April 18, 2026 • 11 mins
Jack Michaels, Mike Berg and Paul Ralston from the UND FB Spring Showcase
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
On the Fighting Hawks Radio Network.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
This is North Dakota Fighting Hawks Football's Spring showcase.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Oh Weed over the headlock preserved, Holy Cow.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
The Pathlic Counties town has sucked.
Speaker 4 (00:15):
They sucked him.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
That's fun to see. Fighting Hawks football is on the air.
Un d Football is being brought to you by North
American Coal Mining Coal for a Better Future, The Grand
Forks Herald, Bear's Home Solutions Jr. Simplott, We contribute to
feeding our world. Petro serb Usa fu Leid, un D Athletics,
(00:41):
Right Dell proud partner of North Dakota Athletics, and by
bud Light Easy to Game Day.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
North Dakota football is also being presented by First Community
Credit Union. Life is Better with Community Chields, proud partner
of the Fighting Hawks and Football Fans Everywhere as an
as transport official carrier of North Dakota football. Sanford Health
the proud healthcare partner of North Dakota Athletics, by the
(01:10):
North Dakota Beef Producers Beef Real Fuel for Real Athletes,
Northland Potatoes Proud to fuel North Dakota Athletics, and by
Farmer's Union Insurance Simply different.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
From the Fritz Pollard Athletics Center. Here's Jack Michaels.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
And am pleasant good afternoon. The Spring Showcase is underway today,
indeed from Grant Pork's North Dakota and there, I say,
almost standing room only today. The anticipation of the excitement
is this University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks club showcasing
their talent today, a chance to gauge the development and
certainly continue those position battles. One more looks thee at
(01:52):
this club. The spring ball has become the Spring Showcase.
And a pleasant, good afternoon, Jack Michaels. Indeed, with Mike
and Paul Rowls today we're getting the van back together.
I like this in spring coach, what an awesome time.
You know. We sit out here today and I'm not
getting you look down to your ride and Paul and
I over here and the stands are packed, people on
the railings. They're looking at the first round of the
(02:16):
scrimmage today and the drills. Mike would get you excited
about the Spring Showcase? What do you want to see today?
Speaker 1 (02:23):
We?
Speaker 5 (02:23):
First of all, Jack, I don't think the three of
us are the only ones excited about this football team.
There's a lot to look forward to. I think this
season for me, from where they first started today as
practice number fifteen, had a chance to go through this roster,
see the new players and get a sense of where
they're at. And I'm optimistic, So I'll just leave it
(02:45):
at down. I like that, Mike Paul, great to see you.
You know, for Eric Schmidt and quote unquote the Eric
Schmidt era, you know, the don passed from Bubba Schweiger
to Eric Schmidt. We've seen some of you know, the
various staffs and coaching and Danny Froyn coming back.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
But last year was that first run. I almost like
that that that pop quiz for Eric Schmidt, a how
did he pass from a culture standpoint from the junkyard dog.
Now does it feel like the feed are firmly on
the ground and you're seeing that progression?
Speaker 4 (03:14):
Yeah, I think one of the things that North Dakota
did a year ago. While you know, there were challenges
down the stretch as the season got harder, remember they
still got into the FCS playoffs, were able to advance
all the way into the second round. And right now
Coach Schmidt has already put down the marker with this
program and with this staff. Trust me, they're not sneaking
(03:35):
up on anyone. Now heading into year two, it seems
maybe a little I've had a schedule compared to where
maybe football took us years ago, where he had to
really build. Building is instantaneous now almost from year to year.
And coach Schmid has gotten FCS college football's attention with
this group that he's put together because they feel that
they can be a part of the conversation further into
(03:57):
December and maybe even January. And that's really really exciting,
not only for the fan base, but it certainly gets
the rest of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the
rest of FCS football's attention.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Wasn't that long ago that we were in Texas in Tarleton,
And of course the memories Mike of you know, the
injury to Lance Rucker during that game. There's an ambulance
on the field and he came back in the second
half and then sitting on a gurney and then stayed
of the game. And then you saw Tarleton obviously a
very good program. So the season comes to an end,
(04:29):
but I think, as Paully alluded to Mike, we have
seen a if not a leaping pad, if you will,
And as you mentioned there are no secrets anymore. You're
not going to hide the fact that this program is
definitely taking steps forward.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Coach.
