March 28, 2024 • 59 mins
This week, Devin Stewart is joined by “Mad” Matt McCay, resident writer and analyst, as we bring you the longest-running podcast following WKU athletics.
On the latest episode, we talk about WKU getting knocked out of the NCAA March Madness Tournament. We also talk Coach Lutz and if he’s staying or leaving, and the fallout from that.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Devin Stewart (00:02):
Welcome into another. Red out podcast Devin, Matt, and we are here for the final. I guess, scheduled episode of the season.
we've got some baseball. We've got some basketball we got some softball to talk about.
The biggest news is gonna be basketball. But first let's talk a little baseball Western lost to F Iu. I'll have a little when I have a little
(00:28):
graphic here in just a second
Western laws to FIU
11 to one and 7 innings. On Friday, March the 20 s.
me get my timer started here.
and so they lost. Then let's see.
I guess softball didn't play softball played on Saturday. Lost the law tech the 5 to 3,
(00:51):
and they won the other. The double headers, the other 1 6 to 5,
and then Western beat Fryu, 14 to 4 and 8 innings, and then
20 fourth. Sorry
western lost to fiu. So we won once of the games of the series.
(01:14):
And then a Westerns girls lost. On Sunday the softball lost 4 to 10, and men's lost. The Bow baseball lost 3 to 7.
Yeah, I'm not really prepared to get today. Guys. Sorry I've had a
longer phone call that did not mean to. And
it's whatever. And then Murray Western played Murray yesterday on Espn. Plus and lost 15 to 2 and 7 innings. So good. Gosh but I'll have that Graphic up here. We'll have an update on for the baseball side of things. We'll have that graphic. And then the next part of the series.
Matthew McCay (01:50):
I was. Gonna say.
Devin Stewart (01:51):
News! Go ahead!
Matthew McCay (01:53):
I was gonna say, on the Murray state thing I was looking so I was like, Oh, Lord! Was it 15 to 3, or whatever. I think they're like 18 and 6 on the year. So they're.
Devin Stewart (02:04):
Entirely, right.
Matthew McCay (02:06):
Yeah, so hopefully, it's just a blip on the radar. And you know, losing the FI use kinda like, well, I mean, you know you. At least you took one game out of there. You definitely don't wanna get swept in conference, so
so they'll get together. Be alright.
Devin Stewart (02:20):
Yeah, they
they I mean, baseball has done really well, surprisingly. But I don't know of any series that they have actually just completely dominated.
Matthew McCay (02:35):
Yeah.
yeah, that's true. They haven't, really. I don't think they've swept a series. I think they're over record set 16 and 10, and they basically win kind of 2 out of 3 and in this case they they lost 2 out of 3, and then they lost the midweek game. So
little skid there. But I mean, I guess we'll kind of see
(02:58):
how it shakes out. Moving forward. They play Jacksonville State and Vandy, April second, so that'll be
interesting. And then down.
Devin Stewart (03:10):
Oh no!
Matthew McCay (03:10):
Oh, Lord, okay. Well.
I hope Jackson will stay. Goes well, because the next 4 games after that gonna be pretty brutal.
Devin Stewart (03:19):
Yeah.
Mike, sounding better now.
Matthew McCay (03:23):
Yeah, that's a little better man.
Devin Stewart (03:25):
Okay, okay.
so Western played market on last Friday.
I actually watched it. Okay, so I spent like 40 or 50 bucks on this game. I bet my $10 on Western to make about a hundred bucks, which would have been awesome.
and up until halftime I thought we were doing really well. So there's that
(03:47):
but
Western ended up losing 87 to 69,
and
I mean, if they had actually probably match the tempo
and the first half to the second half like that's a whole different game.
I'm pretty sure Marquette came out and was like, Oh, dude here. No bill.
(04:11):
So you know, it's a
yeah, it's it's it, was it? The first half was amazing. It was very exciting game, and I thought Western played awesome.
But you know that the guard, Jones
just dude. He he hit like no other.
Matthew McCay (04:32):
And Jones, I think.
yeah, the guy who was the angel.
Devin Stewart (04:36):
Yeah. He went off dude. It was crazy.
Matthew McCay (04:40):
Yeah.
I think the other thing was calling to.
I think the other thing was colec to the the other guy that had been injured.
You know, the guy averages.
I think it's like so
7, 16, or 17, like 7 and a half assists.
and he usually gets like 3 or 4 rebounds. Well, this game
(05:03):
he he got his. He got 18 points. He had 11 assist only 3 turnovers.
had a couple of steals in there, only filed twice, had 6 rebounds. So he was basically above his average. And everything after coming back after not playing for 6
6 games.
So when he goes off, and then Kim Jones goes off
(05:24):
it. Kinda
it takes away all that margin that you could have had to try to
upset.
Devin Stewart (05:31):
Yeah.
yeah, like you said Cam. Jones had an amazing game.
But on on western side of things like
in the hell is beeping.
Matthew McCay (05:46):
My, my stuff was beeping on my side. Man, I had a phone call.
Devin Stewart (05:49):
No, it's me. No, no, you're fine. It's me.
For whatever reason, my my computer, I I set a timer so I can keep up with
easier to mark chapters and stuff.
But anyway I tell you, some kid, that I was really loving was Evelyn.
He had 12 min in the game. But Jack Eadlan was doing awesome. He also looked like he was 5 foot 4 up there, but he's actually
(06:12):
5, 10.
Matthew McCay (06:15):
Generously, yeah.
Devin Stewart (06:16):
Yes, I mean, yeah, that's he's probably closer to probably 5, 8, 5, 9. But you know how it is. Coaches always pump him up a little bit but yeah, he, I thought he did really. Well, had a lot of assist.
you know Kid was hustling like no other. But he I I as a red Tail trust $5 per month person. I would like my $5 to go to him. I'm just saying.
Matthew McCay (06:42):
Like an official. Keith, if you're watching.
Devin Stewart (06:44):
Yes, yeah. But he doesn't.
Matthew McCay (06:46):
You know? Yeah.
Devin Stewart (06:47):
So it's fine!
Matthew McCay (06:49):
And.
Devin Stewart (06:49):
And click.
Matthew McCay (06:50):
Anyway.
Devin Stewart (06:50):
Yes.
Matthew McCay (06:51):
Oh, Shmank, I'm sorry not shrink. Schmilion. I don't wanna use names. But yeah, I know he. I think my dad, I don't know if this is true, because my dad can get into a lot of urban legends really quick. But there's suburban legends in his case. But
(07:11):
I think, he said, Elim was like plus 24 and 12 min, or something so like if you look at their plus minus
basically what that looks at is like, how did the team do while you were on the court? And he was like super high, plus minus
plus 20 something 24 or something like that. And Jack just played really? Well. And he he does a lot of the invisible things you don't really notice
Devin Stewart (07:38):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (07:38):
They actually dropped in a couple of points, which was nice.
only took a couple of shots made of both, got a couple of rebounds.
One turnover, I mean. He did exactly what you would ask a backup point guard to do, and and really more, he was all over the place and I believe I firmly believe the man deserves a scholarship for real like what he did.
Devin Stewart (08:01):
Completely, agree.
Matthew McCay (08:03):
He's only a freshman. If he could do that as a freshman, and come in and contribute and stabilize the back court.
let the man come in and and do it next year, and and going forward like
he's a good little player, and very surprising to to see how well he's well. He's done this year, but good for him. Freshmen Walcom comes in.
(08:25):
does a good job.
Devin Stewart (08:28):
I will say. Marshall
was it? Is it Tyrone? Marshall? Is that right? Yes, Tyrone Marshall. He was playing phenomenally first half
dude was hitting for 3 s. Really? Well.
you know he did really. Well, I thought Mchenry did pretty well. Some people thought he had some bad choices.
(08:50):
I will talk about something else here in just a second. But you know there were a lot of other players who did well during the game, but
you know, you know market is just able to pull from a larger talent
pool, and I mean to make the March madness in general, for Western, I think, is a gold star year. In my opinion.
Matthew McCay (09:09):
Oh, yeah.
yeah, I mean, you have to be
thrilled with how it the the big picture ended up. I mean, if you told me. We make the incident a tournament
in any way.
It doesn't matter about anything else like a plus like there's there's no.
you know I like.
That's been the whole goal since 2,013 was, get back to the tournament. However, you do it, and we did it, and we we didn't even have a 16 seat. We had a 15 seat, you know, which
(09:40):
a, as a, you know, die hard, you know, long time. Western pan 15 seed is not as thrilling as like really having a chance to win is like a 1112, 13.
You know, we've had some 8, 9, 10 seats in the past and stuff.
So we've had other times that we had a more of a legitimate chance to win a few games.
But you have to be thrilled with year one of a new coach. He comes in. He immediately takes you to the tournament. You know, Marquette, I think
(10:11):
I think they just
I mean when you have
2 guys that go off like they did
and then their other guy was like, they have 4 guys that combined the average like 50 something points, and they all did pretty well. I think Isidoro, or whatever his name is, was the only one that didn't have a great game.
(10:32):
but he also contributed elsewhere.
I was like, here's a 4.
Devin Stewart (10:36):
Points.
Matthew McCay (10:37):
And yeah, he only had 4 points. We had 8 rebounds. He had 5 blocks.
They had a positive assist to turnover, so the Guy did other things, and then their other guy that averages 10 points.
He put in 16 points. So
or maybe it was David Joplin. I can't remember. Anyway. They
(10:59):
they. They're they're 4 big guys, all did something. And so
if if that's gonna happen, then you need all of your like, you need several Western guys to counteract that.
And the only person that played great was Woo Tyro Marshall in the first half.
Okay. And but in the second half we did not keep the same pace. There was no one else in the second half was
(11:23):
owner.
Devin Stewart (11:23):
High level.
I don't blame. I don't necessarily blame
who on the on that.
Matthew McCay (11:28):
I'm not saying that I'm just saying like
to keep it going like we were. The reason that we were ahead was because he had 17 in the first half. If he kept going and scored 34,
then obviously that would have given us a chance at the end of the game with one guy scoring 34 just takes the pressure off of everyone else.
(11:49):
But if you don't have pace you gotta get it from somewhere else or slow them down. You didn't do either, and that's that's why would they pull away.
Devin Stewart (11:57):
Yeah, I will say that Joplin is probably the ugliest person I've ever seen. I'm just saying that.
Matthew McCay (12:05):
Well from the upper deck. I couldn't really see him, so I don't know what you're talking about. But
maybe so.
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (12:13):
So.
Matthew McCay (12:13):
On, the.
Devin Stewart (12:14):
Second.
Matthew McCay (12:17):
Go ahead and keep talking. I'm always gonna look how ugly this guy is.
Devin Stewart (12:26):
Okay, sorry about that.
Matthew McCay (12:29):
It's all good man. I've just been looking.
Devin Stewart (12:30):
Yes.
Matthew McCay (12:30):
This ugly guy.
Devin Stewart (12:32):
Yes, Joplin, okay.
just picture like the human. Just the he reminds me of, like a pug
like some people think pugs are cute, and some people are like
nothing. You don't see it. You don't see it. Okay, I'll try to remember to put a picture of Joplin on this part of the episode. So.
Matthew McCay (12:56):
Let me see.
I mean I I just looked them up, and I don't. I don't see like exactly which.
Devin Stewart (13:02):
Well, I mean, I'm not saying he's like like like, but it did
I? What I said initially. What I said initially was, is, that's a face that mama could love. But I'm just saying
maybe it's a little Western hate. I don't know.
But I mean.
Matthew McCay (13:20):
And I don't.
Devin Stewart (13:21):
I don't know. I mean
market. I mean they did really. Well,
they I mean they came out in the second half. I
there's one or 2 things that happens when you go in at half time against the team like market, and either they roll over which that was not gonna happen.
or they come out swinging, and that's what they did.
(13:42):
And they came out swinging and Western didn't I think Western let the atmosphere dictate.
You know the the stage, the atmosphere, whatever you want to call it. I think they got overwhelmed by
you know where they were, and holy crap! We're beating a number 2 seed. That's my opinion.
Matthew McCay (14:01):
Yeah, maybe I I think,
I was. I thought about this a lot because it's kinda like, okay, how did we?
Obviously, we were up 7. You know you're looking good. What happened?
I think the very beginning of the game. You had 8 turnovers.
and you dug yourself a 9 point hole.
