Edge of Your Seat Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brandon LaChance
On Saturday, Edge of Your Seat Podcast was part of the Mendota Easter Hop. We were the Bunny Radio Station DJ and had every kid, the ones who weren't too shy, say their name and Happy Easter. We have it all here for you on this spring special episode, as we helped create memories at the Easter event and we're going to help remember good times on the baseball and softball field with nine pod chats.
Easter Hop - 8:21
Todd and Hunter Hopkins after Todd was named Class 1A Baseball Coach of the Year for leading Marquette to another state championship and Hunter verbally committed to play softball at Southern Illinois University (10:58).
Karch Kowalczyk, La Salle-Peru alumnus who was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014, chatted with us in August of 2023 (18:18.20) and in June of 2025 (42:57.80) about his professional baseball playing and coaching career.
Colton Quagliano, Wethersfield graduate who played baseball at University of Illinois before transferring to Duke University for the 2026 season, talked with us in June of 2023 (58:25.90) and in June of 2025 (1:10.19).
Kenny Koerner coached the Newman baseball team to its first IHSA State Tournament in 2023 (1:18:29) and joined us again after the Comets third straight state tournament appearance in 2025 (1:26.54).
Henry-Senachwine defeated Newman in the 2023 Class 1A IHSA semifinal, 2-1, led by coach Max Kirbach (1:39.21)
The end of the Mallards and Comets' semifinal was Henry then-freshman Jacob Miller (1:47.02) hitting a walk-off single.
As the Midwest weather is throwing a tantrum in March, let's manifest how we want Mother Nature to act with some golf talk. Seneca junior Piper Stenzel (24:36.5) talks about golfing at state for her third consecutive year. Hall junior Luke Bryant (29:40) chats about the Hall team playing together at state for the first time in program history and hitting a hole-in-one at the biggest tournament of the year. Cam Pawlowski (39:37), an eighth grader at Holy Cross in Mendota, is ready to advance his game from the IESA State Tournament to high school golf.
Chat It Up (the first 20 minutes of every episode): IHSA girls basketball postseason, What the Pod is with The Dan Patrick Show and Something to Wrestle With, and NFL offseason
La Salle-Peru has had numerous great athletes through the decades, including our four guests on Episode 345. Lexi Marx (5:12) is coaching at St. Bede and excelling in disc golf. Kaitlyn Gibson (29:04) graduated from Ball State after playing four years of softball and is now in the law school process. Sam Nauman (46:25) is an L-P junior who earned a fourth- and a 10th-place medal at the state swim meet in the fall. Junior Aubrey Duttlinger joined us as an eighth grader (53:53) when she won three IESA championships and after her junior volleyball season (104:41.5) where she helped the Cavaliers get to a sectional final.
Kim (Holdenrid) Barth (19:20.5), a Mendota native, has been teaching and coaching at Washington for the last 15 years. When she took over the girls basketball program in 2016, goals were created. The Panthers had checked off the entire list except one...until Saturday when they won the IHSA Class 3A State Championship.
Chat It Up (first 19:20): Wrestling postseason and Paying Respect
Who doesn't love to talk about state championships? In the fall, northern Illinois had them coming from every which direction. Bureau Valley senior Wyatt Novotny (21:03) won a Class 1A golf title. Sandwich senior Sundara Weber (26:10) won her second consecutive Class 1A cross country final race. The Byron football team and coach Jeff Boyer (38:29) won their third Class 3A trophy in the last five years. It's a championship type of show.
Chat It Up (first 20 minutes) includes winter sports postseasons of boys bowling, girls bowling, competitive cheer and competitive dance. Also...Jason and the Friday the 13th movie franchise.
Kelly Champlin, a Mendota native who has lived in Earlville for the last 20 years has entered the Ms. Health & Fitness Contest. She could be on the cover of HERS Magazine, tell her story in her article, help others with their fitness journey and take home $20,000.
But...voting ends at 9 p.m. TONIGHT.
To vote, you need a Facebook profile and your password. Visit the Kelly Champlin Facebook page, the Iron Family Supplement Facebook page or https://mshealthandfit.com/2026/kelly-champlin?
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio and Polo meet tonight in the last game of the season, the Illinois 8-Man Football Association State Championship. In honor of the game, we have an all 8-man football episode.
On the show
- A-L-O Clipper senior Cody Winn and sophomore Caden Heath, plus coach Scott Payne after the first round of the playoffs (5:36).
- Payne after a 64-6 victory over Pawnee in the second round (14:37.5)
- Juniors Jose Lopez, Trevor Stenzel and Evan Flanagan, and Payne after a 18-8 victory against Millegdeville in a semifinal (23:35).
- Polo coach Ted Alson on his team's attempt to win a third title (31:36).
- Payne on the state championship (39:48).
Fall IHSA sports are in full postseason motion. Regionals, sectionals, state championships...oh my.
On this show:
MHS boys soccer representatives after winning the Trojans' seventh straight regional: MHS coach Nick Myers (10:47), Mateo Goy (16:20) and Isaac Diaz (18:14)
MHS boys soccer representatives after winning a sectional semifinal: Sebastian Carlos and Mauricio Salinas (22:30)
Amboy cross country coach Michael Robinson (25:33)
Hall-Putnam County football coach Nick Sterling (34:35.5)
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach Scott Payne (41:58)
It's Week 9 of the IHSA football season. Every program wants its seniors to go out in style.
On the show:
Hall-PC Coach Nick Sterling after Week 8 (2:50)
Mendota Coach Jim Eustice (13:30)
Sterling about Week 9 (24:30)
Princeton senior Casey Etheridge (33:03)
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio Coach Scott Payne (41:01)
The Mendota boys soccer team has been on a legendary run the last few seasons. The Trojans took it a step further last year taking third at the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament. This year, Mendota has a 20-4 record after a Class 1A Mendota Regional Semifinal victory and is looking to accomplish the goal of winning Mendota High School's first state championship...in any sport. Edge of Your Seat Podcast has been working on this show for a long time, so there a mix of different chats in different time frames. Enjoy!
On the show:
Sebastian Carlos, now a senior, from his freshman year (11:16.5)
Putting in the Work, girls tennis sectionals and boys soccer regionals (16:56)
From last year's state tournament: MHS pep rally (25:21.5); semifinal loss post match conference (29:11.5); third-place match victory post match conference (33:33.5)
Johan Cortez, summer between the tournament and his senior year (44:30)
Outside of the Valley, NBA and NHL have started, World Series begins Friday, NFL is in Week 8, A'ja Wilson is the best in the WNBA (54:44)
MHS boys soccer coach Nick Myers, in the summer between the tournament and this season (1:09:35)
Myers after the first ever Three Rivers Conference Tournament in early October (1:17:30.5)
Cortez and Cesar Casas after the regional semifinal win on Wednesday, Oct. 23 (1:30:42)
Week 7 and Week 8 of the IHSA football season packed together!!!
On the Show:
Before Week 7:
Hall seniors Braden Curran, Aiden Redcliff, Alex Koch, Jack Curran (6:34)
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio Coach Scott Payne (11:23)
Mendota Coach Jim Eustice (16:27)
Annawan-Wethersfield Coach Tony Gripp (23:05)
Before Week 8:
Hall-Putnam County Coach Nick Sterling (35:37)
Eustice (41:01)
Payne (47:11)
Dixon Coach Jared Shaner (54:27)
End of September, middle of October means IESA and IHSA fall sports are wrapping up and in playoff mode. The Peru Parkside baseball team finished second in the IESA Class 2A State Tournament, while the Mendota Northbrook soccer team wrapped up a 21-0 season with three wins in a tournament. We also had to catch up with football chats from Week 1-3 which weren't aired yet because host Brandon LaChance had a concussion. He's good now!
On the show:
Peru Parkside Coach Christian Parry (10:47)
Putting in the Work - IHSA State Golf, IHSA Football through Week 7 (28:15)
Between Week 1 and Week 2 of the football season with St. Bede's Jack Brady (44:08), Mendota's Jim Eustice (54:17), Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio's Scott Payne (1:03:37) and Hall-Putnam County's Nick Sterling (1:10:22).
Sterling after Week 2, and before and after Week 3 (1:17:19P
Paying Respect - honoring celebrities, musicians, athletes who passed away (1:24:42)
Northbrook Coach Ruti Arteaga (1:51:32)
Local golfers have been doing all they can do on the course throughout the season. Regionals and sectionals were completed and today (Oct. 10) begins state meets for both boys and girls, on all levels.
On the show:
Intro discussing playoff results
Mendota senior Brody Hartt (29:25)
Hall senior Johnni Escatel (37:33) and junior Noah Plym (40:50)
Ottawa senior Colt Bryson and junior Bryer Harris (45:44)
Amboy senior Chase Montavon (52:55)
Week 6 of the IHSA football season is upon us! Edge of Your Seat Podcast was joined by five coaches as they prepare for big games.
On the show:
St. Bede Coach Jack Brady (5:55); Bruins (2-3) play Dwight (2-3) in the SBA Homecoming Game at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio Coach Scott Payne (13:02); Clippers (4-1) play Peoria Heights (1-4) on the road at 7 p.m. Friday.
Hall-Putnam County Coach Nick Sterling (18:21); Red Devils (3-2) host Princeton (2-3) in a huge Three Rivers Conference Mississippi Division rivalry game 7 p.m. Friday at Hall.
Princeton Coach Ryan Pearson (25:25); EOYS had to get both sides of the rivalry.
Mendota Coach Jim Eustice (38:18); Trojans (1-4) have their Homecoming Game against TRC Mississippi Division foe Kewanee (0-5) at 7 p.m. Friday.
Just like that, the Peru Parkside baseball team is playing in the IESA Class 3A State Tournament, starting at 2:30 p.m. today (Friday, Sept. 26) and the IHSA football season is in Week 5.
On the show:
Peru Parkside Coach Christian Parry (6:52)
Mendota Coach Jim Eustice (20:15)
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio Coach Scott Payne (27:25)
Hall-Putnam County Coach Nick Sterling (36:15)
Marquette Coach Ken Carlson (41:38)
Life transitions put us behind the football season. No time like the present to catch up and learn and be entertained with four chats with coaches before the IHSA football season began.
Plus, Chris Walker led the Mendota-Waltham-Dimmick Lady Tribe softball team to a third-place finish in the IESA Class 1A State Tournament, only a month after having a field named after him by Putnam County.
Walker (5:38)
Mendota Coach Jim Eustice (27:24)
Hall-Putnam County Coach Nick Sterling (43:18)
La Salle-Peru Coach J.J. Raffelson (56:20)
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio Coach Scott Payne (1:11:08)
High school football is right at midseason as squads took to the field for Week 4 this past Friday. We caught up with coaches before the games, but couldn't get the episode out in time because of health reasons. However, we were able to sweeten the show with an after game interview also!!
On this show:
Mendota Coach Jim Eustice (8:13)
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio Coach Scott Payne (16:02)
La Salle-Peru Coach J.J. Raffelson (22:18)
Hall-Putnam County Coach Nick Sterling before the game (29:23) and after the game (42:59)
Jam packed show with all the amazingness expected on Edge of Your Seat Podcast!
Marquette baseball representatives coach Todd Hopkins and seniors, now graduated, Keaton Davis and Sam Mitre speak on winning the IHSA Class 1A State Championship...for the second year in a row (22:09).
Marisa Guisti, La Salle-Peru alumna and former NCAA Division I volleyball player, tells us about the sales role she had with the Jacksonville Jaguars and now the Milwaukee Bucks (37:32).
Keep it Rollin breaks down 10 movies and then ranks them (51:54).
Marion Persich, a La Salle-Peru sophomore for the 2025-26 school year, is cruising the NCAA Division I summer camp circuit and awaiting his second year as the Cavaliers' starting QB (1:28:19).
What the Pod is chats a couple of podcasts you should check out (1:39:18).
Mallory Powers talked with us after scoring 1,000-plus points for the Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball team and graduating to move on to the next step in her schooling and professional life (2:07:36).
Ella Sterling graduated from Hall in May and is excited to be on the Eastern Michigan University rowing roster, a sport she hadn't heard before being recruited by many NCAA Division I schools (2:07:36).
Bring it Back features the 2019 Billie Eilish debut studio album, "Where We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" (2:17:28).
Episode 329 took two weeks put together as host Brandon LaChance cut his eye and ran into podcast technical difficulties, and work and non-work situations. The show will always go on!! Fantastic guests in Sidney Bakabella, a manager in DreamWave Wrestling and five Mendota representatives.
Out of the Valley (5:44): Aaron Rodgers, NHL Stanley Cup and NBA Finals (after Game 4 and Game 2), Courtney Vandersloot, Cubs, White Sox, Ice Cube's Big 3 came to Chicago, Tom Thibodeau fired by Knicks, Detroit Lions, WWE releases, Antonio Brown, "No Kings".
Sidney Bakabella (32:03): Former WWF Hall of Fame manager, who currently represents independent wrestler "World Class" Channing Thomas (GREAT chat)
Crystal Garcia (44:43): Just graduated Mendota High School after leading the girls soccer team to its first regional championship in 12 years.
Nick Myers (56:18): MHS girls and boys soccer coach is proud of his team for breaking records and bringing a new plaque to the trophy case.
Naitzy Garcia (1:03:35): After graduating from MHS, she went to Rock Valley Community College and went to two NJCAA National Championship tourneys. She is now headed to Eureka College.
Putting in the Work and Paying Respect (1:20:09): Back-to-back segments. PITW congratulates spring high school state champions and accomplishments. We pay respect to George Wendt, Valarie Mahaffey, Ananda Lewis, Brian Wilson, Jonathon Joss, Sly Stone and Sabu.
Braiden Freeman (1:56:11): Three-sport MHS athlete (football, basketball, baseball) chats about his high school career and his excitement for his future in baseball at East Central College in Union, Missouri.
Brent Montavon (2:12:01): Montavon was named the MHS wrestling coach for the 2025-26 season after being an assistant coach last year.
What's Next: Episode 330 will feature representatives from the back-to-back IHSA Class 1A State Champions, the Marquette baseball team (Keaton Davis, Sam Mitre, Todd Hopkins), La Salle-Peru alum Marisa Guisti, L-P sophomore Marion Persich, Amboy graduate Mallory Powers and Hall graduate Ella Sterling.
Woooooaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh, it has been way, way, way too long since there has been an episode of Edge of Your Seat Podcast. There has been plenty of movement behind the scenes, but definitely not enough shows. There is no better way to get back in the grove than chatting with DreamWave Wrestling owner Jay Repsel as the promotion has a double shot weekend April 11 and April 12. Tickets are sold out but you can always watch on https://independentwrestling.tv/.
Football playoffs are a couple weeks in and we've caught up with players and coaches from Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio (play an Illinois 8-Man Football Association semifinal at 4 p.m. today) and Princeton (play a Class 3A quarterfinal at 1 p.m. today) to talk about their games and tell their stories. Also, we spoke with Dave Martin, the man behind the trading card shows at the Peru Mall, including today, Nov. 16.
New sponsor: Northern Illinois Seamless Roofing!!!!!!!
Putting in the Work (16:14)
Clippers Week 9 - Dillon Merriman, Brayden Klein, Scott Payne (44::03)
Clippers Round 1 - Scott Payne, Trevor Stenzel, Josh McKendry (48:30)
Clippers quarterfinal - Scott Payne, Eddie Jones, Quinn Leffelman (53:21)
Clippers semifinal preview with Scott Payne (59:43)
What the Pod is, Paying Respect, Keep it Rolling (1:04:55)
Noah LaPorte (1:51:49), Ryan Pearson (2:05:07), Cade Odell (2:17:48)
Edge of Your Seat Podcast is going to be running once a week, broadcasting a new show every Sunday night or Monday morning.