Speaker 5 (04:44):
Yeah, let's just go back a year a year ago
when we were sitting here wondering what to expect from
this Eric Schmidt led team and a new defense, lots
of new players. On thinking about college football, college athletics. Nowadays,
everything changes and it changes overnight sometime. So I think
they've made a lot of progresses for roster has been
fortified and they're able to actually get the kids they
(05:08):
want now. They're not settling, they're getting the kids that
they want to bring in, and this program is reflecting
this coaching staff.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
During our broadcast today, certainly we will will break down
some of those positions and position battles. Will hear from
Danny Freud, the return of Danny Freud. As things change,
some things stay the same. So good to see Danny.
He's in charge that offense.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
There.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
There's a moment everywhere. Look, we live in a day
and age of nil. Coaches aren't quite sure who they're
going to have, probably from your end to year out,
and even that goes from the coaching staff too. So
those coaches that were here that have moved on, certainly
wish them the best in their new endeavors. But Danny
Freun's returned didn't take long for him to acclimate himself
to that where the position Bantle is going to be.
(05:52):
We'll talk about that. I think the running back room
is an interesting room. Who's going to be the quote
unquote feature back. We'll talk with Danny about that poll
and you know who. Maybe it is a little mix
of everybody, because there are some different types of backs
out there. Can the wide receivers, you know, maybe step
up and concertain guys he emerged to maybe take a pressure
or two off Jerry Kaminsky and other things of that
(06:14):
nature too. The tight end group, I think is extremely strong.
The ol line, the d line, Rutgers back, that of
course made the front page of every news over there.
But Paul that that's kind of what we're here to
do today, no doubt about it.
Speaker 4 (06:25):
And I think if you look at Danny Freud, who
we're hoping to visit with a little later in the broadcast,
is that I think he feels pretty good coming back
to a program where the offensive line has enough pieces
that's seen a lot of snaps in their careers already
you can work with that. And number two, you talk
about the different looks at running back. I think they're
all good, but boy, they've got to be excited to
run behind that line. And for Danny, he can formulate
(06:49):
and I think for Danny being away from the program
for a handful of years in order to get a
different perspective of maybe how other programs do it and
kind of the different rhythms and ten, I'm really gonna
be excited to see on the offensive side, what is
the Danny Freyd tempo now? Is are they gonna mix
it up? Are they gonna be to make this game
shorter possessions? If they want to slow down or do
(07:11):
they want to go fast sometimes? Or how do they
want to do it with Danny Froyd. The other interesting
thing that I'm looking on the defensive side of the
ball for coach Schmid and his staff is the inside linebackers.
Malachi McNeil leaves a huge hole. I don't care. You
don't really fill it when you have had a Malachi
McNeil to rely upon over the years. But I think
they've got some good players that they're looking at, and
(07:33):
I think they're excited to see how they evolve, not
only here through the spring campaign, but also here in
the upcoming summer and into the fall camp.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Before we break and come back and said the scene,
I'm gonna pitch it to Mike here in a second
to talk a little bit about what we are going
to broadcast to you today, the drills, what they're gonna
go on. I've already seen Jerry Kaminski on a series
already through a nice little ball there moments ago, by
the way, on a long deep pass on the edge,
and I think it was Caleb Goodlow, a receiver that
outed in with a one hand the sidelights, so back
(08:02):
to the receiver. Thought that was good to see. But
Mike got bumped into Jim kleinsaucer and then just put
the rest of all fans, uh. He doesn't have any
more eligibility for college, so don't worry about that. But
from the category, coach, you know you're getting older wind
and I see you minds after his boys out there,
red shirt pressman, I said, Jim, I think we're all
(08:23):
going to retire when we start broadcasting, Like the grandchildren
are great grandchildren above athletes, right.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
I first saw Jim when he was younger than his
son is now, was in this same place but a
state track meet. So yeah, things do change.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Mike real quick before he break and come back, and
as well mention we'll hear from Danny Freyn, we'll hear
from Sean Costis. Certainly we'll hear from Eric Schmidt a
little later on, as well as the head coach. But
Mike on the showcase, and you're at mostly every practice
leading up to this spring showcase. The makeup of what's
going to go on today, and we've already seen a
couple of series so far.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Yeah, it's not a spring game.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
There is.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
There is no more spring game, I don't think anywhere
in college football. Maybe in a couple of those places
where they fill up a stadium, but no, it's all
set up with scenarios down in distance. The idea is
get a look at everybody on film. Everybody going full
and playing football. It's live, but get everybody on film,
and so we'll see different scenarios. The defense can score
(09:25):
points by just getting a three and out causing you
to punt. Special team situations will be manipulated where it
won't be full teams. We'll just get to look at
some specialists. And so it's a glorified practice. It's highly scripted,
it is officiated. But the people I think that are
here watching are going to get what they want because
they're going to get to see these players, and that's
(09:47):
what they're interesting.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
What they just saw. Moments ago you probably heard the
ibroandoo plaus and now Commitsky going deep. This will be
incomplete pants intended for Caleb Goodlow, that's the former bowling
green Man. But when I just saw that the last
couple of plays, one was that quick slant to Goodload.
