Full Show - 12/20/2025

Full show from the Donovan & Jorgenson Heating & Cooling Studio: Saturday, December 20th, 2025

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome into the Varsity Blitz.

Speaker 2 (00:01):
High school sports show is always presented by your local
Pick and Save and Metro Market stores. Coming live from
the Donovan and Jorganson Heating and Cooling studios. So if
you listen to my stuff, you know I love this
time of year right playing great Christmas music. Thanks Spencer
for that. And a lot of family time. My wife

(00:23):
does most of the work and I just try to
help out when I can. And then next week, December
twenty seventh to twenty ninth and the thirtieth, it's the
Wby Shootout Wall the Wall Basketball and we're talking to
a number of coaches from around the state of Wisconsin
that are going to be coming in for this year's
Wby Shootout. And nine ten or so, we'll talk to

(00:45):
Andrew Gibbons from Freedom. At ten twenty. Tim Landern from
beaver Dam is going to join. It's nine forty. Dan
Wandry from Brookfield Central. At ten o'clock, we'll introduce you
to our current electric superhero the Week, and she's impressive.
Man from Creek High School should be in studio with us.
We'll then talk to the head basketball coach from Columbus
Catholic and talk to ten forty Jake Holton, guy that

(01:09):
I coached over at Dominican a zillion years ago. He
is the head coach at Living Word Lutheran. We're going
to start the show with a guy that I get
a chance to talk to every year this time of year,
and I'm just a big fan of Matt Clarner from
Appleton Xavier. Not only look, he's a heck of a
coach man and last night he won his three hundredth game,

(01:31):
and what a perfect time to have him on his
team will be coming in the December twenty ninth at
they're going to play a Notre Dame at Concordia in
the wby shootout, and then the thirtieth they'll play Thomas
Moore and he'll have to go against Tony Tony Main,
who's the coach over at Thomas More. That's always a

(01:53):
really good matchup. We're now joined by Matt Clerner, the
head coach at Apple and Xavier. Three hundred in fourteen years,
first time in WI a history.

Speaker 1 (02:03):
Coach. Congratulations, how you've been.

Speaker 3 (02:06):
Hey, good Morton, Mike, thanks for having me on to
give you this year. Happy holidays you guys, and thanks
for making a big deal out of high school hoops.
I just I love the fact that you guys are
are putting in the time and the effort to do this.
I think it's it's really neat, really special that you
do that. And I know a lot of people out
there probably know that the local media has kind of,

(02:28):
you know, gone away from high school sports and define
the coverage and define the publicity. For these athletes put
in so much time to their craft, it's harder and
harder each year, I think, And you guys do a
great job. So I really appreciate you and your staff.
They're putting this, putting the show together as usual.

Speaker 4 (02:45):
Yeah.

Speaker 3 (02:46):
Yeah, We're excited to come down again, get a couple
of games in down at Concordia. You know, you know
this this is not the tournament you go to if
you want to pad your resume, right, this is a
tournament you go to if you want to play against
the big boys. You want to play against the top
teams around, play against big schools, top schools, top players.
And uh, it's it's exciting for our boys to go

(03:06):
down there and play and compete. And and you know,
we don't know, you know, how the games will go
and then ultimately we're not really worried about it. We're
just going down there to battle, get better and have
some fun with how.

Speaker 2 (03:16):
To break well and look Mark Biller, I don't think
there's anybody better, right, I just not only as how
he does his thing with high school sports and high
school basketball and boys basketball, but just.

Speaker 1 (03:28):
As a man, just as a guy, he's as good
as they get.

Speaker 2 (03:32):
And and the fact that he does this every year,
and I thank him for allowing me to just be
involved on a small way to be able to promote it.

Speaker 1 (03:40):
But I think you're right, Matt.

Speaker 2 (03:42):
If you want to pat your stat and you want
to get a couple of easy wins, you don't come
to the WYSO dot because you get you're gonna play
Notre Dame and Thomas Moore. You know you're gonna have
your hands full and your kid's gonna get a chance
to come play on a college course, right because you're
always getting ready for the playoffs, and if you get

(04:02):
as deep as Xavier a lot of times gets, you're
gonna have to play on a college size court. So
it's it's a little bit different. You get a chance
to do a little team bonding. These kids getting a bus,
come on down. We're going to get to hang out together,
talk a little bit about Christmas, talk about playing Notre Dame,
And I think there's so many good things that happen,
especially for teams that come from from you know, Xavier,

(04:25):
and come from all over the state of Wisconsin to
play against really good competition in front of big crowds.
And it just makes sense to me that you guys
come down every year, and I thank you for that.

Speaker 3 (04:37):
Yeah, of course we look forward to that. We love
to get some tough matchups in and again we look
forard these matchups. We know Notre Dame obviously, big school,
a lot of athletes, a lot of size, a lot
of skill, and then Thomas More obviously, you know, we
like playing those teams from Milwaukee too. It's a different
brand of basketball than the Valley. Just it kind of
his and it's good for us to see the and

(05:00):
the quickness and the skill that those teams have. So,
you know, excited about the draw, excited to get two
great basketball games in and uh, our guys will be
ready to compete.

Speaker 1 (05:10):
Hey, can we talk about this year's team real quick?
Look at it.

Speaker 2 (05:15):
It looks to me like, well, you look your your
team is it's it's a younger team. Your juniors are
obviously doing really really well. But when you look at
at at your team and and whether you've got one
kid Logan ramcheck Is is leading you in points, assists, rebounds.
He's a kid that right now is playing at a

(05:37):
really high level. And and you you got to love
the way he comes to work every day. And and
if you're a kid who's leading the team and assist
points and rebounds, you obviously are are the kid that
people are going to look to try to take away.
But when you've got a number of kids that are
averaging double digits, that's hard to do. But Logan Is

(05:59):
is kind of the the kid who's making your team
go right now.

Speaker 3 (06:03):
Yeah, I mean, if if you know, if the fans
out there want to see a bunch of six seven
sixty eight kids battling in the post our game, and
our team would be one to definitely avoid this year.

Speaker 4 (06:13):
For sure.

Speaker 3 (06:14):
We have we have a bunch of kids who are
six foot one, six foot one and a half with
shoes on, and they play really tough, They play really hard,
and they really get after it. And you know, really
proud of the group that we got and and and
you're right, we do have a lot of juniors playing
and some sophomores, and and you know that there's there's
some youth there for sure, But the kids are really scrappy,

(06:36):
really playing hard, and I'm proud of of the improvements
they've made you over the last month. And you mess
mentioned Logan. He's obviously a special player. We think he's
an all state level player. He's leading our team and
like you said, just about everything, and he's also leading
our team in the locker room. He's also leading our
team on the floor. You know, last night we played
a Plymouth team that is really really strong and will

(06:58):
be one of the top one or two teams in
there conference. And they come in with a thirty point
game scorer, and you know, Logan steps up and says,
I want to guard that guy. I want to be
ready to get to defend them that end. So it's
not just the offensive numbers and the stats there, it's
also getting it getting it done on the defensive end.
So this is a two way player, complete player, and
I'm a really exciting player to watch it. If people

(07:19):
want to come see a great player play, you know,
great opportunity to catch him down in Milwaukee.

Speaker 2 (07:24):
You know, Coach, I've I've watched your teams over the years,
and what I love is it it doesn't matter if
you've got six, eight, six, seven, you guys play hard,
and you guys a lot of times pick up full
and you trap and defensively. I watch how much work
you guys. In fact, I've come up to a couple
of practices over the years, and I watch how much

(07:46):
how much time you guys put in defensively, and and
how hard these kids go at it at practice, and
and the fact that look, you're you're you're number six
through ten. These guys are getting after it as well
because you're fighting for time on this team. And when
you've got a bunch of kids six, two, six, three,
even five eleven that are all willing to give up

(08:07):
their bodies on the defensive end to be able to
get time on this team, it's a really fun style
that I enjoy watching. And I come out every year
and watch you guys play. For that, and the fact
that you guys don't have the kind of size and
you've got to really kind of be tougher in the
in the paint because you don't have a kid six
I mean I looked at your roster and six' three

(08:28):
might be stretching a little. Bit you might, have you might, Have,
yeah you might be six, two to be honest with,
You But i'm telling, YOU i love the style of.
Play and when you got kids that are all buying,
in that's when you kind of have the success that
you guys are having right.

Speaker 3 (08:42):
Now, yeah and then that's what we love about our.
Program you, know we built a program that we have
kids coming through that are. Hungry and whether or not
they're six foot six or they're six foot zero or
they're five foot, eight you, know they're they're. Hungry they
want to Play zavior. Basketball they believe in what we
do and they go out and compete and and that's that's, fun,
right no matter what the scoreboard says end of the,
day that's. Fun it's a fun brand to, play and

(09:02):
our kids work really hard and we're proud of.

Speaker 2 (09:04):
Them, hey let's talk real quick about The Bay. Conference
the only loss on the schedule so far as Against,
seymour and you get a chance to play them at
their place on the. Twentieth in this Coaches we Don't january.
Twentieth as, coaches we don't look, ahead but we work
ahead that that's a really good basketball team At, seymour

(09:26):
And i'm sure you guys are looking forward to getting
another shot at.

Speaker 3 (09:30):
Them, yeah they're one of the best teams in the
state for. SURE i, mean they got, size they got,
shooting they really have the complete. Package they're really. Impressive
and our conference is really. Good fox And Eye lusion
is really good this. Year New london is really good this.
Year it's a STRONG ba conference and a lot of
a lot of tough battles head for. Us so, yeah,
no we're excited about the. Schedule we're excited about our

(09:51):
non conment, schedule which is super, tough and and you, know,
yeah we're just we're looking forward to to tough battles
every night and excited about getting the two games down
in that one next.

Speaker 2 (10:00):
Week, coach IF i IF i talked to you fourteen
years ago and, said, hey in fourteen Years i'm gonna
have you on a radio show and congratulate you for
three hundred wins in fourteen, years you would have told
ME i was out of my, mind.

Speaker 5 (10:14):
Right.

Speaker 3 (10:16):
Ayes and B back, THEN i was just trying to win.
One you, know that's how it. Goes you, know you're
just trying to find a way to win. ONE i
know how hard these other schools, WORK i know how
hard their kids work in the off. SEASON i know
the talent.

Speaker 4 (10:28):
They have beside they.

Speaker 3 (10:29):
Have it is really difficult to go out and win
a varsity basketball.

Speaker 4 (10:33):
Game it just. Is it's.

Speaker 3 (10:34):
Hard no events or much about. It so, yeah you,
know don't we don't necessarily count, Them we don't necessarily
worry about how. Many but you want to win, one
the one that's in front of, you and then if
you succeed or you, fail if you flip your gears
and you plan for the next. One that's just kind
of the coaching. Life AND i guess it shows you
that if you do it over a long enough period

(10:55):
of time and you got kids sit buy in and
work hard and have some, TALENT i guess they they
stack up over time without even realizing.

Speaker 2 (11:02):
It and coach For, Look i've been around high school
basketball a long. Time xavier is always on somebody's circle, list,
RIGHT I, mean it's not like you haven't had a
ton of success for. Years so in that conference and
non conference people circle it and. Go, look if we
get a chance to Bet, xavier you're getting everybody's best.

(11:22):
Game and for the first time IN wiaa history in fourteen.
Years he, read three hundred victories in fourteen years At
xavier is a big, deal AND i wanted Mad on
to be able to congratulate, him his, staff his, school
and these players that have made this. Happen Merry christmas to.
YOU i look forward to shaking your hand down At

(11:43):
Concorda university AND i appreciate the time you give me
this time of, year every.

