Aelius Media: Recent Episodes
Zach Mason
Weekly podcasts and articles ranging from local high school sports coverage to in-depth features on how sports grow internationally.
aeliusmedia.substack.com
Ten years ago, you’d be hard pressed to find a single person in Israel who had the faintest idea of what a lacrosse ball might look like.
Now, the sport has exploded in popularity and the national team has risen to global prominence. The government has opened its arms to the game, as well, recently allowing national team lacrosse players to count their time playing for Team Israel as service in lieu of mandatory military conscription.
These strides forward are unprecedented in such a short period of time, and I wanted to find out how and why lacrosse managed to overcome the copious challenges in developing a sport overseas - let alone one of the most expensive games to take up in the world.
Israel Lacrosse director of youth development Jake Silberlicht shares his unique insights on how the game has taken off and become an ideal example for other developing sports in other countries to emulate.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
Sweden has only qualified for the Olympics once in basketball and it happened nearly half a century ago.
The Swedes are not short on talented athletes. Scandinavia’s most populous country is a force to be reckoned with on the soccer pitch and is among the world’s elite ice hockey nations.
But basketball has taken its time growing in this picturesque country. In this episode, we speak with former professional basketball player and coach in Sweden, Justin Berry, on what the national federation has done and is doing to increase youth participation on the court. We also discuss creative ideas to build on the nation’s current momentum, and why Berry’s national prep showcase, Sweden Get Recruited, is successful.
If you enjoy this episode, I encourage you to subscribe to this Substack with the button below. As always, thank you for your support.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In 2011, Tunisia became the first North African nation in 30 years to win the FIBA Africa championship.
It was also the year the country became a republic.
The Tunisian Revolution ignited the Arab Spring revolts around the Middle East and brought democracy to a previously authoritarian region of Africa. Sports understandably took a back seat to piecing together the new republic, but the FIBA Africa title brought a new wave of interest in basketball.
Salah Mejri, the MVP of the tournament, became the first Tunisian basketball player to join the NBA in 2015. The 7-2 center played four seasons for the Dallas Mavericks and became an icon in his home country, further increasing Tunisia’s interest in basketball.
On the first episode of the second season of Growing the Game, I am fortunate to interview Safe Bichiou, a former professional basketball player and coach who I met in Washington D.C. as part of an exchange program through the U.S. Department of State.
In this enlightening conversation, Safe talks about her personal basketball journey, the popularity of the sport in Tunisia, some of the struggles the country has experienced growing the game, and the outlook for the future of basketball in her home nation.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Valley Vantage podcast with Jackson Posey!
In this episode, Valley Ventana sports director Jackson Posey discusses District 27-6A’s first-round sweep of District 28-6A and the difficulty of predicting the Rangers’ upcoming game against Bowie. Then, he brings on sophomores Jaxson Maynard and Jackson Duffey to discuss the Bowie game and their experiences as underclassmen starters.
For all the latest news and analysis on Smithson Valley football, subscribe to the podcast and follow Jackson on twitter, @ByJacksonPosey.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
Welcome to Episode 5 of the Valley Vantage podcast with Jackson Posey!
In this episode, Valley Ventana sports director Jackson Posey brings on District 27-6A experts Alberto Torres and Isaiah Granado to discuss the state of the district and its four upcoming playoff games, including Smithson Valley's impending rematch against Madison.
For all the latest news and analysis on Smithson Valley football, subscribe to the podcast and follow Jackson on twitter, @ByJacksonPosey.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Valley Vantage podcast with Jackson Posey!
In this episode, Valley Ventana sports director Jackson Posey interviews Texas A&M commit Colton Thomasson about his podcast ("Two Linemen Buffet"), the state of the Rangers and their upcoming district title game against Steele.
For all the latest news and analysis on Smithson Valley football, subscribe to the podcast and follow Jackson on twitter, @ByJacksonPosey.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this final episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast sponsored by Bexar Kolaches, Zach previews the Brandeis - Reagan matchup at 7 p.m. Friday at Heroes Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Brandeis - Reagan matchup
Top-5 players to watch
Interview with Brandeis coach Charles Bruce
Keys to the game
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Valley Vantage podcast with Jackson Posey!
In this episode, Valley Ventana sports director Jackson Posey discusses the many potential playoff scenarios for District 27-6A. On the back half, district expert Isaiah Granado (@GranadoIsaiah) joins the podcast to discuss East Central's potent offense and status as a surprise playoff team, before giving his prediction about their upcoming matchup with Smithson Valley.