That's the second time Jerry Kaminski has connected with him.
But on that same side in that particular play, Mike,
(10:08):
you had Dang Dang and Goodlow of the whiteouts, and
those are two good bodies, and Dang Dang might be
one of those boys, Mike that takes a big leap
this year.
Speaker 5 (10:17):
I put myself in the defensive coordinator position and think,
what are we going to do to defend these guys.
You better have a good secondary. What you better do
is get a rush on that quarterback because if he
has time, those guys are gonna catch it and they're
gonna make big plays.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Goldon Brenellan to carry their off tackle. So good to
have you with us today on a spring football showcase
from the Fritz Pollard Athletic Center. Jack Michaels, Fike Berg,
Paul Rowlston, the great Tracy Pie. You're producing our game.
We'll be back as we continue our broadcast today from
this beautiful, beautiful facility on the campus of the University
of North Dakota. Today it is the Spring Football Showcase,
(10:52):
and you've got the front row seat of the Fighting Hawks.
Rudio Network
On the Fighting Hawks Radio Network.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
This is North Dakota Fighting Hawks Football's Spring showcase.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Oh Weed over the headlock preserved, Holy Cow.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
The Pathlic Counties town has sucked.
Speaker 4 (00:15):
They sucked him.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
That's fun to see. Fighting Hawks football is on the air.
Un d Football is being brought to you by North
American Coal Mining Coal for a Better Future, The Grand
Forks Herald, Bear's Home Solutions Jr. Simplott, We contribute to
feeding our world. Petro serb Usa fu Leid, un D Athletics,
(00:41):
Right Dell proud partner of North Dakota Athletics, and by
bud Light Easy to Game Day.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
North Dakota football is also being presented by First Community
Credit Union. Life is Better with Community Chields, proud partner
of the Fighting Hawks and Football Fans Everywhere as an
as transport official carrier of North Dakota football. Sanford Health
the proud healthcare partner of North Dakota Athletics, by the
(01:10):
North Dakota Beef Producers Beef Real Fuel for Real Athletes,
Northland Potatoes Proud to fuel North Dakota Athletics, and by
Farmer's Union Insurance Simply different.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
From the Fritz Pollard Athletics Center. Here's Jack Michaels.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
And am pleasant good afternoon. The Spring Showcase is underway today,
indeed from Grant Pork's North Dakota and there, I say,
almost standing room only today. The anticipation of the excitement
is this University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks club showcasing
their talent today, a chance to gauge the development and
certainly continue those position battles. One more looks thee at
(01:52):
this club. The spring ball has become the Spring Showcase.
And a pleasant, good afternoon, Jack Michaels. Indeed, with Mike
and Paul Rowls today we're getting the van back together.
I like this in spring coach, what an awesome time.
You know. We sit out here today and I'm not
getting you look down to your ride and Paul and
I over here and the stands are packed, people on
the railings. They're looking at the first round of the
(02:16):
scrimmage today and the drills. Mike would get you excited
about the Spring Showcase? What do you want to see today?
Speaker 1 (02:23):
We?