Speaker 4 (11:48):
Year.

Speaker 3 (11:49):
COACH i appreciate you, guys appreciate all you're. Doing and,
yes looking forward to that handshake next week and have
a great holiday. Season, okay you got.

Speaker 2 (11:58):
It Merry, christmas coach. Man one of the good guys out.
There Matt, clarner head coach At, xavier we're gonna before
we get to a, break wanted to reach out To Andrew,
gibbons the head coach At. Freedom he'll be coming in
for the wby shootout as. Well Hey, andrew how you doing?

Speaker 4 (12:14):
Today, Hey i'm.

Speaker 5 (12:17):
Good thanks for having me on.

Speaker 2 (12:18):
Man you, bet thank you so. Much tell me a
little bit about this year's. Team, obviously when people talk about,
freedom you, know there's one player that everybody wants to talk.
About BUT i gotta tell, you, Coach i've had a
chance to Watch Donovan davis, play and he's awfully talented,
man and he's a guy that everybody tries to. Stop

(12:38):
but this is more than a one person, team And
i'm really impressed with with your full roster and the
guys you got. Playing are you pretty happy about how
the team is playing so?

Speaker 5 (12:49):
Far, yeah, obviously you know we're in that first third
of the year or. So he alluded To donovan being super,
talented which is is a blessing to. Have is awesome
to coach a kid like, that, Right but but you
alluded to. It our whole program is, awesome where you,
know we have a ton of great kids on and
off the, floor so you, know lucky to be able

(13:11):
to coach them day in and stay.

Speaker 2 (13:12):
Out, hey, coach talk to me a little bit About
Northeastern conference with little shoot and writes town and it
kind of falls in wat. Packet there's some really good
basketball that's played in That Northeastern.

Speaker 5 (13:25):
Conference, yeah our league is you, know year, in year,
out this is this is year three for me being
At freedom and you, know familiarizing myself with THE. Neec you,
know the thing that stands out to me is just the.

Speaker 6 (13:38):
Coaches.

Speaker 5 (13:38):
Right, well there's a lot of great coaches in our,
league and you know for sure every team is going
to be prepared and ready to play each. Night so
that's a challenge for, sure.

Speaker 2 (13:47):
Coach when when you go eighteen to zero conference like
you did last, year LIKE i just talked To Matt,
carter like everybody circles the game with, you especially in that.
Conference they want to be the team that breaks that
win heat. Streak and you understand that wherever you go
at this, point especially when you've got a big Time
division one, player you're going to get everybody's best. Game

(14:11):
and when you come down to the wby, shootout Obviously
Mark miller identifies that, that, look this is a really good.
Team but you guys get a chance to Play Brookfield
central and we'll have we'll have Coach wandrey on at
nine talk about his. Year but, look you're gonna get
everybody's best. Game and and your kids are now they're being.

(14:33):
Hunted they're not to. Hunt they're not, hunting, right you're you,
know when you go into a gym At, wrightstown that
place is going to be, packed probably sold. Out how
are your kids handling that kind of?

Speaker 5 (14:44):
Pressure, YEAH i don't. KNOW i think that's something we
talk about every, day, right just kind of preparing for
that moment and with what that's like to be ready
to play in big. Games and we can use it
to our advantage to a certain, extent, right like than
the way we.

Speaker 3 (15:01):
Prepare every day in.

Speaker 5 (15:02):
Practice we can, say, hey we're gonna get everybody's best,
shot like you, said and it's, fun you, know if
you spend it that, way it's it's a fun challenge
for the kids to really.

Speaker 4 (15:11):
Embrace.

Speaker 2 (15:12):
Right, YEAH i agree with, That and there are some
kids that that love, that and you can see by
the way they play and how they get themselves prepared
every day at. Practice and there there might be some
kids that are, like, man, like we're getting everybody's band is,
here everybody's cheerleaders are, here the places, packed and they

(15:32):
get it takes them a while to kind of ease into,
that especially if they're on the younger. Side but WHEN
i look at at at your team AND i look
at at guys that are putting up really good. Numbers,
again it starts it's it certainly starts with With, davis
but it does not end. There AND i love the
fact that there are other kids on this team that

(15:53):
are doing all of the things that that they have
to do as far as boxing, out playing.

Speaker 1 (15:57):
Defense it's it. It donovan's not going to be able
to put.

Speaker 2 (16:01):
Up forty every, game, right and they are gonna be
certain teams that are going to take him away from
the basket and maybe keep him to a fifteen point.

Speaker 1 (16:10):
Game but then there are other.

Speaker 2 (16:11):
Guys that are going to have to put on the
shoes and hit big shots And, coach are you surprised
at all by by some of the role players that
are really kind of stepping up and playing very well
For freedom this?

Speaker 4 (16:23):
Year?

Speaker 5 (16:25):
Surprised? No you, know LIKE i mentioned, EARLIER i have
a lot of confidence in all the guys in our,
program and you, Know i'm not surprised to see some
of our guys have having the success that they're, having.
Right we have a lot of confidence in those guys
and they're going out there and they're.

Speaker 2 (16:42):
Performing, yeah you, know when you look at at the age,
too that a couple of players averaging double figures, juniors you,
know along With, davis who's averaging twenty five a. Game
but that junior class when AND i don't know if
any of these other juniors played varsity the Way Downovan
david did as a. Freshman but when you came, in

(17:02):
you had to be pretty comfortable with that freshman class
that there was some. Talent and now they're, juniors everything
is slowed down for. Them did some of those juniors
play varsity as freshman with you as?

Speaker 5 (17:13):
Well, Yeah Caden vandenberg is the other current junior that
played varsity as a. Freshman but, yeah like you, mentioned
WHEN i got, here it was their freshman year and
it was, clear you, know ONE i think there were
sixteen or seventeen freshmen that year that came out and
it was clear that it was going to be a strong.
Class and you, Know i'm super fortunate to have walked

(17:34):
into that.

Speaker 6 (17:35):
Situation.

Speaker 2 (17:36):
Right, Well, hey, COACH i thirty six YEARS i, coached
AND i had some high level players and to walk into, that, yes,
yeah you were blessed to be able to do, That
but to be able to manage that locker, room, coach
there are guys that used to say to, me, MAN
i WISH i had the kind of talent that you,
Have AND i, said, look you see me On, Tuesday

(17:57):
you see Us tuesdays And, fridays and See monday And
wednesday and over the. Weekend there's a lot to, that
especially when you have some players with that have the
kind of talent that he. Has and now there are
big time college coaches coming to practice and come into,
games and there Is, look there are some long nights
with some of.

Speaker 1 (18:18):
That at least there were for.

Speaker 2 (18:19):
Me AND i think that people that look at you
walking into having this class and this individual player and they, go, oh,
man that's so. Lucky, well there are some expectations and
there are some pressure that's involved in. That And, COACH
i give you a lot of credit because it's more
difficult than people that just come to watch you On

(18:42):
tuesdays And saturdays And fridays and they're gonna come to
watch you play in THE Wi, shootout don't. Understand AND
i hope that you're enjoying this journey because there are
some tough things that go with.

Speaker 5 (18:54):
It, yeah for, SURE i appreciate all. That, yeah like you,
said there's there's definitely some stuff you know that with
all coaching right behind the, scenes it's hard, work but
that's kind of what you sign up. For and LIKE i,
Said i'm lucky to have a group of awesome players
in the program and and even the families and. Parents,
right it's it's been a joy to be here In,

(19:15):
freedom and, yeah just super.

Speaker 2 (19:17):
Fortunate you're never going to answer this, question But i'm
going to ask it. Anyway any idea Where Donovan davis
is going to go to as when he Leaves?

Speaker 5 (19:26):
Freedom, YEAH i can't, help but a little. Bit THERE
a great, question, RIGHT i always tell, him you, know
this is this is your this is your, deal, right
go where you where you feel like it's going to be. Home,
man whatever feels best for, you you should. Do and
if you ever ask for, Advice i'll you, KNOW i
can give him some, thoughts but at the end of the.

Speaker 1 (19:44):
Day it's his.

Speaker 2 (19:45):
Call, WELL i had the opportunity to coach gr blownt
over At. DOMINICAN i know that he's been To freedom
a few times with The Iowa state. GROUP i Think
donovan would look great and red and, white BUT i,
Look i'm A badger, fan but that's just My if
he wants advice from an old retired, coach a grandfather of.

Speaker 1 (20:06):
Six you have him call.

Speaker 5 (20:07):
Me all, RIGHT i will certainly do.

Speaker 2 (20:10):
That, HEY i look forward to shaking your hand over
at The wby shootout and, guys if you want to
See freedom play On december twenty seventh at four forty
five Against Brookfield central WHEN i get Coach wandry on
at nine forty are you going to play zone play?
Man CAN i give him some tips on how you're

(20:31):
going to play them on the twenty?

Speaker 5 (20:32):
Seventh, no please. Don't speaking of great, Coaches Coach, wandry's you,
know one of the best to do it in our,
state so he doesn't need any.

Speaker 2 (20:40):
Help, Yes, Andy i'll kick this coverage by a. Mile
amy's way too good For i'm just. Kidding they're just
one of my favorite people in the, world Is Dan.
WANDRY i gotta be honest with, You, Hey, andrew thank
you so. MUCH i look forward to to saying hello
to you on the twenty, seventh and Certainly Merry christmas
to you and your family and good luck the rest of.

Speaker 1 (20:59):
Them.

Speaker 5 (21:00):
Way, yeah thank you so. Much great talking to, you
AND i have a Merry.

Speaker 1 (21:04):
Christmas thank, You.

Speaker 2 (21:05):
Andrew, gibbons the head coach At. Freedom we're gonna get
to a break the other side of the. Break Ti Tim,
landrum the head coach at Beaver, Damp we're gonna talk to.
Him i've not had him on the, SHOW i don't think,
ever AND i look forward to talking to. Him they're
Playing waterford on the twenty seventh of The Wby, shootout
and we'll get a chance to talk to him and

(21:26):
find out How Beaver dam's doing this. Year and then
on the twenty night they're playing At, schwabanon so they
get two games At Concordia university for The Wby. Shootout
this is The Varsity Blitz High School Sports, show presented
by your Local pick And save And Metro market, stores
only On Fox sports ninet twenty and Your iHeart radio.
App welcome back to The Varsity Blitz High School Sports,

(21:48):
show presented by your Local pick And save And Metro market,
stores coming live from The donovan And Jorgenson heating And Cooling.
Studios go To Donovan jorgenson dot com any issues you
have with YOUR. Hvac i'm a big fan of their maintenance.
Program for under two hundred, dollars they'll come out twice a.
Year make sure your furnace is ready to. Go make

(22:09):
sure your air conditioner is ready to. Go Donovan jorgenson Dot.
Com today's, show we're really highlighting this YEAR'S Wby, shootout
looking forward To december twenty seventh to twenty ninth and the.
Thirtieth It's Wall thewall basketball At Concording. University now to
Thank Mark miller for allowing me to be a part

(22:29):
of this thing in a small way of just promoting
all these really great, teams good coaches coming out In
december twenty, seventh twenty, ninth and. Thirtieth one of those,
coaches AND i don't Think i've had him on in the,
past but IF i, have it's just Because i'm old
AND i have. Forgotten the head basketball coach At Beaver.
Dam He's Tim. Landrum eighteen years he's been out, there

(22:51):
So i'm sure i've had him on over the. Years, hey,
coach how you been?