Each show will consist of each of the pod's segments including Putting in the Work (local scores and accomplishments), Bring it Back (diving into an artist and their album), What the Pod is (new, chatting about other podcasts we listen to), Keep it Rollin (what's on TV or theatre), Out of the Valley (news, sports from outside the Illinois Valley), and Pay Respects (tribute to those who are no longer with us)
Also multiple guests from all over the Illinois Valley and the surrounding area.
Episode 325 features Bailey Lehr (17:01), winner of the 2024 Illinois Valley Men's Golf Championship; Scott Payne (59:35), Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach; Logan Larson (2:33:24), Hall-Putnam County football coach.
Shout out to our sponsors: First State Bank, Mendota Ford, Starved Rock Wood Products, The Tee-Box, Sports N Stuff N More, and Surf Internet
The Hall-Putnam County football team has a new coach in Logan Larson. We had spoken to him four times by the time we entered Week 2. The excited coach hasn't let up and neither has his team. The no-quit mentality is in full-effect. Also, we lead in with a group of awesome kids at the Graves-Hume Public Library in Mendota.
Connor Hopkins (50:34) pulled off one of the biggest swerves in DREAMWAVE Wrestling history when he cashed in his briefcase and took the DREAMWAVE Championship from his former Coyotes ally, Christian Rose. What is Hopkins next move?
Intro: NFL Hall of Fame Game, Mix & Match (going into the summer vault)
The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp season has flown by as the Prospect League baseball team in Peru has one last regular season home game today, Sunday, July 28, before hitting the road for three games and the playoffs start Thursday, Aug. 1. Pistol Shrimp owner/manager John Jakiemiec and general manager June Keely (18:53) joined us before the season to talk about the team.
DREAMWAVE Wrestling has been on fire since returning to the Knights of Columbus in La Salle, including the double shot weekend of Uprising 2 (April 19) and Anniversary IX (April 20). DREAMWAVE Owner Jay Repsel (1:14:27.5) and DREAMWAVE Champion Christian Rose (1:35:04.5) join us to talk about the company. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today (April 22) for the next show, No Escape, on June 15.
Intro: Keep it Rolling (talk and rank 11 movies we've seen recently, 10:52), Mix & Match (NCAA tournaments, Caitlin Clark, WNBA, Allen Iverson statue, NBA playoffs, Chicago White Sox & Chicago Cubs, OJ Simpson, 1:05:52), Putting in the Work (Illinois high school sports accomplishments, 1:14:27.5)
Fall sports saw some awesome performances from athletes including Hinckley-Big Rock's Ily Hunt, who was joined by coach Jessica Bivins (1:29:58). Ottawa's Drake Kaufman (1:39:47), and Princeton's Tyson Phillips (1:50:44)
Intro: NCAA Tournaments, guest's resume (beginning), Mix & Match (RIPs, KC shooting, NFL Draft, NBA Postseason, Bulls, MLB Opening Day, Cubs, White Sox, Connor Bedard, Wrestle Mania 40, Tyson vs Paul, Grammys, 20:45), Putting in the Work (IHSA boys basketball postseason, 107:39)
Maybe not forever, but the Jason Burkiewicz (1:22:13) era has ended as he resigned as the Annawan girls basketball coach after two state championships, a 55-game winning streak, and more accomplishments in 14 seasons. We spoke to him after the 2023-24 season, and we spoke with then-sophomore, now-junior Bella VanOpdorp (1:06:18) during the 2022-23 season.
Intro: Primary Election and Justin Fields (the beginning), Putting in the Work (IESA volleyball, IHSA girls basketball postseasons, 18:55), Bring it Back (Motorhead's Ace of Spades, 36:24)
Kishwaukee College sports, like athletics in general, are cruising through the calendar. Including women's soccer (coach Tony Terdina, 1:14:15), and women's and men's basketball (coaches Krystal Gundy and Joe Conroy, 1:28:02). All three programs progressed from last year to this year.
Intro: Resumes for guests, seventh/eighth grade volleyball, and Putting in the Work Winter Sports Edition featuring postseasons of boys bowling, competitive dance, competitive cheer, girls wrestling, girls bowling, and boys wrestling (16:35)
At 11:15 a.m. today (Feb. 29), the St. Bede girls basketball team is doing something the Lady Bruins or the Bruins have never done before, playing in the IHSA State Tournament. Senior Ali Bosnich (14:19) and coach Stephanie Mickley (28:28) chat about the journey to the state tournament. Intro: Seventh and Eight grade boys basketball, junior high volleyball, Amellia Bromenschenkel.
We spoke to Plano Reapers boys basketball coach Kyle Kee twice! Once before the 2023 classic (52:02) to talk about some of the history and, twice (1:08:47) after the Reapers finished second at the 2024 classic. Great chat! Great Guest! Watch for Plano in the playoffs.
Intro: NFL Conference Championship predictions, Putting in the Work (11:39, IHSA sectionals boys bowling and competitive dance), Mix & Match (17:42, NFL & NBA coaches, MLB Hall of Fame, Vince McMahon), Keep it Rolling (41:15, tough ranking of five solid movies).
Morris Competitive Dance Coach Megan Post (31:59) joined us after Morris finished second in the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament in 2023. With the 2024 sectionals starting today (Jan. 20), Post and trying to win the second IHSA state dance trophy in school history and take first or second for the eighth time in 12 years. Oh, Morris is also hungry because they were second last year by .05 points...
Into: Putting in the Work and Mix & Match (Carmelo Anthony/Nikola Jokic, NFL coaches, Divisional Round matchups, Super Bowl entertainment).
Last year, the Putnam County girls basketball team won the Tri-County Conference Tournament. We spoke to then-senior Gracie Cuicci, then-junior Ava Hatton, and coach Jared Sale (55:35) after the tourney victory. We spoke with now-senior Maggie Richetta (1:07:22) about volleyball awards she won and the hoops season a week or two in.
PC is in the TCC Tournament Championship once again this year as they take on St. Bede at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Jan. 18) against St. Bede. SBA coach Stephanie Mickley made some comments about what the Lady Bruins needed to do to win in the intro.
Intro: Guest resumes, Putting in the Work (12:58, boys bowling regionals, accomplishments in December), Keep it Rolling (30:29, discuss 10 random titles and rank em)
Nate Stubler (13:35) finished his rookie season with the Professional Bowling Association with being named a PBA Rookie of the Year nominee and he finished fourth in the PBA Player's Championship. He talks about his accomplishments and more.
The Mendota boys bowling team is getting ready for the IHSA Regionals (supposed to be Saturday, Jan. 13, but may be moved due to weather) after Landon Bauer (40:19) made state last year and is trying to better his 50th-place finish, the Trojans bowled at nationals over the summer (discussed by coach Matt Bauer, 55:13), and going 15-0 during the 2023-24 regular season.
Intro: Guests resume, first word with new sponsor Starved Rock Wood Products (3:51), Mix & Match (Pete Carroll, Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, Matt Eberflus, Chance Comanche, Grambling State University, Shaq, 14:10), and Putting in the Work (local player's, team's accomplishments (30:51).
Mendota has been conquering the world in many areas. Naitzy Garcia (55:28) made it to the women's soccer NJCAA Division II National Championship with Rock Valley Community College. MHS senior Anthony Kelson (1:09:07)) qualified for the IHSA Class 1A State Final. Reanna Brant (1:19:48) was Three Rivers All-Conference for volleyball, graduated in December and starts Sauk Valley Community College and its volleyball team in mid-January. Amellia Bromenschenkel (1:28:44) is a senior at University of Purdue Fort Wayne, played against Iowa and Caitlin Clark, and was named Horizon Conference Player of the Week in November.
Intro: Guest's resumes, Mix and Match (11:53) (LeBron/In-Season Tournament, Shohei Ohtani, Jim Harbaugh, Miles Bridges, Eric Montross, DeMarcus Cousins, Draymond Green, Zach LaVine, Ja Morant, Dalvin Cook), and Bring it Back (26:07) with Creedence Clearwater Revival's Cosmo Factory.
Football has been awesome in northern and central Illinois for quite some time, including the last two seasons. We start with La Salle-Peru alum Zach Hartman (57:25), who won two championships with North Central. Hall grad James Mautino (1:07.00) has had two stellar senior seasons at Aurora Central. We spoke to him between the two campaigns. Byron won the 3A state title and we were there! Listen to the Tigers (1:25.25) postgame conference, senior Ashton Henkel, sophomore Caiden Considine, freshman Andrew Talbert, and coach Jeff Boyer. Intro: Resumes to for all of the guests, Keep it Rolling, and Putting in the Work.
Adam Bontz has been with DREAMWAVE Wrestling since Day 1 in 2009. Although he has many duties behind the scenes, when it's show time, he's the best dressed ring announcer in the business. Bontz chats wrestling, his daughter Addie Bontz winning a state title with the St. Bede softball team, and more.
In October, Brittnie Brooks (36:09) became the first DREAMWAVE Wrestling Women's Champion. Now, Friday, Dec. 8, she is having her first title defense, against Masha Slamovich, at the first EVER DREAMWAVE Wrestling all-women's wrestling event, Uprising. She talks about it all!
Intro: Keep it Rolling (Goldbeck Hostage Crisis, Silver Linings Playbook, Goonies, Indiana Jones, Mr. Nanny), Mix & Match (Bob Knight, Matthew Perry, World Series, Corey Seager, NBA In-Season Tournament)
The Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football team is playing in the Illinois 8-Man Football Championship at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at Monmouth College against Ridgewood. Let's get ready for the game with interviews after each round of the playoffs. Eddie Jones, Landon Montavon, and coach Scott Payne after the first round win over Hiawatha. Payne after the quarterfinal victory over FCW. Troy Anderson, Quinn Leffelman, and Payne after the Clippers beat Polo in the semifinal.
St. Bede senior QB Max Bray (40:58) transferred to the academy from Aurora Christian during his junior year after his father, Frank Bray, passed away. The Bruins are in the postseason giving Bray at least one more chance to play for his father. SBA coach Jim Eustice joins Bray to talk about his QB's and the team's development. Also on the show, Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio coach Scott Payne (34:50) as the Clippers get ready for Hiawatha in the playoffs. Intro: Win/Lose Stat (11:36, Friday's football playoff games), Mix and Match (24:04, World Series, NBA starts, Dwight Howard, R.I.P. Tasha Butts)
Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach Scott Payne (26:58) and Hall-Putnam County football coach Randy Tieman (35:15) talk about their teams in the last game of the regular season. Intro: Mix & Match (9:47, WWE/AEW, MLB postseason, NFL, WNBA champs, IHSA Pairing Show)
DREAMWAVE Wrestling's Follow Your Heart is tonight, Saturday, Oct. 14. Hunter Holdcraft, half of the tag team The Hype with 12-Gaige, chats with us about The Hype winning the tag team championship in August and what's happened since then.
Kishwaukee College restarted their volleyball program this season. We spoke with Kish coach Zach Salapatek and athletic director Scott Kawall (56:35) before the season. The Princeton football team's junior Noah LaPorte (1:17:23) and coach Ryan Pearson (1:25:48) join us to talk about another successful Tiger season. Intro: Bring it Back with Earth, Wind & Fire's 1975 album The Way of the World (6:24), Win/Lose/Stat (33:09, Oct. 4-Oct. 7 ft. state golf)
Hall-Putnam County football coach Randy Tieman (12:25) and Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach Scott Payne (16:12) chat about their teams, Week 7 results, and upcoming Week 8 contests.
We're getting ready for a Week 7 Three Rivers Conference Mississippi Division game between the Hall-Putnam County and Newman football teams. Newman is the first of three ranked teams the Red Devils end their regular season with. Coach Randy Tieman talks about the Week 6 win over IVC and today's battle against Newman. Tune into The Wolf 96.5 FM as the pregame starts at 12:45 p.m. and kickoff is at 1 p.m. Listen to Brandon LaChance and Jeremy Aitken with the call.
Jaylon Hughes, of Freeport HS and Kishwaukee College, talks about his business Juicy Vizualz and motivational writings (42:31), and two Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio Clippers talk football in coach Scott Payne (1:00.08) and Landon Whelchel (1:07.25). Intro: Speaking to eighth graders, Win/Lose/Stat (9:29, Sept 29-Oct. 3), Mix and Match (Dick Butkus, MLB Postseason)
Brett Herrmann (57:02) chats life after writing for newspapers as he works at Kishwaukee College and wrote a book, Grim Sweeper. First-year Bureau Valley volleyball coach Saige Barnett and her senior setter Kate Salisbury (1:19.26) talk to us about the season. Intro: Win/Lose/Stat (11:50. Sept. 25-28), Mix and Match (44:07, Jrue Holiday, Ryder Cup, Canelo Alvarez, Chase Claypool, Disney, Outkast, Tim Wakefield R.I.P., MLB Wildcard)
Mindy McConnaughhay (1:09:05) and the Marquette volleyball team won a regional title last year. Coach had a lot to say about that team after the plaque was earned and was excited about this season. The Lady Crusaders are 17-4 and preparing for a long postseason run. Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach Scott Payne (1:22:48) and Hall-Putnam County coach Randy Tieman (1:30.41) each talk about Week 5 and Week 6 of the season. Intro: Shout out to Finn Sessler (1:11), Win/Lose/Stat (10:04, Sept. 18-23), Mix and Match (46:55) Colorado, WWE/UFC, writer's strike, NFL, MLB postseason, El Hijo del Vikingo, Krazie Bone, Breanna Stewart, Dame Lillard trade).
Scott Payne (34:00) talks about his Clippers not having a Homecoming game and Week 5. St. Bede alumna Hallie McGuire (40:51) chats on her career as she is now playing volleyball for Kentucky Wesleyan. Randy Tieman (53:04) and the Red Devils are ready for Week 5 opponent, the undefeated Kewanee Boilermakers. Intro: Win/Lose/Stat
Week 4 of the high school football season features the Hall-Putnam County Red Devils at the Mendota Trojans. It is the Trojan's Homecoming game, which will have both squads ready for a great game. Red Devils coach Randy Tieman (9:02) gave us a preview.
Christian Soderholm returned to the Illinois Valley after playing pro basketball in Australia from Feb. to Aug. He chats about his time down under. IVCC men's soccer coach Tim Cottinjim (1:10:51) chats about the Eagles season. Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach Scott Payne (1:19.28) is leading his team into Homecoming week. Intro: MLB, Win/Lose/Stat (10:29), Bring it Back with Marvin Gaye's Let's Get it On (15:34).
Christian Soderholm (44:53) has played basketball all over the world including from Feb.-Aug. of 2023 when he was in Australia. We talked to him before and after; this chat is before. Also joining us is Mendota boys golf coach David Ross (1:14:00) to talk about this year's team. Intro: NFL brief (2:06), Win/Lose/Stat (15:35, Sept. 5-Sept. 9).
:LOADED SHOW with five guests! Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach Scott Payne (47:28)), Hall-Putnam County football coach Randy Tieman (53:22), Mendota boys soccer representatives Jonathan Cortez (1:00:50), coach Rey Arteaga (1:18:31), and coach Nick Myers (1:34:42). Intro: Mix & Match (8:35, college football, R.I.P. Jimmy Buffett and Steve Harwell, Nick Bosa, Joe Burrow), Win/Lose/Stat (1:34.42, Aug. 29-Sept. 2).
We are joined by Hall-Putnam County football coach Randy Tieman and Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio coach Scott Payne as they talk about their Week 1 and Week 2 games.