Devin Stewart (14:19):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (14:20):
I think that was key, because if you didn't have that, and then you have that spurt in the in the end of the first half. You may be up 15 or 20 points, and it's obviously a completely different game from that point.
I think the very end of the first half where we had a chance to be up 10 or 12, and we end up only up 7
like that was a big moment where, like Mchenry, misses a pretty open 3. It was a reasonable shot, and then we had another chance. So inside bucket, I think that we just kind of missed.
(14:52):
and it allowed them to only be down. 7
Devin Stewart (14:57):
You know.
Matthew McCay (14:58):
And then.
you know, you come out in the at the beginning of the second half.
and you immediately turn the ball over. I think it was like 4 or 5 times like we had
a few minutes where we had tons of turnovers and the rest of the game.
It was reasonable, but the ultimately the turnover bug bit western, and the one time that the other
(15:22):
that the other team kind of had the advantage in turnovers was right at the beginning of the second half.
Where they they immediately evaporated. That lead tied it up.
and then, I think from there, like
you know, Marquette.
During all those times that Western was kind of screwing itself.
Marquette was not playing its best, and finally, when they did start clicking in and playing well, Western hadn't built a big enough cushion to be able to survive the search, and so
(15:53):
they started hitting their shots. Western was making twos, and they were making threes, and you look down, and it's 10 point lead. Then all of a sudden, Western misses a few shots and they're up 20, and it's like. Well, there went that because you missed all the other opportunities early, if you would have.
you know, taking advantage of a few of those, then you might have had a different narrative. But
(16:17):
I still think ultimately.
when their best players play their best.
It's just gonna be really hard
for W. Ku to overcome that, even if
like, even if Mchenry had gone for 25. And
you know, other guys have been making shots.
It's just tough to see
Wku overcoming a really really good team like they could win an actual championship for real
(16:41):
like, they're legit.
They're legit National Championship contenders like it's them. And
you know, Houston in our.
in our bracket or in our region, and then obviously get to the final 4.
Who knows? You know Uk has already been knocked out. So they're planning. This
6 seat, I think, or the plan.
(17:03):
Who is it they're planned? Is Oakland.
Devin Stewart (17:05):
But market.
Matthew McCay (17:06):
It's a state.
Yeah, they're playing in C state, right? Okay? So they got an 11 seed to go to lead 8. And then they play Houston or Gonzaga. Is that right?
Devin Stewart (17:17):
Duke.
Matthew McCay (17:17):
Duke. Okay, I'm I'm free. I hadn't looked at it last little bit. I'm going blind.
Devin Stewart (17:21):
No, you're good, of course, like you said. You know, I mean they're easily a final 4 contender, and they could easily be the one of the last 2.
I think they're a good team.
I you know, hey? Props to them. I don't usually say this because I'm a spiteful loser. But you know, hey? If they if they went out, you know at least Lester could say, Hey, we play the national champion and lost. So there's nothing.
Matthew McCay (17:45):
Even if they crap out on the sweet 16. The fact that they followed it up with a win, I guess a good team.
It legitimizes
everything with Western, and and even if not, even if they got blown out by Colorado or whatever.
So what I mean, Western acquitted itself and played
(18:06):
a competitive game, you know. At the end it ended up being
whatever 18 points. But that was not an 18 point game, really. I mean wk, you know, is right there
for 30 min, and you gotta be proud of them. So.
Devin Stewart (18:20):
I can agree. I'm I mean, don't get me wrong at all. I'm I'm very happy with the performance. The guys did
and like I said at the beginning.
when you make the tournament, it's a gold star year for Western, I mean, we haven't made it in 10 years. So you have got to.
You know, you've got to be proud of these guys. And another thing is.
what I want to say is, is, I I think, what you. What everybody needs to understand
(18:44):
is.
don't get wrapped up in the game. Do not let your emotions dictate what you say. After the game you need to take about a good 6 to 8 h to just cool off and stop.
Matthew McCay (18:57):
That that.
Devin Stewart (18:58):
Okay. And I, there's people out there who know who I'm talking about, and I'm giving you the finger right? I'm pointing at you right now. Not you, Matt, but them watching. So you you you put down your phone. Don't be tweeting. Don't be saying nothing. And more importantly, don't say nothing to these 27 year old kids who just went out there and played their hearts out and lost.
(19:18):
You know they did something amazing, and they don't need you going up there some old grandpa armchair coach to go out there and say, Hey, you know he's playing selfish. Well, you know what you're selfish.
Matthew McCay (19:31):
Red is right. Clearly.
Devin Stewart (19:33):
Yeah. Yeah. He was.
Matthew McCay (19:34):
You said that garbage.
Devin Stewart (19:35):
And what's wrong with you? Yes.
and that is garbage.
Matthew McCay (19:39):
Talking about Mchenry, what it was they were talking about Don Mchenry in house, selfish.
Devin Stewart (19:43):
Yeah, like.
Matthew McCay (19:44):
Here he is, and all this stuff, and he clearly wouldn't raise ride, or whatever like. Shut up.
Devin Stewart (19:50):
More idiots.
Matthew McCay (19:51):
I'm sorry.
Devin Stewart (19:52):
Agree.
Matthew McCay (19:53):
It's ridiculous like.
Devin Stewart (19:55):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (19:55):
Like I, I have no problem speaking your mind. Speak away. Okay. It's okay to send the western
kind of screwed up. It's okay that to say that Western had its opportunities, or whatever fine. And you could have a negative opinion about stuff. Okay, fine. But don't come and attack. People don't attack their families and don't degrade the fact that Wku
(20:20):
did something amazing this year. They found a way to make to the Ncaa tournament with a first year coach with a cobbled line up with no point guards
that came into the tournament with a losing streak.
and one in 3 days in dominant fashion, and then almost followed it up with a 15 over 2 upset. They were the only 15 that had a chance
(20:43):
in the.
Devin Stewart (20:43):
They were probably well, we were one of the. We were one of the only schools in Kentucky to to lead at Halftime, an incidentally tournament.
Matthew McCay (20:52):
We're the only one. Yeah.
Devin Stewart (20:53):
Eat eat that cat.
Matthew McCay (20:54):
Yeah. She's up.
Devin Stewart (20:55):
There you go!
Matthew McCay (20:57):
More head.
Devin Stewart (21:01):
So, anyway. So it's talking about my Christmas wish to my wife.
Oh, you were talking about school. Sorry
Matthew McCay (21:09):
Wasn't it?
Devin Stewart (21:12):
Anyway. No. They
Matthew McCay (21:15):
Polish.
Devin Stewart (21:16):
It it. I always get frustrated when fans do that kind of stuff, though, because, like these are 18 to 27 year old kids, they do not need you.
who probably never played a lick of basketball outside of Little League to come up at them and say, stupid stuff like that.
you know, if you're disappointed. Say, you're disappointed. We like man. I can't believe these guys. They were so disappointing at how they played. There we go, Matt, change the scenery. Buddy.
Matthew McCay (21:41):
Yeah, that's it. The lighting on my face.
Devin Stewart (21:46):
Oh, you do! Do you notice? I have a light, too?
Matthew McCay (21:49):
I was wondering. Maybe you look like you put it on makeup and everything
to put on like.
Devin Stewart (21:53):
Actually, I could change. I can change the color, too. So.
Matthew McCay (21:57):
Hope.
Devin Stewart (21:57):
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, well, yeah, see, I'm going green. There we go!
Matthew McCay (22:02):
I mean, don't don't lie. You actually have basically been putting on dead people make up every episode. That's why you look so good.
Devin Stewart (22:10):
No, that that stuff doesn't work the same way for living people. But anyway, so as far as the seasons concerned, what did? What was your
What would you grade this season out as.
Matthew McCay (22:24):
Oh, I mean.
you know, there were. There were some ups and downs I mean, you know, we had some moments where it's kinda like, okay, we're we're rolling. We're doing big things, whatever. And then
all of a sudden, you know, you have a trip to Canada and you blow some leads and look like
(22:45):
you don't know what you're doing.
But that also could have just been the, you know Canadians.
they can really throw it off sometimes. Yeah.
maybe party too hard. One night, I mean, I don't know but
no, I mean stuff happens. And then you had a few moments in the in the conference season, you know. You start whatever in 3. It was like 11, 3, or something non conference.
(23:14):
and then you end up 8 and 8 in conference. You had a few moments, you know you were 8 and 4. At 1 point you lost 4 in a row.
But overall like, if you're talking about a grade
at the end of the day
you lost 2, not one, but 2 guys that could have played point guard, and not one but 2 guys that also played the best defense on the team in Terry, on Mertics and Jalen Jackson. You didn't even get to see Terry on mertics, but he's one of the best
(23:40):
probably could have been arguably the best player on the team.
From what you hear, and what you know from him being a Texan, and M. Corpus, crispy, Corpus, crispy, Corpus Christi.
And and then Jayla Jackson, too, was
you don't look at his stats and say, My goodness, what a difference maker! But there were several games at the end of the game, where he made the difference
(24:05):
to keep the the other team from being able to get a shot off, or from being able to get a good look or whatever, and so
the fact that he went down middle of the season. You think that you're gonna have him in stretch time, and then he's out.
The fact that they were able to put all that together and make the tournament like
(24:26):
I mean, I won't say a plus, because
just because of some of the down parts.
But it was a solid, a I mean. Everything else was perfect.
you know. Like you make the tournament. You have a good year, you win the most games since 2,017 to 18. You know you had
(24:46):
some adversity, and you found a way through it. I mean all that is wonderful. So I mean a solid a for the tops. I mean, it was it was an awesome year.
Gotta be happy with it.
Devin Stewart (24:59):
I agree with you. A 100%
you know, going into Conference U.S.A. tournament.
I
my gold standard, I think what you have to do as a fan is to sit down and to and just on have an honest conversation with
what is a
what is a gold star year, you know, when you're in kindergarten you get gold stars for doing good things. But
(25:20):
you know what is a gold star year when when Lutz comes back, does Todd Stewart put that gold star on the board for him, or what?
Going into Conference U.S.A. Tournament? I thought if we made it probably to the Conference championship. It was a gold star year
that was against
Pre. This is Pre Pre thought here, you know, Sam Houston and Law Tech are in there, and they've they both stonewalled us at different points.
(25:44):
I think we beat. Did we beat logic? Yeah, we did beat logic, and
we lost the same. Houston. Okay, that's what it was. I had them switched in my head.
Matthew McCay (25:53):
Split with logitech.
got swept by Sam Houston.
Devin Stewart (25:57):
Yes, but and you know we had 4 games at the end of the season. We lost.
you know, bam, bam, bam, bam! And we lost all 4. So you know, going to a comfort U.S.A. tournament. You're like dude if we make it out of the first game, I think it's good, and then it's well, you know, we make it the second game. And then Domino started falling. That allowed us to show
(26:18):
hey, Western could win this, and then, you know, we're lined up against utap final game. And it's like this is ours.
This is our game to lose. Any uncle question ended up winning, and everything started working out perfectly.
But this is definitely
I would go so far as to say this was an a plus year because if you had told me last
(26:41):
spring, right after Stansberry was fired, we hired Lutz. Everybody was like running around the office office screaming and going. It's on fire when, in fact, it wasn't on fire.
you know. I know a lot of people who were very disappointed that we'll wait was not hired.
(27:01):
There's some bigger people that are upset that Will Wade wasn't hired. We aren't going to go to the tournament next year, because, you know, Will Wade wasn't hired, and let's came in and let's won
so you know I'm
I can't complain. I mean, with what Lutz did. He did a really good job, and if we're able to keep luts, that's another a plus in my book.
Matthew McCay (27:23):
Yeah. Well, I mean one thing you know about the will way detractors which, honestly coming into the tournament, you look, and, you see, make me stay like 31, 3 looking great, and everything. But then, honestly, who perform better in the tournament? They both got to the same round right.
They may stay 12 seed play to 5. They got murdered. They got absolutely slaughtered, didn't have a prayer, and then Wku played a admirable game and had a chance to win it until about 10 min.
(27:55):
I mean, even if he sliced it that way.
People talking about we'll wait. We'll wait, or whatever I mean? Obviously, he went 31 and 3. So who knows what he would have done at Western?
But yeah.