Speaker 7 (22:55):
Good, mike how are you?

Speaker 1 (22:56):
Doing i'm doing really.

Speaker 2 (22:57):
Well, yeah thank you for a couple of minutes of
your time two games this. Year this Year you've, got,
Man you're playing some good. Competition this YEAR'S Wy shootout
nine to. Fifteen On december twenty, seventh you play a
water for team That i'm very familiar, with and you
have your hands.

Speaker 1 (23:15):
Full for sure with that.

Speaker 2 (23:16):
Team, hey, coach talk to me a little bit about
this year's team and how you guys are are Playing so,
far so, good, right only one blemish Against. Wantakee you
went up To wantakee and and it was a really
close game and it got beat fifty six fifty.

Speaker 1 (23:32):
Four but other than, that been playing pretty.

Speaker 6 (23:34):
Well, yeah off to a good.

Speaker 7 (23:37):
Start really happy with where we're. At, YEAH I wantakeee
games things a little, bit lost the lead late, there
and of course It's Jana key and you, know everybody
knows how great their program is and what they do over.
There and lose a tight one over on the road
there in the conference game was tough on. Us BUT
i thought our guys spot's back really, well really like
where we're at right, now playing good, basketball and really

(24:01):
excited for this tough stretch here coming up over the.

Speaker 4 (24:03):
Break.

Speaker 2 (24:04):
Yeah, Well i've got a favor to ask, You and
my producer is gonna laugh WHEN i asked. This the
twenty second you travel to Play usburg AND i asked
you to BE i want you to get a win, there.
Coach the worst thirty six years, coaching the worst LOSS
i ever had was To, usburg AND i want to
Fly dutchman to take a loss on the twenty second

(24:24):
Of december when you go out there and play, Them
so do be a, favorite get a win.

Speaker 7 (24:29):
There, well do the best we can. Either that's a
really good basketball team up. There we played them At
hold last, year so it's a return date for us
and going up there and they're seven and oh or
eight and no going into this One, Monday so really
really good basketball team is gonna be a great. Game
we're really excited about. It, really our focus has been

(24:51):
there because we know what kind.

Speaker 4 (24:52):
Of team they're.

Speaker 2 (24:53):
At, coach and you'll get this more than people that
are listening if they haven't.

Speaker 1 (24:58):
Coached you've been at Beaver.

Speaker 2 (24:59):
DAY i am, Eighteen and IF i told, you, hey
what's the best win you ever, had you'd go on Now.
No but IF i said what's the hardest was, Wash
you'd be able to give you the top, five like
off the, cuff, Right.

Speaker 6 (25:13):
Yeah for.

Speaker 7 (25:13):
SURE I mean that's one of the things with, coaching
right it's you, know you always remember the. Wins for,
sure you remember a lot of great, moments but it
always seems like the, tough those tough moments of getting
beat and tough losses things like that are always the
ones that you remember the. Most you, know that's what
coaching is all. About. Though there's a lot of ups and,

(25:34):
downs and there's certainly a lot of downs when it
comes to. Coaching but the ups, are you, know dealing
with kids and create relationships and those types of things
always outweigh some of those. Losses so it is a
tough grind year in and year. Out it's hard to Believe
i've been doing in eighteen, years to be honest with,

(25:54):
you But i'm certainly proud of what we've built over
here At Beaver dam and the kids we've Been i've
been bless to work.

Speaker 2 (26:00):
With, hey, coach will we come out and watch you
guys play at the W By Shootout and you have
two games out, there and AND i just think when
we when we talked To Matt clariner From, zaver he, said,
look if you want to if you want to pad
your your win, total don't come to the W B Watch.

Speaker 1 (26:18):
Shootout Because Mark wheler has.

Speaker 2 (26:20):
The best talent coming in you Get waterford and then
asch waban.

Speaker 1 (26:24):
On two really good.

Speaker 2 (26:25):
Teams but when people come to watch your team, play,
coach what kind of style are.

Speaker 1 (26:30):
We going to?

Speaker 2 (26:30):
See and let's talk about some of the players that
are making The Beaver damn team.

Speaker 7 (26:34):
Go, yeah for, Sure uh you know style. Play we're
we're pretty, gritty grinding out.

Speaker 4 (26:41):
On the defensive.

Speaker 7 (26:41):
Side it's been a long time Since.

Speaker 4 (26:44):
I've had some.

Speaker 7 (26:45):
Size i've actually got some size this. YEAR uh sophomore
Benwitt nabel at sixty six And Isaiah younger junior at sixty.

Speaker 4 (26:51):
FOUR.

Speaker 7 (26:52):
Uh E J salatl was sixty. Three who is a
senior for your senior? Kid one of our two year
four year varsity players uh seen. Years ej just passed
a thousand points the other. Night tremendous player at both
ends of the, floor can really. Score he's averaging twenty
a game right now for. Us really really great player
on both. Ends he's got a lot Of division three

(27:15):
looks right, now and just a really really great. Kid
and Then Parker blank is our other senior four year varsity.
Player parker is a, tough tenacious defender and can score as.
Well he's averaging about fourteen a game right. Now but

(27:35):
one of the toughest defenders you're gonna, find just a
really toughest nails. Kid he's getting up playing football over
At carroll after his senior season here with. Us so
two great seniors that lead. Us you, know we returned
seven of our top nine from a year, ago so
we've got a lot of experience, there which has been really.

(27:58):
Helpful we've had a bit of a grinder of a,
schedule i think to start the, season especially inside the,
conference so we've been really we're kind of blessed to
have the amount of talent back so that we have
some experience and can kind of build on the things
that we did last.

Speaker 2 (28:15):
Year, yeah, Coach i'm looking at your schedule and then you,
know as every high school basketball, Geek i'm.

Speaker 1 (28:22):
Looking i've got The Wisconsin basketball.

Speaker 2 (28:24):
Your book Because Mark miller puts it together and it's
so good and it's, like you, know it's like a
bible for guys like you AND. I but when you
look at your schedule and you look at The Badger large,
conference he's Got Wanta kee predicted want to Keep, Monona Grove,
Beaver damn And oregon.

Speaker 1 (28:43):
And your first three conference.

Speaker 2 (28:45):
Matchups, Yeah, Monona, Grove Wanta key And. Oregon And i'm,
like man who put this schedule?

Speaker 4 (28:52):
Together, yeah that's, why.

Speaker 6 (28:55):
You, know having that.

Speaker 7 (28:56):
Experience LIKE i, SAID i, mean we've not only do
we have the, seniors we've got two three year junior,
kids And Isaiah younger And Jackson ladrin that are all
that have both been varsity kids since they were. Freshmen
and Then ben Wit nables our fifth starter of the
sophomore who played the list last year and got significant
minutes as. Well so you, know having those guys were

(29:17):
in our top seven last. Year so having guys like
that been around the block a little, bit it certainly
makes the, coaches you, know heart race a little. Less you,
know when you see the schedule come out and who
you're playing out of the. Gate The Badger large is very.
Difficult every. Year there's always great size in The Badgery large.
Conference so this year having some size to combat that

(29:38):
really helps.

Speaker 2 (29:40):
COACH I and, again looking at your, schedule obviously you
had a good idea that having that many players coming
back had been part of the program for a. While
but when you look at the non conference, GAMES i
Mean cantimori And luther's really good and you beat them
sixty age sixty, one and then you go To usburg

(30:00):
and Then waterford Ash Wabanon minasha and Then Whitefish bay
who's playing, Well winnebeg Of.

Speaker 1 (30:06):
Lutheran you're not shining away from.

Speaker 7 (30:08):
Anybody, yeah and we Got Ashkash north from the back
end of.

Speaker 1 (30:12):
That, OH i see. THAT i just saw. That, Yeah so.

Speaker 7 (30:15):
We you, know we felt, like you, know it's one
of one of those things you go out each you
got to try to schedule the best competition you can
try to make your kids is as good as possible
by the end of the. Season see whether you're making
a run for the conference championship or you're trying to
make a run of the, tournament that you're in your
best spot you can. Be you, know sometimes that doesn't
always work that way. Either in eighteen, YEARS i feel

(30:37):
like at Times i've overscheduled at times and the Times i've.
Underscheduled and it's just one of the things of being a.
Coach but you, know our kids have handled it well so.
Far we had a really tough stretch here coming. UP i,
mean the two teams at The wby are really. Good waterford's. Loaded,
yeah anytime you anytime you beat a team Like Tosa,
WEST i mean that's that says a. Lot and then you,

(31:00):
know and then Sh wabanon is one of those programs
that you know a year in and year, out it's
gonna be really really. Good so we were really happy
to get those type of quality, teams which you're always
gonna get w at the W B y. Anyway but,
yeah that's gonna be really challenged over the, break and
we're really looking forward.

Speaker 2 (31:16):
To, that you, know, Coach AND i don't see a
lot of times when you look at somebody's, schedule there might,
be you, know a three week span where you've got
some pretty easy games back to back to.

Speaker 1 (31:26):
BACK i don't see that with you.

Speaker 2 (31:29):
Guys i'm looking at it and there might be one
here and then all of a, sudden you, know two days, Later,
yeah you know you're Playing Manona grove, again or you
know you're getting want To key, again or you're Getting oregon.
Again it's it is a schedule that's going to test this.
Team and do you feel like this team will be
playing your best basketball down the, Stretch, well we certainly.

Speaker 7 (31:52):
Hope SO i you, KNOW i think that's part of
the great part about The Badger Large conference is that
there's a lot of depth in there. Too can't go
out on a night and give your c effort and
expect to win and so and THAT i think that
hardens you as a. Group you, know, obviously we with
our hopes of being a conference champion down the road

(32:13):
here and and being at lost behind With wanakey. Already,
uh you know we know that night in the night
out that those are these games tend to be kind
of must win games. Already so you, know our guys
got to be ready to go each, night and that
conference provides. That but also, yeah down the, stretch, RIGHT i,
mean we want to try to make a run in
the in the in the, tournament our section is absolutely, loaded,

(32:36):
loaded you. KNOW i, know you GOT i, know you
got Coach wandry in. There they knocked us off last
year in the. Tournament Cosa west is in that, group you.
Know so there's there's a lot of loaded. Teams, Mononda
mount horebes in, there McFarland's in. There it's just it's
a loaded. Group so we'll have to be playing well
at the back end and that's the.

Speaker 2 (32:55):
Goal, yeah, guys if you want to watch Beaver dam,
play gapportunities and hopefully they get that win Against, seusburg
that would make me feel just a little bit. Better
but On december twenty seventh at nine to, fifteen they
got the late Game waterford against Beaver. Dam And i've
Seen waterford and again they're really. Talented that's going to

(33:17):
be an awfully, good awfully good game for. Sure and
then they get a chance on the twenty ninth in
the afternoons start three point fifteen against Ash. Wabanon get
out and watch Beaver dam play because you might you
might see them deep into the. Playoffs, Hey, tim thank
you so much for a couple of minutes of your.
Time Merry christmas to you and your.

Speaker 7 (33:36):
Family, Yeah, Mary christmas to you and your family and
your staff over there as. Well and thanks for all
you do price with. SPORTS i really appreciate.

Speaker 1 (33:43):
It you got. It, Thanks.