Over the last two seasons, the Putnam County baseball teams have been expecting and performing great seasons. We spoke with Chris Newsome (51:37) after the 2022 season and about fall baseball as the football coop with Hall has halted the 2023 fall, now-graduated Andrew Pyszka (1:21:43) after the 2022 season, and Jackson McDonald (1:35.55) a week before the 2023 postseason.Intro: R.I.P.s (3:55, Terry Funk, Bray Wyatt, Bob Barker), Win/Lose/Stat (11:10, scores, stats, accomplishments from 8-21 to 8-28)
Double the fun! First, Hall-Putnam County football coach Randy Tieman (13:58) previews the 2023 Red Devils' season. Then Finn Sessler (20:13), a young man from Mendota, talks about the Roller Coaster Challenge, Taekwondo, and everything else he does.Intro: Mix & Match (5:07, James Harden, Shohei Ohtani, White Sox, Stephen Strasburg)
IVCC Athletic Director Cory Tomasson (55:53) discusses why the junior college in Oglesby canceled the 2023-24 women's basketball season. Also, he talks about other programs such as the new cross country teams, soccer, volleyball, men's basketball, and softball.Intro: The first Win/Lose/Stat of the 2023-24 school year (9:25) and Bring it Back with Paul Simon's 1972 self-titled album (20:52)
Yamilet Aguirre (32:08) finished second in the 120-pound weight class at last year's girls wrestling IHSA State Meet. Now, a senior, the Yorkville Fox is hungry to win a state title. Coach Kevin Roth shares his background and how girls wrestling is growing.Intro: Back-to-back awesome weekends (Dreamwave, Band of Horses, Cincinnati, Mendota Sweet Corn Festival), Mix and Match (12:45, Barbie Movie, Cubs/Sox, Lil Wayne/Skip Bayless, James Harden), Keep it Rolling (22:22)
Now-graduated Ashton Pecher (47:39) and Kyler Lapp (56:59) chat about the Hall baseball team's run to a Class 2A Super Sectional the past spring. What a season!Intro: Bring it Back (10:38) dives into Usher's 2004 classic album, "Confessions"
Buff Bagwell, of WCW and NWO fame, talks about the DREAMWAVE Wrestling Double Shot Weekend at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4-5, at the La Salle Knights of Columbus. Bagwell (20:08) tells us, "I'm Buff and still the stuff".
Granville's Caleb Dzierzynski (37:34)i won the Championship Flite and Mendota's Pat Kerchner (41:45) won the B-Flight at the Illinois Valley Men's Golf Championship held July 29-30. Both champs chatted about their rounds and the amazing golf weekend.Intro: Mix & Match (15:05 - R.I.P. Pee Wee Herman, NFL running backs, Jake Burger), Keep it Rolling (24:12 - Dope, Shark Tale, Cocaine Bear, High Fidelity, Ready Player One)
July 30, 2023 will be known as J.A. Day in Peru, Illinois as it was the day J.A. Happ Field was named at Washington Park. The St. Bede Hall of Famer, Illinois Valley NewsTribune Hall of Famer, MLB 2008 World Series Champion, and 2018 MLB All-Star spoke with us (15:39) after the ceremony and expressed his gratitude toward the Illinois Valley.
The chat vault finally let this one escape! Princeton athletes and choir singers, then-seniors Drew Harp (15:03) and Katie Bates (42:32), as well as Princeton band director Brandon Crawford (27:58), spoke to us last June about being athletes and singers. Crawford is always recruiting more athletes to join the PHS choir and band.
Drip Fest returns to the Country Ranch, on Rt. 251 between Mendota and Peru, for the third time. However, this edition is different as it's two days, Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29. Promoter Marc Lopez (23:50) gives all the details about the fest made for local entertainers and local fans.Intro: Mix and Match (Ayo Dosunmu, Steph Curry, Commanders, Bronny James, NFL preseason injuries, R.I.P. Rocky Wirtz and Sinead O'Connor, State Board approves OSF buying Peru hospital)
DeKalb cross country coach Mike Wolf and runners Riley Newport and Jacob Barraza (1:11:02) join us after the senior and sophomore ran at the state meet. They also qualified for state in track. The Barbs were quick to the finish line.Intro: Bring it Back with 2-Pac's 1996 double-disc classic, All Eyez on Me (12:52)
There were many new faces at St. Bede Academy to start off the 2022-23 school year. Not just new students, but Nick McLaughlin (20:55)) took over as principal, Mike Armato (33:58) became the new athletic director, and Stephanie Mickley (53:15) was the new coach for the girls basketball team. They spoke about their background and expectations with new roles. What the Bruins were able to do on all platforms throughout the year is in the intro (4:56)!Intro: Mix and Match (9:24)) with Lincoln Highway Men's Golf Tournament at Mendota Golf Course, MLB Home Run Derby, MLB All-Star Game, and MLB Draft.
We are at the Graves-Hume Public Library with four crazy, cool, rotten tomatoes. We chat baseball, vegetables, and Wally World.
We are at Graves-Hume Public Library creating a podcast with Kenna Weasley and the wizards. They created their first podcast that they're going to listen to a million times.
Today we are sharing how to create podcasts with awesome and crazy Mendota people.. We had fun creating a podcast!!!!!
Mariah Hobson (20:14) graduated from Princeton this year, but not before setting the girls soccer all-time scoring record with 107 goals. Oh, and she broke the old record with a torn ACL.Also, Steve Hanson (31:00) was named the new La Salle-Peru athletic director. The Mendota native and former Mendota AD is ready for his next challenge.Intro: Keep It Rolling (7:32) talks and ranks six titles.
The question in the title was the first question Eric Soderholm's biological mother asked him when they spoke for the first time. Soderholm, who was 55 at the time, answered yes with sincerity. Then they had to connect the dots. Soderholm, from the La Salle/Peru area, fills in all the details (45:48).Intro: Mix and Match (USA invades London, Blackhawks in NHL draft/offseason, Bulls and NBA offseason, MLB All-Star Game, Bobby Bonilla Day, WWE Money in the Bank and 1998 King of the Ring, R.I.P. to Ryan Mallet and Droz, ESPN layoffs.
Yorkville senior Dale Horstman (43:58) finished 18th at the IHSA Boys Bowling State Tournament and has an opportunity to bowl and play baseball in college. Foxes coach Kendall Sims (57:09) was proud of her team for setting school records and advancing to state as a team.Intro: Win/Lose/Stat for 3A/4A baseball and softball state tournaments (9:44), Bring it Back: Loretta Lynn's Coal Miner's Daughter (12:32)
The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp have become a staple of the area in just a short time as they are in their third season at Veterans Park in Peru. IVPS General Manager June Keeley (13:59) spoke with us in the offseason about the changes to the stadium and the desire to stay in the Illinois Valley.
Hunter Holdcraft, La Salle-Peru graduate and DREAMWAVE wrestler, talks to us before and after the June 17 DREAMWAVE show presented by Lou's LaGrotto, Nothin' But a Good Time. Holdcraft and his tag team partner 12 Gaige fought for the DREAMWAVE Tag Team Championship.Intro: Mix and Match (NBA Draft, Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Marcus Smart, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, Ja Morant), R.I.P. Iron Shiek, PGA/LIV, NCAA World Series, Amanda Nunes) and Keep it Rolling (Hall Pass, Chris Rock, A Man Named Otto, Operation Flagrant Foul).
Mendota native Jamie Kromm has played or coached basketball almost her entire life. After a break in the game, she is getting back to the court as a player, coach, and teacher with Kamp Kromm. The camp will run June 19-22. Sign up now!!!!
The St. Bede softball won the 2023 IHSA Class 1A State Championship!!! We are joined by SBA junior Reagan Stoudt (19:56), coach Shawn Sons (26:45), junior Ella Hermes (49:43), freshman Lily Bosnich (51:27), and senior Addie Bontz (54:50) as they share moments from the state semifinal and final, and the emotions that came with them. Intro: Win/Lose/Stat (8:14) crowns all girls soccer champions as well Class 1A and 2A baseball and softball champions. Also previews Class 3A and 4A baseball and softball state tournaments.
The Class 1A IHSA State Semifinal between the Henry-Senachwine and Newman baseball teams is noon on Friday at Dozer Park in Peoria. We spoke to Newman coach Kenny Koerner and junior Brendan Tunink, and H-S coach Max Kirbach and senior Colton Williams about the big game.Intro: Stats and facts about the H-S Mallards and Newman Comets
The St. Bede softball team kicks off the Class 1A IHSA State Tournament at 10 a.m. Friday. We chat with juniors Bella Pinter and Ella Hermes, and coach Shawn Sons about making the tournament and the first game against Goreville. They also share Mudita. Intro: Stats and facts on both SBA and Goreville softball teams
We are getting to the end of the spring postseason where success from our local teams continues to pile up. Amboy boys track coach Jeramey Wittenauer (43:23) discusses his 1600 relay team advancing to the IHSA State Meet. Payton Dye (50:16), Hall junior pitcher, chats with us after Hall won the sectional semifinal. St. Bede softball coach Shawn Sons (53:13) is thrilled when the Lady Bruins punch a ticket for the IHSA State Tournament.Intro: Win/Lose/Stat (8:04) breaks down all spring sports postseasons. Mix & Match (31:45) sends R.I.P.s to legends, Carmelo Anthony retires, NBA and NHL postseasons.
We're at the field for this episode as St. Bede coach Shawn Sons (37:31) chatted with us after the Lady Bruins won a sectional semifinal to advance to the championship on May 26. Also La Salle-Peru senior Taylor Martyn and coach Randy Huebbe (41:48) show their enthusiasm about the postseason.Intro: NBA/NHL postseason (14.5 seconds), Win/Lose/Stat (8:58)
Both the La Salle-Peru boys basketball program and the St. Bede softball team are in their next chapters. L-P hired John Senica (48:33) as its next boys hoops coach and SBA coach Shawn Sons (1:01:18), senior Madelyn Torrance (1:04:49), and the Lady Bruins won a regional championship Saturday to advance them to May 23rd's Class 1A St. Bede Sectional semifinal.Intro: Win/Lose/Stat (8:00) breaks down the IHSA Girls State Track Meet and boys track sectionals. Also Keep it Rolling (40:33) chats some recently watched movies.
Amboy Junior Elly Jones (50:19) is at the IHSA State Track and Field Meet competing in the triple jump and the 100-meter hurdles, miraculously, as she was injured two weeks before the sectional. She tells the story and so does Amboy-LaMoille girls track coach Michael Robinson (1:01.12).Intro: Win/Lose/Stat dives into IHSA girls soccer, baseball, and softball postseasons (8:46) and Mix and Match (39:30) gives hot takes on national topics such as NBA and NHL postseasons, and Nick Cannon.
The Illinois Valley had many girls tennis state qualifiers this fall including Dixon's Grace Ferguson and Leah Kruel (1:09:53), Ottawa's Jenna Smithmeyer and Rylee O'Fallon (1:18:47), and Sycamore's Abby Golembiewski and Elisabeth Kleckner (1:28:48). We're also joined by Ottawa coach Steve Johnson and Sycamore senior Abby Bourdage.Intro: End of regular season Win/Lose/Stat (7:43) and Spring Postseason Win/Lose/Stat (47:15)
No need for a long intro with five amazing guests. Pete Marx (9:01), Ottawa wrestling coach, was inducted into the 2022 IWCOA Hall of Fame. Coal City girls tennis coach Matt Leman (22:58) and Coal City junior Abby Stiles (38:49) talk about her second trip to state. We wrap up the show talking to Newman volleyball coach Debbi Kelly and senior Katie Grennan (48:05) about finishing fourth at the IHSA State Tournament.
The Little Ten Conference featured two new boys basketball coaches this season at LaMoille and DePue. They just so happened to be brothers as Chance Blumhorst (1:05.15) took over the Lions and Trae Blumhorst (1:26.06) became the new Little Giants lead man. They both talk about the experience and playing against their brother's team four times.Congratulations to Chance Blumhorst and his wife Jessica on the birth of their first child!Intro: Bring it Back: David Bowie's Scary Monsters and Super Creeps (11:37) and Win/Lose/Stat (48:14)
DREAMWAVE Wrestling Anniversary VIII presented by Lou's LaGrotto is TONIGHT (April 22)!!! We are joined by reigning DREAMWAVE Heavyweight Champion Christian Rose, who takes on a wrestler previously known in other promotions as Johnny Morrison. The show was sold out 39 days ago!!!!Intro; No edits!
We start this episode a little different, with a chat, as we hear from Scot Banks (56.0), who owns the Victory Lanes Bowling Alley. Him and his wife Stacey have put in 17 years and are now ready to sell the thriving business. Then We The Least (30:53), a Christian band formed in Mendota now polishing its craft in Nashville, join to talk about mild sauce, the Nashville experience, a near fatal show, and coming home to perform at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 16 at the First United Methodist Church in Mendota.Intro: Win/Lose/Stat (25:10)
The Ottawa Wolfpack wrestling club shined through the different ranks this year. Mayson Munson is on this episode twice. First (35:19) as a sixth grader in 2022 when he won an IESA state championship. He returns (43:53) as a seventh grader and a winner of his second title with Ottawa Central. Beau Thompson (49:36), also a member of the Wolfpack, became the first Seneca wrestler in town history to win a state title as the eighth grader stood atop of the IESA podium. Then Wolfpack coach Ethan Harsted (55:00) discusses guiding the Wolfpack while being a student and wrestler for Wheaton College.Intro: Caitlin Clark/Angel Reese, new sponsor Arteaga Tree Service & Landscaping (11:01), Wins/Lose/Stat (13:20), Mix & Match (22:53)
We touch down on all different topic surfaces in this show with First State Bank's Chief Marketing Officer Jan Phalen (1:03:45), Mendota native and CrossFit/exercise guru Marco Mandujano (1:20:47), and Joe Masini (1:42:10), who will be the Mendota High School principal next school year.Intro: Mix and Match (8:27) breaks down NCAA Tournament, Aaron Rodgers, Bulls, and MLB Opening Day. Win/Lose/Stat (30:33) shares winter postseason accomplishments. Keep it Rolling (52:25) puts the spotlight on some recent movies and docuseries played at the EOYS Studio.
The Princeton boys basketball team bought in to a system and played with the mentality of "We Not Me" this season as the Tigers finished 32-3, won a regional title, and received accomplished and awards. Coach Jason Smith (1:01:35) and seniors Grady Thompson (1:14:12) and Teegan Davis (1:22:26) join EOYS to talk about the season as it was going on.Intro: Bring it Back returns breaking down an Otis Redding album (11:14) and Win/Lose/Stat breaks down the winter postseaon (33:44).
Loaded show with four amazing guests. Kewanee senior Mya Mirocha (50:55) finished tied for eighth at this year's IHSA Girls Golf State Meet. KHS golf coach Ryan Hansen (with Mirocha) talks about how you coach a great player and his family legacy with Boilermaker golf. La Salle-Peru senior Carlie Miller (1:05:30) qualified for state yet again and won a match at the biggest weekend of the year. Legendary Hall football coach Gary Vicini (1:17:35) tells us some football moments/games and talks about his 25-year career..
Intro: Win/Lose/Stat
Basketball and the golf is the theme as of late. On this show, EOYS is joined by Grey Giovanine to talk about his father Chips Giovanine, who was a legendary high school basketball coach at many schools in the Illinois Valley including La Salle-Peru. Grey also talks about his college coaching career.
Geneseo junior Hayden Moore chats about his second-place finish at the IHSA State Boys Golf Meet in October. GHS golf coach Scott Hardison talks about Moore and the great team he had this fall.
Grady Jones called winning the boys bowling IESA State Championship with Holy Cross in Mendota last year the best day of his life. Coaches, John Holland and Matt Novak, thought it was a special moment, too. Also Devin Masters joined us to talk Super Bowl LVII.
Intro: Win/Lose/Stat, NBA Trade Deadline, DREAMWAVE
Football and wrestling talk takes us to life lessons! Mendota Ford General and Sales Manager, Skee Hartmann, chats with us about the NFL Playoffs and DREAMWAVE wrestler Christian Rose is ready for Feb. 11's show where he fights for his third DW title.
When you speak to a member of the 1988 St. Bede baseball team, they all have a story to tell in their own different way that they can all title the same, "The Run". The 1988 Bruins won the IHSA Class 1A State Championship during a time when there were only two classes, everyone on the team were friends, and the coach taught valuable lessons.
On the podcast: Eric Bubelis, Eric "Kro" Krogulski, Brad Derix, Tom McGunnigal, and Coach John Belino
Double dose of awesomeness as we spoke with Shaw Media photographer Scott Anderson about taking photos at a Chicago Bears game and Ottawa junior golfer, Drake Kaufman, about qualifying for the IHSA State Meet for the third time.