I mean, let's did exactly what he was
the maximum about what he possibly could have done
with the roster and the schedule, and everything that he had
(28:19):
the injuries and all that
cause. You also had the Christian lander and injury had Dante Allen for
but a game and a half.
and he was hobbled even against market. I mean
to to overcome all that, and to have the results that he had. I mean, I of course, like you, I mean, I said like it. It could certainly be a plus myself, but I think I was just being a little
(28:45):
a little.
not even harsh, I guess, and giving them an a versus a plus whatever it is, it's in the A's. And it was a great season.
you know. We're hanging banners, you know. We're adding to all the
all the numbers, all the big numbers that you advertise as a program 20 win seasons and Ncwa. Tournament appearances.
(29:05):
you know. All that is is being added to. So
you gotta be thrilled with it.
Devin Stewart (29:13):
So, I think, and I don't know. You may agree or disagree.
I think a gold star year for Western is going to the is going to is going to march madness. You gotta make the Ncaa tournament.
Matthew McCay (29:26):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (29:26):
That is a goal. Sorry year. That is the bowl game, you know. That's the conference championship, whatever you want to call it, for you know the equivalent for basketball, I mean, I know you have to be conference champions to do it. But I'm saying
football to basketball. That's the equivalent. You gotta be able to do this and then do that.
So I mean, Lutz has done that. And I think Lutz 2 could be a lot. It could be a big big year for us, and I'm I'm very excited to see that
(29:56):
if we are able to hold on to him
now.
Supposedly he hasn't gone anywhere. But there's a lot of flights coming in and out of Bowling Green International Airport.
So
if let's was to leave what would be some of the fallout, besides several players leaving, what are your thoughts.
Matthew McCay (30:16):
Well, first of all, I hope he stays. Obviously I don't. I don't care about the 2 million dollars to be clear. There is a if he if he lease before April thirtieth we get 2 million dollars.
I don't care. I'd rather he stayed.
If he does go.
I hope we go somewhere and is successful. You know I
(30:41):
it. It wouldn't be a complete.
an utter disaster to to get that 2 million dollars like
it would help a lot of, I'm sure, would help a lot of bottom line issues and stuff like that.
But
if you if you're admin and you think that it's worth the 2 million dollars to get rid of the first coach that's made to the tournament 11 years. You're crazy. Then the fact that if he stayed
(31:06):
he could keep this whole roster pretty much if he wanted to.
minus Rodney Howard. Go get a big man. You sign the kid from Warren Central.
you know, and maybe have a couple of guys transfer out that are a little bit
towards the end of the bench.
and and you go get a few players.
(31:26):
and you could rock with what you have
and be able to
hopefully. You know, have a decent schedule, have a much better record, and may go back to the dance and make a run.
So that's the first thing is.
unless he gets offered some great job. I I do hope they considers the long term and doesn't just jump ship because somebody's gonna pay him another
(31:50):
couple of $100,000 a year.
you know, if he's gonna get paid 3 million versus 650,000.
Okay, I mean, I kinda I kinda get that or whatever. But if it's a slight increase or slight
bump and pay, or even like a slightly better conference, or something like that.
I just hope he puts himself in a good position like it's it's understood
(32:13):
that he probably would move on. He moved on from Corpus Christi after 2 years, and he went to Western, which Western is not like
this massive.
ungodly jump from Corpus Christi to Wku. Wku obviously has more tradition and stuff like that. But there was some baggage that did come with the Wku job like having the expectation of you. Better get to the tournament stuff like that.
(32:39):
Well.
Devin Stewart (32:40):
I mean. And another thing that Western has that Corpus Christi.
Well, something Corpus Christi has that Western doesn't is the salt life stickers.
Matthew McCay (32:50):
Yes.
Devin Stewart (32:51):
Thanks. But anyway, go ahead.
Matthew McCay (32:53):
Well, that was very thank you for that serious comment. I really
that added, so, okay.
Devin Stewart (32:59):
So this is my pet peeve. I have to tell you so. I've got a lot of hand things today, cause I'm on video. So.
Matthew McCay (33:05):
Perfect.
Devin Stewart (33:06):
I cannot stand. This is a personal thing for me. I cannot stand. If you're driving down the road, and you see a salt life sticker.
If it is not a coastal state, I'll do both sides, because
if it's not a coastal state
with the license played.
then you don't need that sticker
if you're in Kentucky and you have a salt life sticker, what are you doing? Assault in your French fries like? I don't understand the point
(33:30):
you live in that salt life here in Kentucky? No, you're not so sorry for. Go ahead, Corpus Christi is
I I don't know. I just.
Matthew McCay (33:38):
The islanders.
Devin Stewart (33:40):
I'll get off my! I can't stand the Saltwash stickers on people who don't live near the ocean, but.
Matthew McCay (33:45):
But yeah, I hadn't given it a single thought of my life. So anyway,
anyway no, I mean it so kind of getting into the reality of it. It does seem like there's some mutual interest.
you know. He was rumored to possibly be in the
(34:08):
final 5 or so, for Smu looks like that's going a different direction. There were some other ones, Louisville.
Apparently he was in the hunt.
but probably not gonna get it. Oklahoma states, the one that we're
currently most worried about. You know it. It seems like he
(34:33):
so it seems like he.
I think there's there's interest from both sides.
I don't know which way it's gonna go. The longer that we wait, though, the more I feel more comfortable that he may be back.
A lot of times.
It's gonna happen fairly quickly. It doesn't like you can't wait
way into the off season, and then all of a sudden have a change, and so
(34:57):
we'll see. Our staff seems to think that there could be like a domino type of school where, like maybe a second tier.
big East mountain west, a 10
lower level power, 5.
Something like that kind of falls, and and is interested in them.
Devin Stewart (35:17):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (35:18):
I think consensus within the tower right now, as of you know, Wednesday afternoon.
but it could change quickly, so y'all don't shoot us if you come on Thursday, and there's a big shift.
But seems like it's about 50 50 either way that he possibly could go.
I mean, he's, you know, we if he's offered the right job he'd probably take it.
(35:42):
But I think there's also a decent chance that he looks at and says you know what? Maybe I can get a couple of offers. But why don't I stick here where I've got everybody? I can keep everybody together.
and we run this back one more time, and then he gets a huge job offer
when they go to the Sweet 16 or the you know the lead 8 next year.
Devin Stewart (36:01):
Yeah.
I mean, honestly, like.
I'm kind of with you. I
I would be happy next if if we get let's 2. And like Matt said. If this episode comes out and
he's already flown somewhere else that never comes back, I can't help it. I'm sorry, but
if if if he does go somewhere else.
(36:23):
or if he, if he stays at Western, let's start there and we get let's 2. You know. We get most of the players back.
Then I think you know, I won't say minimum. But you know another March madness. Appearance is another gold star, in my opinion.
that's all I mean, obviously. Yes.
(36:44):
If you go to Conference championship, and you have that crazy 3 point spin out thing that happened a few years ago with Marshall.
you know that could be another issue.
But I don't think it's anything less. I mean, I still give that an A, you know. Maybe B, depending on how the the game is played. You know, if you don't even make it that far, then we'll talk. But I think that as far as the seasons gone this year.
(37:11):
I I have a lot of faith, and let's I think he does. I think he did really. Well this year, and I think let's 2 could do a lot of good in the future.
I did think it was funny. We've preached on this last year
that I always thought it was weird that Stansberry never rested. The guys.
you know, he would always have the same 5 guys, maybe 6,
(37:32):
who would have like 85.
Matthew McCay (37:35):
They trust them.
Devin Stewart (37:36):
Yeah, 85 min in the game, and then he'd have, like one or 2 other guys on the bench that had like, 3 min.
And then, as soon as they go in, basically, the next thing whoop! They're out and.
You know. Let's is in there on one of the press conferences that we posted, and he was talking about, you know, resting the guys legs keeping their legs healthy so they can make it. And you know better further in the tournament. And I'm like, Ha! Ha! I told you I told you, you know, and it's it's one of those things you know. People are like, Oh, you you're they don't need to rest. This is a Gmba.
Matthew McCay (38:08):
They're 22 year old kids.
Devin Stewart (38:11):
Yeah, yeah.
Matthew McCay (38:12):
They're almost.
Devin Stewart (38:13):
Good evening.
Matthew McCay (38:13):
Thanks. Very well.
Devin Stewart (38:14):
Stuff. Yeah.
Yeah. As full as.
Matthew McCay (38:19):
It drove me crazy. You'd be punching a nerve here. Okay, look at TV on Holly's worth right. He he holds like all the Western minutes records
right? And how many championships does he have no offense to be on? It's not his fault, but how many does he have 0? He has one regular season championship.
and he always looked worn down at the end of the season.
(38:42):
And yeah, and let's made the point, he said. Hey, Hardy and somebody else.
or you know, they average like 32 33 min a game right? Tay Hardy from you, Tip.
who, by the way, wes from play in the finals, and Tay Hardy didn't have his best game. I wonder? Maybe his legs were burned out from the whole year. Maybe it's cause he had a tough day for me.
Devin Stewart (39:05):
Jeered.
Matthew McCay (39:07):
I don't know. But guess what. Taking on average, some of those years, he average like 34, 35 min, which is outrageous. And let's told told us all that it his. His whole thing is, you play your bench and make sure.
You know he made the point that Don Mchenry had played the most minutes
(39:27):
of on the team, and he had played 5
full games less than Tay Hardy in terms of minutes played.
and that's not including the average minutes played. That's 40
full minute games. He was 200 min less on the season
than Tay. Hardy like that is a massive difference, and it ended up paying off. So
(39:49):
anyway, I know that's a sidebar.
But that's that's just one more thing about Steve Lutz that you just have to love
is that he? He has a plan. He has thoughts on things. Whenever you ask him something
he comes up with something awesome to say, like.
Devin Stewart (40:06):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (40:07):
Like. We asked them the stuff at the Press Conference
about you know. We ask, you know, if if you were talking to the Western on their couch, thinking about whether they would come or not.
and whether they would come to the championship game. And he goes.
what the hell else are you gonna do?
Devin Stewart (40:24):
Greatest thing that was the Great One.
Matthew McCay (40:26):
Yeah, that was awesome.
It's just such a great answer. And just off the cup. I mean the guy.
especially in more than just like the entertainment factor, or just the fact that he's a good coach.
He's just special in the way that he can talk, and the way that he can get his guys to do what he wants.
(40:46):
He's 3 and O. As a head coach
when he's required at each of the schools that he's been at
to win a converse championship. He's done it.
and twice he's done it as the Underdog. He's done it with 2 teams that were 500, the regular season
and the conference.
(41:07):
Yeah. And
just a special.
A talent rises to the top when it's most.
you know, when it's most under pressure, and that's exactly what he's done is
risen to the top.
So.
Devin Stewart (41:22):
He's.
Matthew McCay (41:23):
Winky.
Devin Stewart (41:23):
Happy. I was very happy with a lot of what he said.
If I'm not mistaken. Did you ask him at like the last press conference. If there was anything you would have changed, or was that somebody else.
Matthew McCay (41:36):
The championship, game.
Devin Stewart (41:37):
Game.
cause he's like you're gonna make me sound like an old cranky coach or something. And I was like.
Matthew McCay (41:42):
Yeah, I just don't.
I? Yeah. I asked him if
if he if there was something that he felt like they needed to work on
heading into the tournament into incidentally tournament. And he said.
Yeah, he said, you're gonna maybe sound like an old, old cranky coach, or whatever.
(42:02):
And then he you know it kind of goes on. He's like, well, obviously turnovers, or whatever. But he was like, you know what. So what we won, and
They, W. We won the game. Who cares, you know, and it's like that's refreshing, because
you know, you see, all these coaches with their coach speak and stuff like that, and they won't let their guard down. But he's like, you know what screw it. We just want a championship. I'm not gonna worry about
(42:29):
the fact that we turned the ball over a few times. Of course, we gotta get to work. Of course, we gotta practice and stuff like that. But
let's go celebrate, you know, and I think that's so
so cool. And it's kind of like.
you know, as a fan, or or like a bystander, or whatever you kind of like to see that side of it, that he's not so
consumed with everything.
Devin Stewart (42:50):
Yes.
Matthew McCay (42:51):
Function. Yeah.
Yeah. Like, imagine Bob Katrino, if he was asked that question, you know, like he wouldn't say anything about like.
Devin Stewart (43:01):
Bad, maybe bad, maybe.
Matthew McCay (43:02):
Real big.
Devin Stewart (43:03):
Death.
Matthew McCay (43:05):
What do you have made without so many things to fix
Jesus.
Devin Stewart (43:11):
We want.