Speaker 2 (33:44):
Coach we're going to get to a break speaking To Dan.
Wandry he's coming up. Next we'll talk to the head
basketball coach At Brookfield. Central this is The Varsity place
high school sports, show presented by your Local pick And
save And Metro market stores, only On Fox sports and
Your iHeartRadio. App welcome back to The Varsity blitz high
school sports show presented by your Local pick And save

(34:06):
And Metro market stores only Have Fox Sports night twenty
and Your iHeartRadio. App talking w By shootout and any
CHANCE i get to talk to Coach Dan wandry From Brookfield,
CENTRAL i take full advantage of. It, hey, coach how you.
Been Merry christmas to, you your family and grandkids and.

Speaker 4 (34:25):
Everybody good, Morning, Mike Merry christmas to you and all
of yours as. Well we're doing really well this, Morning.

Speaker 2 (34:32):
Matt, well feel pretty good after a really good win
last night against a defending state. Champion WHILE Toasa. West
you go to their place and get a good. Win
that that makes you sleep a little bit, better doesn't.

Speaker 4 (34:45):
It, WELL i was sleeping fine until we had to
mention that they're they're defending states after beating us last. Year,
yeah they they, are and they're very. Good and, uh
you know WE u we have a very senior dominated.
Team you, know we have five, seniors one of who's

(35:05):
injured right. Now but you, know we start four seniors
and you, know two of them are are really key.
Players and you, know it's early in the. Year we
talked about that at being early in the, year but you,
KNOW i Know i'm supposed to be much better than
this and more, mature but probably am still not over
that loss from Last. March so you, know a game

(35:28):
like that maybe takes on a little bit more to.
You but just really proud of how our guys were
kind of dialed in and locked in right off the.
Bat we had a great, start jumped out to a big,
lead and you, know they made a couple of little
runs throughout the, game but we really STARTED i think
it was sixteen to two to start the, game and
we never really relinquished. That, so, yeah it was great

(35:51):
and good, environment two really good, teams and so it
gets you off to a good holiday break.

Speaker 1 (35:57):
Start, YEAH i.

Speaker 2 (35:59):
Agree and the next time you guys are gonna, play
you're playing Against freedom and and you, know, look we
we Had Andrew gibbons on and everything starts With davis for,
them but they've got some other guys that can straight
up play four forty five on the twenty seventh Of.
December you'll enjoy Your christmas. Holiday BUT i know you

(36:21):
coach you AND i have known each other for one hundred.
Years you're gonna be opening, gifts but you're gonna be
thinking should we should we trap him when he gets
the ball short? Corner should we pressure those? GUARDS i
know that that's gonna be on your. Mind freedom is
an awfully talented basketball, team And Mark beller does a great,
JOB i, think especially When i'm talking from the media,

(36:44):
side of putting really good matchups. Together he's always got
something special for Brook. Central when you guys go over
and play the W by, Shootout.

Speaker 4 (36:53):
Yeah you, know first of, all, RIGHT i mean it's
a great, event, RIGHT i just think of you know of.
THIS i think he started back at The al McGuire
center At. MARQUETTE i remember going to watch it WHEN
i wasn't even coaching boys. Basketball yet he's always done
a great job getting the top teams in and you, know,
AGAIN i think the coaches all deserve a lot of credit,

(37:15):
too because you, know you kind of put your faith
In mark's hands and and he you, know he plays
kind of you know, magic you will you know he.

Speaker 1 (37:28):
Does so he does that magic dealer thing really.

Speaker 4 (37:32):
Well, yeah he does right and and, again and like you,
know the longer you're in this in this, job in
this world as professional every want to call, it, right
like you kind of sit back and reflect and, RIGHT i,
mean it's it's just an honor for us that we
get invited every. Year, mark like you, said he's always you,
know we've we've always played top competition, there which we

(37:54):
welcome and we like to believe we fit into that.
Category and so it's. Fun we usually have a you,
know a primetime. Game you, know four forty five is
all the last. YEAR i can't remember OUR i think
we Played Appleton north the first game and we followed
The Nicolay Westallis central games and guess the crowd was

(38:15):
maybe a little disappointed in our game after that. One
but so, yeah it's great and, yeah and you talked
about you, know freedom obviously coming off of state tournament,
appearance and you, Know Donathan donovan is just the real,
deal and you, KNOW i know that THEY i, mean
they're well, coached they're going to be, ready and they you,
know we're not gonna not going to get a whole

(38:35):
lot by. Them so we just you, know we talked
with our guys all the time about you, know everything
is a little step in the, journey and we scheduled
we are we started the year in two this, year,
right and our second, game you, know we get on
a bus and drive to The, dallas you, know to
play a team From, Dubuque, iowa who you, know laid

(38:55):
the wood to us for a while. Before we kind
of figured it, out and we just talked, about you,
know putting ourselves in that, situation ESPECIALLY i said, Earlier,
right we have a very veteran. Team we've got guys
who have been, around they know our, system they know
what we, Expect they've been in big time basketball, environments
and we want to just keep putting him there because

(39:16):
if we want to do what we want to do
by the end of the, year there's no better experience
than these type of.

Speaker 2 (39:22):
Events, hey, damn when people think about this year's, team you,
Know Henry gritzmeyer's averaging twenty six or SOMETHING i think
a game twenty a, games something like, that and has
committed TO Uw Green. Bay i've watched this kid develop
and my, goodness he's put a lot of time into

(39:44):
his game and he is a different player now than
he was two years.

Speaker 4 (39:48):
Ago you're exactly, Right, Mike henry deserves so much, credit you,
know he. Has he's worked really, hard you, know within our,
program outside our, program with you, KNOW aau world and
trainers and just you, know his dad happens to be
the principal of our. School so you, Know i'll get
a text or a little video on a you, Know

(40:09):
saturday at four o'clock that There's henry and his dad
in the gym or you, Know sunday night or. Whatever but,
yeah he deserves all the tread and he is just
he has started out the year playing at an unbelievable.
Level his, offensive the variety that he's playing. With, now you,
know he's been pretty much a low post, guy which,

(40:31):
AGAIN i mean when you're six' eight and the way he,
can play we're gonna we're gonna put him down there quite.
A bit but he's got a great mid. Range game
now he's made, some threes, you know and you, talk about,
you know being a young guy and playing up through
a program like ours and finally getting into be your,
senior year there's just A different i, don't KNOW like
i can't can't really. Describe it he's. JUST playing, i

(40:55):
mean obviously there's a confidence, to him but there's just
a presence that, he has. You know, so yeah we we're,
right now we and we we're not shy. About it,
you know like we're in that locker room, last night and,
you know we Know What tolsa west is bringing with
their defensive pressure and on, the ball and like we
are Playing, through henry like the ball has to go,

(41:18):
in there. You know and you know he's had he's had,
you know the first game of, the year he had,
thirty points. Eight assists, you know he's had another game
where he's had. Six assists so he's not just getting
the ball And saying i'm scoring at all. Costs here,
you know he understands that he's going to get a
lot of attention and he's using it to make his.

(41:38):
Teammates better so that's a lot.

Speaker 2 (41:39):
Of, fun hey and we're going to talk about a
couple other, Players OBVIOUSLY but i remember the first game
his sophomore year and you Guys Played wisconsin Lutheran and
conk nippling THAT and i talked to you after the
game and we kind of smiled because, that game, you
know it was a little bit big for him to
start his his, you know be a starter on varsity as,

(42:01):
a sophomore and he was kind of like gangly and
AND and, i, thought man he's going to grow into.
This body and he certainly has. Done that AND and
i would assume if he went back and looked at
that first game where he Played Against wisconsin lutheran and canippling,
that group he, would, Go look i'm not even close
to the same player. LIKE he i hope that he

(42:24):
understands how much work and how much better he has
gotten over these.

Speaker 1 (42:28):
Two YEARS and.

Speaker 4 (42:30):
I think he does all the, you know you started
this out, by saying you always take opportunity to talk
to me when. YOU can i always thought we. Were
friends you keep bringing up all these Brutal LOSS like
i got a. COUPLE others i got a couple of
others we can talk about if you really. Want to
but you're gonna you're gonna ruin.

Speaker 2 (42:45):
The, move hey let's talk about the state championship, against me.
Nominee faults let's let's get.

Speaker 1 (42:50):
THAT one i.

Speaker 4 (42:51):
Appreciate, that no you're you're right On with henry and
you don't, want like, YOU know i mentioned his dad's,
Are principal brett's really, you know support he's great with.
Our program but, you know we had our little signing
Ceremony with henry Going To, green BAY, and i, YOU
know i, talked about, you know the pressure and expectation,
of that like everybody Knows Who henry, gritsmacker is because

(43:13):
everybody knows whose dad, is right and that, you know
YOU and i have talked about coaching, our kids our
sons and our daughters and how that brings. Some pressure
Now obviously henry's not, my son but, you know, like
again his dad's omnipresent in, our, world yes and so
he's handled that. Really well and. WE talked i talked

(43:34):
about that with him, that, like look you've earned all,
of this, you know through your work and and you
know the the faith and the confidence that we as
a coaching staff have in him and what, his play,
you know what his teammates have put. Into him, you
know that's. All stuff because, YOU know, I laugh, i'm,

(43:55):
old right and not. These kids i'm so old that
this probably isn't even the same. Really anymore but like
kind of like, you know ball, don't lie you, know
what that kind, of stuff and along, those lines like,
You know henry's performance, isn't, lying, right like so his
teammates and the way teams are defending him and playing
him like that is telling the story of, you know

(44:18):
how hard he's worked and, you, know, so yeah we're
going to throw them, The, ball.

Speaker 1 (44:22):
HEY coach a couple of the a couple of the
guys that really making this.

Speaker 2 (44:26):
Team go, and again senior, laden team But certainly evan's
having a really he's scoring twenty a game now as
you're right at thirteen, or eleven twelve something.

Speaker 1 (44:37):
Like that he's only. A Junior but evan And.

Speaker 2 (44:41):
And henry the, two seniors and and you have A
tendency i think we do as coaches when you have
guys that have been in the program for a bit
and understand what it takes to be a starter and
a contributor on a Team Like. Brookfield central, you know
you kind of lean on. Those Guys and evan's a
guy that does a lot of stuff.

Speaker 1 (45:00):
For you, you.

Speaker 4 (45:01):
Know we've been, Very fortunate like, you know there's kind
of been this little like developmental system within our PROGRAM
that i think might be a little bit unique to,
some right, you know a Kid like evan was up
with us as. A sophomore, you know it's kind of
a really key reserve, role player played a lot, of minutes,
but like isn't ask to do, a, ton right but he's.

(45:23):
Out there, you know he's playing with Guys Like anthony
Rye And jack doherty and, you know stuff. Like that
and then, you know then he comes as. A junior
now he's your starting point guard and right and he's
doing this, and actually, you know he Still had anthony.
Last year so, right now all of, A sudden evan's
a senior and he's just totally entrenched into our system
and how what. We want he KNOWS everything. I expect,

(45:46):
and yeah he's been you know AGAIN like i, said
it You Know. Tosa west, you know they're just.

Speaker 6 (45:53):
Full court pressure all the, way through and, you.

Speaker 4 (45:56):
Know he's just that kind of got a little bit
of an old school roll back part to, his game where,
you know he just he uses change of pace really
well and handles the ball and just kind of gets people.
Off balance and so.

Speaker 6 (46:10):
He's, you know and we don't have him on, the
court you. CAN tell, i mean it's a it's, a
different different vibe. Right now and then adding, to that
he's scoring a.

Speaker 4 (46:19):
Little bit, you mentioned, you Know nas avery, another kid
right was up with us as, a freshman, you know
very limited, reserve role and now has worked up to, you,
know again he had an excellent game. Last night so
you know we talked to, you know like, the, PIECES
right i mean we have, you know we got a great,
point guard we can score, and distribute we got the good,
big guy we got a couple, of shooters and so

(46:42):
we're still trying to develop a lot. Of THINGS but
i hope feel really good about you know how that's
kind of.

