Junior pitcher Liam Eddy discusses the Shocker World Series, how adding a cutter expanded his repertoire and helped him rebound from a disappointing 2019 season. He reveals his father’s game-day superstitions and talks about hunting in Colorado.
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.
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 Roundhouse brings in voice of the Shockers Mike Kennedy and Bob Lutz, long-time chronicler of Shocker athletics and host of The Drive on KFH, to dive into Wichita State “What Ifs?”
Included are links that explain some of the history behind the questions.
In the 1990s, Wichita State considered throwing its influence behind a downtown arena by offering Shocker basketball as the prime tenant. How did the decision to remove basketball from that discussion and renovate Levitt Arena play out?
The Roundhouse podcast talks to Wichita State’s Jack Sigrist (baseball), Michelle Ledermann (golf), Trajata Colbert (basketball) and Megan Taflinger (volleyball) about life during the pandemic. How are they staying active? What are they reading and watching? How are they studying? What do they miss away from teammates, teachers and coaches?
The Shockers open their home schedule this weekend with a three-game series against Texas Southern. Senior Preston Snavely, one of three Shocker starters who turned in strong effort in the season-opening series, gets you ready for the season. He discusses the evolution of his beard, baseball superstitions and routines, how he’s dealt with coaching changes at Wichita State, his plans for a career in law enforcement and why catchers calling pitches helped in the opening weekend.
Mike Kennedy, Bob Lutz and Paul Suellentrop list their top moments, stories and developments for Wichita State athletics in the 2010 era. Topics include the 2013 Final Four, the 2014 perfect regular season, the 2012 volleyball Sweet 16, Aliphine Tuliamuk’s distance running and the ups and downs of Shocker baseball.
Mike Sirianni discusses fall scrimmages against Nebraska and Missouri State, his return to Wichita State and his connection to former Shocker great Casey Blake. He explains how coaches evaluated their new team and updates the fall performances of Shockers such as Hunter Gibson and Paxton Wallace.