Matthew McCay (43:11):
Terrible.
Devin Stewart (43:12):
Act.
Matthew McCay (43:13):
Do you wanna make the sweet 16, anyway.
Devin Stewart (43:18):
We're going to practice. Now get out there!
We just finished the game coach. I don't care
but no
Matthew McCay (43:26):
There will be no party.
Devin Stewart (43:31):
so we're talking talking, potential coaching hires. Do you have anybody that you would think of.
Matthew McCay (43:37):
Well, the 2 that stand out to me.
If we're if we're possibly acknowledging that, let's may leave which it seems he could.
There's one on staff, and that's Hank Pona.
He he brought in a couple of the guys already on the roster.
He also, certainly has some connections around the country to bring in some good transfers.
(44:03):
sources, say
and so
I think he would have an opportunity to at least make a case to to to be in the running. I think also.
I think his name's Preston Preston Spradlin, from Moorhead State.
Devin Stewart (44:21):
Okay.
Matthew McCay (44:23):
He's a guy that has been at Morehead for a while. So Kentucky school. So he's gonna be kind of familiar with
you know, recruiting this area of the country for sure. He's gonna be. He's gonna have tons of connections in Eastern Kentucky, Ohio.
Tennessee, you know, obviously heading out to Western Kentucky, too.
(44:47):
He would be a pretty good fit, and he's done a good job at Morehead. If you look at Morehead.
you know, when, since he's been
been there, they've been to the tournament several times, and Morehead's not exactly.
you know. Tradition Central. I've had
some tradition. It's not like they had 0 tradition.
(45:10):
Let me look up
but they've done something.
Devin Stewart (45:16):
So another name I would throw out. There is Kenny Payne.
Matthew McCay (45:22):
Oh.
okay. Why don't you share? Live, Devin?
Devin Stewart (45:26):
Well, he just got fired from Louisville, so he didn't have anything better to do and then we could also hire.
Richard.
Matthew McCay (45:35):
Long-huang.
Devin Stewart (45:35):
Rick Patino's son.
Matthew McCay (45:38):
Bright.
Yes.
a.
So there's that.
bright.
Okay.
Devin Stewart (45:48):
Honestly. The scuttle bug in Louisville is that he's going to Louville, so I'm completely kidding about both Kenny and Richard. But still.
Matthew McCay (45:56):
Hmm, yeah, that's
riveting.
Devin Stewart (46:00):
So.
Matthew McCay (46:01):
So spread.
Devin Stewart (46:02):
Glenn has.
Matthew McCay (46:03):
Then go ahead.
Devin Stewart (46:04):
Also there is Mike Sanford brawl.
You can hire me, Bro. I. It's not that hard. Bro. You just throw the ball through through the goal like you. Just you just stow it. It's just it's not that hard. Bro.
Matthew McCay (46:19):
It's like throwing your surfboard up on top of a sweet wave.
Devin Stewart (46:23):
Yeah, you just.
Matthew McCay (46:23):
Just gotta ride the wave into the basket.
Devin Stewart (46:25):
Show it up on your on your previous bro.
It just like.
Matthew McCay (46:31):
Can
just follow this
sweet hanged in
right into Alcatraz.
trap it in the basket, Bro
rocked.
Devin Stewart (46:44):
Have you ever tried this thing called snow surfing? I think they call it snow boarding
Bro.
Alright. I'll I'll let you all go.
Matthew McCay (46:56):
Okay, what I'm saying on Spreadline. Okay, let me let me get back to.
Devin Stewart (47:00):
Yeah, you're good. You're good.
Matthew McCay (47:01):
Yeah, more.
Devin Stewart (47:02):
On Stanford.
Matthew McCay (47:04):
Yeah.
man, you make such a good argument.
Devin Stewart (47:10):
So.
Matthew McCay (47:10):
Bradlin. He did have a few years.
That he was kind of average with more head, you know. First 4 years
actually didn't even have a winning record. But then, in 2,02021, they went, 23, and 8. They went to the incident, a tournament
for the first time, and I think it was a decade. They also went 23, and 1120, 21 to 22 they went 22, and 12 went to the nit second round
(47:41):
in 22 to 23, and then this last year they went 26 and 9,
and made the the round of 64 in the incident tournament. So he's got a pretty decent resume. He's been there for 8 years.
He's he took over a program that had only been to the incident tournament twice since 1984,
(48:03):
and he's taken them 2 more times in in 8 years. He's also been to the nit. So I think he
I think he's this solid candidate. I think that's somebody that people really consider. I I'd be. I don't know. There may be some other candidates out there.
I mean, obviously there will be you know. But I I don't necessarily have like a long list. I'd love to see us.
(48:31):
I'm sure my dad would love this, but I would love to see us have some wk, you flavor
on the bench. I think there are some good assistance that should come back home soon.
Anthony Winchester.
David Boyden.
I think.
Adam.
(48:51):
what is this? The walk on Adam Howard?
He's been in coaching a while. I'd love to see one of those guys. I think David Boyden is kind of like a future head coach kind of
prospect.
and he's now getting into like his kind of 40 ish range
like he's he's gotta be about 40 years old or so.
(49:11):
He's been around, and, you know, has been on a lot of winning staffs.
I honestly think he would be a good Wk. Head coach at some point. I think I think Winchester's got a nice resume, too. He's at Kansas State now.
Doing some things there. So
I feel like we should.
you know. Consider some of those possible connections, and bring back
(49:35):
some of the the Wku grades from the past, whether it's on the you know, as a assistant, or whether as a head coach at some point in the future. I don't know if this year will be the time.
but I think next cycle, or next
few years.
why wouldn't one of those guys be a good head coach in Canada to wku.
Devin Stewart (49:56):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (49:56):
So.
Devin Stewart (49:57):
I mean. And and I mean honestly, the ideal situation is, let's returns. But
if he doesn't, you know hopefully, Western land on his feet, ideally.
Matthew McCay (50:08):
Just make a good decision.
Sorry? Yeah. Go ahead, man.
Devin Stewart (50:12):
No, no, you're good. What I was gonna say is, is, you know, we were expecting a rebuilding year this year, so
you know honestly.
I mean, we had a really good season. So, going into conference tournament, it had a different mindset than when the season started, because when the season started
honestly like I would have been happy making it in the conference tournament, not knowing what we were going to be looking at.
Matthew McCay (50:37):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (50:38):
But you know, after the game started and everything started rolling, you know
the expectations, rose.
And so let's 2 point I was gonna have a little bit higher of a
little bit higher goals to reach this coming year. So you know, we'll just have to see.
Matthew McCay (50:56):
Yeah, I mean, if if let stays, which again, we think 50 50. So there's still a a great shot.
the hands upstand here, in my opinion.
unless he's just determined to leave. I think he easily could end up back here.
But
If he stays guys, I think we need to. We gotta come together
and we got a
(51:17):
You know. We gotta we gotta show up to games. We gotta you know. I hope that did. All is sold out. That you know, the students come back, and all that stuff like we need to have the reaction that we should have
when you return a coach after winning an incident or go into the Ncaa tournament and you he returns to the hill.
(51:40):
You gotta have that reaction of we're all in, and we're not worried about the future. We're worried about right right now.
and right now it's time to go
go get another ring and go to the tournament.
and I hope that the mentality changes from what it's been last 11 years of
Oh, Lord! We're gonna screw it up! Screw it up again.
(52:02):
you know. Hope we have a good showing.
like when we used to show up to tournament.
even as the pep band
or the fans in the stands, or whatever like we expected to win the tournament like, even if we weren't the top seed, or whatever the mindset was, wkus come here, win this tournament, and I think that's how it needs to be going forward like we're here to win. We're not here to to be decent. We're not here to, you know. Make sure we get 20 wins or something like that.
(52:33):
We're here to win championships to play in the Ncaa tournament. That's what it's all about. And so I hope
that people have that reaction especially if blood stays. But either way it's time to
take what momentum we've got, whether it's with Lutz or not.
and take it into next year.
Devin Stewart (52:53):
So let me make a note here.
I am going to post the baseball and softball
upcoming games. I don't have those in front of me
like I said, I got into a conversation before that pops the episode started. So I didn't get those typed up. But I'm gonna post those here so you can see those as I'm talking. But the next few months we're gonna take a break for the next 3 or 4 weeks at least.
(53:19):
We will come back towards the end of April is the ideal plan. As long as Matt and I can get on the same page.
And we'll come back and we'll do an episode. Talk about, you know, into baseball what we're looking at, you know what's coming back
maybe pre pre football talk. You know what we saw at spring game.
(53:40):
yeah, and stuff like that. And then, you know, maybe try and come back in May and June and July, just so that we can kind of touch base and then have it. We'll have our. We'll start back into the season towards the end of August. They are getting ready for football season.
You know. Maybe have some recruiting news and stuff like that, guys. But we'll get back into the the role of things. But we're gonna try and do at least a few episodes. I may try and get some guest episodes where we have you know, interviews and stuff like that with players
(54:12):
or people, or in general.
and just talk to them. Maybe it's former players or former athletes, and just, you know, talk to them, see what they think and have about their times at Western, and it may not have a lot to do with
the current state of Western athletics. But it may be something entertaining for you.
So I hope you hope you appreciate that. I hope you like what we're putting out. If you do like sharing subscribe. And as always, guys go tops.
Matthew McCay (54:39):
Tops.
Devin Stewart (54:40):
Go tops, maybe talk to you all.
Matthew McCay (54:42):
I quarterly get drafted. Baby.
Devin Stewart (54:45):
Yeah, get drafted. Oh, Booger, let's talk about that real quick.
So Malachi corely and Austin Reed
has. His drafts are changed.
Matthew McCay (54:59):
Yeah. Well, Malachi corely. Just real quick. Pre sorry for the the false start there, guys. But
anyway,
I had it pulled up. But there were several guys.
I think it's on the recruiting hold. Let me find it here. But
okay, football recruiting. Basically. Malcolm corely solidified his stock, I think, as a second round.
(55:25):
kind of guy. We. We know that he's been like, maybe first round, probably not solid. Second round. We definitely think he'll be going by the third round. That's kind of what we thought the whole time. He just solidified everything. He looked good. He did a good job on his stuff. He ran a nice 40
all that kind of thing. And so he. He's done everything he should.
(55:48):
as far as other people. You know there was, I mean also Reid was honestly the other big
big name in there. And I think he
you know, did a a fine job. I haven't
really hurt a ton
outside of Corely, really. But just to to tell you the names that we're in there.
(56:15):
Me
pull it up if I can. It's on the
football recruiting. They got a list of who it was. And I had it pulled up in that time now.
But anyway, guys like Rome, Rome Weber
there were some other guys that you may not know as well but there are a few guys in there that really have a shot
(56:38):
to possibly make a team, or certainly get it by into a camp.
And I'm sure it was an opportunity for them as well. Austin Reid looks like he maybe gets drafted, maybe as a undrafted free agent, but he'll probably be in a camp somewhere.
Also, randomly, I saw David Davis
signed to be in the Spring Football leagues. I forget which team it was. My Internet's not loading right now. So that's useful. But anyway, I did. We did just wanna mention the
(57:12):
the football stuff, and the the Nfl draft coming up here, and I believe it's in April.
So be sure you keep an eye on it, because.
you might see some wk you read on day one or 2.
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (57:28):
That'd be be really exciting. Honestly.
Matthew McCay (57:33):
April 20 fifth
to the twenty-seventh is when it is so. We got a few about a month off at this point.
But there were. There were 10 teams there that brought their receiver coaches to see. Corely
like, they literally showed up for quarterly is basically what happened?
(57:53):
And
yeah, I mean that. That's that's a statement right there that he's such a
legit prospect that you've got 9 receiver coaches coming to see what they think of
as because when when those teams those teams know by maybe the second or third round, they're gonna have 2 2 or 3 chances to maybe look at them.
(58:14):
and he'll be gone. So that's just a super high demand.
It's good indication that maybe Malacca is in pretty good shape to be in the second round.
Devin Stewart (58:26):
Yeah, I I'd like to see I'd like to see him go at least second round.
And honestly, if Austin read gets drafted, I'm happy with that, too. I think those are both gold stars.
Matthew McCay (58:36):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (58:38):
We'll be back like you said. Like, I said towards the end of April, and we can talk about that then.
and no takebacks this time, so but I will be talking about more Western pro day stuff towards the end of April. But hope you'll have a nice summer. We'll talk to you then, and we'll try and have some more episodes. Okay.
so
(58:59):
this time, what do you?