Speaker 2 (46:47):
Taking, shape hey LAST kid i want to talk ABOUT
because i know. His, Family, Uh Matt, Matt James. Matthew
james how's.

Speaker 6 (46:54):
He playing he's playing, really well, you know he he
he had a turnover and again it was one of
those games where, YOU know i kept looking Up and, i'm,
like oh it's still a sixteen.

Speaker 4 (47:05):
Point lead well he just turned it over three, straight times,
you know like that kind of, weird stuff, You know
And like matt just is like he just knows, like,
Everything right he he knows who, he is what he's,
good at what he's maybe not so. Good at he
absolutely plays within those kind of limitations and within. Our
system but, you know he's he's one of, our best

(47:30):
if not our best post feeders getting It Into. Henry
right for a guy that's not super athletic and can't
jump out of, the gym, you know he's he plays really,
solid defense he's in the, right position and he gets
some rebounds and, you know he's he's playing really well
against some of. Those guys and, YOU know i think
back to some of my early teams with, the boys,

(47:51):
you know where we would have some success and you
graduate a senior who, you know averages three rebounds, a
game and, you're like, holy man how are we going
to replace? This guy? You? Know up And, that's matt,
you know And that's mad and he, you know and you,
know me, YOU know i can get after our guys.
Pretty Good and matt handles me really well and just
kind of not, you know like blowing me off or shrugging,

(48:11):
me off but, you know he kind of lets it
roll off his back and the. Next, play yeah so
you gotta. Love it, and yeah and. It's awesome AND
like i said that the value of having seniors right
is just it's it's, your.

Speaker 2 (48:25):
Measurable, IMMEASURABLE hey i tried To Get andrew gibbons a
Coach from freedom to give me some insight on how
they're going to play, you guys and, he said.

Speaker 1 (48:34):
Absolutely not i'm giving.

Speaker 2 (48:35):
You nothing Hey against freedom on the twenty Seventh, at concordia,
and look you've got that's your, next game and then
then you've got some. Conference games I'm gonna i'm gonna
tell you, Right now i'm going to be reaching out
again on the Seventeenth of january because we're going to
do a number of coaches are going to go be
in this year For The.

Speaker 1 (48:56):
Luke, holeman hey who sets up? That schedule by, the
way do you set?

Speaker 4 (48:59):
That up that would be a Guy Named. Dan.

Speaker 2 (49:02):
Wandery yes and so you decided To Play. Wisconsin lutheran
wasn't there somebody else that maybe you wanted? To PLAY
dan i kind of helped you.

Speaker 4 (49:13):
With, that WELL there's i guess there's two parts, of,
That right RYAN. And i we've You know Ryan And.
Mark adams, you know my Predecessor at central had been
playing non conference AND when i got, The job ryan
reached out, and, said look, HE goes i want to
really just keep. Playing this so so we have. A standing,
you know we go back. And forth now you can
Imagine that i've been really trying to get out of

(49:33):
that contract the last couple, Of years so that's part,
of it. You know and sometimes and this would be
the second or third time we've actually played him in
the home and just because sometimes finding dates can. Be
difficult but here's here's the. Other thing and, you know
we Talked about mark a little bit earlier and giving
all those.

Speaker 6 (49:48):
Coaches credit.

Speaker 4 (49:52):
You know THAT when i was coaching the Girls, at
central we Hosted that. Thanksgiving, shootouts yeah still, going On
And jack herbert's doing a great job there here kind
of along those lines what we talked About. With mark,
you Know if i'm gonna ask, You know marquette to,
Come in i'm Gonna ask germantown to. Come in I'm.
Asking pewaukee, you know the peer, has come, you know

(50:14):
want To keep we've brought teams in from all over
the STATE and I can't i can't say to, You
Know tyler Potel, At, franklin hey come. On out i'm
gonna have You play homestead and it's gonna be a
really tough game for, you guys but it's gonna. Be
good and then we go and play some team that
we should beat by. Twenty, POINTS like i just don't
think that's an appropriate way to run, an event.

Speaker 2 (50:35):
You know and you, know what and, You Know luke
holman would not be happy if you. Did that he
would if he would, want you and, You Know jerry
patty want you playing against the. Best, competition hey before
we get, to THAT and i, Trust me i'm going
to ask you right now to please come on the
show on the seventies so we can Promote To luke
holman to twenty seventh Out At. Concorda university go out

(50:58):
And watch freedom Play Against. Brooks Central couple division one
players going at It With donovan davis and And Certainly,
henry gritzmeyer and it's going to be an awfully. Good,
game dan thank you for a couple. Of Minutes merry
christmas to you, your family, you know just spend that
whole day just like with your grandkids and not Worried About.

Speaker 1 (51:18):
DONOVAN davis i will.

Speaker 6 (51:20):
Try, it yeah that.

Speaker 4 (51:21):
Ain't, have, Fun right all three of the grandkids were
basically on the bench with me, last night so it's
kind of fun in the.

Speaker 1 (51:29):
First row, SO man i. Love, That Hey. Merry christmas
thanks a lot for a couple of minutes.

Speaker 4 (51:34):
Your Time merry christmas to you. As, well thanks you.

Speaker 2 (51:36):
Got it the other side of, the break we're going
to have The Current electric superhero Of. The week she
Is From Oak Creek high SCHOOL and i want to
thank the, Principal There, candice mondan just one of my.
Favorite people and and uh she has sent us some.
Unbelievable kids and here's. ANOTHER one i asked you to
stick around and meet this Week's Current electric superhero Of.

(51:58):
The week this Is The Varsity It's High School sports
show presented by Your local Pick and Save And metro,
market stores Only On fox sports nine to twenty In your.
iHeartRadio app welcome back To The Varsity Blitz High School
sports show presented by Your local Pick and Save And Metro.
Market stores anything you need for the holidays they. Have
it head over to Your local Pick and Save And metro.

(52:20):
Market stores at, ten twenty we'll talk to the head
basketball Coach From columbus catholic coming in for this year's.
Wby shootout at, Ten Forty jay Colton From Dominican. HIGH
school i coached him in. High school he's now the
head basketball Coach At living word and we are going
to have Him On Living. Word lutheran they'll be playing

(52:41):
in This Year's. Wby shootout we're going to take a
little break from talking high school basketball to introduce you
to this.

Speaker 1 (52:48):
Week's Current electric superhero Of.

Speaker 2 (52:51):
The week, AND again i want To Thank, candice minded
the Principal At oak creek has done a great job
over the years of. Nominating superheroes and she gave me
a call IF you i, don't know a, month ago
maybe something, like that and she called me, and, said
hey are you still?

Speaker 1 (53:08):
DOING that, I go. I am, She goes i've got somebody.
For YOU and, i go.

Speaker 2 (53:13):
That's GREAT and i like easy first names that did
not happen With this our superhero of The Week callipy
KELLIOPI and i haven't Written Down. Calliope morgan she is
a Senior From Oak Creek. High school it's so nice to.

Speaker 1 (53:28):
Meet you how.

Speaker 8 (53:29):
Are you i'm doing great.

Speaker 9 (53:30):
This morning are?

Speaker 1 (53:30):
You good so you know My?

Speaker 2 (53:32):
Brother, john, YES yeah i gave you a little gift
that we won't, talk about but you'll be. Able to
next time you, see him you'll be. Able to you'll
surprise him a. Little bit congratulations on being This Week's
Colonel electric superhero Of.

Speaker 1 (53:46):
The week we don't have.

Speaker 2 (53:47):
Enough time if we did the, whole hour we might
not be able to get through all the things that.

Speaker 1 (53:52):
You do when do you sleep? At? NIGHT yeah i
did not, MUCH though i tell.

Speaker 2 (53:57):
You this here's my favorite all The years i've been,
doing this and, these kids? What happened we reach out
and they have to put a bio together, for ME
and i need to get.

Speaker 1 (54:08):
A picture and how old?

Speaker 6 (54:09):
Are?

Speaker 2 (54:09):
You seventeen i'm asking a seventeen year old girl to
send me, a picture which is the creepiest part. Of
THIS so, I go i need to talk to your mom,
or dad, your grandfather somebody and let them Know why
i'm asking for. A PICTURE and i got a chance
to Talk to stephanie who was in the. Studio this
i'm going to talk to her in. A minute you
have to come a little Closer. To mike she keeps
backing away from. The microphone four point two ONE FOUR

(54:34):
Gpa Ap Scholar, Honors recognition varsity cross country and, track
athlete music drum major in the. Marching band and you
made sure in your bio ten times state. Championship program
you put that in. For sure my favorite part of
this is her. Last paragraph you can go to the

(54:54):
current lecture facebook page look at a picture her in.
This bio here's my. Favorite part FIRST time i seen
this in any of. These bios her plans to study
political science pre law track in college with a goal
of becoming the president Of The united States. OF america
i remember HOW nice i am. To you, Right now

(55:15):
i'll shut.

Speaker 1 (55:15):
You, Out please do you KNOW what?

Speaker 2 (55:17):
I COULD maybe, i could like Go to ireland and
do something for you there, For, sure hey talk to
me a little bit about look multi sport athlete or
a track and field and?

Speaker 1 (55:28):
Cross country your cross country is, YOUR favorite i would.

Speaker 9 (55:32):
SAY so i definitely would put cross country. OVER track
i did. Like, both unfortunately my season ended early this
year because of a labor tear in. My hip but
cross country is on top of a.

Speaker 1 (55:41):
Labor a tear in. Your hip.

Speaker 2 (55:43):
You're seventeen that's supposed to happen to people. My, Age
yeah i'll get a hip replacement, One day.

Speaker 1 (55:48):
I'm sure so you didn't run the end of.

Speaker 4 (55:52):
The year?

Speaker 10 (55:53):
Is?

Speaker 8 (55:53):
THAT no i ran all the way up until. My
sectionals oh how hard was that?

Speaker 1 (55:58):
For you that had to be a little bit devastating your.
Senior year it was.

Speaker 9 (56:03):
Sad for my, senior YEAR but i put my all
in it at the beginning of, the SEASON and i
was just my main priority was to be a cheerleader for,
my TEAMMATES so i was able to still fulfill THAT
and i ended on a.

Speaker 2 (56:11):
High, note, well YEAH and i love that because some kids, would,
Say hey, I'm done i'm getting to walk away from,
the program and you did not.

Speaker 1 (56:19):
Do that as the drum major for the. Marching band
you have a lot of fun, with, that huh so much, Fun, REALLY.

Speaker 9 (56:26):
Yes i just music comes from the soul and being
able to present that to other people truly is an
absolutely one of a.

Speaker 8 (56:33):
Kind Experience and i'm.

Speaker 1 (56:34):
So grateful and you sing like, a, Bird? Right yeah?

Speaker 4 (56:37):
Did YOU and i.

Speaker 1 (56:38):
TRUST you i told you. THE story i was told
never sing in, public ever.

Speaker 2 (56:42):
Not even in, this shower not even in, this shower
because the nun didn't want to hear.

Speaker 1 (56:46):
Me sing and, she Said, baby jesus didn't want to hear.

Speaker 2 (56:48):
ME sing, i Said baby. Jesus everywhere, she. Said exactly,
mister McGivern you are. Toned up never sing. In public
talk to me about. That part you've been a singer.

