Episodes
Friday Sep 15, 2023
A DUFF SAID: MITCHELL DEBRINCAT
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Lake Orion native Mitchell Debrincat is in his first season as the starting tight end for Saginaw Valley State. I talked to him about his journey from being a member of the Lake Orion football team to playing for the Cardinals. We discussed the work that went into it as well as his passion for music. We also talked about his cousin, NHL star Alex Debrincat, and his return to Michigan as one of the newest members of the Red Wings. They have never actually met, but that could change this season!
Saturday Sep 02, 2023
9-2-2023 Saginaw Valley State defeats Winona State, Prepares to Keep The Axe Red
Saturday Sep 02, 2023
Saturday Sep 02, 2023
The Saginaw Valley State football team opened the season with a 34-24 win over Winona State. I talked to Coach Ryan Brady about his team's performance in that victory. We also discussed the upcoming season, the difficult schedule for the Cardinals and the players on his roster that he's expecting to be key contributors to his team. We also preview the Axe Bowl game with rival Northwood.
Friday Jul 21, 2023
LESSONS FROM COACH WATKINS: TRAVEL LEAGUE SPORTS
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
During the summer, many kids play in travel sports to enhance their skills. This can benefit high school athletes wanting to take that next step in college sports. But what should parents look for before signing their kids up to play travel sports? Steve Watkins and I discuss the various aspects that summer travel sports provide. We also talked about the experiences he had with those athletes after they returned to his program.
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
LESSONS FROM COACH WATKINS: What High School Kids Should Be Doing During Summer
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
In this edition of Lessons From Coach Watkins, Steve and I discuss what high school athletes should be doing during summer break with the fall sports season about a month and a half away. Steve discusses what types of exercises they should be performing regularly. He also stresses the importance of having fun, but staying out of trouble.
Monday Jun 19, 2023
A DUFF SAID: RYAN SLOCUM: THE JOB GUY
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Ryan Slocum has been a regular contributor to this podcast. But he also has one of his own called The Job Guys. It's a podcast for professional wrestling fans. Slocum has always been a fan. He came up with a way to discuss wrestling news and events. He shared with me the thinking behind the show and the many topics he talks about on his podcast.
Saturday Apr 22, 2023
A DUFF SAID: SAGINAW VALLEY STATE SPRING GAME RECAP
Saturday Apr 22, 2023
Saturday Apr 22, 2023
The Saginaw Valley State football team held its annual spring game on April 15. Coach Ryan Brady joined me to talk about how things went for his players. We also discussed how his team is branching out into Michigan communities to teach kids about the game. We also discussed the possibility of recent grads Trevor Nowaske and Nick Whiteside getting selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Saturday Apr 08, 2023
A DUFF SAID: TREVOR NOWASKE NFL DRAFT HOPEFUL
Saturday Apr 08, 2023
Saturday Apr 08, 2023
Trevor Nowaske had a solid career as a member of the Saginaw Valley State University football team. He recently put on a show for NFL scouts at his Pro Day. Nowaske's performance has many draft experts and columnists believing that he could hear his name called during the upcoming NFL Draft.
I talked to Nowaske about how he put in the work to go from Division II's GLIAC to the NFL. He shared stories about his journey and why he thinks he would be a great addition to any NFL roster.
I also share my story about the last SVSU player selected in the NFL Draft and the legendary playoff performance he had with the Green Bay Packers.
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Ben Hassenger combined his love for music and the Detroit Tigers into his very own spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hassenger wrote songs about his memories following the club and his many trips to Tiger Stadium that wound up in the Hall of Fame archives.
In "The Voice of Summer", Hassenger sang about how much Ernie Harwell meant to him and the state of Michigan. During our conversation, Hassenger told me about what Harwell meant to him and Tigers' fans across the state. In his song "The Corner", Hassenger sings about the final game at Tiger Stadium and saying goodbye to the old ballpark at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues in Detroit.
Hassenger shared both songs with me and explains how he got his other nickname, Michigan's Ukulele Ambassador.
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
LESSONS FROM COACH WATKINS: PLAYING BASEBALL WITH A WIZARD NAMED EARL
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
When I first met Steve Watkins, he told me about the time he tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals farm system. Steve was considering playing college football on a full-ride scholarship or grinding it out in the minors. While he decided to pursue football, he enjoyed his time with the Cardinals. While he was there, he met a fellow prospect named Earl. Earl eventually made it to the big leagues with the Cardinals. He wowed fans with spectacular defensive plays and ultimately, cart-wheeled his way into the Hall of Fame.
Friday Mar 03, 2023
A DUFF SAID: JAKE CHAMPAGNE THE SMILEY SHARK
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Jake Champagne averages over 20 points per game for the Oxford High School boys' basketball team. The sophomore phenom has emerged as one of the top performers in the OAA. I caught up with Jake to find out how he reached that level early in his career. I also spoke with his coach, Steve Laidlaw, about his development. We also discussed how he earned the nickname, "Smiley Shark" and his recent interest in chess.