Shea Reisel, who graduated from Somonauk in May and now competes for Campbellsville University, became a pioneer for girls high school wrestling last season when she won a state championship at the first ever IHSA girls wrestling state meet. We have two guests as Hall sophomore Landen Plym chats about his first experience at the IHSA boys golf state meet this past fall.
Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp recorded a 38-21 season and a playoff appearance this summer. Our guests Brandon Schroeder and Lucas Burris, both La Salle-Peru graduates, were there for the ride as Schroeder was an intern and Burris has been the voice of the Pistol Shrimp for two years. We talk about the team and so much more!
Intro: NFL Wild Card Weekend, Bulls beat Warriors, high school sports rundown
We are over halfway through the 2022-23 basketball season, but memories of the 2021-22 IHSA Class 2A State Tournament still run rampant. EOYS is joined by then-Fieldcrest senior Ella Goodrich, now at Monmouth University, Knights coach Mitch Neally, and Brent McKinney, a former Mendota coach who took Pana to the tournament and played Fieldcrest in the third-place game.
Intro: New sponsor First State Bank, EOYS housecleaning, NFL postseason picks, fires, and more
DREAMWAVE is back at the Knights of Columbus in LaSalle for Nevermore at 3 p.m. Dec. 10. The show will feature wrestling icon Raven and many others including L-P graduate Mike Hartenbower, who spoke with us about the show and much more.
Intro: Getting caught up on scores and accomplishments from around the area.
Marc Mero, former professional wrestler for WWE and WCW as well as a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, visited Putnam County to drop some words of wisdom. Mero is on a world tour speaking to students about life and how all the bad things you see on TV can happen in real life and to anyone.
We also spoke with PC principal Dustin Schrank about getting Mero to the school.
Intro: Volleyball and football postseason breakdowns.
Fall sports are ending and winter sports are beginning. It's that time! On this episode we speak with La Salle-Peru girl bowlers Isabella Weber, Olivia Weber, and Lady Cavaliers coach Jim McCabe, Amboy senior golfer Wes Wilson, and Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football coach Scott Payne.
Intro: Monster break down of cross country postseason
The Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football team is doing something it hasn't done since 1984, playing for a state title. The Clippers take on West Central at 7 p.m. Friday (TODAY) at Monmouth College in the Illinois 8-Man Football Championship.
We Segway through softball with Abby Edwards (30:22) and Mack Leonard (37:31), who have a Dwight connection and both play NCAA softball in the ACC, golf via Dixon junior Katie Drew (44:50) and DHS coach Lee Eastman as Drew finished tied for fifth in the state, and we end in translation with Princeton football coach Ryan Pearson (55:01) and a pregame interview for the Class 3A Quarterfinal matchup against IC Catholic.
The high school football playoffs are underway and the Princeton Tigers are ready to roar as a No. 1 seed in the Class 3A bracket. Joining us are senior QB Teegan Davis, PHS coach Ryan Pearson (twice), and Mendota Ford General Manager and Princeton native, Skee Hartman.
Intro: Catching up on boys soccer, girls tennis, volleyball, football scores and accomplishments.
Arika Richardson talks about her time as part of the La Salle-Peru and Parkland College volleyball teams before she started her freshman year at Indiana State University. Then we're joined by Roanoke-Benson senior DJ Norman who finished 13th at the IHSA State Meet and R-B coach Kyle Fellner.
Intro: High school playoffs are in full swing with boys soccer and girls tennis. Also, Week 8 and insight into Week 9 of football.
Before the school year started two long term coaches, directors, Mr. everythings at their previous schools, found themselves representing different schools. Tom McGunnigal and St. Bede had parted ways. Jeff Parsons was made an offer he couldn't refuse at Fulton. By time the 2021-22 school year was over, McGunnigal was hired by Annawan-Wethersfield and Parsons accepted Fulton's offer. We spoke to them during the transition.
Intro: Boys soccer regionals, Grab Bag, Bring it Back: White Stripes' Elephant
Tim Cottingim has the best of both worlds. He's the IVCC men's soccer coach until after practice or a game. Then he puts on the smile of a restaurant owner and chef hat at Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana.
Intro: Boys and Girls state golf, start of boys soccer regionals, NFL, MLB Playoffs
Action-packed show as EOYS chatted with Hall quarterback Mac Resetich, Hall football coach Randy Tieman, and Princeton football coach Ryan Pearson.
Intro: Week 6 & 7 football scores, boys and girls golf playoffs, and the Grab Bag including Brett Favre, Dolphins/Tua, Loretta Lynn, NBA in Las Vegas, and Tony LaRussa.
On the last episode of EOYS, La Salle-Peru graduate Christian Soderholm spoke to us while he was playing professional basketball at the island, Malta. In the second part, Soderholm returned after his season to talk about his experience and what's next for him.
Intro: Football week's 4 and 5, IHSA sports rundown, Grab Bag featuring Aaron Judge, NFL, Michael Jordan's expensive jersey, and more.
Christian Soderholm played basketball overseas on the island of Malta last season. We caught up with during the season and after. Part 1 shares tales of his trip while he's overseas.
Intro: New computer means EOYS is back, IHSA roundup, Illinois Valley outside of the valley, Grab Bag.
There hasn't been a DREAMWAVE Wrestling show since 2016. This all changes on Aug. 20 as Jay Repsel and Lou's LaGrotto have teamed up to bring DREAMWAVE back to the wrestling mats. Who will be the first champion since 2016? To find out, you'll have to go to the show!
Intro: Illinois high school sports are back, LeBron James, DeShaun Watson, Fantastic Beats, Grumpy Old Men, Seinfield.
Australian blues guitarist, Michael Charles, is bringing his 60-plus years of music to Blues, Bears & BBQ at the Yogi Bear RV Resort from 7:30-10 p.m., Aug. 13 at 970 Green Wing Rd, Amboy, Ill.
Charles has been Grammy elected 10 times, is a Grammy voter, and has released 30-plus albums and singles. If you like stories, name drops, life lessons, laughs, and music...this is the pod for you!
When Paul Hart enrolled at St. Bede as a freshman, he set a goal to become the Bruins' all-time scoring leader. After reaching 1,000 points as a sophomore he was well on his way until Covid-19 took a year from him. It didn't matter as he finished with 1,811 points to pass J.A. Happ (1,459), and after this chat, Katie Carls (1,471), to be the all-time top Bruin.
Intro: R.I.P. Olivia Newton-John, IHSA softball, Deshaun Watson, Donald Trump, Serena Williams, White Sox, and Cubs
Nate Stubler, 2017 La Salle-Peru graduate and 2017 bowling state champion, bowled his last tournament in a St. Ambrose uniform in May. He is now getting ready for the Professional Bowling Association and adult life as an accountant. Stubler tells some great stories and gives special thanks.
Intro: IHSA State Baseball
Did you know Disney was a second-rate movie production company in the 1980s? Did you know the book behind the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit was rejected 110 times? Guess what merger Steven Spielberg was able to pay off.? If Bob Hoskins wasn't the original Eddie Valiant, who was? Does Bugs Bunny have a contract? Who influenced Jessica Rabbit's hair-do?
These questions, the story behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and insight into Jessica Rabbit: Xerious Business is all unleashed by the creator, the author, kid now man who just needed an outlet to allow his imagination to flow, Gary K. Wolf.
Midwest rapper IL Boi joined Edge of Your Seat Podcast for the second time in grand fashion as EOYS was at his G.M.B. album release party at 5BAR in Beloit, Wis. The show wasn't just for IL Boi as he used it as a showcase for six other artists also. We spoke to every single one of them: IL Boi (29:34), Juicce Monroe (39:46), R3d On3 (43:00), All Day Jay (48:01), Syn'Cear Yourz (51:16), Bilbro$e Bagginz (55:07), and Whitley D (57:19).
Intro: Bring it Back had us listen to Bo Diddley's 1958 record Go Bo Diddley. Next poll will be up soon!!!
Surf Internet has made it's way to northern Illinois. The Surf trucks and the construction crews with Surf hardhats are digging up soil to infiltrate households and businesses with fiber optic internet.
What is fiber optic? How much will it cost? Is it fast internet? How does Surf Internet compare to competitors such as Xfinity and Mediacom? How does it benefit the customer? How is it installed?
All of these questions and more are covered in this chat with Surf Regional Marketing Manager, Jennifer Alvarez, and Surf Construction Manager, Chris O'Haver.
Intro: High school boys state track, Noah Schultz, Luke Adams, Logan Wagner, MLB
Jeff Boyer, coach of the Byron football team, has had great seasons with the Tigers. But nothing like this past season when the Tigers went 14-0 and won the Class 3A IHSA State Championship.
Here is fuel for the Football Jones.
Intro: Girls state track, rapid-fire grab bag
...is Ronde Worrels! The Princeton alumnus didn't gel with the Northern Illinois University football team last season, so he went home. Now he has a new team, a new home, and is ready to make the same noise he did for the Tigers on the college stage.
Dual dose of Illinois Valley and University of Illinois awesomeness this time around as we're joined by Bret Dannis, St. Bede alumnus and Illini hurdler, and Mike Turk, a Mendota native who just finished his 17th year as Illinois track coach.
We talk track, schooling, careers, Game of Thrones, and way more.
John Hall talks to us about DeKalb County United, a semi-pro soccer club that plays at Northern Illinois University. Soccer has been growing in the United States over the last few years, and Hall and DeKalb County United (formed in 2018) want the sport to reach its highest peak in Illinois.
Intro: Rest in Peace Aunt Shirley and Bob Lanier, NHL playoffs, NBA playoffs, IHSA playoffs kick off with Girls Soccer Regionals
Rylee Klema went through a lot of emotions last week. She pitched Game 2 of her Senior Night doubleheader with Rockford University on Sunday. Then played her last four road games Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, she grabbed her bags and deployed with the Army.
Intro: New sponsor Supreme Safety by Sure Step, NBA Playoffs, NFL Draft, Boxing
Do you know the rules of the fight club? Nathan Blanton, a Mendota native, is learning them all quickly as he has earned a 5-1 record at the Peoria Fight Club. He dives into his training, his strategies, and why he loves to fight. Next up is an MMA fight on June 4.
Intro: Bulls' season over, NBA Playoffs, quick movie/TV talk
Jake Reinhardt has worn a Princeton, Augustana College, and a North Park University baseball uniform. After signing a contract in November, he is ready to wear his first professional jersey with the Schaumburg Boomers.
Intro: Bulls/Bucks Game 4, Friday Night Lights
12-Gaige has been putting in the work to push his wrestling career to the next level. The last time we talked to the La Salle-Peru grad some know as Gaige Noonan, he had just wrestled his first match. Now, he has 30 matches under his belt, new gear, new strategies, and new moves.
Intro: Bulls/Bucks Game 3, WrestleMania, Bring it Back: Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon; End of Day, NBA Playoffs.
Julia Browning, a St. Bede graduate who is in a Master's Program at Loyola University Chicago, tells us about the awesome Relay for Life she is a part of in Chicago...Today, April 10!!! The American Cancer Society Vice President on campus has been devoted to walking and advocating to help those battling, surviving, and living with cancer.
Mendota soccer coach Nick Myers and junior Jonathan Cortez discuss the amazing fall the Trojans soccer team had which featured an undefeated regular season and the program's first sectional championship. Myers also talks about the girls soccer team.
Intro: The slap heard around social media, Scott Hall, March Madness, NFL offseason moves, and more.
Yorkville Christian, in its sixth year as a member of the IHSA, won a Class 1A Boys Basketball State Championship. Coach Aaron Sovern chats about his squad, the humble upbringing of YC, and the naysayers saying the Mustangs recruited or shouldn't be a 1A team. Junior Brayden Long may still not realize he's a state champ, but the medal he wears proudly reflects on his basketball families in Yorkville and Dwight.
Intro: Boys basketball postseason breakdown, March Madness
Princeton boys basketball coach Jason Smith is this episode's guest as he talks about his Tigers a few days after winning their first regional title in 11 years and losing a Class 2A Mendota Sectional Semifinal. Smith, who wrapped up his third year at PHS, is excited about the future.
Intro: Girls basketball postseason breakdown, Khalil Mack traded, Bulls get back in win column
Maybe some of you need a reminder of how well the IVCC Women's Tennis Team played in Fall 2021. Coach Julie Milota, and players Brianna Strehl, Clara Ferrari, Olivia Woods, and Karissa Etzenbach tell us all about their season that ended with the Eagles finishing third at Nationals in Georgia.
After a bout with Covid-19, Edge of Your Seat Podcast returns. The intro is packed with IHSA winter postseason action in the form of boys bowling, girls bowling, dance, girls wrestling, and boys wrestling.
Followed with EOYS besties, Skee Hartman, Tony Milus, and Devin Masters predicting the Super Bowl. It's never too late to talk Super Bowl.
November seems like so long ago, except for the St. Bede volleyball team as it will feel like it was yesterday when it won its second regional championship in program history and first since 2001. Senior Lia Bosnich (6:53) shares her memories of the win, and SBA coach Abbi Bosnich (33:13) couldn't be more grateful for the regional (she was a player on the 2001 team) and the birth of her daughter, Quimby.
EOYS wingman Devin Masters (54:23) talks NFL playoffs.
Brady Blanco is an 18-year-old student at IVCC, who graduated from La Salle-Peru High School. Most people expect a diploma from high school and college or think it's a normal part of life. For Brady (56:48), every day he is able to breathe, smile, talk, walk, and just be alive...is a blessing.
Intro: NFL Playoffs, Boys Bowling Sectionals, Boys Soccer Playoffs, Ryan Poles, Matt Eberflus, Big Ben, Bulls injuries, Chase Sexton, Cailin Clark, Meatloaf, Louis Anderson, Young Dolph, Peter Robbins
Putnam County volleyball coach Amy Bell is a great coach, teacher, mother, supporter of wrestling fans, taco bar provider, and friend. She shared info of her Lady Panthers and cracked some jokes on EOYS.
Also, lead off with Dwight junior Wyatt Thompson, who scored 20 points Jan. 19 in a 59-43 victory over Marquette.
Into: Boys bowling regional, volleyball postseason, Bears, NFL Playoffs, Bulls, Blackhawks.
Listed as a junior and a freshman on this year's Illinois State University women's cross country team, La Salle-Peru graduates Rachel Hickey and Ashley Heagy spoke with EOYS before the season started. How did the season compare to their predictions?
Intro: Girls swimming postseason, basketball holiday tournaments, Steph Curry, John Madden, Betty White, MLB strike, NFL Parady, Antonio Brown, Dirk Nowitzki, Kyrie Irving, ESPN blunder
Warning: Loaded Show!
Schimmer Mendota Ford General Manager Skee Hartman talks about vehicles and sports. Then Matt McDonald drops all kinds of wisdom on baseball and the brutal nature of sports on an athlete's mind. McDonald has left the Hall baseball team as the pitching coach and will now be giving tips to the hurlers at Blackhawk College.
Intro: High school football and boys and girls golf postseason breakdowns, college and high school coaching movements, NIU women's basketball game, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia Verzuz.
Christian Soderholm has taken his basketball skills groomed by La Salle-Peru, summer ball, and NAIA college to international hoops. The 6-foot-6 forward is playing basketball professionally in Malta, a country between Italy and Africa. He joined EOYS before he left and has agreed to do a pod series to update us on his experience. Also, Princeton football Ryan Pearson discusses the quarterfinal matchup on Saturday.
Intro: Boys and girls cross country state meets, breakdown of the IHSA football season.
There is a whole lot of running in this show!!! D.J. Glynn, a 1999 Hall graduate, joins EOYS to speak about being inducted into the NewsTribune Illinois Valley Hall of Fame after impressive football and track careers with the Red Devils.