For all the latest news and analysis on Smithson Valley football, subscribe to the podcast and follow Jackson on twitter, @ByJacksonPosey.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast sponsored by Bexar Kolaches, Zach previews the Highlands - Edison matchup at 2 p.m. Saturday at Alamo Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Highlands - Edison matchup
Top-5 players to watch
Interview with Highlands coach Chris Castillo
Keys to the game
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast sponsored by Bexar Kolaches, Zach previews the Boerne-Somerset matchup at 7 p.m. tonight at Somerset Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Boerne vs. Somerset matchup
Top-5 players to watch
Interview with Boerne coach Che Hendrix
Interview with Somerset coach Koy Detmer
Keys to the game
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Valley Vantage podcast with Jackson Posey!
In this episode, Valley Ventana sports director Jackson Posey interviews Alberto Torres, former sports editor at The Fuel. They discuss the firing of Judson head coach Rodney Williams, the end of the Rockets' historic winning streak and the potential final game of the Judson-Smithson Valley rivalry.
For all the latest news and analysis on Smithson Valley football, subscribe to the podcast and follow Jackson on twitter, @ByJacksonPosey.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
Welcome to Episode 1 of the Valley Vantage podcast with Jackson Posey!
In this episode, Valley Ventana sports director Jackson Posey talks about Smithson Valley’s dominant win over Clemens last week, breaks down key statistics from the game, and previews the upcoming matchup against South San Antonio.
Today’s featured guest is Dylan Domel, tight end and pitcher for the Rangers.
For all the latest on Smithson Valley football, hit that subscribe button and give Jackson a follow on twitter at @ByJacksonPosey.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast sponsored by Bexar Kolaches, Zach previews the Johnson-Madison matchup at 2 p.m. this Saturday at Heroes Stadium. This game will be a pink out, with fans dressing in pink to promote breast cancer awareness.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Johnson vs. Madison matchup
Top-5 players to watch
Interview with Johnson coach Mark Soto
Interview with Madison coach Blaine Pederson
Keys to the game
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast (now sponsored by Bexar Kolaches!), Zach previews the Churchill-Reagan matchup at 2 p.m. this Saturday at Heroes Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Churchill vs. Reagan matchup
Top-5 players to watch
Interview with Churchill coach Ron Harris
Interview with Reagan coach Lyndon Hamilton
Keys to the game
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast (now sponsored by Bexar Kolaches!), Zach previews the Roosevelt-Brandeis matchup at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Farris Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Roosevelt vs. Brandeis matchup
Top-5 players to watch
Interview with Roosevelt coach Matt Carroll
Interview with Brandeis coach Charlie Bruce
Keys to the game
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast (now sponsored by Bexar Kolaches!), Zach previews the Burbank - Brackenridge matchup at 7 p.m. this Friday at Alamo Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Burbank vs. Brackenridge matchup
5 key players to watch
Interview with Burbank coach Wendell Harris
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast (now sponsored by Bexar Kolaches!), Zach previews the Warren - Brennan matchup at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Gustafson Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of Warren vs. Brennan matchup
5 key players to watch
Interview with Warren coach Josh Littrell
Interview with Brennan coach Steve Basore
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and brisket klobasnek made with smoked brisket from 2M Smokehouse with their spicy sweet sauce. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast (now sponsored by Bexar Kolaches!), Zach previews the McCollum - Somerset matchup at 7 p.m. this Friday at Bulldog Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Overview of McCollum vs. Somerset matchup
5 key players to watch
Interview with Somerset coach Koy Detmer
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Support for The Alamo Football Lounge comes from Bexar Kolaches - making Czech-Texan kolaches in Bexar County. Varieties are inspired by the land and culture like pecan cream, Mexican chocolate and migas. Orders can be placed for take-out, curbside, & delivery at bexarkolaches.com and if you enter the promo code “mason” at checkout, you’ll get 10 percent off your order!
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In this episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast, Zach previews the Stevens - Wagner matchup at 7 p.m. this Thursday at Rutledge Stadium.
Topics for today’s show:
Quick recap of Boerne vs. Alamo Heights (and how I totally nailed the prediction)
Overview of Stevens vs. Wagner matchup
5 key players to watch
Interview with Wagner coach Jason Starin
Interview with Stevens coach Anthony Boykin
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com
In the first episode of the Alamo Football Lounge podcast, Zach previews the Boerne-Alamo Heights matchup this Friday at 7 p.m. In this episode, Zach discusses:
5 key players
Key matchup
Interview with Boerne coach Che Hendrix
Prediction
If you’re plugged into the San Antonio football scene, you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this podcast. We’ll have new episodes every Thursday previewing the game of the week.
Follow Zach on twitter and Instagram at @ZachMasonSports
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aeliusmedia.substack.com