Brent Kemnitz is one of the inductees into the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame. We talk about his 38-year career as pitching coach, starting with a detailed response from Gene Stephenson that directed him away from a career teaching history and driver’s education in high school to college baseball. Kemnitz details his “Brain” and “Flow” meetings, two essential parts of his work with pitchers. He talks about best wins, toughest defeats and chooses one Shocker to get a crucial strikeout. He discusses selling Shocker football tickets for former AD Ted Bredehoft, low-maintenance pitchers such as Kennie Steenstra, Jordan Cooper and Aaron Shafer and the highest of all high-maintenance pitching stars of the 1989 NCAA champions.
The 1982 Shockers finished second in the College World Series with a blend of powerful hitting and a fearsome pitching staff. Shortstop Dave Lucas, a late addition to the team before that season, quietly played a vital role with his solid defense and hitting. Lucas, coach Gene Stephenson said, was the perfect fit for that team. Lucas talks about his journey to Wichita State, which started in Alaska, and almost detoured to Southern Cal. He discusses the rough start to the season, how the Shockers bounced back and what it was like going to Omaha just as ESPN coverage began highlighting college baseball.
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.
The “Forward Together” podcast celebrates the vision and mission of Wichita State University. In each episode, President Rick Muma will talk with guests from throughout Shocker Nation to highlight the people and priorities that guide WSU on its road to becoming an essential educational, cultural, and economic driver for Kansas and the greater good.
Episode Description: On this episode of the Forward Together podcast, WSU President Dr. Rick Muma and his guests reflect on and celebrate all that Wichita State University has accomplished in 2021. Special guests include James Chung, founder of Reach Advisors and author of the Chung Report; and Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan, vice president of engagement and planning at Wichita State University.
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.
The “Forward Together” podcast celebrates the vision and mission of Wichita State University. In each episode, President Rick Muma will talk with guests from throughout Shocker Nation to highlight the people and priorities that guide WSU on its road to becoming an essential educational, cultural, and economic driver for Kansas and the greater good.
Episode Description: In this inaugural Forward Together podcast, we focus on digital transformation in the arts. We’re joined by Shocker alum Dean Hargrove — writer, director and producer, whose credits include “Columbo” and “Matlock” — and Wichita State’s dean of the College of Fine Arts, Dr. Rodney Miller.
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.