In the intro, we break down the cross country postseason to prepare you for Saturday's boys and girls IHSA State Meets at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
LOADED SHOW! Three guests as Kewanee senior QB Will Bruno and coach Brad Swanson break down the season with extra emphasis on the Princeton and Hall games as the Boilermakers (6-0) play Mendota (5-1) Friday.
Then we catch up with Mike Goff who was inducted into the NewsTribune Hall of Fame after playing football with La Salle-Peru, University of Iowa, and three NFL teams during a 12-year career. Now, he's an assistant coach with San Diego State University.
Intro: IHSA boys and girls golf postseason, MLB Wildcard, Chicago Sky, Chicago Bulls, NFL Week 5 picks
Don't know if this show can hold all of the awesomeness of its two guests. Amboy sophomore Elly Jones joined us in between her fantastic freshman campaign and her sophomore year that is almost done with cross county. Then we spoke with Mendota senior Yahir Diaz after the Trojans boys soccer team defeated Kewanee 6-1 Thursday night.
So much AWESOME!
The Mendota football team is winning games again. The Hall and Mendota rivalry is back on. A conversation had in July finally makes podcast waves. All worth the wait.
MHS senior QB Ted Landgraf spoke with us after the Trojans 43-34 victory over Hall and former Mendota girls basketball coach and new Pana girls hoops coach, Brent McKinney, joins us!
Intro: High school football Week 5 scores, Monday's scores and accomplishments, NFL Week 3
Mendota senior Emilio Perez and La Salle-Peru senior Matt Carrico take us to the field for Week 3, Week 4, and Week 5 of the high school football season.
Intro: More high school football as well as volleyball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and golf, NFL Week 2 breakdown.
Chat-packed episode of Three Rivers Conference representatives as we're traveling the sports scene watching and covering games!
- Hall football coach Nick Guerrini after 40-32 Week 2 loss to Monmouth-Roseville (8:21).
- Princeton volleyball coach Andy Puck after defeating Mendota (12:32).
- Mendota volleyball coach Nicci Gibson after battling the Tigresses (18:10).
- Bureau Valley football coach Mat Pistole won the first two games of his head coaching career in the first two weeks and is looking for a third straight in Week 3 against Mendota (30:24).
- BV senior QB Adam Johnson is taking the snaps leading the Storm to victories (55:34).
We talk football with St. Bede senior wide receiver Tyreke Fortney. In a 53-0 Week 1 victory over Sherrard, Fortney scored four touchdowns including a 91-yard grab. What will the Bruins do against Erie-Prophetstown in Week 2?
There is a couple of first timers on this show. First, Sterling Newman baseball coach Kenny Koerner relives the season that seems it just ended yesterday in which the Comets won their first-ever sectional championship. He dives into everything Newman baseball - last season and the future.
In the intro, EOYS celebrates its 200th show with a new segment called Name of the Game! Who's name was the hardest to say? Who's name was the coolest? Who's name just sings when you say it? We'll decide on each podcast as we struggle, have fun, and enjoying the art of pronouncing names!
Sign in hand, Mendota resident Tony Arredondo Jr. was in heaven for at least one night as he was part of the Field of Dreams Game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees. What a story he has to tell?
Intro: Week 1 high school football, other sports and accomplishments, Lauri Markkanen, Big Brother, Madden 22
It's fall and we have football. Had to start the season with a chat from Princeton's now-graduated Grant Foes, who is a freshman for the Indiana Wesleyan football team. Also on the football docket is preseason previews with Hall coach Nick Guerrini and Mendota coach Keegan Hill.
For most people, Covid-19 has been a tough time. But not Mendota native Troy Bauer. During the pandemic, he got married, had his first child, accepted a dream job, and capped it off by winning the Illinois Valley Men's Golf Championship. Wonder what else can happen for Bauer as Covid-19 isn't gone yet...
Intro: Tons of high school sports, IHSA Esports, AP Preseason Football Poll
Zoey Zeller, 16 in California, had a unique opportunity this summer as she swam in the USA Olympic Trials! She qualified at 14 but because of Covid-19 she didn't get her chance to swim with some of the best in the world until this summer.
Intro: School and sports are back, Michael Hermosillo, J.A. Happ, CM Punk, Reigns/Cena
Harry Wilmot's rapping style is authentic, personal, and his lyrics are about what's important to him. So, he kept it 100 percent true by keeping his first name as his rap moniker. The L-P alumn joins us to talk about everything music.
Intro: Illinois Valley Men's Golf Championship, Olympics, Big Brother, Bring it Back: The Beach Boys 'The Beach Boys Today"
Send a text to the wrong brother? No worries, have both Ty and Trez Rybarczyk on the show!!! They talk about their baseball careers as Ty is going into his junior year with University of Illinois and Trez pitched for the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp before his freshman year at Southwestern Illinois College.
Intro: Olympics, NBA signings, Lox & Dipset
If you went to an Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp game, the kiddos probably had their photo taken with SouthClaw Sam, or at least gave him a claw-five. One of the people in the Sam suit is Devin Masters, a Putnam County graduate who is not new to mascotting and pumping up a crowd.
Intro: Olympics, Bulls making big moves, Sox/Cubs
There is something crazy cool happening in Ottawa this summer...Chess and Checkers in the Park. Eleanor Hasty (13) wanted something to do during the pandemic where she could meet new people, stay safe and play two games she loves. You're invited.
Intro: Ex Cubs hit home runs hit in the first game with new teams, Bulls land Lanzo Ball, Alex Caruso and are going after more, NBA Draft. Olympics
We Are Raising Men's 50-yard Challenge isn't really a test for 11-year old Finn Sessler. The Mendota resident is helping the elderly and disabled by mowing their yards. In turn, he is also helping his family and earning cool rewards such as T-shirts.
Skee Hartman, general manager at Schimmer Mendota Ford, joins EOYS in the intro to talk about the crazy movement in sports over the last two days as J.A. Happ goes to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Cubs go through a fire sale including a deal with the White Sox, Max Scherzer and Trea Turner join the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Russell Westbrook also goes to L.A. with the Lakers.
Leaving Seneca High School with a bang is an understatement of what Brooklyn Giertz accomplished her senior year. Giertz was an all-state selection in basketball, helped the Fighting Irish own the volleyball court, and she won four medals at the IHSA state track meet.
Intro: Olympics, Is anything else but gold losing?, Deshaun Watson, ESPN/Big 12 spat, Covid-19 back in sports?
Birds were chirping as Seneca boys and girls track and field coach Terry Maxwell relived the amazing season the Fighting Irish wrapped up at the IHSA State Meet at Eastern Illinois University. Maxwell also shares excitement about taking over as the football team's head coach.
Intro: Olympics, Cleveland Guardians
Indian Creek just graduated an athlete, Cam Russell, who was the definition of a Jack of all trades in five sports for the Timberwolves. Russell speaks about the forever-lasting memories he made during his senior year.
Joe Piekarz has had quite a career as the former Triple-A pitcher for the Oakland A's organization coached the Indian Creek boys basketball team for 15 years, including a 35-1 season right before Covid-19. Now, he is off to Marmion Academy in Aurora to get a taste of the Chicago Catholic League.
Intro: Bucks are NBA Champs, Texas & Oklahoma want to be in SEC, college athletes making money, Bobby Bowden, Space Jame: A New Legacy, Bring it Back: Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow
After winning regionals at Newark and Hall, Brian Holman coached the Seneca softball team to regional hardware this past season. Holman discusses his journey with no stone unturned. He also tells EOYS he has been named the girls basketball coach.
Mind blown moment: Holman is not going to use his Illinois Valley famous 2-3 zone defense.
Intro: Big Brother, Dave, Biz Markie, U.S. men's soccer, Colin Morikawa, Shohei Ohtani
If striking out batters is the name of the game, Seneca's now graduated Maggie Carpenter is the player of the game. After a fantastic freshman year, Carpenter had to sit out two seasons before she could turn into one of the best softball pitchers in Illinois.
Intro: NBA Finals Game 5, MLB All-Star festivities, Conor McGregor
When you can hear the happiness in a voice when someone is talking about their career, friends, family, and passions, you know they've enjoyed life. You'll be able to hear it in John Mason, too.
Mason, 80, talks about his career highs and moves as he spent 56 consecutive years as a coach at different levels of numerous sports. He was on the sideline right up until Covid and a diagnosis of Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.
Jake Reinhardt has been on a special baseball ride. After graduating from Princeton in 2016, he has played five years of college ball and is now in West Virginia playing in the MLB Draft League. Jake joins EOYS to share his wild, awesome journey.
Intro: Cubs can't win, Sox can't stay healthy, NBA Finals just begin, NHL Stanley Cup almost a wrap
After a fantastic regular season, the La Salle-Peru softball team struggled in the postseason. The regional final loss doesn't take away from one of the best seasons La Salle-Peru's now graduated Alexia Michael and coach Randy Huebbe ever had.
Intro: NBA Finals, EOYS Movie Rank Em
The IWCOA State Tournament, which took place this past weekend, featured one female wrestler. Her name is Shea Reisel, a junior from Somonauk. She joins us to chat everything wrestling, including competing in boys tournaments and her Bobcat accomplishments.
Intro: NBA Playoffs, Stanley Cup, IWCOA State Tournament, Bring it Back: Sheryl Crow
The Princeton football team defeated everyone in their path this past season to finish No. 2 on the Class 3A AP poll with a 6-0 record. Three men behind the success join EOYS in QB Tyler Gibson (30:17), coach Ryan Pearson (40:49), and RB/LB Ronde Worrels (1:05.23).
Intro: Wrestling sectionals, softball all-state picks, basketball all-star game rosters, NBA postseason
Let's start with soundbites from Princeton girls soccer coach David Gray and Wheaton Academy's Eva De Souza and Amy Alexander after the Class 1A Mendota Super-Sectional.
Guest is Annawan-Wethersfield star Coltin Quagliano who led the Titans to a 15-1 basketball record, a 5-1 football season, and a Sectional title in baseball. All three sports brought home Lincoln Trail Conference championships.
The intro is all about the IHSA postseason!
La Salle-Peru football had its first undefeated season since 1968 and finished with a No. 9 ranking on the Class 5A Associated Press Poll. Cavaliers coach Jose Medina and now-graduated David Narkis and Tyler Hartman talk about the magical season.
The intro is IHSA postseason dominated with talk of baseball, softball, girls soccer, boys tennis, and girls and boys track and field.
Salute to Sgt. Doug Burcham, who recently retired from the Spring Valley Police Department after 29 1/2 years of service. He has a lot of stories to tell about being a cop and a marine.
Marquette baseball coach Todd Hopkins spoke with us after the Class 2A Regional Final victory over Hall, Crusaders senior Grant Waldron was modest about his GRAND SlAM, and Hall coach Tom Keegan chats about his team's tough loss and next year without this year's star-studded senior class.
Intro: Break down of IHSA postseason action from Monday and Tuesday.
Loaded episode!!! Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimps coach Jon Jakiemic (58:33) tells us about the new collegiate baseball Prospect League team in Peru. Why are they here? Do they plan to stick around? Who is Southclaw Sam? What's a Claw Chip. What is a Pistol Shrimp?
Hall graduate, Black Hawk student/athlete and member of the Pistol Shrimp, Chance Resetich (1:40.09), chats about his baseball journey and being on this team.
We also have sound bites from Hall baseball coach Tom Keegan (15:32) after the Red Devils won a Class 2A Regional Semifinal and La Salle-Peru softball coach Randy Huebbe (31:24) after the Lady Cavaliers lost a Class 3A Regional Final.
Intro: Everything IHSA postseason from Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The Mendota volleyball team had plenty to be happy with this past season, including the play of senior Ella Massey and her three classmates, and first-year coach Nicci Gibson.
Intro: IHSA state tournaments are back, Girls soccer sectionals, NBA Playoffs
Mike Freeman had to wait 365 days between the day Fieldcrest hired him and his first game as the head coach of the Knights' football team. Once the season started, the team played like it never missed a day.
Intro: High school action, NBA Playoffs
Chawn Huffaker has been in classrooms and the sidelines for what seems like forever. Things are about to change as he is changing lanes from education.
Intro: Illinois High School Football Coaches Association All-State Team, NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, Billboard Music Awards
Mike Parsons, a Kewanee Wethersfield graduate, has been around sports his entire life and didn't see any reason to not continue the trend. He became a high school referee/umpire three years ago and is now umpiring college baseball games.
Intro: Happy Prom, Happy Graduation, high school sports, NBA playoffs, PGA Championship
The high school basketball season was weird, to say the least, but the Fieldcrest Knights made the most out of it finishing 12-1 and made claim to a share of the Heart of Illinois Conference title. FHS coach Matt Winkler and senior Jaxon Cusac-McKay talk about the season.
Intro: High school sports awesomeness, NBA Play-In Games, more no-nos
Nate Stubler returns to EOYs with a lot to talk about! He won the PBA Midwest Open, is currently bowling at Nationals with St. Ambrose and was a finalist for Collegiate Bowler of the Year. Whoa!!
Intro: High school sports action
Putnam County girls basketball coach Jared Sale joined EOYS in March to talk about the hoops season. He is a busy, busy man with different coaching roles and the birth of his first child!
Intro: Chicago sports, high school break down for the week
In a rare year when a high school athlete can play four sports, Princeton senior Jamie Reinhardt is taking full advantage of the opportunity. The Tiger played golf, basketball and football, and is now suiting up for the baseball team!
Intro: Mortal Kombat
The Amboy girls basketball team finished the season 14-1 and shared the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference with Eastland after splitting their two meetings. Seniors Mallory Power and Abi Payne were two major reasons behind the Lady Clippers success. They break down the season along with coach Mike McCracken.
Intro: NFL Draft, Illinois High School rundown, J.A. Happ, Marvin Hagler
Graduation and life after high school may throw some challenges, but for right now, Hall senior bowler Brianna Lara is taking things one day at a time to enjoy everything she is involved in.
Intro: High school football Week 6, AP names basketball all-state teams, Steph Curry, Black Rob, Shock G, Bring it Back: Miranda Lambert
They can play instruments. They can write songs. They can preef rood.
We The Least - a band from Mendota, IL composed of Nathanael and Michaela DeLong and Cordell May - sat down with EOYS to share their musical journey and their new CD, "Sundae Best". Throw in a lot of laughs and some candy bars...equals a great pod!
Intro: High School football Week 5 and more sports, Alex Smith, Derek Chauvin, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox
Mendota boys soccer had a great season, ending with an 8-2 record and a Big Northern Conference Tournament Third-place game victory. Trojans coach Nick Myers talks about the semifinal loss right after the game, the season, Carlos Rodon and some rassling.
Intro: IHSA Boys Basketball All-State Team, high school scoreboard for Monday-Thursday, Steph Curry, Julian Edelman, Bryce Harper and Freddie Freeman, LaMarcus Aldridge, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant
It didn't matter to him that he lived in Illinois, Ricardo Sarabia loved him some New York Yankees. His love for the Yankee pinstripes led his friends and loved ones to nickname him the Bronx Bomber. In January, Sarabia passed away and left behind many stories and memories his brother Ivan Sarabia and best friends Tyler Nyman and Martin Diaz share with us.
IL Boi - a Freeport native residing in Kenosha, Wis. - has been rhyming since elementary school and is still perfecting his craft. His new song "1st One Million" has been listened to more than 90,000 times on Spotify. He joins the show to talk about his journey on the mic and on the football player as a member and owner of the semi-pro football team, the Kenosha Cougars.
Intro: DMX, high school sports including records/updates of 27 football teams and IHSA Girls Basketball All-State Team, Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Cubs, NCAA Men's Hoops and Bring it Back revisits "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga
Last night was the big NCAA Men's Basketball Championship between Gonzaga and Baylor. In college hoops' spirit, IVCC sophomore and Deer Creek-Mackinaw alumna Meredith Sidwell is the guest and speaks about her love for the game, small-town high school basketball, and the Eagles.
Intro: Why wouldn't we talk about the Zags and Bears? Also, Stanford holds off Arizona to win the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.