Speaker 1 (56:59):
For, while hi you. ENJOY that i.

Speaker 9 (57:02):
Think probably singing was my. First sounds THAT'S what i like.
To Think and i've always. Loved singing it's been a
passion for ME and i continue. To now i've been
taking lessons vocal lessons since i was seven, Maybe.

Speaker 8 (57:13):
Wow and i'm in a competitive a.

Speaker 9 (57:15):
Cappella GROUP now i, CAN sing i get, TO beatbox
i get to spend so much time with my best.

Speaker 8 (57:20):
FRIEND singing i.

Speaker 2 (57:21):
Love that and we're going to talk a little bit.
About that and, in fact the music that we're going
to play leaving this is you, yoh yeah, Trust me, Thank.
You STEPHANIE and i asked her please send. Me something
and so when we get done with this segment in,
five six, seven minutes we're going to play that for
a little bit and it's going to be, you SINGING

(57:43):
which i. Absolutely love talk to me a little bit
about some of the things that. You volunteer you were
Named The Distinguished young Woman of wisconsin for the class
of twenty twenty six and will be participating in the
national Program, In. Mobile alabama you serve a Governor Of.
Badger state At Bad Your girls state and the idea

(58:04):
of civic leadership of public service that you have in.
YOUR bio i ask this question every week because giving
back to, our community giving back to help others is
not something that we're, born with and it's a. Learned
Behavior and i'm wondering from you where that.

Speaker 9 (58:20):
Came from my mom and dad have always been super
involved in, their community and being able to see them
present themselves and give back through servant leadership has definitely
rubbed off. On ME and i love being able to
give back to the community that gives. TO me, i
mean the community supports me with all of, my PURSUITS
so i just want to be able to give that
right back.

Speaker 2 (58:40):
To them do you find that when you do that
that you get more out of it than the people.

Speaker 9 (58:44):
You're helping sometimes it makes me feel really really GOOD
and I know i'm doing a, good thing and it
just drives me to do. Even more volunteer, or again
just a.

Speaker 2 (58:54):
Civic leadership what is your Dad's Nay brett brett, is
here but we don't have an extra min car phone,
for HIM and i Think that stephanie would prefer to
be over there and him to.

Speaker 1 (59:05):
Be Here but i'm going to bring you a, Little,
closer stephanie you gotta be.

Speaker 2 (59:09):
So proud, AND look i always wanted to know what
my kids were like when they couldn't smell, my cologne
right when they weren't in the car. WITH me i
wasn't in the class. WITH them i can tell you
from Talking to candace mind and and we talked for
about fifteen minutes on. Your daughter and, she's like look
the legacy she's leaving At. Oh creek she doesn't, know
this but all the adults in the room have noticed

(59:30):
how much she continues to help and. Give back and
when you need something done in, the school you go
to her and, she's, Like, ah okay.

Speaker 1 (59:38):
I'LL help i don't have, the time but.

Speaker 2 (59:39):
I'll help and when when the principal of the high
school calls me, and, Says oh i've got a superhero,
for you.

Speaker 1 (59:46):
She is there's so much respect for. Your daughter you've
got to be, so proud.

Speaker 11 (59:50):
BEYOND proud, i Mean we BRETT and i cry about
it all the, time now especially that she's a senior
and we know that she's.

Speaker 1 (59:57):
Leaving, us yeah and.

Speaker 2 (59:58):
Now she look at she's, in charge because she's just
telling you to get closer, To, Them mike she's going
to be a really.

Speaker 1 (01:00:03):
Good president she is going.

Speaker 2 (01:00:05):
To be did you know early on that this is
the kind of track that she was going to have
when she was in grade school that she would take
some of the lessons she's learning as, an athlete as
somebody who's, in theater as somebody, in band that she's
going to be able to excel at the high.

Speaker 1 (01:00:23):
School.

Speaker 11 (01:00:23):
LEVEL absolutely i mean it started even in preschool and
then Going to Carrollton In. Oak creek SHE had i have,
TO say i mean. She had she has a wonderful group,
of supporters Not just BRETT AND i i mean our
family dynamic is huge and it takes a village and
everybody shows up for her all. The time so her having, that,
support yes and being able to just push herself even

(01:00:47):
since she. WAS young, i mean her teachers have, been
amazing so they gave her anything to do and she's like, yes, more,
yes more and having THAT just i mean it's helped.

Speaker 2 (01:00:58):
Her flourish do you have an idea if when you
put your head on, the pillow do you know what's
going on for you?

Speaker 1 (01:01:04):
Next year do you know where you're going?

Speaker 4 (01:01:05):
To?

Speaker 1 (01:01:05):
School yet?

Speaker 9 (01:01:06):
NOT yet i have applications in just waiting to.

Speaker 2 (01:01:08):
Hear back if when you your head hits, the pillow
and if you could pick any school in the country to,
go to where would?

Speaker 6 (01:01:16):
You go?

Speaker 8 (01:01:17):
You, would yep that's my, top choice, It is and.

Speaker 1 (01:01:20):
YOU'VE applied i, have applied not heart, back yet not.

Speaker 8 (01:01:24):
For, acceptance okay hopefully hopefully. Second choice oh that's a.

Speaker 9 (01:01:32):
TOUGH one i do Really like yale and Something about
vanderbilt has really stuck out.

Speaker 1 (01:01:37):
To me there. You, go now this IS what i. Cry,
again yes Definitely like i'm.

Speaker 2 (01:01:43):
Tearing up HERE'S what i FEEL when i do this segment.
Every week FIRST thing i think ABOUT when i read
the BIO and i have these kids in is what
A loser, i am RIGHT because i didn't know who
my socks WERE when i. WAS seventeen i had, No
idea and these kids are doing all. This work AND then,
i think if she goes Away, to harvard or Goes
to yell or Goes to vanderbilt and then comes back

(01:02:04):
to our community and she's now the new part of
the new leadership team in, our community my six grandkids
are going to be.

Speaker 1 (01:02:10):
Just fine they're going to be. Just fine. How much
are you going to.

Speaker 2 (01:02:15):
Miss The Oak Creek high school and the teachers and
your friends when you.

Speaker 9 (01:02:20):
Go away i'm going to, miss IT and i Know
that i'm going to make. Great friends i'm going to
meet a lot of new great professors and teachers. In
college but some of The connections i've made in, high
school at least they are not, going away, Which yes
i'm going to miss not being with them all, the
TIME but I know i'm still going to have THEM
when i, come back and we're going to be in
contact and support each other all.

Speaker 2 (01:02:40):
The WAY so i have no idea What The jerry,
award is but you won that for your role as
Is It Ellie Woods illegally blonde? THE, musical yeaho thank you. For,
THAT obviously i. Haven't, watched yeah, that's okay it's Not
really i'm a. Sports guy What is what Is The?

Speaker 9 (01:02:57):
Cherry award are you familiar WITH the i am So
the jimmy is the high school version, of that And
the jerry's is the preliminary To.

Speaker 8 (01:03:06):
The jimmy's, so.

Speaker 9 (01:03:08):
Yeah THAT'S how i was able to Achieve a.

Speaker 8 (01:03:11):
Jerry format congratulations.

Speaker 1 (01:03:13):
On that what is the musical?

Speaker 8 (01:03:14):
This year SpongeBob the musical.

Speaker 1 (01:03:16):
And when our tryouts as SOON.

Speaker 9 (01:03:18):
As i get back from break On well, JANUARY twelfth
i believe it's the.

Speaker 8 (01:03:22):
Actual triout do you have to?

Speaker 1 (01:03:24):
Try, out yes. You do everybody has. Try out is
there a part that you're.

Speaker 8 (01:03:28):
Going FOR that's i have to keep that in.

Speaker 2 (01:03:31):
My, head okay don't, tell me but, you know and
during the break maybe you'll let. Me know i'm not
gonna be able to help you with any. Of that
when you said that that you if you have met My.
Brother john he does some Shows At, Oh creaky is
that how you've?

Speaker 1 (01:03:44):
Met, Him yeah.

Speaker 9 (01:03:45):
I've done two of his winter shows. With him i've
been in the band that place before some of, his
segments And then i've also done some of his. Individual
songs he had a chicken SONG that.

Speaker 8 (01:03:55):
I was, of Course and i've sang with him a.

Speaker 9 (01:03:59):
Little bit so it's a great Time.

Speaker 1 (01:04:00):
With yeah he, Sings, well yes, he's yeah. He's hilarious
yeah he's the and not as FUNNY as, i am but.
He's okay he's a.

Speaker 2 (01:04:09):
GREAT storyteller i just talked to him yesterday because We're Planning,
christmas eve and we saw Him at thanksgiving where we
all were the, mcgiffern socks and he's not going.

Speaker 1 (01:04:19):
To be Happy that i've given you a pairrot with his,
face ON which i.

Speaker 2 (01:04:22):
Absolutely LOVE but i appreciate that. A, lot stephanie how
hard is it when you're going to drop her Off?

Speaker 1 (01:04:29):
At harvard.

Speaker 2 (01:04:32):
You've gone through this in your, mind obviously and it's
going to be a. Difficult thing i've done. It twice
but my kids Went To Marnatha Baptist bible college forty
five minutes away so they could. Come home my daughter
had a hard time getting her to. Come home, my
son starting point guard for four years on the, basketball
team came home. Every weekend that's not going to be
available to you when she's Talking.

Speaker 1 (01:04:53):
About Vanderbilt or Yale.

Speaker 2 (01:04:54):
Or harvard it's not like it's around the corner and
she's going to Be at carrol or. Someplace close how
are you? Guys doing You and brett doing?

Speaker 11 (01:05:02):
With this, it's difficult but we're. So proud it's it's
such a bittersweet thing because if she can have that
type of opportunity and go TO an, IVY school, i
mean that's going to bring something to our family that
we've never experienced, as WELL and i feel that the country. Needs.
More kellyop i'm not going to send, it, Away.

Speaker 1 (01:05:24):
Right SO kelly opi how long you've been playing the?
French horn by.

Speaker 9 (01:05:27):
The, WAY oh i actually changed from ALTO saxophone a
would wind to french horn my freshman year because my
amazing band director Is mister greg And missus, Fuchs, said
hey we need a new french. Horn player we need
some more and now it's.

Speaker 8 (01:05:41):
My passion i'm just.

Speaker 1 (01:05:43):
Telling you so they came to you and, you, Said
okay i'll learn a.

Speaker 9 (01:05:46):
Whole moon mom and dad weren't the happiest because it
was another thing to take.

Speaker 8 (01:05:50):
Up space but now they've. Loved it now they.

Speaker 1 (01:05:52):
LOVE it i absolutely.

Speaker 2 (01:05:53):
Love That calliope morgan Is Our Current electric superhero of.
The week at the end of, the school ye're the
Foundation At. CURRENT electric i put every winner's picture and
bio in front of, the board of the Board For,
current cares and they pick one winner who wins, a
scholarship and you'll be up. For THAT and I Thank,

(01:06:15):
candace MINDED and i thank your mom and dad and
your MOM who i talked To, about hey is? It
okay she sends me. This picture go on The Current electric.
Facebook page read. Her bio look at this picture and
understand that her goal is to become the president Of The. United,
STATES stephanie i wouldn't bet. AGAINST her i wouldn't.

Speaker 11 (01:06:34):
Do it believe the argument she wents, At home well she,
right away.

Speaker 1 (01:06:40):
She said come closer to.