Alright go tops, guys.
Matthew McCay (59:02):
Go tops.
Welcome into another. Red out podcast Devin, Matt, and we are here for the final. I guess, scheduled episode of the season.
we've got some baseball. We've got some basketball we got some softball to talk about.
The biggest news is gonna be basketball. But first let's talk a little baseball Western lost to F Iu. I'll have a little when I have a little
(00:28):
graphic here in just a second
Western laws to FIU
11 to one and 7 innings. On Friday, March the 20 s.
me get my timer started here.
and so they lost. Then let's see.
I guess softball didn't play softball played on Saturday. Lost the law tech the 5 to 3,
(00:51):
and they won the other. The double headers, the other 1 6 to 5,
and then Western beat Fryu, 14 to 4 and 8 innings, and then
20 fourth. Sorry
western lost to fiu. So we won once of the games of the series.
(01:14):
And then a Westerns girls lost. On Sunday the softball lost 4 to 10, and men's lost. The Bow baseball lost 3 to 7.
Yeah, I'm not really prepared to get today. Guys. Sorry I've had a
longer phone call that did not mean to. And
it's whatever. And then Murray Western played Murray yesterday on Espn. Plus and lost 15 to 2 and 7 innings. So good. Gosh but I'll have that Graphic up here. We'll have an update on for the baseball side of things. We'll have that graphic. And then the next part of the series.
Matthew McCay (01:50):
I was. Gonna say.
Devin Stewart (01:51):
News! Go ahead!
Matthew McCay (01:53):
I was gonna say, on the Murray state thing I was looking so I was like, Oh, Lord! Was it 15 to 3, or whatever. I think they're like 18 and 6 on the year. So they're.
Devin Stewart (02:04):
Entirely, right.
Matthew McCay (02:06):
Yeah, so hopefully, it's just a blip on the radar. And you know, losing the FI use kinda like, well, I mean, you know you. At least you took one game out of there. You definitely don't wanna get swept in conference, so
so they'll get together. Be alright.
Devin Stewart (02:20):
Yeah, they
they I mean, baseball has done really well, surprisingly. But I don't know of any series that they have actually just completely dominated.
Matthew McCay (02:35):
Yeah.
yeah, that's true. They haven't, really. I don't think they've swept a series. I think they're over record set 16 and 10, and they basically win kind of 2 out of 3 and in this case they they lost 2 out of 3, and then they lost the midweek game. So
little skid there. But I mean, I guess we'll kind of see
(02:58):
how it shakes out. Moving forward. They play Jacksonville State and Vandy, April second, so that'll be
interesting. And then down.
Devin Stewart (03:10):
Oh no!
Matthew McCay (03:10):
Oh, Lord, okay. Well.
I hope Jackson will stay. Goes well, because the next 4 games after that gonna be pretty brutal.
Devin Stewart (03:19):
Yeah.
Mike, sounding better now.
Matthew McCay (03:23):
Yeah, that's a little better man.
Devin Stewart (03:25):
Okay, okay.
so Western played market on last Friday.
I actually watched it. Okay, so I spent like 40 or 50 bucks on this game. I bet my $10 on Western to make about a hundred bucks, which would have been awesome.
and up until halftime I thought we were doing really well. So there's that
(03:47):
but
Western ended up losing 87 to 69,
and
I mean, if they had actually probably match the tempo
and the first half to the second half like that's a whole different game.
I'm pretty sure Marquette came out and was like, Oh, dude here. No bill.
(04:11):
So you know, it's a
yeah, it's it's it, was it? The first half was amazing. It was very exciting game, and I thought Western played awesome.
But you know that the guard, Jones
just dude. He he hit like no other.
Matthew McCay (04:32):
And Jones, I think.
yeah, the guy who was the angel.
Devin Stewart (04:36):
Yeah. He went off dude. It was crazy.
Matthew McCay (04:40):
Yeah.
I think the other thing was calling to.
I think the other thing was colec to the the other guy that had been injured.
You know, the guy averages.
I think it's like so
7, 16, or 17, like 7 and a half assists.
and he usually gets like 3 or 4 rebounds. Well, this game
(05:03):
he he got his. He got 18 points. He had 11 assist only 3 turnovers.
had a couple of steals in there, only filed twice, had 6 rebounds. So he was basically above his average. And everything after coming back after not playing for 6
6 games.
So when he goes off, and then Kim Jones goes off
(05:24):
it. Kinda
it takes away all that margin that you could have had to try to
upset.
Devin Stewart (05:31):
Yeah.
yeah, like you said Cam. Jones had an amazing game.
But on on western side of things like
in the hell is beeping.
Matthew McCay (05:46):
My, my stuff was beeping on my side. Man, I had a phone call.
Devin Stewart (05:49):
No, it's me. No, no, you're fine. It's me.
For whatever reason, my my computer, I I set a timer so I can keep up with
easier to mark chapters and stuff.
But anyway I tell you, some kid, that I was really loving was Evelyn.
He had 12 min in the game. But Jack Eadlan was doing awesome. He also looked like he was 5 foot 4 up there, but he's actually
(06:12):
5, 10.
Matthew McCay (06:15):
Generously, yeah.
Devin Stewart (06:16):
Yes, I mean, yeah, that's he's probably closer to probably 5, 8, 5, 9. But you know how it is. Coaches always pump him up a little bit but yeah, he, I thought he did really. Well, had a lot of assist.
you know Kid was hustling like no other. But he I I as a red Tail trust $5 per month person. I would like my $5 to go to him. I'm just saying.
Matthew McCay (06:42):
Like an official. Keith, if you're watching.
Devin Stewart (06:44):
Yes, yeah. But he doesn't.
Matthew McCay (06:46):
You know? Yeah.
Devin Stewart (06:47):
So it's fine!
Matthew McCay (06:49):
And.
Devin Stewart (06:49):
And click.
Matthew McCay (06:50):
Anyway.
Devin Stewart (06:50):
Yes.
Matthew McCay (06:51):
Oh, Shmank, I'm sorry not shrink. Schmilion. I don't wanna use names. But yeah, I know he. I think my dad, I don't know if this is true, because my dad can get into a lot of urban legends really quick. But there's suburban legends in his case. But
(07:11):
I think, he said, Elim was like plus 24 and 12 min, or something so like if you look at their plus minus
basically what that looks at is like, how did the team do while you were on the court? And he was like super high, plus minus
plus 20 something 24 or something like that. And Jack just played really? Well. And he he does a lot of the invisible things you don't really notice
Devin Stewart (07:38):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (07:38):
They actually dropped in a couple of points, which was nice.
only took a couple of shots made of both, got a couple of rebounds.
One turnover, I mean. He did exactly what you would ask a backup point guard to do, and and really more, he was all over the place and I believe I firmly believe the man deserves a scholarship for real like what he did.
Devin Stewart (08:01):
Completely, agree.
Matthew McCay (08:03):
He's only a freshman. If he could do that as a freshman, and come in and contribute and stabilize the back court.
let the man come in and and do it next year, and and going forward like
he's a good little player, and very surprising to to see how well he's well. He's done this year, but good for him. Freshmen Walcom comes in.
(08:25):
does a good job.
Devin Stewart (08:28):
I will say. Marshall
was it? Is it Tyrone? Marshall? Is that right? Yes, Tyrone Marshall. He was playing phenomenally first half
dude was hitting for 3 s. Really? Well.
you know he did really. Well, I thought Mchenry did pretty well. Some people thought he had some bad choices.
(08:50):
I will talk about something else here in just a second. But you know there were a lot of other players who did well during the game, but
you know, you know market is just able to pull from a larger talent
pool, and I mean to make the March madness in general, for Western, I think, is a gold star year. In my opinion.
Matthew McCay (09:09):
Oh, yeah.
yeah, I mean, you have to be
thrilled with how it the the big picture ended up. I mean, if you told me. We make the incident a tournament
in any way.
It doesn't matter about anything else like a plus like there's there's no.
you know I like.
That's been the whole goal since 2,013 was, get back to the tournament. However, you do it, and we did it, and we we didn't even have a 16 seat. We had a 15 seat, you know, which
(09:40):
a, as a, you know, die hard, you know, long time. Western pan 15 seed is not as thrilling as like really having a chance to win is like a 1112, 13.
You know, we've had some 8, 9, 10 seats in the past and stuff.
So we've had other times that we had a more of a legitimate chance to win a few games.
But you have to be thrilled with year one of a new coach. He comes in. He immediately takes you to the tournament. You know, Marquette, I think
(10:11):
I think they just
I mean when you have
2 guys that go off like they did
and then their other guy was like, they have 4 guys that combined the average like 50 something points, and they all did pretty well. I think Isidoro, or whatever his name is, was the only one that didn't have a great game.
(10:32):
but he also contributed elsewhere.
I was like, here's a 4.
Devin Stewart (10:36):
Points.
Matthew McCay (10:37):
And yeah, he only had 4 points. We had 8 rebounds. He had 5 blocks.
They had a positive assist to turnover, so the Guy did other things, and then their other guy that averages 10 points.
He put in 16 points. So
or maybe it was David Joplin. I can't remember. Anyway. They
(10:59):
they. They're they're 4 big guys, all did something. And so
if if that's gonna happen, then you need all of your like, you need several Western guys to counteract that.
And the only person that played great was Woo Tyro Marshall in the first half.
Okay. And but in the second half we did not keep the same pace. There was no one else in the second half was
(11:23):
owner.
Devin Stewart (11:23):
High level.
I don't blame. I don't necessarily blame
who on the on that.
Matthew McCay (11:28):
I'm not saying that I'm just saying like
to keep it going like we were. The reason that we were ahead was because he had 17 in the first half. If he kept going and scored 34,
then obviously that would have given us a chance at the end of the game with one guy scoring 34 just takes the pressure off of everyone else.
(11:49):
But if you don't have pace you gotta get it from somewhere else or slow them down. You didn't do either, and that's that's why would they pull away.
Devin Stewart (11:57):
Yeah, I will say that Joplin is probably the ugliest person I've ever seen. I'm just saying that.
Matthew McCay (12:05):
Well from the upper deck. I couldn't really see him, so I don't know what you're talking about. But
maybe so.
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (12:13):
So.
Matthew McCay (12:13):
On, the.
Devin Stewart (12:14):
Second.
Matthew McCay (12:17):
Go ahead and keep talking. I'm always gonna look how ugly this guy is.
Devin Stewart (12:26):
Okay, sorry about that.
Matthew McCay (12:29):
It's all good man. I've just been looking.
Devin Stewart (12:30):
Yes.
Matthew McCay (12:30):
This ugly guy.
Devin Stewart (12:32):
Yes, Joplin, okay.
just picture like the human. Just the he reminds me of, like a pug
like some people think pugs are cute, and some people are like
nothing. You don't see it. You don't see it. Okay, I'll try to remember to put a picture of Joplin on this part of the episode. So.
Matthew McCay (12:56):
Let me see.
I mean I I just looked them up, and I don't. I don't see like exactly which.
Devin Stewart (13:02):
Well, I mean, I'm not saying he's like like like, but it did
I? What I said initially. What I said initially was, is, that's a face that mama could love. But I'm just saying
maybe it's a little Western hate. I don't know.
But I mean.
Matthew McCay (13:20):
And I don't.
Devin Stewart (13:21):
I don't know. I mean
market. I mean they did really. Well,
they I mean they came out in the second half. I
there's one or 2 things that happens when you go in at half time against the team like market, and either they roll over which that was not gonna happen.
or they come out swinging, and that's what they did.
(13:42):
And they came out swinging and Western didn't I think Western let the atmosphere dictate.
You know the the stage, the atmosphere, whatever you want to call it. I think they got overwhelmed by
you know where they were, and holy crap! We're beating a number 2 seed. That's my opinion.
Matthew McCay (14:01):
Yeah, maybe I I think,
I was. I thought about this a lot because it's kinda like, okay, how did we?
Obviously, we were up 7. You know you're looking good. What happened?
I think the very beginning of the game. You had 8 turnovers.
and you dug yourself a 9 point hole.
Devin Stewart (14:19):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (14:20):
I think that was key, because if you didn't have that, and then you have that spurt in the in the end of the first half. You may be up 15 or 20 points, and it's obviously a completely different game from that point.