Painting is cool, but what about painting upside down while a band is playing your favorite jams. Welcome to the life of Mendota native April Stevenson. But, painting is all Stevenson can do...
Intro: High school run down with many, many 1,000 career point scorers, and more
Jake Dahl is the first member of the new collegiate summer league baseball team, the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, actually from the Illinois Valley. The La Salle-Peru graduate shares his after high school baseball life and his excitement to play with and against some of the best college baseball players around.
Intro: High School sports, NBA All-Star competitions, J.J. Watt, more
Mackenzie Brady is on a podcast as the St. Bede alumna talks about sports injuries, recovering from them, studying in Spain, Covid-19 life at Illinois State University, and much, much more.
Intro: High school sports everything, college achievements from local athletes, Patrick Kane, NBA All-Star Game switches, Kobe as the NBA Logo
High school sports are happening and it's just not the same unless you go! EOYS traveled to La Salle to watch the Putnam County and La Salle-Peru boys hoops teams battle. After the Cavs won 68-54, we spoke to L-P coach Jim Cherveny, Cavs' senior Drake Weber (who recently scored his 1,000th career point), and PC coach Harold Fay.
Friends, it felt good to be back!
Were Skee Hartman and EOYS host Brandon LaChance right with their NFL postseason and CFP National Championship predictions? Hartman also talks about his high school wrestling career at Princeton and much more.
Intro: High school sports are back, NBA All-Star rosters, Chicago Bears, NFL Hall of Fame, Tiger Woods, way more
The La Salle-Peru girls soccer team did something truly awesome for Valentine's Day. They created 92 V-Day cards for senior citizens in Illinois. Lady Cavaliers coach Christin Pappas joins EOYS to discuss the amazing creating process.
Intro: Jake Arrieta, J.J. Watt
La Salle-Peru graduate Tyler Towne cruised through the Illinois Valley in the Planters NUTmobile before heading to his next destination in his journey through the country spreading happiness and peanuts. We caught up with him and sat inside the cruising Peanut Mobile.
Intro: R.I.P. Kaine, Super Bowl LV, Bring it Back: John Mayer's 'Continuum'
Hip-hop, rap, music has been a big part of Danny "Tick Tock" since he can remember. He shares his musical journey starting with the creation of rap group Prelude to a Million at SIU in 2006. Tons of jokes, stories, music, and sports.
Intro: Happy Birthday Mom, Bulls, NFL Conference Championship Sunday, Royal Rumbles, Connor McGregor
When Kevin Hieronymus was on EOYS after being named to the IBCA Hall of Fame, he mentioned the name Kip Cheek. Many people dropped his name in comments, so it was only right to have the Mendota Reporter publisher and sports editor share stories of his almost 37-year tenure.
Intro: Public service announcement: reach out to your people, NFL playoffs, Illinois basketball
Kaleigh Shilkuski has had multiple injuries and surgeries. Instead of succumbing to pain and adversity, the former Hall Lady Red Devil and current IVCC Eagle continues to put on a smile and her sneakers in hopes of returning to the court.
Intro: DEEP DIVE of 'Fine Line' by Harry Styles, NFL playoffs, James Harden trade, Bulls, Big Ten men's hoops, Trump impeachment, Capitol Building
Happy 2021!!! Edge of Your Seat kicks the new year off with Robert Shelton, a Chicago native who found an inspiration to work in the movie/TV business...and did it. Shelton was part of Iron Man 3, Fast and the Furious 7, Selma, Ozark, Black Panther and many more.
Intro: DeVonta Smith is the real deal, Alabama thumps, R.I.P. Ricardo Sarabia
Happy New Year!!! We usher in 2021 with Justin Jacobson, who is off to be an assistant coach with the NCAA Division II Saginaw Valley State men's basketball team after one year as the Mendota boys hoops coach. We talk hoops, NCAA football, NFL and Christmas.
Intro: Stimulus/government rant, Bulls' first win, NFL Week 17, NCAA Football
Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Patrick Goy's holidays had an extra bonus as he was named the La Salle-Peru girls golf coach right before them. He joins us to talk about taking over the Lady Cavaliers, IVCC Men's Golf Championship, Royal Rumble, NFL, and being a Covid-19 parent.
Intro: BREAKING NEWS during recording - Cubs trade Yu Darvish to the Padres, NFL Week 16, NBA, NCAA hoops, R.I.P. Amanda Countryman, R.I.P. Jon Huber
For 146 episodes, you have heard Brian Covelli's work as he produced the intro/outro beat for Edge of Your Seat Podcast. Now the Chicagoan and SIU graduate joins to talk about his special moment with Timberland, sports, and much more music.
Intro: NFL Week 15, DEEP DIVE: II by Boyz II Men, NCAA football, NBA
Amanda Coss, a Mendota resident and Boston native, is on a mission to join the Mendota Elementary School Board. This isn't the only mission as she shares the everyday goal of trying to get her and her family past Covid-19 with all limbs and sanity still available.
Intro: NCAA football, IHSA Shrine Game, Tara Van Derveer, Boxing Hall of Fame, and more!
With Covid-19 quarantine making us all find something to do, IVCC women's basketball coach Josh Nauman decided to start watching old DVDs and movies found on premier network's free weekends. He is now at 95 movies watched since March and counting. Also, Eagles hoops and national sports discussions.
Intro: R.I.P. Mrs. Hieronymus, R.I.P. Deebo, more movies and NFL Week 15
The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association made a decision popular with the Illinois Valley by inducting Bureau County Republican Sports Editor Kevin Hieronymus into its Hall of Fame. Hieronymus joins us to talk about the special achievement and the moments throughout his 36-year career helping him become a HOFer.
Intro: NFL Week 14, NCAA hoops, Christmas cards
We were ready with Skee Hartmann, the General Sales Manager at Schimmer Mendota Ford, to chat about buying cars, selling cars, sports, big houses, restaurants, and everything else.
Intro: NFL Week 13 and Week 14, NCAA men's basketball Big Ten/ACC Challenge and the DEEP DIVE of Suicide's 1977 self-titled album
After being inspired by Dr. Dre and Eminem at an early age, Ottawa resident Charles Babis has been working on a debut album and is now polishing it up for an epic debut.
Intro: Apologies for pushing shows from Edge of Your Seat Podcast
Tons of amazing stories on this episode as Ryan Garrison, a 2018 Henry-Senachwine graduate and now a student at the United States Air Force Academy, joins us to talk about his experience and travels in the military.
Also, long-time friend Jamie Espinoza stopped by the studio to chat and share some of her adventures as she has been all over the states.
Landon (14) and Paxton (12) could be playing video games or binge-watching cartoons on Netflix. Instead, they're working on their bowling skills to beat the competition and each other. FYI, there are some classic responses in this chat!
Intro: R.I.P. Louie Rios, R.I.P. Dave Swisegood, R.I.P. Pat Patterson, NCAA men's hoops, NFL, sports rundown
Stories, stories, and more stories from Moe Pesci, who is a rapper from southern Illinois. The Champaign resident speaks about the good old SIU Carbondale days, his music career, struggles, wild moments, and everything else in between.
Intro: Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr, Bears whooped by Packers, Deep Dive of Recession 2 by Jeezy
Junior Jack Scheri isn't done with La Salle-Peru yet, but he's already decided where he wants to play NCAA Division I college baseball when the time comes - Creighton University. We talk baseball and education before Scheri is thrown the Hot Potato.
During a time where there isn't much to look forward to, La Salle-Peru Kaitlyn Gibson made forward progress in her softball career by signing to play at Ball State University. She chats about traveling, school, law, and much more.
Intro: NFL Week 11, College Football Playoff rankings, NBA free agency
Shutting down and not caring in high school made Peyton Milus' future a little blurry. However, after receiving an opportunity to play baseball at Milwaukee Area Technical College, things changed. Milus changed. He graduated from Mendota High School and is now on the mound in Milwaukee.
Intro: Deep Dive - The Carter III by Lil Wayne, NBA free agency, DeAndre Hopkins, Putnam County HOF baseball coach R.I.P. Joe Massino
St. Bede senior Elaina Wamhoff's recruiting journey is finally over as she has signed to play volleyball at the University of New York at Albany. Wamhoff shares her excitement about her new team, new environment, and much more.
Intro: Patrick Williams, Theo Epstein, Chicago Bears
Wrestling coach Gavin Kurtz spoke with EOYS about taking his youth squad, the Illinois Cornstars, to Ocean City, MD for the NHSCA Duals. After correcting us that he had never been a high school head coach, Kurtz joined for a second conversation and stated he was contacted about being the new Putnam Couty/Hall wrestling coach.
Between Kurtz's chats, La Salle-Peru senior Brock Neill shares his excitement about the trip to Ocean City with the Cornstars and his frustration, sadness about the chances of there not being a wrestling season.
Marquette senior Lucas Hoffman joined EOYS before the cross country Shazam/MileSplit State Championships and Ohio junior Brock Loftus spoke about the race after it was done. Lots of jokes with two great runners.
Intro: Deep Dive - A Rock by Hardy, Buffalo Bills/Arizona Cardinals
The Ottawa girls tennis team won their fourth consecutive sectional title this fall behind a well-rounded, talented team. A few members of the squad - senior Marta Johnson, coach Steve Johnson, and junior Ella Marvel - chatted all things tennis and much more.
Intro: Americone Dream, Kim Ng, The Founder, The Social Dilemna and St. Bede's Joy to the Bruins
With no volleyball in the fall, Geneseo senior Esther Brown decided to run cross country. Between her physical abilities and her faith, Brown instantly found a spot at the top of the race results and carried it into the postseason with a second at regional and a seventh at sectional.
Intro: Jose Abreu AL MVP, Covid-19 causing havoc everywhere (still), NBA dates, NFL Week 10 picks
The days of rivalries, more fans in the stands, and more excitement from student-athletes may be approaching Mendota athletics as the Trojans decided to make a change from the Big Northern Conference to the Three Rivers Conference.
MHS athletic director Steve Hanson talks about the decision, IHSA's basketball decisions, Amellia Bromenschenkel, and being a front runner as a kid.
EOYS went Love-All on this episode with five representatives from the Sycamore girls tennis team after it won the Class 1A Rochelle Sectional. We talked tennis and played Hot Potato Halloween style with doubles team Abby Golembiewski and Olivia King, doubles team Emma Hardin and Abby Bourdage, and SHS coach Rob Majerus.
The Amboy co-op ran to cross country success this season. Clippers coach Michael Robinson talks all things between the regional and sectional, while junior Lauren Althaus talks about running both meets and shares some Bears/Saints moments.
Intro: Deep Dive - Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits
Will high school basketball be played in Illinois? Mendota senior Amellia Bromenschenkel, who is second on the Lady Trojans' all-time career scoring list, and MHS girls basketball coach John Hansen share their thoughts about the basketball rollercoaster between IHSA, Governor J.B. Pritzker, and the Illinois Health Department.
Intro: NFL, Big Brother 22
For the second straight season, La Salle-Peru junior Peyton Heagy won a sectional championship in girls swimming and would have qualified for the state tournament.
Intro: Boys and girls cross country sectionals, Illinois high school basketball, businesses closing, R.I.P. Sean Connery, Chicago Bears, Tony LaRussa, MLB awards.
Driving a car is OK, but St. Bede senior Beau Gerber would rather fly a plane to the game. In a short time, the baseball player hopes to have his Pilot's license and could very well park an airplane in the Bruins' parking lot.
Intro: No high school basketball in Illinois?, Dodgers win World Series, Justin Tucker tests positive for Covid-19
From where in the world is Marisa to finding a new home, L-P alumna and former volleyball player for La Salle University, Marisa Guisti, is ready to settle down at Butler University after a random, very quick life shake up.
Intro: Bears woes, IHSA girls swimming sectionals, IHSA boys and girls cross country regionals, World Series
In the worst rendition of the Birthday Song ever heard, we wish EOYS a Happy 1st Birthday before hearing from Dixon senior Bella Heintzelman, who won her second golf regional championship and helped the Duchesses win back-to-back regional plaques.
Intro: Giants/Eagles, World Series, IHSA postseason
A unique name with unique stories, Karch Kowalczyk shares his life on the road as a professional baseball player after being drafted by the Dodgers, playing in the Minor Leagues and now Independent Leagues. Lots of bus rides, cities, and championships (seven). What's next for the 29-year old pitcher?
Intro: Ottawa wins and L-P takes second at girls tennis sectional, World Series, and Deep Dive of Diver Down by Van Halen.
From Grape-Apple juice to winning an NJCAA Division II Region IV Regional, IVCC freshman, and Putnam County graduate Ian Roach discusses it all whether it's his personal journey or the flight of the Eagles.
Intro: NFL picks, MLB Final Four getting down to the nitty-gritty, Lakers/LeBron win a movie-like championship
It's an all high school sports show as we spoke with La Salle-Peru girls tennis coach Aaron Guenther and the No. 1 doubles team of seniors Lauren Klein and Brianna Strehl about this weekend's sectional. Many jokes and food convos along the way.
Also, boys and girls golf sectionals ended, while girls swimming and boys and girls cross country wind up the regular season before next week's postseason.
Of course, we talked about the golf season and the regionals which just took place with Hall junior Caleb Savitch and Mendota junior Ethan Hannaman. And of course, we talked about all the other sports and had fun playing Top 5 and Rank Em!!
Intro: Deep Dive - Aerosmith's album Toys in the Attic, NFL, MLB's Final Four, and Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
The golf season may have been shortened, but winning the Class 2A Sterling Regional was definitely a sweet feeling for Ottawa coach Keith Budzowski and senior Nick Angus. We also talk girls golf with coach and farming with Angus!
Intro: IVCC men's golf advances to the NJCAA National Tournament, L-P girls tennis wins I-8 Conference Meet, Butler wins another, Big Brother 22
After a very, very, very long drought, the St. Bede boys golf team added hardware to the trophy case with the IHSA Class 1A St. Bede Regional victory. Senior Nathan Potthoff and coach Rich Cummings talk about the win and the weird, Covid-19 season.
Intro: Break down of boys and girls golf regionals, Chicago Bears win
Brent Jamison, Bureau Valley basketball coach and owner of Jamison Media Services, shares his thoughts on the Chicago Bears, explains his journey to where he is in life, and plays Now and Then with Chicago sports teams (23:41).
Intro: Bears lose, NBA Finals Game 3, MLB Playoff tree, La Salle-Peru co-op girls swimming
New turf. Covid-19. New gym. School renovations. Kids in school. E-Learning. The future. Love for golf.
Just a few of the many topics La Salle-Peru superintendent Steve Wrobleski discusses with EOYS!
Intro: R.I.P. Chicago baseball 2020, high school sports, LeBron is just too much, NFL picks, Deep Dive of latest Nas album, King Disease.
Princeton has had one of the best boys golf teams around this season. Seniors Adam Vigars and Nolan Scott as well as coach Brandon Crawford have played their part in the Tigers' success and are excited to see what they can do during this weird Covid-19 era.
Intro: High School action, White Sox win, Lighting hoist Stanley Cup, more
Sara Jacobson is far away from the east coast where she was born and raised, but her love and dedication to Crossfit helped smooth her transition to life in Illinois. Now, she owns L-P Crossfit and is sharing the fitness lifestyle with as many people as she can. Mix in some alcoholic beverage talk and we have a well-rounded discussion.
Intro: Bears win, L-P football stadium vandalized, high school sports, Stanley Cup, MLB Playoffs, NBA Playoffs
University of Illinois junior Cam McDonald can't wait for college baseball to return so he can get back on the field! He chats about summer ball with future MLB draftees on his team, remembers his days at Hall, and plays a game of Hot Potato.
Intro: NBA Playoffs, MLB, James Robinson, high school sports
Wrestling is Gaige Noonan's love, passion and dream career. The La Salle-Peru graduate is making his dreams come through one match at a time under the alias 12-Gauge (40:33).
