches built trust during a time of transition and what the conversation in the dugout sounds like when a pitching change is under consideration. Claggett talks about how catchers work with umpires and frame pitches to help pitchers. We also discuss how Shockers such as Nate Adler and Caden Favors made significant progress from the previous season.
Director of athletics Kevin Saal joins the podcast to discuss name, image and likeness and how Wichita State is navigating these changes in college athletics. We talk about the basics of NIL and dive into specifics about fund-raising targets by sport, what the competition is doing and how Wichita State is improving mental health, academic and competitive conditions for its athletes. We also discuss the Wheat Shock Collective and its new partnership with Blueprint Sports.
NCAA All-American Destiny Masters talks about her success in the pentathlon and high jump at the NCAA Indoor Championships earlier this month in Boston. We discuss why she and Rainbolt make a good team, why flexibility is key and how Masters found her love for track and field. We also talk about why the 800 meters is a tough event and why Masters thrives in the high jump’s do-or-die situations.
Wichita State outfielders Dayvin Johnson and Jaden Gustafson join the podcast to talk about their jersey numbers, walk-up songs and a Daffy Duck headband. We discuss last weekend’s competition in Jacksonville, Fla., and the comeback victory over No. 18 Iowa. We also discuss the coaching staff, favorite big-leaguers and the toughest pitchers faced. WSU’s home opener is 3 p.m. Friday against Utah Tech with games following Saturday and Sunday.
Assistant coaches Katie Zimmerman and Ashleigh Houlton update us on spring volleyball practices. We look back at the NIVC title and how the trip to El Paso motivated the Shockers. We discuss newcomers Sarah Musial, a freshman setter, and outside Alyssa Gonzales, a transfer from TCU. We dive into Morgan Stout’s improvement in 2023, what’s ahead for Emerson Wilford and candidates to break into regular playing time in 2024. We wrap up with a conversation about favorite coffee places in Wichita and coach Chris Lamb’s regular order at Fairmount Coffee Co.
Wichita State golfers Blake Lorenz and Michael Winslow get us started on the spring. We talk about the good vibes emanating from the opening tournament in Cancun. Lorenz defends his musical choices and describes competitive ping pong games with his brother. The golfers detail their practice routine and how the variety of courses around the Wichita area helps their preparation. We also dive into their advice for young golfers and the importance of family support.
Wichita State softball opens this weekend in Texas and associate head coach Elizabeth Economon gets fans ready with a look at the likely batting order. We talk about Addison Barnard’s recovery from a shoulder injury and newcomers such as third baseman CC Wong and pitcher Chloe Barber. We discuss how the Shockers thrive in the transfer portal and Economon reveals which player she thinks is the biggest Kansas City Chiefs fan.
Gary Bender did play by play for Final Fours, the NFL, NBA, the Olympics, Major League Baseball and more. Bender, a 1962 University of Wichita graduate, got his start at KMUW broadcasting Shocker basketball as the team rose in the national rankings. We talk about his days on the farm in Western Kansas creating the anthem, commercials and action to pass the time on a tractor. We discuss how he maintained silence during one of the most exciting finishes in NCAA Tournament history and how advice from Bill Parcells pushed him on his way to CBS. Bender is a member of the 2024 Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame induction class. That ceremony is free to the public at 2 p.m. Feb. 6 in Wiedemann Hall.