I think the very end of the first half where we had a chance to be up 10 or 12, and we end up only up 7
like that was a big moment where, like Mchenry, misses a pretty open 3. It was a reasonable shot, and then we had another chance. So inside bucket, I think that we just kind of missed.
(14:52):
and it allowed them to only be down. 7
Devin Stewart (14:57):
You know.
Matthew McCay (14:58):
And then.
you know, you come out in the at the beginning of the second half.
and you immediately turn the ball over. I think it was like 4 or 5 times like we had
a few minutes where we had tons of turnovers and the rest of the game.
It was reasonable, but the ultimately the turnover bug bit western, and the one time that the other
(15:22):
that the other team kind of had the advantage in turnovers was right at the beginning of the second half.
Where they they immediately evaporated. That lead tied it up.
and then, I think from there, like
you know, Marquette.
During all those times that Western was kind of screwing itself.
Marquette was not playing its best, and finally, when they did start clicking in and playing well, Western hadn't built a big enough cushion to be able to survive the search, and so
(15:53):
they started hitting their shots. Western was making twos, and they were making threes, and you look down, and it's 10 point lead. Then all of a sudden, Western misses a few shots and they're up 20, and it's like. Well, there went that because you missed all the other opportunities early, if you would have.
you know, taking advantage of a few of those, then you might have had a different narrative. But
(16:17):
I still think ultimately.
when their best players play their best.
It's just gonna be really hard
for W. Ku to overcome that, even if
like, even if Mchenry had gone for 25. And
you know, other guys have been making shots.
It's just tough to see
Wku overcoming a really really good team like they could win an actual championship for real
(16:41):
like, they're legit.
They're legit National Championship contenders like it's them. And
you know, Houston in our.
in our bracket or in our region, and then obviously get to the final 4.
Who knows? You know Uk has already been knocked out. So they're planning. This
6 seat, I think, or the plan.
(17:03):
Who is it they're planned? Is Oakland.
Devin Stewart (17:05):
But market.
Matthew McCay (17:06):
It's a state.
Yeah, they're playing in C state, right? Okay? So they got an 11 seed to go to lead 8. And then they play Houston or Gonzaga. Is that right?
Devin Stewart (17:17):
Duke.
Matthew McCay (17:17):
Duke. Okay, I'm I'm free. I hadn't looked at it last little bit. I'm going blind.
Devin Stewart (17:21):
No, you're good, of course, like you said. You know, I mean they're easily a final 4 contender, and they could easily be the one of the last 2.
I think they're a good team.
I you know, hey? Props to them. I don't usually say this because I'm a spiteful loser. But you know, hey? If they if they went out, you know at least Lester could say, Hey, we play the national champion and lost. So there's nothing.
Matthew McCay (17:45):
Even if they crap out on the sweet 16. The fact that they followed it up with a win, I guess a good team.
It legitimizes
everything with Western, and and even if not, even if they got blown out by Colorado or whatever.
So what I mean, Western acquitted itself and played
(18:06):
a competitive game, you know. At the end it ended up being
whatever 18 points. But that was not an 18 point game, really. I mean wk, you know, is right there
for 30 min, and you gotta be proud of them. So.
Devin Stewart (18:20):
I can agree. I'm I mean, don't get me wrong at all. I'm I'm very happy with the performance. The guys did
and like I said at the beginning.
when you make the tournament, it's a gold star year for Western, I mean, we haven't made it in 10 years. So you have got to.
You know, you've got to be proud of these guys. And another thing is.
what I want to say is, is, I I think, what you. What everybody needs to understand
(18:44):
is.
don't get wrapped up in the game. Do not let your emotions dictate what you say. After the game you need to take about a good 6 to 8 h to just cool off and stop.
Matthew McCay (18:57):
That that.
Devin Stewart (18:58):
Okay. And I, there's people out there who know who I'm talking about, and I'm giving you the finger right? I'm pointing at you right now. Not you, Matt, but them watching. So you you you put down your phone. Don't be tweeting. Don't be saying nothing. And more importantly, don't say nothing to these 27 year old kids who just went out there and played their hearts out and lost.
(19:18):
You know they did something amazing, and they don't need you going up there some old grandpa armchair coach to go out there and say, Hey, you know he's playing selfish. Well, you know what you're selfish.
Matthew McCay (19:31):
Red is right. Clearly.
Devin Stewart (19:33):
Yeah. Yeah. He was.
Matthew McCay (19:34):
You said that garbage.
Devin Stewart (19:35):
And what's wrong with you? Yes.
and that is garbage.
Matthew McCay (19:39):
Talking about Mchenry, what it was they were talking about Don Mchenry in house, selfish.
Devin Stewart (19:43):
Yeah, like.
Matthew McCay (19:44):
Here he is, and all this stuff, and he clearly wouldn't raise ride, or whatever like. Shut up.
Devin Stewart (19:50):
More idiots.
Matthew McCay (19:51):
I'm sorry.
Devin Stewart (19:52):
Agree.
Matthew McCay (19:53):
It's ridiculous like.
Devin Stewart (19:55):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (19:55):
Like I, I have no problem speaking your mind. Speak away. Okay. It's okay to send the western
kind of screwed up. It's okay that to say that Western had its opportunities, or whatever fine. And you could have a negative opinion about stuff. Okay, fine. But don't come and attack. People don't attack their families and don't degrade the fact that Wku
(20:20):
did something amazing this year. They found a way to make to the Ncaa tournament with a first year coach with a cobbled line up with no point guards
that came into the tournament with a losing streak.
and one in 3 days in dominant fashion, and then almost followed it up with a 15 over 2 upset. They were the only 15 that had a chance
(20:43):
in the.
Devin Stewart (20:43):
They were probably well, we were one of the. We were one of the only schools in Kentucky to to lead at Halftime, an incidentally tournament.
Matthew McCay (20:52):
We're the only one. Yeah.
Devin Stewart (20:53):
Eat eat that cat.
Matthew McCay (20:54):
Yeah. She's up.
Devin Stewart (20:55):
There you go!
Matthew McCay (20:57):
More head.
Devin Stewart (21:01):
So, anyway. So it's talking about my Christmas wish to my wife.
Oh, you were talking about school. Sorry
Matthew McCay (21:09):
Wasn't it?
Devin Stewart (21:12):
Anyway. No. They
Matthew McCay (21:15):
Polish.
Devin Stewart (21:16):
It it. I always get frustrated when fans do that kind of stuff, though, because, like these are 18 to 27 year old kids, they do not need you.
who probably never played a lick of basketball outside of Little League to come up at them and say, stupid stuff like that.
you know, if you're disappointed. Say, you're disappointed. We like man. I can't believe these guys. They were so disappointing at how they played. There we go, Matt, change the scenery. Buddy.
Matthew McCay (21:41):
Yeah, that's it. The lighting on my face.
Devin Stewart (21:46):
Oh, you do! Do you notice? I have a light, too?
Matthew McCay (21:49):
I was wondering. Maybe you look like you put it on makeup and everything
to put on like.
Devin Stewart (21:53):
Actually, I could change. I can change the color, too. So.
Matthew McCay (21:57):
Hope.
Devin Stewart (21:57):
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, well, yeah, see, I'm going green. There we go!
Matthew McCay (22:02):
I mean, don't don't lie. You actually have basically been putting on dead people make up every episode. That's why you look so good.
Devin Stewart (22:10):
No, that that stuff doesn't work the same way for living people. But anyway, so as far as the seasons concerned, what did? What was your
What would you grade this season out as.
Matthew McCay (22:24):
Oh, I mean.
you know, there were. There were some ups and downs I mean, you know, we had some moments where it's kinda like, okay, we're we're rolling. We're doing big things, whatever. And then
all of a sudden, you know, you have a trip to Canada and you blow some leads and look like
(22:45):
you don't know what you're doing.
But that also could have just been the, you know Canadians.
they can really throw it off sometimes. Yeah.
maybe party too hard. One night, I mean, I don't know but
no, I mean stuff happens. And then you had a few moments in the in the conference season, you know. You start whatever in 3. It was like 11, 3, or something non conference.
(23:14):
and then you end up 8 and 8 in conference. You had a few moments, you know you were 8 and 4. At 1 point you lost 4 in a row.
But overall like, if you're talking about a grade
at the end of the day
you lost 2, not one, but 2 guys that could have played point guard, and not one but 2 guys that also played the best defense on the team in Terry, on Mertics and Jalen Jackson. You didn't even get to see Terry on mertics, but he's one of the best
(23:40):
probably could have been arguably the best player on the team.
From what you hear, and what you know from him being a Texan, and M. Corpus, crispy, Corpus, crispy, Corpus Christi.
And and then Jayla Jackson, too, was
you don't look at his stats and say, My goodness, what a difference maker! But there were several games at the end of the game, where he made the difference
(24:05):
to keep the the other team from being able to get a shot off, or from being able to get a good look or whatever, and so
the fact that he went down middle of the season. You think that you're gonna have him in stretch time, and then he's out.
The fact that they were able to put all that together and make the tournament like
(24:26):
I mean, I won't say a plus, because
just because of some of the down parts.
But it was a solid, a I mean. Everything else was perfect.
you know. Like you make the tournament. You have a good year, you win the most games since 2,017 to 18. You know you had
(24:46):
some adversity, and you found a way through it. I mean all that is wonderful. So I mean a solid a for the tops. I mean, it was it was an awesome year.
Gotta be happy with it.
Devin Stewart (24:59):
I agree with you. A 100%
you know, going into Conference U.S.A. tournament.
I
my gold standard, I think what you have to do as a fan is to sit down and to and just on have an honest conversation with
what is a
what is a gold star year, you know, when you're in kindergarten you get gold stars for doing good things. But
(25:20):
you know what is a gold star year when when Lutz comes back, does Todd Stewart put that gold star on the board for him, or what?
Going into Conference U.S.A. Tournament? I thought if we made it probably to the Conference championship. It was a gold star year
that was against
Pre. This is Pre Pre thought here, you know, Sam Houston and Law Tech are in there, and they've they both stonewalled us at different points.
(25:44):
I think we beat. Did we beat logic? Yeah, we did beat logic, and
we lost the same. Houston. Okay, that's what it was. I had them switched in my head.
Matthew McCay (25:53):
Split with logitech.
got swept by Sam Houston.
Devin Stewart (25:57):
Yes, but and you know we had 4 games at the end of the season. We lost.
you know, bam, bam, bam, bam! And we lost all 4. So you know, going to a comfort U.S.A. tournament. You're like dude if we make it out of the first game, I think it's good, and then it's well, you know, we make it the second game. And then Domino started falling. That allowed us to show
(26:18):
hey, Western could win this, and then, you know, we're lined up against utap final game. And it's like this is ours.
This is our game to lose. Any uncle question ended up winning, and everything started working out perfectly.
But this is definitely
I would go so far as to say this was an a plus year because if you had told me last
(26:41):
spring, right after Stansberry was fired, we hired Lutz. Everybody was like running around the office office screaming and going. It's on fire when, in fact, it wasn't on fire.
you know. I know a lot of people who were very disappointed that we'll wait was not hired.
(27:01):
There's some bigger people that are upset that Will Wade wasn't hired. We aren't going to go to the tournament next year, because, you know, Will Wade wasn't hired, and let's came in and let's won
so you know I'm
I can't complain. I mean, with what Lutz did. He did a really good job, and if we're able to keep luts, that's another a plus in my book.
Matthew McCay (27:23):
Yeah. Well, I mean one thing you know about the will way detractors which, honestly coming into the tournament, you look, and, you see, make me stay like 31, 3 looking great, and everything. But then, honestly, who perform better in the tournament? They both got to the same round right.
They may stay 12 seed play to 5. They got murdered. They got absolutely slaughtered, didn't have a prayer, and then Wku played a admirable game and had a chance to win it until about 10 min.
(27:55):
I mean, even if he sliced it that way.
People talking about we'll wait. We'll wait, or whatever I mean? Obviously, he went 31 and 3. So who knows what he would have done at Western?
But yeah.
I mean, let's did exactly what he was
the maximum about what he possibly could have done
with the roster and the schedule, and everything that he had
(28:19):
the injuries and all that
cause. You also had the Christian lander and injury had Dante Allen for
but a game and a half.
and he was hobbled even against market. I mean
to to overcome all that, and to have the results that he had. I mean, I of course, like you, I mean, I said like it. It could certainly be a plus myself, but I think I was just being a little
(28:45):
a little.
not even harsh, I guess, and giving them an a versus a plus whatever it is, it's in the A's. And it was a great season.
you know. We're hanging banners, you know. We're adding to all the
all the numbers, all the big numbers that you advertise as a program 20 win seasons and Ncwa. Tournament appearances.