Intro: Animal, Gale Sayers, Big Brother, Billy Donovan, Michael Jordan and NASCAR, White Sox, Cubs, Stanley Cup, high school sports, and new music segment called The Deep Dive.
After teaching at St. Bede for 10 years and stints as athletic director and volleyball coach, Karrie Damerell's tenure as a Lady Bruin came to an end. She explains why, informs us of what she is doing now, and plays Rank Em with 1990's bands.
Intro: Bears win, NBA playoffs, MLB playoffs, high school
The name drops are unbelievable on this episode! Jim Foley, who worked in the NBA for 39 years before retiring in 2008, shares stories about NBA legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone. Plus much more!
Intro: White Sox in playoffs, high school sports, NBA playoffs
Hall senior Trez Rybarczyk breaks down his decision to commit to South Western Illinois College for baseball and being a high school student-athlete during Covid-19.
Intro: Heat-Celtics, crazy Sunday for Chicago, local high school sports
Juniors Brock Loftus and Ian Eller are helping the Amboy boys cross country team start this season on the right foot. The Clippers are 3-0 on the season and are looking for winning results all season long.
Intro: Illinois high school sports, NBA Playoffs, MLB Playoff bubble, Cobra Kai
First-year St. Bede athletic director and assistant principal, Nick McLaughlin, takes the reigns of his new positions in a difficult, Covid-19 era. Adversity hasn't scared him away or students and athletes as the Bruins are plugging along.
Intro: Introducing new sponsor L-P Crossfit, Brock Lesnar, Big Brother, Breaking Bad, Cobra Kai, NBA Playoffs, Chicago MLB
Demolition derbies on Labor Day have been a Mendota, Illinois tradition for over 50 years. This year's demo was held on Sunday, but the action was still intense, muddy, and hard-hitting.
Legendary driver, promoter Matt Ramer, and Mystery Machine driver Steve Schwemlein join EOYS to talk some smashing!
Jimmy DeAngelo returns to EOYS to speak about his decision to leave Parkland College for South Western Illinois College. He also has some hot takes on NBA playoffs, Chris Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Intro: Chase Sexton, High School tennis and cross country, Mitch Trubisky
Trystin Raikes, an Ottawa Marquette graduate, had an interesting August as he was named to the Parkland College All-Decade (2010-2019) baseball team and wrecked his mom's car because of a wind-placed log.
Intro: White Sox, Cubs, Albert Pujols, Leonard Fournette, James Robinson, Steve Nash, High School cross country, tennis and golf, Dellmus Colvin
New St. Bede volleyball coach Abbi Bosnich joins EOYS to chat about taking over a program and teaching during Covid-19. Plus she plays a game of Hot Potato.
Into: Introducing new sponsor Jamison Media Services, local high school swimming and cross country scores, R.I.P. Lute Olsen and John Thompson Jr., NBA Playoff update.
His birth certificate says Bob Barrows, but his real name is Chedda Bob. Chedda is a Pennsylvania native, who has been smashing cars in demolition derbies for over 20 years and makes a delicious steak. So he says...
Intro: Protests, Logic, DMX/Snoop Dog, Lucas Giolitto, Earl Thomas, Mike Trout, San Diego Padres, Brett Brown, Los Angeles Lakers, Giannis Antekempo, Nick Nurse
WOW! Episode 100! Thank you for everyone who has helped Edge of Your Seat Podcast get to this point. Thank you for listening and being part of the show!
The special guest for the special show is Kevin Chlum, NewsTribune sports editor, who may apply to be the next Zingbot in the Big Brother house.
For the first time since March, there are live high school sports! Excitement exists everywhere including from Hall golf coach Mason Kimberley. He talks about the beginning of the season and the Illinois Valley Men's Golf Championship, which he is a co-director.
Intro: White Sox, Cubs, Blackhawks, NBA Playoffs
Dave Garcia has coached at the high school level (Putnam County), the junior college level and at the Division I level. After a brief vacation, he is back in the dugout with Southwestern Illinois College.
Intro: NBA regular season ends, Kobe Bryant Day, R.I.P. Shannon
Justin Jacobson has many titles such as Mendota boys basketball coach, MHS assistant soccer coach, and teacher. Now he's adding more including professional-amateur fisherman and handyman.
Intro: Blackhawks, Undertaker, Kamala
Ottawa native Baley Lehr won his third-straight Illinois Valley Men's Golf Championship to stay undefeated. He discusses Tiger Woods, golfing his fiance, banking, and more!
Intro: MLB, NBA, College Football, Blackhawks, R.I.P. Mrs. Beals
In 1972 Tom Pomatto graduated Putnam County after his senior season on the baseball team. Fast forward to 2020 and Pomatto is still picking up victories on the mound.
Intro: Blackhawks advance, Cubs/Cards cancel, NFL opt-out woes, congrats to Brian Covelli
AJ Bollis practiced with La Salle-Peru and now he is preaching what he practiced to the University of Michigan-Dearborn men's basketball team. Bolis joins EOYS to share his hoops journey.
Intro: In the Dark, Breaking Bad
Kyle Bulfer went from throwing people around the football field at Mendota High School and Benedictine University to throwing together some mean cuisines in the kitchen. Chef Kyle talks food, sports, and family.
Intro: R.I.P. Seth Unruh and Jared Seggerman, lasagna
William Ronde Worrels has laid out a path of success on the football field at Princeton and has plans to go further as he committed to Northern Illinois University. The third generation WRW wants to make his initials great when others before him were not able to do so.
Intro: IHSA plans for sports
Nick Guerrini talks with host Brandon LaChance about growing up a Red Devil and now returning to coach the Hall football team. Plus a ton more!
Intro: R.I.P. Steve Self, Miami Marlins, Masks, Planet Fitness
Trent DeVenney, Bureau Valley graduate, is ready to hit the junior college golf courses with IVCC. He is also ready to call LeBron James a better basketball player than Michael Jordan.
Intro: Schools, MLB
Local basketball legend Brad Bickett talks about his time coaching with Bureau Valley and Rock Falls, his children, and his new roles with the Storm.
Intro: NASCAR, Kayne West for President
Kyle Salazar joins us from Texas to talk soccer, Call of Duty, and being invited to a tryout for an academy in the UK. The recent high school graduate is going to Mid-America Christian University in OKC, which won the 2019 NCCAA championship in December.
Intro: R.I.P. Jimmy Cleary, Quavo
Supercross/Motocross rider Chase Sexton recently won his second AMA SuperCross 250SX East Championship. Before the season was over, Sexton joined EOYS to talk about all things racing and much more!
Intro: Handmaid's Tale, Verzuz Battles, and Patrick Mahomes.
After three years as the Stockton football coach, Jesse Snyder returns to Princeton as an assistant coach where he once was the main man on the sideline. Snyder talks about his excitement to return to the Tigers and his outlook on his new role.
Intro, shout out to Doug Wagner aka Heavy D. Always with us, never forgotten.
After helping Hall win the IHSA 2018 baseball Class 2A championship, Brant Vanaman took a stop at Kent State University and is now playing with Parkland College. The slugger shares why he left Kent after his redshirt year and his excitement to be at Parkland. Plus more!
Jimmy DeAngelo, Hall graduate and Parkland College freshman, joins EOYS to talk about his short baseball season with the Cobras, E-Learning, LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, and his top MLB players.
In the intro, R.I.P. to three legendary coaches.
From softball to baseball to basketball and a few stops between, St. Bede softball coach Rob Ruppert talks about it all.
Host Brandon LaChance goes into detail about Episodes 7 and 8 of the Last Dance.
Jennifer Castle Escatel returns to share more stories about New York and fighting COVID-19. JCE is a nurse from Illinois, who is in Manhattan, NY seeing all she wants in terms of the sick, homeless, fantastic food, and speedos.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
St. Bede senior Charleigh Holmes reminisces her softball career and memories she made with the Lady Bruins. She also discusses her future, what she's watching on Netflix, fishing, and places she wants to hike.
Hall senior Marshall Walk joins Edge of Your Seat Podcast for the third time to speak about not being able to take the track during his last prep season, learning about Michael Jordan and more.
Mendota baseball coach Aaron Sester predicts the future before the NFL Draft, talks about The Last Dance, and mourns for his seniors who will not get to play their final high school season.
In the intro, the insane amount of ads on Facebook and the evolution of graphics.
Mendota baseball coach Aaron Sester predicted the future before the NFL draft, talks The Last Dance, and mourns for his seniors who will be able to play their final season.
Intro includes the number of ads on Facebook and the evolution of graphics.
Jennifer Castle Escatel, a licensed nurse, left Illinois to help battle the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. Castle Escatel shares events, scenes, tragedies, and comradery she never thought she would witness (34:16).
In the intro, Episodes 3 and 4 of The Last Dance, Chicago Bears' version of the NFL Draft, a new segment called the Crazy Story of the Day and more.
Tyler Towne has been everywhere from La Salle-Peru High School to IVCC to the University of Illinois. There are plenty of stories and laughter shared as Towne talks about athletics, his new job, and the emotions behind the court case of his father Brian Towne, who was the former State's Attorney.
Intro discusses the first day of the NFL Draft.
St. Bede baseball coach and La Salle-Peru teacher Bill Booker shares his thoughts on many topics including schools not returning for the rest of the school year, IHSA canceling spring sports state tournaments, fantastic baseball memories, and The Last Dance.
Volleyball coach Dawn Williams and Diane Vanderkooy, a former teacher and current officer, join EOYS to talk about Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
In the intro, it's all about The Last Dance, the docu-series about the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls!
Illinois State University sophomore Rachel Hickey shares stories, laughs, triumphs and disappointments through her La Salle-Peru and Redbird cross country and track career, coffee addiction and a cool way to waste $40.
The intro takes us all over the place from the ESPN Horse competition to the passing of WWE legend Howard Finkel with many stops between.
Host Brandon LaChance recorded the episode in the dark!
Thankfully, he spoke with former Hall football coach Randy Tieman for a light-hearted trip down memory lane as he walks away from the game.
This episode is action-packed with host Brandon LaChance talking about the Chicago Bulls moving Gar Foreman and John Paxson out of power roles and the NBA Horse Challenge.
Special guest is avid reader Lisa Lingelbach-LaChance (Aka, the host's mom), who breaks down some books including Jack Reacher and Harry Potter.
Jared Bell, former sports writer and current advertising representative, joins host Brandon LaChance to talk about everything professional wrestling from Wrestle Mania 36, who should be on the Mt. Rushmore and much more.
There is plenty of debate as the former colleagues don't agree often.
EOYS host Brandon LaChance is joined by former colleague Scott Anderson, who has been a photographer since 2004. The two talk fond memories, photos, and people.
In the into, LaChance talks about music he has been listening to lately.
Nick Deranek had an exciting first year as the Notre Dame men's basketball team's public announcer. We talk Fighting Irish, Fighting Illini and a ton more.
In the into, ranking Wrestle Mania 36 matches, an ad for a local fundraiser and R.I.P to Bill Withers and Tom Dempsey.
Austin Ploch joins the pod to talk about his La Salle-Peru bowling afterlife, which includes painting for MLB players and unintentionally almost burning down a bowling center?!?!?!?!
Instead of having EOYS host Brandon LaChance ask all of the questions, he is the one replying with answers. La Salle-Peru boys basketball coach Jim Cherveny steps in as a special guest host to find out who LaChance is.
Fieldcrest boys basketball coach Matt Winkler discusses this year's Elite Eight squad and teams, players of the past. Then FHS junior Jaxon Cusac-McKay joins EOYS to chat hoops, gridiron, food, video games, and favorite professional athletes.
Intro is an NFL free agency rundown. Enjoy!
IVCC women's basketball coach Josh Nauman shares his thoughts on his first year leading the Eagles and the differences between coaching men and women.
Also, how a nerd selects what to watch on Disney Plus, Shameless and much more.
Let's move away from the Coronavirus and get back to what we love...sports!
Princeton senior Brandon Haring and first-year coach Jason Smith join EOYS to talk about the season and the Tigers' upset victory over Kewanee in a regional semifinal.
Nick Izzo, a main cog to a company called F2, chats about what F2 offers to high school, college, and professional basketball players.
We talk about his name, his background, coaching against Zion Williamson and the Super Bowl.
In the intro, a tribute to Kenny Rogers with the help of Twitter and Facebook. Thank you!
Laura Wilsman, co-owner of East End - a small-town tavern in Illinois - talks about the state of small business as the Coronavirus has quarantined our society into homes. She also discusses what the future could hold for our society in general, watching Frozen II with her grandchildren and relives a few fond bar moments.
In the intro, host Brandon LaChance breaks down Wednesday's speech by Governor J.B. Pritzker.
The second part of the EOYS series documenting the effects of the Coronavirus features Hall alumna and Lewis University sophomore Erin Biccochi.
Biccochi shares the sudden change from attending classes and hitting the bowling lanes to sitting at home figuring out what happened so quickly. She shares a lot of opinions on how the country has went about this national emergency.
Host Brandon LaChance has caught up with a few former local high school athletes, who are now in college and have had to drastically change their lives as the coronavirus has shut down schools and athletics.
In Part 1, Putnam County alumnus and Loyola University (Chicago) sophomore Olivia Lawley breaks down her thoughts on the virus, her plan during the shutdown and what she'll be snacking on and watching during any downtime.
Warning: Lots of laughs!!
Host Brandon LaChance is joined by Roanoke-Benson athletic director and boys basketball coach Abe Zeller to discuss the Coronavirus and it forcing the IHSA to cancel the boys basketball state tournament, which R-B was in.
In the intro, boys 1A and 2A IBCA all-state teams and the Illinois Valley All-Star Game selections.
Who would have thought a virus named Corona, or COVID-19, would have the world on lockdown? After all sports leagues on all levels are suspended or canceled, host Brandon LaChance discusses the Corona Virus.
Also making an impact are guests Mitch Neally, Fieldcrest girls basketball coach, and FHS senior Hannah Baker. Neally shares a special moment with the memories of his grandparents and Baker gives us the perfect example of staying involved.
Shoutouts to Paul Hart, Jaxon Cusac-Mckay, Hanah Hart, Rhiannon Skoog, Brooklyn Ficek, Lauren Klein, Kassidy Brady, Trez Rybarczyk, the Fieldcrest, and Indian Creek boys basketball teams!
Ottawa senior wrestler Luke Fleming joins EOYS to talk about finishing fifth at state, his career at OHS and some favorites such as his all-time WWE go to and what he's selecting on Netflix.
Also, host Brandon LaChance shares his experience at an NIU women's basketball game on Wednesday and what he's been watching lately. He also breaks down girls and boys postseason basketball.
La Salle-Peru swim coach Rob McNally talks about his team and four of them making it to the IHSA State Final. L-P girls basketball coach Hollis Vickery and senior hooper Rhiannon Skoog join EYOS to chat about the hardwood and the future for the Lady Cavs.
Also have some playoff basketball updates!
The Indian Creek boys basketball team is creating program history as it was undefeated during the regualar season and is attempting to finish the season unblemished.
Before Friday's regional championship victory, IC coach Joe Piekarz and senior Cooper Larsen joined EOYS to talk about the winning streak and much, much more. Including Piekarz pitching in the Minor League before becoming a coach.
What a loaded show!!! Mendota girls basketball coach John Hansen, MHS junior Amellia Bromenschenkel, St. Bede girls hoops coach Tom McGunnigal and SBA senior Kassidy Brady join the pod.
There is plenty of basketball and weird food talk to go around!
University of Illinois baseball coach Dan Hartleb and sophomore pitcher Ty Rybarczyk give us a look at the Fighting Illini three games into the season.
Hartleb talks about an honor he was given in the offseason and the two Hall players on his team in Rybarczyk and Cam McDonald. Rybarczyk talks about his journey through baseball at Hall, Parkland College and now Illinois.
Putnam County/Hall sophomore Connor Brooker and La Salle-Peru seniors Ashton Kellett and Payton Piriano join host Brandon LaChance to talk everything wrestling and more.