Speaker 5 (02:23):
First of all, Jack, I don't think the three of
us are the only ones excited about this football team.
There's a lot to look forward to. I think this
season for me, from where they first started today as
practice number fifteen, had a chance to go through this roster,
see the new players and get a sense of where
they're at. And I'm optimistic, So I'll just leave it
(02:45):
at down. I like that, Mike Paul, great to see you.
You know, for Eric Schmidt and quote unquote the Eric
Schmidt era, you know, the don passed from Bubba Schweiger
to Eric Schmidt. We've seen some of you know, the
various staffs and coaching and Danny Froyn coming back.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
But last year was that first run. I almost like
that that that pop quiz for Eric Schmidt, a how
did he pass from a culture standpoint from the junkyard dog.
Now does it feel like the feed are firmly on
the ground and you're seeing that progression?
Speaker 4 (03:14):
Yeah, I think one of the things that North Dakota
did a year ago. While you know, there were challenges
down the stretch as the season got harder, remember they
still got into the FCS playoffs, were able to advance
all the way into the second round. And right now
Coach Schmidt has already put down the marker with this
program and with this staff. Trust me, they're not sneaking
(03:35):
up on anyone. Now heading into year two, it seems
maybe a little I've had a schedule compared to where
maybe football took us years ago, where he had to
really build. Building is instantaneous now almost from year to year.
And coach Schmid has gotten FCS college football's attention with
this group that he's put together because they feel that
they can be a part of the conversation further into
(03:57):
December and maybe even January. And that's really really exciting,
not only for the fan base, but it certainly gets
the rest of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the
rest of FCS football's attention.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Wasn't that long ago that we were in Texas in Tarleton,
And of course the memories Mike of you know, the
injury to Lance Rucker during that game. There's an ambulance
on the field and he came back in the second
half and then sitting on a gurney and then stayed
of the game. And then you saw Tarleton obviously a
very good program. So the season comes to an end,
(04:29):
but I think, as Paully alluded to Mike, we have
seen a if not a leaping pad, if you will,
And as you mentioned there are no secrets anymore. You're
not going to hide the fact that this program is
definitely taking steps forward.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Coach.
Speaker 5 (04:44):
Yeah, let's just go back a year a year ago
when we were sitting here wondering what to expect from
this Eric Schmidt led team and a new defense, lots
of new players. On thinking about college football, college athletics. Nowadays,
everything changes and it changes overnight sometime. So I think
they've made a lot of progresses for roster has been
fortified and they're able to actually get the kids they
(05:08):
want now. They're not settling, they're getting the kids that
they want to bring in, and this program is reflecting
this coaching staff.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
During our broadcast today, certainly we will will break down
some of those positions and position battles. Will hear from
Danny Freud, the return of Danny Freud. As things change,
some things stay the same. So good to see Danny.
He's in charge that offense.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
There.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
There's a moment everywhere. Look, we live in a day
and age of nil. Coaches aren't quite sure who they're
going to have, probably from your end to year out,
and even that goes from the coaching staff too. So
those coaches that were here that have moved on, certainly
wish them the best in their new endeavors. But Danny
Freun's returned didn't take long for him to acclimate himself
to that where the position Bantle is going to be.
(05:52):
We'll talk about that. I think the running back room
is an interesting room. Who's going to be the quote
unquote feature back. We'll talk with Danny about that poll
and you know who. Maybe it is a little mix
of everybody, because there are some different types of backs
out there. Can the wide receivers, you know, maybe step
up and concertain guys he emerged to maybe take a pressure
or two off Jerry Kaminsky and other things of that
(06:14):
nature too. The tight end group, I think is extremely strong.
The ol line, the d line, Rutgers back, that of
course made the front page of every news over there.
But Paul that that's kind of what we're here to
do today, no doubt about it.
