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.
Jed Helker, fresh off his 8-kilometer win in the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational in Nebraska, talks about how he knocked 40 seconds off his personal best and why there is much optimism for the men’s cross country team. He discusses how the atmosphere at Wichita State attracted him as a recruit out of Oklahoma and coach Kirk Hunter’s blend of caring for his runners and pushing them. We also discuss how Oklahoma coach Hannah Fields, his older sister, influenced his running career and his motivations for considering coaching as a career.
Associate head coach Elizabeth Economon returns to the podcast to set up fall practices for the Shockers. We talk about recruiting with the momentum of 2021 behind the program, replacing key infield spots and how two transfers might fit in. We also discuss why shortstop Sydney McKinney hits all kind of pitches all over the field, pets of the Shockers and which softball player might offer the most interesting conversation at the softball dinner and auction on Sept. 25.
Mike O’Donnell, analyst for ESPN and CBS Sports, joins the podcast to talk about an interesting summer for the American Athletic Conference. He discusses why he thinks Wichita State’s Tyson Etienne is one of the nation’s top guards and his expectations for Dexter Dennis. He provides insight on newcomer Kenny Pohto and how he might help the Shockers with his I.Q. and shooting. O’Donnell also talks about Memphis’ big recruiting news, Houston’s consistent toughness and success and the additions that may boost SMU.
Garrett Bayliff, assistant strength and conditioning coach at Wichita State, joins us as fall baseball practices begin. Bayliff talks about his time as a Shocker outfielder and why the ups and downs of that experience motivated him to return to Wichita State. Bayliff discusses how strength training has changed and why nutrition and sleep are such important parts of his job. We wrap up with his view on how much the physical presence of this Shocker team has improved. As a bonus, he reveals the highlight of his time showing hogs as a 4-H member in Oklahoma and how growing up in Tuttle influenced his work ethic.
Wichita State coach Keitha Adams wraps up the summer with a look at the team’s six newcomers. She discusses how the Shockers devoted much of their summer to shooting and why she read through almost 800 pages of plays to keep her team unpredictable. Adams starts the podcast with anecdotes from her relationship with NCAA champion coach Don Haskins of UTEP. Why did Shockers DJ McCarty and Trajata Colbert finish last season strong? Adams hits that topic, as well.
Associate head coach Sean Carter gets us started on the 2021 season with his thoughts on a strong group of setters, the possible return to the 5-1 system and the potential at libero and defensive specialist that a 5-1 would highlight. Carter describes the American Athletic Conference race, Sophia Rohling’s next steps after an all-conference season and the depth at middle blocker.