Plus, St. Bede fish fry fundraiser and girls basketball playoffs!
Former EOYS cohost Tony Milus comes back to the studio for the milestone 50th episode to discuss NBA and MLB trades, Kobe Bryant's passing, NFL and March Madness!
Girls basketball playoff action, shout out to Mike Kilmartin and more in the intro!
Wrestling sectionals came and went, but not before EOYS spoke with five wrestlers and a coach about grappling and many other topics!
St. Bede senior Pete Sampson (13:03)
La Salle-Peru senior Parker Swiskoski (26:59)
La Salle-Peru senior Ayden Sines (38:51)
St. Bede junior Noah Setser (46:28)
Putnam County/Hall sophomore Connor Brooker (1:00.23)
Ottawa coach Pete Marx (1:09)
Mendota seniors Luke Ross and Dria Kuntz join EOYS to talk about the bowling regular season and the playoffs. Ross' career ended at boys sectionals two weeks ago, while Dria is playing in a sectional on Saturday.
Also, updates on Thursday and Friday girls basketball Class 1A and 2A regionals.
Princeton coach Steve Amy, junior Carli Wright, senior Cole Reynolds, and freshman Augie Christiansen join EOYS to talk about prep wrestling.
Wright chats about girls venturing into wrestling more than ever before, while Reynolds and Christiansen discuss last week's regional and the upcoming sectional.
Plus updates on Wednesday's Class 1A and 2A girls basketball playoffs.
Amboy junior Gabby Jones talks about the Lady Clippers (28-1) as they begin the Class 1A girls basketball postseason on Wednesday and La Salle-Peru senior bowler Cassidy Antle shares her excitement to bowl in Saturday's United Township Sectional.
Also, host Brandon LaChance updates Tuesday's girls basketball playoff action after sharing a life lesson or two.
Host Brandon LaChance goes through some girls basketball Class 1A and 2A quarterfinals from Monday before sharing conversations with St. Bede sophomore bowlers Trenton Acuncius and Veronica Martin, who just wrapped up their seasons.
Host Brandon LaChance breaks down Saturday's girls bowling and boys wrestling regionals and who advanced to sectional.
La Salle-Peru girls bowling coach Jim McCabe and sophomore Isabella Weber chatted about the regular season and the postseason before the regional. Tons of bowling and team-building knowledge shared by both!
St. Bede wrestling coach Sam Allen has been wrestling with his emotions as he guides the Bruins. On the mat, SBA just won the Super Duals and head into regionals with optimism it will have representatives at sectional.
Off the mat, the Allen family has wrestled with how Sam's wife developed a neurological disorder a year and a half ago and how to fully recover.
La Salle-Peru bowling coach Jeff Miller and his son Landen Miller, a junior at L-P, join Edge of Your Seat Podcast to talk about the season that just wrapped up at the bowling alleys and racing as Landen hops in a Go-kart.
In the intro, shout out to the top teams and player at the IHSA State Bowling Tournament, Mendota coach and teacher Brian Blumhorst gets his much deserved send off and junior Amellia Bromenschenkel continues to climb the all-time ranks.
EOYS host Brandon LaChance and guest Evan Carroll, a 2013 Mendota graduate, talk all sports including the Super Bowl, the Chicago Bulls, the College Football Playoff Championship, top college football QBs who stink in the NFL and much more.
When Brad Groleau graduated from St. Bede in 2013 he was like any other high school graduate, unsure of what the future holds. It unfolded a physical trainer job opportunity with the Kansas City Royals organization.
Groleau joins EOYS to speak about his journey through baseball.
Former Mendota player and coach Pat Beals stopped into the Edge of Your Seat Podcast studio after listening to Drive-By Truckers to talk about everything sports. He picks all-time Mendota boys and girls basketball teams and shares thoughts on Kobe Bryant, Chicago Bulls, Kris Bryant, and the Super Bowl.
Edge of Your Seat Podcast host Brandon LaChance discusses the life lessons he learned from Kobe Bryant and social media reactions to his tragic death.
We then go to the mat with La Salle-Peru wrestling coach Ed Wrobleski as he talks about his senior-laden team and the promise they have heading into the final month of the season.
St. Bede football coach, baseball coach, and teacher tells us about his experience of refereeing a high school basketball game at the United Center in Chicago.
Host Brandon LaChance begins the show by talking about Zion Williamson's debut in the NBA.
ENJOY!
Nate Stubler - a junior with the St. Ambrose University men's bowling team, La Salle-Peru graduate and the 2017 IHSA State bowling champion - talks about recently coming back from injury, his time with Junior Team USA, competing at the Adult Team USA trials and shaking off the burnt-out feeling after decades of bowling.
Intro includes host Brandon LaChance paying respects to Martin Luther King Jr., the NFL playoffs, The Mind of Aaron Hernandez and A Fall From Grace.
Hall senior Tea Cattani had to make a very tough decision about the college she will attend in the fall. She explains what she did to help with the decision and gives advice to others in the same boat.
In the intro, host Brandon LaChance talks a little local sports - including EYOS's first promotion segment - and a lot of national sports!
ENJOY!
Host Brandon LaChance is joined by his friend Joshua Doerle to talk about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Also, LaChance pays tribute to Rocky Johnson and Notorious BIG, and discusses Master Chef Jr, Good Girls, and Aladdin. #spoilers
ENJOY!!!
St. Bede sophomore steps away from the basketball court to talk about his and the Bruins play so far this season. Also, Hart and EOYS host Brandon LaChance draft All-NBA Teams.
LaChance talks LSU and Clemson during the game and NFL playoffs in the intro.
ENJOY!
Hall girls basketball legend Kailey Klein joins EOYS to talk about the Illinois Valley girls basketball Mt. Rushmore, her career and what she's doing now.
The Mt. Rushmore conversation began on Episode 26 with St. Bede girls coach Tom McGunnigal and carries over with a person most people put on the mount first.
ENJOY!
Mia Artman, a 2019 Mendota graduate, shares her experience of playing in the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater band at the NCAA Division III football championship. Plus more.
Host Brandon LaChance talks about the LSU and Clemson collision for the DI title.
ENJOY!
Everything Hip Hop with Hall senior and future Division I softball player, Hanah Hart.
Hart and host Brandon LaChance try to name their Top 5 MCs and talk about Hart's career and accomplishments as a Lady Red Devil.
Also, can you create a classic mixtape of songs nominated by you?
Ottawa boys basketball coach Mark Cooper talks about his Mendota heritage, his late father Robert Cooper and everything Ottawa basketball.
Intro: Host Brandon LaChance sends a shout out to Pat Beals, talks about Amellia Bromenschenkel dropping 41 points on Saturday and the NFL playoffs.
ENJOY!!!
Host Brandon LaChance puts St. Bede boys basketball coach Brian Hanson on the spot by asking which Hall of Fame quarterback does he take first?
Also discussed, St. Bede hoops, Jason Garrett, New Years, R.I.P David Stern. And more!
Hall boys basketball coach Mike Filippini joins us to talk about tournament basketball.
The conversation took place days after the Colmone Classic. The Red Devils won the Seneca Thanksgiving Tournament and are currently in the semifinals of the Marseilles Tournament.
Also, Filippini forces - influences - his daughters to go to the University of Iowa.
Mr. St. Bede Everything, Tom McGunnigal, and host Brandon LaChance discuss who they think are the best girls basketball players to ever play in the Illinois Valley.
Plus, LaChance also puts the IBCA Hall of Fame Coach on the spot by deciding a starting lineup consisting of girls he's coached in his 22 years with the Lady Bruins.
And more! ENJOY!!
La Salle-Peru senior Kamryn Olson watched her two older siblings play college sports as Katie Olson played volleyball at Grand Valley State and Jarret Olson is pitching for Michigan State. Now Kam is on her way to the Division I ranks.
Enjoy the discussion about the Lady Cavaliers' volleyball success, family legacy, rolls, and salad.
ENJOY!!!!!
Eureka College women's basketball assistant coach and former LaMoille-Ohio girls coach, Bobby Wilson, joins the show to discuss how basketball has molded his life and been a huge part of it every step of the way.
The Flint, Mich. native brings back memories with former NBA players from his home city.
ENJOY!!!
TJ Orlandi has been a long-time Red Devil as he cheered for them as a kid before becoming one himself and graduating from Hall in 1996. Now, he's the girls basketball coach and ready to leave a lasting first impression.
Orlandi talks about everything Hall including his player Hanah Hart scoring her 1000th career point.
Host Brandon LaChance discusses the newest soon-to-be New England Patriots scandal, Le'Veon Bell bowling instead of playing football and the Colmone Classic.
ENJOY!!!
La Salle-Peru boys basketball coach Jim Cherveny joins host Brandon LaChance to talk Cavaliers hoops, technology in 2019 such as phones, Snap Chat and Call of Duty, and the sports community in the Illinois Valley.
Also, corrections and R.I.P Juice Wrld.
ENJOY!!!!
Mendota picked up a 44-32 win over Princeton in a non-conference game Saturday in Mendota. Host Brandon LaChance talks with Mendota junior Amellia Bromenschenkel, PHS coach Tiffany Gonfigam and MHS coach John Hansen.
Bromo talks about scoring over 1,000 points and passing her sisters on the MHS all-time scoring list. Gonigam and Hansen both talk about their teams and what they've seen so far this season.
ENJOY!!!
Justin Jacobson began his first high school head coaching gig with the Mendota boys basketball team at the Seneca Thanksgiving Tournament. We talk Trojans, Thanksgiving and plenty of hoops with Jacobson!
Host Brandon LaChance laughs at the LeBron James and James Harden no call/call, is thrilled with the Chicago Bears win against the Dallas Cowboys and talks some college hoops with Ohio State/North Carolina.
ENJOY!!!
Princeton football coach Ryan Pearson had plenty of praise for his Tigers after an 11-2 season and a trip to the IHSA Class 3A semifinals. He also spoke about Thanksgiving and the recovery of his father, Tom Pearson, who fell 20-plus feet off of a later and was in ICU.
Before the conversation with Pearson, Brandon LaChance shares his thoughts of the Carolina Panthers firing coach Ron Rivera not being ESPN notification worthy and asks you to pick your three favorite and three least favorite characters on TV sitcom Superstore.
ENJOY!
Fieldcrest football coach Derek Schneeman chats about the Knights reaching the Class 2A semifinal and the football tradition the squad has built at the co-op high school and its communities.
Before Schneeman shares his coaching staff, players and their 12-1 season including snapping Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley's 31-game winning streak, co-host Brandon LaChance breaks down his trip to Rosemont to watch NXT Takeover and WWE Survivor Series, Thanksgiving and a few albums - Fabolous' Summertime Shootout 3 and Jim Jones' El Capo.
ENJOY!!!
Fieldcrest alumnus Drew Barth talks about his career with Fieldcrest and Eureka and he shares his excitement about this year's Knights.
Princeton senior offensive lineman and linebacker Matt Cihocki discusses Saturday's Class 3A IHSA semifinal football contest against Byron.
Cihocki also talks about his love for hockey and the Chicago Blackhawks and his concerns with the Chicago Bears.
ENJOY!!
Fieldcrest senior offensive lineman and defensive lineman Mason Faulk talked about Saturday's IHSA semifinal on the gridiron, strawberries, and concrete.
Co-host Brandon LaChance sends a shout out to Peyton Heagy and her performance at state swimming, the Fieldcrest and Princeton football teams -- which both play in semifinals Saturday -- and he talks about Chester Weger. If you don't know who he is, look up Starved Rock killer or murderer.
Also, LaChance talks IVCC women's basketball!
ENJOY!
La Salle-Peru sophomore Peyton Heagy qualified for Saturday's girls swimming IHSA State Meet in two events. She joins Edge of Your Seat Podcast to talk about the experience and her life in swimming.
Also, co-host Brandon LaChance talks about a few iconic NBA players in Carmelo Anthony's return and Vince Carter's legacy.
ENJOY!!!!!!
Mendota alumna Nickey Edgcomb joins the podcast to discuss rugby, SIU, being a butcher who is a vegan and much more.
Edgcomb just wrapped up the fall rugby season with the Chicago Lions, which have earned a spot in nationals during the spring.
ENJOY!!!
This episode of Edge of Your Seat Podcast has a little bit of everything. With La Salle-Peru senior runner and swimmer Ashley Heagy, we chat about cookies, dogs, bullet journaling and even some sports.
Fieldcrest senior left tackle Cam Milashoski breaks down the Knights Class 2A quarterfinal game and how the team has gelled all year.
ENJOY!
Notre Dame men's basketball public announcer Nick Deranek joins co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus to talk about the Fighting Irish, the World Series, and the Chicago Bears.
In a conversation taking place before the Bears and Lions game, Tony Milus breaks down a situation that actually took place during the game. Is it a lose/lose situation?
We will see this week when the Bears play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday!!!
Veterans Day is always an important holiday! Edge of Your Seat Podcast was lucky enough to attend a special ceremony for Private First Class Rylee Klema.
Klema graduated from Mendota in 2018 after leading the Lady Trojans to their first softball regional title. After the ceremony, she talked about her time at Mendota, what she is doing for schooling and her time as a member of the Army Reserve.
The second week of the Class 3A playoffs saw a huge football rivalry as Princeton and Hall went to war. Princeton won the tightly contested battle.
Edge of Your Seat Podcast spoke with Princeton junior quarterback Tyler Gibson, listened in on the Tigers' huddle after the game and talked to Hall coach Randy Tieman.
ENJOY!
Princeton's Ronde Worrels, Hall's Grant Resetich, and Fieldcrest's Kenton Castrejon talk playoff football with co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus.
Worrels and Resetich discuss the huge rivalry between Hall and Princeton as it continues in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs, while Castrejon chats about Fieldcrest and their battle with Elgin St. Edward in Class 2A.
Lots of awesome moments in each interview! ENJOY!!
Earlville boys soccer coach Larry Heiden answers all kinds of questions about his Red Raiders after they made a sectional final for the second straight season. Heiden is super stoked about his team and shared his enthusiasm with Edge of Your Seat co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus.
LaChance breaks down the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Bulls and has a few Illinois Valley updates.
ENJOY!!!!
Hall senior Marshall Walk and the Red Devils football team are ready to go to war Saturday (today) in the first round of the playoffs. Walk talks about the team's rushing attack with Cole Wozniak, Austin Heinecke and himself.
Also, there is talk about other local football teams in the playoffs and a "WOW" moment with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
ENJOY!
La Salle-Peru seniors Ame Ernat and Olivia Ernat and junior Lauren Klein competed at the IHSA State Tournament last weekend. In three separate interviews, co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus chatted with them about their state experience.
Also, LaChance shares a life-changing memory and respect is paid to John Witherspoon.
Football is on the brain! First, co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus discuss the Chicago Bears - the one-point loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and what's next for Mitchell Trubisky, Eddy Pineiro and Matt Nagy.
Then, the guys chat with La Salle-Peru football coach Jose Medina about the Cavaliers making the playoffs for the first time since 2009, Saturday's first-round game against better-seeded Rochester, being from Mendota and coaching a team 15-minutes away and much more.
Co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus talk Illinois Valley sports as the fall season winds down. S-Dub makes his grand debut and brings some topics for the guys to discuss. Who will be the World Series MVP, which living athlete would the guys like to meet and much more!
From golfing with a potato masher and a Wiffle ball to countless hours swinging clubs to becoming a four-time IHSA State Meet qualifier, Ian Roach shares some of his golf legacy with co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus.
Yes, we used the word legacy for a senior in high school. Check out the episode for a great chat with a great young man!
Co-hosts Brandon LaChance and Tony Milus talk about Mendota boys soccer defeating DePue-Hall for its third regional title in four years with interviews from MHS goalkeeper Yanni Karahalios and coach Nick Myers, and D-H coach Martin Moreno. Milus and LaChance also talk World Series, White Sox improving, Cubs falling apart and the disappointing Bears. As in every show, they speak about a few brief non-sports topics at the end.