Speaker 2 (01:06:41):
The, mic MOM and i absolutely. Love That candace minded if,
YOU'RE listening i. Get it you told me you're going
to be so impressed with this. YOUNG lady i. Get,
It oh creek's doing some. Great things and and look
make sure that you when you come back and and
you thank, these teachers and you think the people in. This,
community again your, mom said it takes, a VILLAGE and

(01:07:02):
i certainly understand that it's really nice to.

Speaker 1 (01:07:05):
Meet you thanks for coming.

Speaker 8 (01:07:06):
In you thank you.

Speaker 2 (01:07:07):
SO much i don't go anywhere because here. We go
here's our bumper MUSIC. And Calli opie morgan, is, Saying Guys, Merry.

Speaker 1 (01:07:14):
Christmas christmas thank.

Speaker 2 (01:07:15):
You Dude.

Speaker 1 (01:07:23):
Kid spencer's the best hold. On here he's got to tee.

Speaker 2 (01:07:28):
It up keep, Talking anyway so what were you like in?

Speaker 1 (01:07:32):
Fourth grade when did you?

Speaker 4 (01:07:35):
Start?

Speaker 2 (01:07:35):
Running though by, the way for? Cross, COUNTRY oh i
started a.

Speaker 9 (01:07:38):
Good, STORY yeah i Started with girls On the run
during my, elementary years. THIRD grade I believe i had,
My instructor, miss mcgania who is also my, art teacher
of phenomenal influence in. My life and she's honestly started
my passion.

Speaker 1 (01:07:52):
For running what is, Her name.

Speaker 2 (01:07:53):
Miss mcgania, miss mcgania, thank you because you know what
to have a seventeen year old live on the radio
to be a, Let's, say look she was such a
big influence in. My life you don't get that, A
lot so you. KNOW what i hope that she hears,
this interview, FOR sure i. Really DO and, I, THINK
look i have, A, brother tim who has Run the

(01:08:14):
he qualified For The. Boston marathon, Oh, WOW yeah i
cramp UP when i drive twenty. Six miles so for
my grandson runs cross COUNTRY and i just shake my
HEAD cause i don't. GET it i don't see anything
fun in that, at all but something that.

Speaker 1 (01:08:27):
You love now we're going to go to. A break take.
A listen i think you'll. Enjoy This, and stephanie it's
nice to. Meet, You bright it's nice to. Meet You. Merry,
christmas guys.

Speaker 2 (01:08:40):
Welcome back To The varsity blitz high school sports show
presented as always by Your local Pick and Save And metro.
Market stores trying to reach out to the head basketball
Coach From columbus catholic And Then, jake holton the head
basketball Coach At Living, word lutheran and that able to
get a hold of, those guys but we will continue.

(01:09:03):
To TRY and i can tell You That columbus catholic
they've got, a game a couple of games At The,
wby SHOOTOUT and i having an awfully. Good year we
can nine to Fifteen on december twenty Ninth Against Living.
Word lutheran so we'll talk to the two coaches that
are going to play on the twenty ninth here relatively

(01:09:23):
shortly and get one of them to pick up and
they will play at nine to fifteen Again on december
twenty Ninth At concordia university and should. Be good And
Then columbus catholic Will Play iola scandinavia at nine to
Fifteen on december thirtieth again At The Way. Wby shootout

(01:09:45):
you can go to wbby dot com for more information.
TICKET information i can tell YOU that i love the
fact that they're going to Play, on saturday the, twenty
Seventh take sunday off and and then the twenty ninth
And Thirtieth Wall. Thewall basketball some of the best high,
school coaches high school players in the State of wisconsin going.

(01:10:08):
At it and then one Team from minnesota is going
to come in And Play West dallas central and they
will then the next Day. Play nickela so they're going
to get some of the best players and teams from
our area back to. Back days, and look we're hoping
to send the Team from minnesota home with a couple

(01:10:29):
of losses when They Play West dallas Central And. Nickolay
again go to wbby dot com wbby dot com and
if you've not picked Up This Year's, your book they
will have them on sale when you get. Out there
pick one up because it is for guys like me
and people that listen to shows.

Speaker 1 (01:10:48):
Like this.

Speaker 2 (01:10:50):
All the information you need, on teams, on conferences, college
teams high school teams from around the state is in,
that Book The Wisconsin, your book the Forty First Annual,
your book and make sure you pick that up when you.
Come out we've talked to a number of coaches today
that that have been on it and have been on

(01:11:13):
the show talking about guys that you'll get a chance.
To see some of the players that are going to be.
Out there the two guys, that brothers and a number
of Players from slinger gonna be. Out There nick lay's
got some players you're going to want, To, See, Whitefish,
bade dominican, in fact EVERY team i think that's going
to be, Out there it's got a couple of players
that you're going to want to. Take notice but when

(01:11:35):
you get into the afternoon and evening games and You
talk freedom and You Talk Brooks central Arrowhead, Against slinger Marquette,
Against oregon Waterford Against beaver dam on the, twenty seventh
you're going to see some high Level players, Division one,
division two and some Really talented division three guys. As
well so make sure that that you get to get

(01:11:57):
tickets for those games and come out and watch these.
Guys play, FOR sure i can tell You That i've
i've had a chance to go out and watch a
number of number of games here the last couple, of weeks,
and man it's been. Really fun when you when you're
no longer coaching or no longer doing games on, the
air it's been it's Been fun i've got no dog in,

(01:12:20):
the fight. No nervousness do you, go in enjoy a
little basketball and then. Head, home hey if you can grab, The,
microphone spencer how is? Your Team how's? Colder doing?

Speaker 1 (01:12:31):
This year.

Speaker 12 (01:12:33):
They've played, three games they've. Won two the other one
wasn't so good Against she Boy. And lutheran but, so far. So, Good.

Speaker 2 (01:12:43):
Yeah boyd and luther is a team that they're going
to be in this year's w Byshoot playing university school
at ten. Forty five probably gonna call it and ask
that coach come on and maybe nine o'clock next week
on the. Twenty seventh we'll have coaches that are playing
that day On and i'll Try to i'll reach out

(01:13:03):
to a couple, of Guys and i'm going to try
to Get coach Malachik From West allis central on because
he's got two really good games at The W, by
shootout and we'll we'll see if we can get him
to come on that day. As well maybe later in,
the year get the cooler.

Speaker 12 (01:13:19):
Guy, back yeah we can. Do, that, Yeah absolutely i'm
sure he will come.

Speaker 1 (01:13:22):
Back on so you do stats? For them is that
scoreboard for girls?

Speaker 11 (01:13:28):
And?

Speaker 1 (01:13:28):
Boys Yeah The Mighty. Blue bombers you gotta, get man
you got to get them into the w. By shootout yeah.

Speaker 12 (01:13:35):
WE should i think that'd.

Speaker 2 (01:13:36):
Be, Fun Yeah, mark miller if, he's listening you, give
that give that. A, thought yeah maybe, next year why
don't we get to an. Early break we'll continue to
try to reach out head basketball Coach At columbus catholic
And Then, jake holton head Coach At Living. Where lutheran, You,
Know spencer we're gonna. Ask him you know what kind
of COACH was? I did i play? Him enough and

(01:13:57):
probably does NOT think, I did but we'll. Find out
hold on, one second, Go ahead.

Speaker 12 (01:14:03):
UH no i just got. Text back, but yeah we
can did a break and we'll.

Speaker 1 (01:14:06):
Get, ye yeah let's.

Speaker 2 (01:14:07):
Do that this Is The Varsity Blitz High School, sports
show presented by Your local Pick and Save And metro
market stores Only At fox sports nine twenty In your.
iHeartRadio app welcome back To The Varsity Blitz High School,
sports show presented by Your local Pick and Save And metro,
market stores coming live From the Donovan And jorgensen Heating And.
Cooling studios so a number of, MONTHS ago i was

(01:14:29):
asked from a friend, Of mine who are the toughest
basketball players you? Ever Coached and, i'm, like man thirty,
SIX years i can go, way BACK and i talked
About the Holtons at dominican and were they the most
gifted BASKETBALL players i ever coached in thirty? Six years,
maybe Not but i'll tell, you, this physically, mentally tough knew,

(01:14:53):
the game, AND look i loved coaching. Those guys the
other People FROM dominica i brought up Were, the Flannagants
right Patrick And michael FLANNIGET guys i Coached, that look
these guys were on, the floor they were, taking charges
they were setting picks and just playing physically and mentally
tougher than. Most KIDS and i. LOVE that i get

(01:15:16):
a chance to Talk To. Jake holton he's the head
basketball coach At Living. Ward LUTHERAN and I think i
was a better coach than near the back end of
my coaching career than. The BEGINNING but i got a
chance To Coach jake holton Over, at dominican, And man
i'm a big fan. OF his i think he's one
of the good guys in a really good. Basketball coach
the head Coach From Living word lutheran playing in This year's. Wby, Shootout,

(01:15:40):
hey jake how? You been thanks. A, Lot yeah i'm,
TELLING you i brought your, Name Up, Patrick Holton jake
HOLTON man, i physically mentally just some of the toughest
kids on the court in practice and, and look you
guys Walked into dominican being tough and came out look

(01:16:02):
really good, basketball players knew, the GAME and i loved.
Coaching you are you able to take that part of
what you were like at that age and bring into
the coaching PART because i don't know if kids are
as physically and mentally tough as you guys were, Back
Then but i'm wondering if you were able to take that, and,
say look this is how we have.

Speaker 10 (01:16:23):
To, play, YES absolutely i learned just a tremendous Amount
at dominican being a student and an athlete that we
most definitely put that into our system and our program
Here At, living word and we have some, incredibly tough
tough kids from all walks. Of life and it's what

(01:16:44):
makes it such a beautiful place to coach is they are,
really tough and they have great basketball, like you and
they come, from everywhere which is a lot Like what
dominican was for me and my brothers.

Speaker 1 (01:16:57):
Graduating, THERE yeah. I, agree hey let's talk about this.
Year's team happy with the way you guys are playing.
So far you guys are two. And two you're not running.

Speaker 2 (01:17:09):
From anybody the next couple of games you play at
Home Against, saint Catharines then dominican And Then columbus catholic
And Then sheboygan, lutheran again it looks like, to, Me,
man jake you're not running, from anybody how?

Speaker 1 (01:17:23):
Are you, no way.

Speaker 10 (01:17:25):
NO way, i mean in order to, be great you
got to play, the BEST and i think that's what
helps build the mental toughness that we're trying. To achieve
and so we put together this non conference schedule for that,
purpose alone to make, us tough to prepare us when
we get. To regionals hopefully we're tested and ready to get.

Speaker 2 (01:17:44):
After it, You, know coach the conference you're in in
my world is a little, top Heavy Right Lake country
Lutheran And brookfield Academy and mesmer And, luther prep and
you guys in University School saint francis and the rest
of the conference at think is trying to catch up a.
Little bit Right With kingdom Prep And Heritage Christian catholic

(01:18:05):
central struggled a Little Bit, saint john's, who know It's.
A CHRISTIAN so i think this is a really good
move on your part that, you know once you get
really deep into, your conference you're going to be tested
with some of those top, end teams but there are
some teams at the bottom that are still trying to
get better and trying to figure. It out but if
you want to be playing your best basketball at the

(01:18:27):
end of, the season you gotta play against some tough.
Competition early and that's what you're doing to be able
to get out and watch you guys play At the
wby shootout on the, twenty seventh his. Alma mater what's
that going to? Be like Coaching against dominican, For you.

Speaker 4 (01:18:45):
That's going to be a lot.