Speaker 4 (06:25):
And I think if you look at Danny Freud, who
we're hoping to visit with a little later in the broadcast,
is that I think he feels pretty good coming back
to a program where the offensive line has enough pieces
that's seen a lot of snaps in their careers already
you can work with that. And number two, you talk
about the different looks at running back. I think they're
all good, but boy, they've got to be excited to
run behind that line. And for Danny, he can formulate
(06:49):
and I think for Danny being away from the program
for a handful of years in order to get a
different perspective of maybe how other programs do it and
kind of the different rhythms and ten, I'm really gonna
be excited to see on the offensive side, what is
the Danny Freyd tempo now? Is are they gonna mix
it up? Are they gonna be to make this game
shorter possessions? If they want to slow down or do
(07:11):
they want to go fast sometimes? Or how do they
want to do it with Danny Froyd. The other interesting
thing that I'm looking on the defensive side of the
ball for coach Schmid and his staff is the inside linebackers.
Malachi McNeil leaves a huge hole. I don't care. You
don't really fill it when you have had a Malachi
McNeil to rely upon over the years. But I think
they've got some good players that they're looking at, and
(07:33):
I think they're excited to see how they evolve, not
only here through the spring campaign, but also here in
the upcoming summer and into the fall camp.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Before we break and come back and said the scene,
I'm gonna pitch it to Mike here in a second
to talk a little bit about what we are going
to broadcast to you today, the drills, what they're gonna
go on. I've already seen Jerry Kaminski on a series
already through a nice little ball there moments ago, by
the way, on a long deep pass on the edge,
and I think it was Caleb Goodlow, a receiver that
outed in with a one hand the sidelights, so back
(08:02):
to the receiver. Thought that was good to see. But
Mike got bumped into Jim kleinsaucer and then just put
the rest of all fans, uh. He doesn't have any
more eligibility for college, so don't worry about that. But
from the category, coach, you know you're getting older wind
and I see you minds after his boys out there,
red shirt pressman, I said, Jim, I think we're all
(08:23):
going to retire when we start broadcasting, Like the grandchildren
are great grandchildren above athletes, right.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
I first saw Jim when he was younger than his
son is now, was in this same place but a
state track meet. So yeah, things do change.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Mike real quick before he break and come back, and
as well mention we'll hear from Danny Freyn, we'll hear
from Sean Costis. Certainly we'll hear from Eric Schmidt a
little later on, as well as the head coach. But
Mike on the showcase, and you're at mostly every practice
leading up to this spring showcase. The makeup of what's
going to go on today, and we've already seen a
couple of series so far.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Yeah, it's not a spring game.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
There is.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
There is no more spring game, I don't think anywhere
in college football. Maybe in a couple of those places
where they fill up a stadium, but no, it's all
set up with scenarios down in distance. The idea is
get a look at everybody on film. Everybody going full
and playing football. It's live, but get everybody on film,
and so we'll see different scenarios. The defense can score
(09:25):
points by just getting a three and out causing you
to punt. Special team situations will be manipulated where it
won't be full teams. We'll just get to look at
some specialists. And so it's a glorified practice. It's highly scripted,
it is officiated. But the people I think that are
here watching are going to get what they want because
they're going to get to see these players, and that's
(09:47):
what they're interesting.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
What they just saw. Moments ago you probably heard the
ibroandoo plaus and now Commitsky going deep. This will be
incomplete pants intended for Caleb Goodlow, that's the former bowling
green Man. But when I just saw that the last
couple of plays, one was that quick slant to Goodload.
That's the second time Jerry Kaminski has connected with him.
But on that same side in that particular play, Mike,
(10:08):
you had Dang Dang and Goodlow of the whiteouts, and
those are two good bodies, and Dang Dang might be
one of those boys, Mike that takes a big leap
this year.
Speaker 5 (10:17):
I put myself in the defensive coordinator position and think,
what are we going to do to defend these guys.
You better have a good secondary. What you better do
is get a rush on that quarterback because if he
has time, those guys are gonna catch it and they're
gonna make big plays.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Goldon Brenellan to carry their off tackle. So good to
have you with us today on a spring football showcase
from the Fritz Pollard Athletic Center. Jack Michaels, Fike Berg,
Paul Rowlston, the great Tracy Pie. You're producing our game.
We'll be back as we continue our broadcast today from
this beautiful, beautiful facility on the campus of the University
of North Dakota. Today it is the Spring Football Showcase,
(10:52):
and you've got the front row seat of the Fighting Hawks.
Rudio Network
Popular Podcasts
Betrayal Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com