(29:05):
you know. All that is is being added to. So
you gotta be thrilled with it.
Devin Stewart (29:13):
So, I think, and I don't know. You may agree or disagree.
I think a gold star year for Western is going to the is going to is going to march madness. You gotta make the Ncaa tournament.
Matthew McCay (29:26):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (29:26):
That is a goal. Sorry year. That is the bowl game, you know. That's the conference championship, whatever you want to call it, for you know the equivalent for basketball, I mean, I know you have to be conference champions to do it. But I'm saying
football to basketball. That's the equivalent. You gotta be able to do this and then do that.
So I mean, Lutz has done that. And I think Lutz 2 could be a lot. It could be a big big year for us, and I'm I'm very excited to see that
(29:56):
if we are able to hold on to him
now.
Supposedly he hasn't gone anywhere. But there's a lot of flights coming in and out of Bowling Green International Airport.
So
if let's was to leave what would be some of the fallout, besides several players leaving, what are your thoughts.
Matthew McCay (30:16):
Well, first of all, I hope he stays. Obviously I don't. I don't care about the 2 million dollars to be clear. There is a if he if he lease before April thirtieth we get 2 million dollars.
I don't care. I'd rather he stayed.
If he does go.
I hope we go somewhere and is successful. You know I
(30:41):
it. It wouldn't be a complete.
an utter disaster to to get that 2 million dollars like
it would help a lot of, I'm sure, would help a lot of bottom line issues and stuff like that.
But
if you if you're admin and you think that it's worth the 2 million dollars to get rid of the first coach that's made to the tournament 11 years. You're crazy. Then the fact that if he stayed
(31:06):
he could keep this whole roster pretty much if he wanted to.
minus Rodney Howard. Go get a big man. You sign the kid from Warren Central.
you know, and maybe have a couple of guys transfer out that are a little bit
towards the end of the bench.
and and you go get a few players.
(31:26):
and you could rock with what you have
and be able to
hopefully. You know, have a decent schedule, have a much better record, and may go back to the dance and make a run.
So that's the first thing is.
unless he gets offered some great job. I I do hope they considers the long term and doesn't just jump ship because somebody's gonna pay him another
(31:50):
couple of $100,000 a year.
you know, if he's gonna get paid 3 million versus 650,000.
Okay, I mean, I kinda I kinda get that or whatever. But if it's a slight increase or slight
bump and pay, or even like a slightly better conference, or something like that.
I just hope he puts himself in a good position like it's it's understood
(32:13):
that he probably would move on. He moved on from Corpus Christi after 2 years, and he went to Western, which Western is not like
this massive.
ungodly jump from Corpus Christi to Wku. Wku obviously has more tradition and stuff like that. But there was some baggage that did come with the Wku job like having the expectation of you. Better get to the tournament stuff like that.
(32:39):
Well.
Devin Stewart (32:40):
I mean. And another thing that Western has that Corpus Christi.
Well, something Corpus Christi has that Western doesn't is the salt life stickers.
Matthew McCay (32:50):
Yes.
Devin Stewart (32:51):
Thanks. But anyway, go ahead.
Matthew McCay (32:53):
Well, that was very thank you for that serious comment. I really
that added, so, okay.
Devin Stewart (32:59):
So this is my pet peeve. I have to tell you so. I've got a lot of hand things today, cause I'm on video. So.
Matthew McCay (33:05):
Perfect.
Devin Stewart (33:06):
I cannot stand. This is a personal thing for me. I cannot stand. If you're driving down the road, and you see a salt life sticker.
If it is not a coastal state, I'll do both sides, because
if it's not a coastal state
with the license played.
then you don't need that sticker
if you're in Kentucky and you have a salt life sticker, what are you doing? Assault in your French fries like? I don't understand the point
(33:30):
you live in that salt life here in Kentucky? No, you're not so sorry for. Go ahead, Corpus Christi is
I I don't know. I just.
Matthew McCay (33:38):
The islanders.
Devin Stewart (33:40):
I'll get off my! I can't stand the Saltwash stickers on people who don't live near the ocean, but.
Matthew McCay (33:45):
But yeah, I hadn't given it a single thought of my life. So anyway,
anyway no, I mean it so kind of getting into the reality of it. It does seem like there's some mutual interest.
you know. He was rumored to possibly be in the
(34:08):
final 5 or so, for Smu looks like that's going a different direction. There were some other ones, Louisville.
Apparently he was in the hunt.
but probably not gonna get it. Oklahoma states, the one that we're
currently most worried about. You know it. It seems like he
(34:33):
so it seems like he.
I think there's there's interest from both sides.
I don't know which way it's gonna go. The longer that we wait, though, the more I feel more comfortable that he may be back.
A lot of times.
It's gonna happen fairly quickly. It doesn't like you can't wait
way into the off season, and then all of a sudden have a change, and so
(34:57):
we'll see. Our staff seems to think that there could be like a domino type of school where, like maybe a second tier.
big East mountain west, a 10
lower level power, 5.
Something like that kind of falls, and and is interested in them.
Devin Stewart (35:17):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (35:18):
I think consensus within the tower right now, as of you know, Wednesday afternoon.
but it could change quickly, so y'all don't shoot us if you come on Thursday, and there's a big shift.
But seems like it's about 50 50 either way that he possibly could go.
I mean, he's, you know, we if he's offered the right job he'd probably take it.
(35:42):
But I think there's also a decent chance that he looks at and says you know what? Maybe I can get a couple of offers. But why don't I stick here where I've got everybody? I can keep everybody together.
and we run this back one more time, and then he gets a huge job offer
when they go to the Sweet 16 or the you know the lead 8 next year.
Devin Stewart (36:01):
Yeah.
I mean, honestly, like.
I'm kind of with you. I
I would be happy next if if we get let's 2. And like Matt said. If this episode comes out and
he's already flown somewhere else that never comes back, I can't help it. I'm sorry, but
if if if he does go somewhere else.
(36:23):
or if he, if he stays at Western, let's start there and we get let's 2. You know. We get most of the players back.
Then I think you know, I won't say minimum. But you know another March madness. Appearance is another gold star, in my opinion.
that's all I mean, obviously. Yes.
(36:44):
If you go to Conference championship, and you have that crazy 3 point spin out thing that happened a few years ago with Marshall.
you know that could be another issue.
But I don't think it's anything less. I mean, I still give that an A, you know. Maybe B, depending on how the the game is played. You know, if you don't even make it that far, then we'll talk. But I think that as far as the seasons gone this year.
(37:11):
I I have a lot of faith, and let's I think he does. I think he did really. Well this year, and I think let's 2 could do a lot of good in the future.
I did think it was funny. We've preached on this last year
that I always thought it was weird that Stansberry never rested. The guys.
you know, he would always have the same 5 guys, maybe 6,
(37:32):
who would have like 85.
Matthew McCay (37:35):
They trust them.
Devin Stewart (37:36):
Yeah, 85 min in the game, and then he'd have, like one or 2 other guys on the bench that had like, 3 min.
And then, as soon as they go in, basically, the next thing whoop! They're out and.
You know. Let's is in there on one of the press conferences that we posted, and he was talking about, you know, resting the guys legs keeping their legs healthy so they can make it. And you know better further in the tournament. And I'm like, Ha! Ha! I told you I told you, you know, and it's it's one of those things you know. People are like, Oh, you you're they don't need to rest. This is a Gmba.
Matthew McCay (38:08):
They're 22 year old kids.
Devin Stewart (38:11):
Yeah, yeah.
Matthew McCay (38:12):
They're almost.
Devin Stewart (38:13):
Good evening.
Matthew McCay (38:13):
Thanks. Very well.
Devin Stewart (38:14):
Stuff. Yeah.
Yeah. As full as.
Matthew McCay (38:19):
It drove me crazy. You'd be punching a nerve here. Okay, look at TV on Holly's worth right. He he holds like all the Western minutes records
right? And how many championships does he have no offense to be on? It's not his fault, but how many does he have 0? He has one regular season championship.
and he always looked worn down at the end of the season.
(38:42):
And yeah, and let's made the point, he said. Hey, Hardy and somebody else.
or you know, they average like 32 33 min a game right? Tay Hardy from you, Tip.
who, by the way, wes from play in the finals, and Tay Hardy didn't have his best game. I wonder? Maybe his legs were burned out from the whole year. Maybe it's cause he had a tough day for me.
Devin Stewart (39:05):
Jeered.
Matthew McCay (39:07):
I don't know. But guess what. Taking on average, some of those years, he average like 34, 35 min, which is outrageous. And let's told told us all that it his. His whole thing is, you play your bench and make sure.
You know he made the point that Don Mchenry had played the most minutes
(39:27):
of on the team, and he had played 5
full games less than Tay Hardy in terms of minutes played.
and that's not including the average minutes played. That's 40
full minute games. He was 200 min less on the season
than Tay. Hardy like that is a massive difference, and it ended up paying off. So
(39:49):
anyway, I know that's a sidebar.
But that's that's just one more thing about Steve Lutz that you just have to love
is that he? He has a plan. He has thoughts on things. Whenever you ask him something
he comes up with something awesome to say, like.
Devin Stewart (40:06):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (40:07):
Like. We asked them the stuff at the Press Conference
about you know. We ask, you know, if if you were talking to the Western on their couch, thinking about whether they would come or not.
and whether they would come to the championship game. And he goes.
what the hell else are you gonna do?
Devin Stewart (40:24):
Greatest thing that was the Great One.
Matthew McCay (40:26):
Yeah, that was awesome.
It's just such a great answer. And just off the cup. I mean the guy.
especially in more than just like the entertainment factor, or just the fact that he's a good coach.
He's just special in the way that he can talk, and the way that he can get his guys to do what he wants.
(40:46):
He's 3 and O. As a head coach
when he's required at each of the schools that he's been at
to win a converse championship. He's done it.
and twice he's done it as the Underdog. He's done it with 2 teams that were 500, the regular season
and the conference.
(41:07):
Yeah. And
just a special.
A talent rises to the top when it's most.
you know, when it's most under pressure, and that's exactly what he's done is
risen to the top.
So.
Devin Stewart (41:22):
He's.
Matthew McCay (41:23):
Winky.
Devin Stewart (41:23):
Happy. I was very happy with a lot of what he said.
If I'm not mistaken. Did you ask him at like the last press conference. If there was anything you would have changed, or was that somebody else.
Matthew McCay (41:36):
The championship, game.
Devin Stewart (41:37):
Game.
cause he's like you're gonna make me sound like an old cranky coach or something. And I was like.
Matthew McCay (41:42):
Yeah, I just don't.
I? Yeah. I asked him if
if he if there was something that he felt like they needed to work on
heading into the tournament into incidentally tournament. And he said.
Yeah, he said, you're gonna maybe sound like an old, old cranky coach, or whatever.
(42:02):
And then he you know it kind of goes on. He's like, well, obviously turnovers, or whatever. But he was like, you know what. So what we won, and
They, W. We won the game. Who cares, you know, and it's like that's refreshing, because
you know, you see, all these coaches with their coach speak and stuff like that, and they won't let their guard down. But he's like, you know what screw it. We just want a championship. I'm not gonna worry about
(42:29):
the fact that we turned the ball over a few times. Of course, we gotta get to work. Of course, we gotta practice and stuff like that. But
let's go celebrate, you know, and I think that's so
so cool. And it's kind of like.
you know, as a fan, or or like a bystander, or whatever you kind of like to see that side of it, that he's not so
consumed with everything.
Devin Stewart (42:50):
Yes.
Matthew McCay (42:51):
Function. Yeah.
Yeah. Like, imagine Bob Katrino, if he was asked that question, you know, like he wouldn't say anything about like.
Devin Stewart (43:01):
Bad, maybe bad, maybe.
Matthew McCay (43:02):
Real big.
Devin Stewart (43:03):
Death.
Matthew McCay (43:05):
What do you have made without so many things to fix
Jesus.
Devin Stewart (43:11):
We want.
Matthew McCay (43:11):
Terrible.
Devin Stewart (43:12):
Act.
Matthew McCay (43:13):
Do you wanna make the sweet 16, anyway.
Devin Stewart (43:18):
We're going to practice. Now get out there!