Speaker 10 (01:18:46):
Of fun i'm really looking forward. To it it's a.
Great program it's always been a strong. Basketball program they,
play fast they, play tough Their physical it's going to be,
a great great Time and i'm. Really excited, you know
have that scoreboard that lights up and it has, your team,
you know living Word. In dominican i'm excited to. See

(01:19:07):
that hopefully you get a good picture, of that because
that'll be a good thing to keep for. Memory's.

Speaker 2 (01:19:11):
Sake yeah, One, hun hey last time we saw each
other and chatted for, a while you were talking about.
Your son how's.

Speaker 1 (01:19:18):
He doing my son's.

Speaker 10 (01:19:20):
Doing great so he unfortunately blew out his knee this
summer in HIS first. Au tournament, Oh boy so he
is just. Coming back he had his first contact days
of practice, this week so we're looking to get him.
In uniform hopefully playing against The boy lutheran would be his.

Speaker 1 (01:19:37):
First game and what years he he's.

Speaker 10 (01:19:41):
A freshman he's, a freshman so he's. Gonna lead we
have a great, freshman class biggest freshman Class That living
with has had student wise and also on the. Basketball
program so we have twenty freshmen on the team. This,
year wow and it's, a great. Great class they're, super tough,
they're physical they play really. Really hard so it's a,

(01:20:01):
really great uh stepping stone to build on with that
largest class, coming IN like, i said and then just
all the kids that are so tough.

Speaker 1 (01:20:10):
And, strong hey does does you what's your son's, First, Name?
Ezra Ezra does ezra Have that? Holton toughness, oh yeah
he definitely.

Speaker 10 (01:20:20):
Has that he's got an older brother that plays, in
college so he's getting beat up by him all. The time,
and yeah it's it's it's. He's tough. He's tough he's,
getting tall not that we're a very, tall family but
he's getting to be taller. Than me so that's always.

Speaker 1 (01:20:34):
Pretty fun has he beaten you one on? One, yet,
well no it's coming.

Speaker 10 (01:20:40):
And it's not.

Speaker 1 (01:20:41):
Gonna, Happen, No ja i'm.

Speaker 2 (01:20:44):
Telling you i'm, TELLING you i remember exactly the day
that My son matthew. Did IT and i you, KNOW
WHAT i i Never and i'm sure that you're. LIKE
this i wouldn't let him beat me, in, CHECKERS right
i don't get he's five. YEARS old i Don't care
i'm beating HIM and i didn't want him to ever.
Beat me and it's that competitive irishness that. We HAVE

(01:21:06):
and i was not letting HIM and i couldn't stay
in front of. Him anymore and he was and he
whipped ME and i walked to my car with my
tail between. My legs and he first question, he asked,
he said you didn't let, me win?

Speaker 1 (01:21:18):
DID you i go.

Speaker 2 (01:21:18):
Absolutely not i've never let, you WIN and i Don't
think i'm playing you one on, one anymore and, It's,
coming jake and there'll be a day you're gonna send
me in text, and, said, okay coach.

Speaker 1 (01:21:29):
You're right it.

Speaker 2 (01:21:30):
Just Happened how how was that relationship with the two?
Of you we had that conversation a lot when when
we met Over At Lake country luther last YEAR and
i TOLD you i DID not i didn't handle coaching
my son very well his, sophomore year but then junior,
SENIOR year I thought i did. Much better how was
that relationship with?

Speaker 1 (01:21:50):
You two it's.

Speaker 10 (01:21:52):
Really good and it's strong because we have a lot
of interest outside. Of basketball so when you talk about,
the competition we played chess a. Lot together we listen
to a lot, of music so we have we have a.
Great relationship we also, golf together so there's a lot
of other interests that we can get. Together with and
then when it comes, to basketball he's just been around

(01:22:13):
it for, so long watching, his brother watching all the
Games that i've. Been coaching he knows. The game and
because our program is in such a great position with
the strength that we have at the varsity level and
AT the jv, one level there's not a need to,
rush Anything which i'm really. Excited about and from, that
standpoint he's going to do just fign and then his confidence.

(01:22:35):
Is tremendous and, you know as being, a coach when
you got a player that's confident in what he, can
do it's that's half. The battle And so i'm really
excited for him to get out on. The floor i'm
excited for him to use the skills IN the iq
that he has and then just play.

Speaker 2 (01:22:51):
With, confidence, hey coach WHEN when i let some people
know that you were, coming on. EXCUSE me i had
a couple of my guys That are jim rat to
ask me about your nevins and he's a sophomore that
he's a kid that people are talking about coaching in,
this area and talk to me a little bit about
this young man and the kind of quality basketball player.

Speaker 10 (01:23:13):
He is jordan is an. Exceptional talents he is super
super strong and physical for a size six to. Two
guard just can he can't knock him off, the basketball
and he can. Shoot it and he's developing the mid
range game now, as well so getting to the basket

(01:23:34):
and finishing at. The rim he can, dunk it he
can finish with the eurostep pretty much anyway he wants
to get it in, the basket inside, the lane he can,
do it and it's you find yourself kind of watching them, in,
awe like hot in the world did he get that into?
The basket he's just very talented when it comes, To
that and then he's developing his point guard game where he's,

(01:23:55):
finding others he's getting people opened by his drives, and
kicks and he's really really turned it into a. Great
player and he's, only sophomore so, we have, you know
this season plus two more, to GO so i expect
him to reach a very very high level when it's
all said.

Speaker 2 (01:24:10):
And, done hey, and coach he's not the only kid
putting up numbers and making this, team go?

Speaker 1 (01:24:17):
Is It? Ryde ailey is that his?

Speaker 4 (01:24:18):
First?

Speaker 1 (01:24:19):
Name?

Speaker 10 (01:24:20):
Eli Right? Eli? Right eli, phenomenal shooter been as starter since.
The freshman his game has just evolved over the last.
Two years he's. Getting stronger he's an excellent football player.
As well he's a great quarterback for the, living word
so HIS basketball iq and his ability to pass the
basketball transfers from the football field to the. Basketball court

(01:24:41):
and he's just a sensational player, as, well coach.

Speaker 1 (01:24:44):
And look.

Speaker 2 (01:24:46):
Everybody understands other coaches Know that jordan's the kind of
kid you got a key, in on and he's A
software he averaged eighteen, last year is, a freshman which
is incredible. To ME and i have not seen. Him
play i'm going to get a chance to see him
play out of this Year's W by shootout.

Speaker 6 (01:25:02):
For.

Speaker 2 (01:25:02):
Sure coach when when when you start getting invited to
places like The W by SHOOTOUT and uh and some
of the other things that you're now starting to get.
INVITED to i hope the people Out At Living word
lutheran understand it's because of. The program and when you,
develop kids, you know like your son and Certainly, like

(01:25:23):
jordan these are the kind of things That happened guys
like me start, calling, saying, hey look can you come
on my show and let's talk about not only, this
kid but your. ENTIRE program i Think that i'm hoping
that people Out Of Living word lutheran understand what good
hands this program is in and and you're having some
fun coaching, Out there, I'm sure, Oh.

Speaker 10 (01:25:44):
Yeah I'm having it's the time of. My life it's really,
YOU know i had two Great OPPORTUNITIES before i got,
THIS job i got to coach under as an Assistant
Coach dinior Hall of fame Coach, at cedarburg AND then
i got the Coach With sean Kriderver at homestead as,
his assistant two phenomenal play coaches to work under and to,

(01:26:04):
learn from And At. Living WORD when i got, the
opportunity it's just been an outstanding place. To BE like i,
said earlier kids from all walks, of life, tremendous people,
tremendous teachers. Tremendous administration the support, is phenomenal and the program.
Is growing we have forty one kids in. The program
we only have we just have under three hundred students

(01:26:26):
in the. Whole SCHOOL so i think the kids are,
getting it, the parents the families coming from. The Communities
Our junior wolf program is. Really growing good. FOR you
i think nine of our freshmen this year played together
in seventh and eighth grade throughout. Junior program and you
know that's where, it Starts right that's Where The lake

(01:26:47):
country has just just blossomed over. The years they got
a strong youth program and all the other high schools
that have that junior program that it just feeds into
it and living word is starting to get to that
point and and we're reaping about benefits of it right
now by getting invited to.

Speaker 1 (01:27:01):
Any tournament you.

Speaker 2 (01:27:02):
Tell your Front, like jordan you tell your FRESHMAN and
jv teams to be nice To The Lake. Country lightning
since my grandsons, are playing those two quick questions before we.

Speaker 1 (01:27:12):
Get Out has ezra beach on the golf? Course yet
he's getting really close?

Speaker 10 (01:27:17):
AS well i mean the time is coming, for SURE
and i can't wait for it. To happen my oldest
eye that he beats me in basketball and, and golf no.
Problem Now so ezra's just right Down, The, really.

Speaker 1 (01:27:27):
Hey don't give as your any. Gimme putch he's got
to knock, All away no.

Speaker 2 (01:27:31):
Gimmes, absolutely hey, last QUESTION did I did i play?

Speaker 1 (01:27:35):
You enough AND did i let you? Shoot ENOUGH when
i coached you Over?

Speaker 10 (01:27:38):
At? Connecticut, AH yeah i, uh yeah that was the
time of. My life, YOU know I think i got
a shout shoot IT whenever i. Wanted TO and i
definitely played because because you expected us to, play, hard
right and and that was just something that we wanted
to do anyways. And compete so time of my life
playing high School basketball dominican, For.

Speaker 2 (01:27:57):
Sure jake i'm telling you if anybody from Living wore
lutheran wonders what you were like as a player, man,
physically physically mentally tough for the most and that came
from a background of you guys had, to. Work man
you guys had to work in, the classroom you got
to work outside of. The classroom you guys were dreams.

Speaker 1 (01:28:18):
To coach.

Speaker 2 (01:28:19):
YOU know i wish you were six seven and could
jump out of, the gym but that wasn't what. You
WERE but i can tell You when i'm asked physically
to some of the mentally some of the toughest kids
you have.

Speaker 1 (01:28:29):
EVER coached i talk About the.

Speaker 2 (01:28:31):
Holton Brothers, at DOMINICAN and i talk about a number
of people Over at Dominican And martin luther and Over At.
Calvary Baptist but i'm, Telling you holton's name comes out
of my mouth. A. Lot man it's really good to talk.
TO you i will see out At the wby. Shootout
again They Played Whitefish bade dominican on the twenty seventh at,
twelve fifteen And Then, columbus Catholic and i'm hoping that

(01:28:53):
at nine point fifteen on the. Twenty ninth you beat
Them because joe was supposed to come on the show
and he has an he didn't call in and he
didn't pick up. His Phone so I'm hoping i'm Rooted
For Living word Lutheran Against. Columbus catholic.

Speaker 1 (01:29:06):
FOR sure i.

Speaker 10 (01:29:07):
Appreciate, That chach thanks love for.

Speaker 2 (01:29:09):
The, opportunity yeah you, Got, It jakes hi to. The
Family merry christmas to you, and everybody and looking forward
to seeing you out at this YEAR'S W. By, shootout
guys it's been a really. Fun SHOW mat i got
to get a guest in. Next week this is me
talking way, too MUCH but i want to thank everybody who.
Came on want To, wish spencer my producer and his

(01:29:30):
family Are Very merry christmas to. Anybody Listening merry christmas
and we'll talk to You next saturday on the, twenty
seventh and we'll talk MORE W. By shootout this Is
The varsity blitz high school, sports show presented by Your
local Pick and Save And metro market stores Only At
fox sports signed twenty And Your iHeart radio app