Behind A Bulldog: Recent Episodes
Wingate Athletics
Hear the stories of administrators, coaches, and student athletes across Wingate University Athletics, produced by the Wingate Sports Network.
Sam Hyman welcomes the first ever Wingate Women's Triathlon Head Coach, Nick Radkewich, to the show! Wingate Athletics announced its 23rd intercollegiate sport, women's triathlon, back in June of 2020 and Coach Radkewich was hired in October. In this episode, Nick spoke about how he plans to build the foundation of this team before competition in fall 2021. He also touched on the first two student-athletes he signed to the program.
Additionally, Nick discussed the intricacies of what it takes to be successful in this sport and also explained some of his favorite memories as a triathlete, which included a spot to compete for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Triathlon team.
Former Wingate volleyball standout Cory McGowan ('14) was recently named the 2020 AVCA Diversity Award winner! Recipients will be integrated into the AVCA Diversity Award winner alumni program that consists of continuing education, relationship building, and mentoring upon completion of the initial programming.
In this episode, Sam Hyman spoke to Cory about her childhood and how she juggled multiple sports at a young age while being the only African American woman in most of them. McGowan also elaborated on her volleyball career at Wingate and coaching journey.
Dr. Laura Watterson (Class of '07) is the owner of Charlotte Sports Performance & Rehab which was founded in 2014. She became the first Wingate NCAA swimming All-American as she earned honorable mention in the 200 breaststroke in 2004. Laura was inducted into the Wingate Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. In this episode, we talk about her memories from Wingate, her daily responsibilities as the owner of Charlotte Sports Performance & Rehab, and much more!
Mike Martin won 2,029 games as the Head Baseball Coach at Florida State over the course of 40 years. Mike started as an assistant for the program for five years. His journey started all the way back at Wingate in 1963 where he played basketball and baseball. He spent two years at Wingate before transferring to FSU. In this episode, Sam Hyman spoke to Mike about his memories at Wingate and how the school played such an integral part in his move to FSU. Mike also expressed his gratitude towards several people in this episode including Ron Christopher, who was Wingate's head baseball coach while he was on the team in the early 1960s. Currently, the Wingate baseball program plays at "Ron Christopher Stadium".
Originally from Rock Hill, SC, Sean Barnette (Class of '08) is one of the best to ever come through the men's basketball program at Wingate University. His 2,324 career points rank second all time in South Atlantic Conference history. Barnette was inducted into the Wingate Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. In this episode, Sam Hyman spoke to Sean about his incredible experience at Wingate, his professional career which includes several places oversees, and why Kobe Bryant has inspired him.
Originally from Monroe, NC, Jade is one of the most decorated student-athletes to come through the Wingate Women's Soccer program. Among many accolades, she was a 3x All-American, led the Bulldogs to three SAC Tournament Titles, and a part of a team that advanced all the way to the National Quarterfinals in 2013. In this episode, we check in on what Jade is up to these days, reflect on her time at Wingate, and congratulate her on recently getting married to a fellow former Bulldog (Cornel Cheron).
In this episode, Sam Hyman spoke to Philip Poole (Class of '04), originally from Newcastle, England, about his reaction to recently being named full-time Goalkeeper Coach for the U.S. Women's National Team and the great memories from his time at Wingate both on and off the soccer field. Philip helped the Bulldogs capture two SAC titles as a student-athlete under Gary Hamill.
Tim Singleton graduated from Wingate in 2004 and is in his 12th year as the Director of Sports Medicine. During the summer of 2020, Tim was given a promotion and named Associate AD for Athletic Health and Sports Performance. In this episode, catch up on the latest in regards to how sports medicine staff is handling the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Tim elaborates on the daily responsibilities for him and his staff since students returned to campus. Plus, Tim explains his journey in the field of Athletic Training and shares some of his most memorable moments while in the NFL and during his time at Wingate. This episode was taped on September 22, 2020.
Originally from Fuquay-Varina, NC, Sierra Street completed her undergraduate degree at Wingate in the spring of 2020. Like all student-athletes, Sierra’s spring season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This hit a bit harder for Sierra given that 2020 was supposedly her last season with the team on campus. However, after being given the option for an additional season of eligibility, she is back for a fifth year and also pursuing a master's degree in Sports Management. In this episode Sierra explains why she decided to come back to Wingate, reflects on this year across multiple areas, and how much family means to her.
Originally from Ontario, Coach Thorne enters her seventh year as the Head Women's Golf Coach and first as the Head Men's Golf Coach. In this episode, Sam Hyman chats with Erin about the additional responsibilities in managing two teams, her duties as the Director of Student Athlete Development program on campus, and shares background on her own playing career.
On August 30, 2020, Wingate football running back Kalen Clark organized a peaceful protest for social justice on campus with the help of Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach & the Director of The Office of Diversity and Inclusion Marcus Kirkland. In this episode, Sam Hyman chats with Kalen about the peaceful protest, social unrest in our country, Kalen's childhood, and his introduction into football.
Sam Hyman speaks with Andrew Strickland who is pursuing his Master's Degree in Accounting and is also an offensive lineman on the Wingate football team. Andrew has recently been nominated for the prestigious Williams V. Campbell Trophy Award, which honors the best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership. In this episode, we hear Andrew's reaction to the postponement of fall sports, discuss his academic highlights, and success on the football field.
Sam Hyman speaks with Wingate Vice President and Director of Athletics Steve Poston. In this episode, we discuss what a fall without sports looks like, importance of following health & safety protocols, and hear Mr. Poston's message regarding the challenges ahead. Lastly, we will also dive in to the tremendous success of Wingate Athletics over the years as well as Mr. Poston’s own journey.
INTRODUCTION - The "Behind A Bulldog" podcast is a podcast designed for us to hear stories about our administrators, coaches, and student athletes. It's also a chance to get to know them on a deeper level. We hope you enjoy this podcast series, produced by Wingate Athletics & Wingate Sports Network.