We just finished the game coach. I don't care
but no
Matthew McCay (43:26):
There will be no party.
Devin Stewart (43:31):
so we're talking talking, potential coaching hires. Do you have anybody that you would think of.
Matthew McCay (43:37):
Well, the 2 that stand out to me.
If we're if we're possibly acknowledging that, let's may leave which it seems he could.
There's one on staff, and that's Hank Pona.
He he brought in a couple of the guys already on the roster.
He also, certainly has some connections around the country to bring in some good transfers.
(44:03):
sources, say
and so
I think he would have an opportunity to at least make a case to to to be in the running. I think also.
I think his name's Preston Preston Spradlin, from Moorhead State.
Devin Stewart (44:21):
Okay.
Matthew McCay (44:23):
He's a guy that has been at Morehead for a while. So Kentucky school. So he's gonna be kind of familiar with
you know, recruiting this area of the country for sure. He's gonna be. He's gonna have tons of connections in Eastern Kentucky, Ohio.
Tennessee, you know, obviously heading out to Western Kentucky, too.
(44:47):
He would be a pretty good fit, and he's done a good job at Morehead. If you look at Morehead.
you know, when, since he's been
been there, they've been to the tournament several times, and Morehead's not exactly.
you know. Tradition Central. I've had
some tradition. It's not like they had 0 tradition.
(45:10):
Let me look up
but they've done something.
Devin Stewart (45:16):
So another name I would throw out. There is Kenny Payne.
Matthew McCay (45:22):
Oh.
okay. Why don't you share? Live, Devin?
Devin Stewart (45:26):
Well, he just got fired from Louisville, so he didn't have anything better to do and then we could also hire.
Richard.
Matthew McCay (45:35):
Long-huang.
Devin Stewart (45:35):
Rick Patino's son.
Matthew McCay (45:38):
Bright.
Yes.
a.
So there's that.
bright.
Okay.
Devin Stewart (45:48):
Honestly. The scuttle bug in Louisville is that he's going to Louville, so I'm completely kidding about both Kenny and Richard. But still.
Matthew McCay (45:56):
Hmm, yeah, that's
riveting.
Devin Stewart (46:00):
So.
Matthew McCay (46:01):
So spread.
Devin Stewart (46:02):
Glenn has.
Matthew McCay (46:03):
Then go ahead.
Devin Stewart (46:04):
Also there is Mike Sanford brawl.
You can hire me, Bro. I. It's not that hard. Bro. You just throw the ball through through the goal like you. Just you just stow it. It's just it's not that hard. Bro.
Matthew McCay (46:19):
It's like throwing your surfboard up on top of a sweet wave.
Devin Stewart (46:23):
Yeah, you just.
Matthew McCay (46:23):
Just gotta ride the wave into the basket.
Devin Stewart (46:25):
Show it up on your on your previous bro.
It just like.
Matthew McCay (46:31):
Can
just follow this
sweet hanged in
right into Alcatraz.
trap it in the basket, Bro
rocked.
Devin Stewart (46:44):
Have you ever tried this thing called snow surfing? I think they call it snow boarding
Bro.
Alright. I'll I'll let you all go.
Matthew McCay (46:56):
Okay, what I'm saying on Spreadline. Okay, let me let me get back to.
Devin Stewart (47:00):
Yeah, you're good. You're good.
Matthew McCay (47:01):
Yeah, more.
Devin Stewart (47:02):
On Stanford.
Matthew McCay (47:04):
Yeah.
man, you make such a good argument.
Devin Stewart (47:10):
So.
Matthew McCay (47:10):
Bradlin. He did have a few years.
That he was kind of average with more head, you know. First 4 years
actually didn't even have a winning record. But then, in 2,02021, they went, 23, and 8. They went to the incident, a tournament
for the first time, and I think it was a decade. They also went 23, and 1120, 21 to 22 they went 22, and 12 went to the nit second round
(47:41):
in 22 to 23, and then this last year they went 26 and 9,
and made the the round of 64 in the incident tournament. So he's got a pretty decent resume. He's been there for 8 years.
He's he took over a program that had only been to the incident tournament twice since 1984,
(48:03):
and he's taken them 2 more times in in 8 years. He's also been to the nit. So I think he
I think he's this solid candidate. I think that's somebody that people really consider. I I'd be. I don't know. There may be some other candidates out there.
I mean, obviously there will be you know. But I I don't necessarily have like a long list. I'd love to see us.
(48:31):
I'm sure my dad would love this, but I would love to see us have some wk, you flavor
on the bench. I think there are some good assistance that should come back home soon.
Anthony Winchester.
David Boyden.
I think.
Adam.
(48:51):
what is this? The walk on Adam Howard?
He's been in coaching a while. I'd love to see one of those guys. I think David Boyden is kind of like a future head coach kind of
prospect.
and he's now getting into like his kind of 40 ish range
like he's he's gotta be about 40 years old or so.
(49:11):
He's been around, and, you know, has been on a lot of winning staffs.
I honestly think he would be a good Wk. Head coach at some point. I think I think Winchester's got a nice resume, too. He's at Kansas State now.
Doing some things there. So
I feel like we should.
you know. Consider some of those possible connections, and bring back
(49:35):
some of the the Wku grades from the past, whether it's on the you know, as a assistant, or whether as a head coach at some point in the future. I don't know if this year will be the time.
but I think next cycle, or next
few years.
why wouldn't one of those guys be a good head coach in Canada to wku.
Devin Stewart (49:56):
Yeah.
Matthew McCay (49:56):
So.
Devin Stewart (49:57):
I mean. And and I mean honestly, the ideal situation is, let's returns. But
if he doesn't, you know hopefully, Western land on his feet, ideally.
Matthew McCay (50:08):
Just make a good decision.
Sorry? Yeah. Go ahead, man.
Devin Stewart (50:12):
No, no, you're good. What I was gonna say is, is, you know, we were expecting a rebuilding year this year, so
you know honestly.
I mean, we had a really good season. So, going into conference tournament, it had a different mindset than when the season started, because when the season started
honestly like I would have been happy making it in the conference tournament, not knowing what we were going to be looking at.
Matthew McCay (50:37):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (50:38):
But you know, after the game started and everything started rolling, you know
the expectations, rose.
And so let's 2 point I was gonna have a little bit higher of a
little bit higher goals to reach this coming year. So you know, we'll just have to see.
Matthew McCay (50:56):
Yeah, I mean, if if let stays, which again, we think 50 50. So there's still a a great shot.
the hands upstand here, in my opinion.
unless he's just determined to leave. I think he easily could end up back here.
But
If he stays guys, I think we need to. We gotta come together
and we got a
(51:17):
You know. We gotta we gotta show up to games. We gotta you know. I hope that did. All is sold out. That you know, the students come back, and all that stuff like we need to have the reaction that we should have
when you return a coach after winning an incident or go into the Ncaa tournament and you he returns to the hill.
(51:40):
You gotta have that reaction of we're all in, and we're not worried about the future. We're worried about right right now.
and right now it's time to go
go get another ring and go to the tournament.
and I hope that the mentality changes from what it's been last 11 years of
Oh, Lord! We're gonna screw it up! Screw it up again.
(52:02):
you know. Hope we have a good showing.
like when we used to show up to tournament.
even as the pep band
or the fans in the stands, or whatever like we expected to win the tournament like, even if we weren't the top seed, or whatever the mindset was, wkus come here, win this tournament, and I think that's how it needs to be going forward like we're here to win. We're not here to to be decent. We're not here to, you know. Make sure we get 20 wins or something like that.
(52:33):
We're here to win championships to play in the Ncaa tournament. That's what it's all about. And so I hope
that people have that reaction especially if blood stays. But either way it's time to
take what momentum we've got, whether it's with Lutz or not.
and take it into next year.
Devin Stewart (52:53):
So let me make a note here.
I am going to post the baseball and softball
upcoming games. I don't have those in front of me
like I said, I got into a conversation before that pops the episode started. So I didn't get those typed up. But I'm gonna post those here so you can see those as I'm talking. But the next few months we're gonna take a break for the next 3 or 4 weeks at least.
(53:19):
We will come back towards the end of April is the ideal plan. As long as Matt and I can get on the same page.
And we'll come back and we'll do an episode. Talk about, you know, into baseball what we're looking at, you know what's coming back
maybe pre pre football talk. You know what we saw at spring game.
(53:40):
yeah, and stuff like that. And then, you know, maybe try and come back in May and June and July, just so that we can kind of touch base and then have it. We'll have our. We'll start back into the season towards the end of August. They are getting ready for football season.
You know. Maybe have some recruiting news and stuff like that, guys. But we'll get back into the the role of things. But we're gonna try and do at least a few episodes. I may try and get some guest episodes where we have you know, interviews and stuff like that with players
(54:12):
or people, or in general.
and just talk to them. Maybe it's former players or former athletes, and just, you know, talk to them, see what they think and have about their times at Western, and it may not have a lot to do with
the current state of Western athletics. But it may be something entertaining for you.
So I hope you hope you appreciate that. I hope you like what we're putting out. If you do like sharing subscribe. And as always, guys go tops.
Matthew McCay (54:39):
Tops.
Devin Stewart (54:40):
Go tops, maybe talk to you all.
Matthew McCay (54:42):
I quarterly get drafted. Baby.
Devin Stewart (54:45):
Yeah, get drafted. Oh, Booger, let's talk about that real quick.
So Malachi corely and Austin Reed
has. His drafts are changed.
Matthew McCay (54:59):
Yeah. Well, Malachi corely. Just real quick. Pre sorry for the the false start there, guys. But
anyway,
I had it pulled up. But there were several guys.
I think it's on the recruiting hold. Let me find it here. But
okay, football recruiting. Basically. Malcolm corely solidified his stock, I think, as a second round.
(55:25):
kind of guy. We. We know that he's been like, maybe first round, probably not solid. Second round. We definitely think he'll be going by the third round. That's kind of what we thought the whole time. He just solidified everything. He looked good. He did a good job on his stuff. He ran a nice 40
all that kind of thing. And so he. He's done everything he should.
(55:48):
as far as other people. You know there was, I mean also Reid was honestly the other big
big name in there. And I think he
you know, did a a fine job. I haven't
really hurt a ton
outside of Corely, really. But just to to tell you the names that we're in there.
(56:15):
Me
pull it up if I can. It's on the
football recruiting. They got a list of who it was. And I had it pulled up in that time now.
But anyway, guys like Rome, Rome Weber
there were some other guys that you may not know as well but there are a few guys in there that really have a shot
(56:38):
to possibly make a team, or certainly get it by into a camp.
And I'm sure it was an opportunity for them as well. Austin Reid looks like he maybe gets drafted, maybe as a undrafted free agent, but he'll probably be in a camp somewhere.
Also, randomly, I saw David Davis
signed to be in the Spring Football leagues. I forget which team it was. My Internet's not loading right now. So that's useful. But anyway, I did. We did just wanna mention the
(57:12):
the football stuff, and the the Nfl draft coming up here, and I believe it's in April.
So be sure you keep an eye on it, because.
you might see some wk you read on day one or 2.
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (57:28):
That'd be be really exciting. Honestly.
Matthew McCay (57:33):
April 20 fifth
to the twenty-seventh is when it is so. We got a few about a month off at this point.
But there were. There were 10 teams there that brought their receiver coaches to see. Corely
like, they literally showed up for quarterly is basically what happened?
(57:53):
And
yeah, I mean that. That's that's a statement right there that he's such a
legit prospect that you've got 9 receiver coaches coming to see what they think of
as because when when those teams those teams know by maybe the second or third round, they're gonna have 2 2 or 3 chances to maybe look at them.
(58:14):
and he'll be gone. So that's just a super high demand.
It's good indication that maybe Malacca is in pretty good shape to be in the second round.
Devin Stewart (58:26):
Yeah, I I'd like to see I'd like to see him go at least second round.
And honestly, if Austin read gets drafted, I'm happy with that, too. I think those are both gold stars.
Matthew McCay (58:36):
Yeah.
Devin Stewart (58:38):
We'll be back like you said. Like, I said towards the end of April, and we can talk about that then.
and no takebacks this time, so but I will be talking about more Western pro day stuff towards the end of April. But hope you'll have a nice summer. We'll talk to you then, and we'll try and have some more episodes. Okay.
so
(58:59):
this time, what do you?
Alright go tops, guys.
Matthew McCay (59:02):
Go tops.
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