Dubuque Area Sports Podcast

They share a last name, a hunger for sacks, and a mission to dominate under the Friday night lights 💪. In this power-packed sibling spotlight, the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast sits down with Julien and Jude Kramer, the fearsome brothers behind Beckman Catholic's recent rise in Class 1A football.Julien, last year’s DASP Defensive Player of the Year, led the entire area in sacks as a junior and continues to wreak havoc as a senior captain. Meanwhile, his younger brother Jude—just a sophomore—has exploded onto the scene as a key running back and one of the top pass rushers in the region after finishing third in sacks last year.In this episode, we dive into:What it’s like playing football side-by-side as brothersTheir earliest football memoriesBackyard rivalries and who wins the head-to-head matchupsThe energy and culture shift that’s fueled Beckman’s resurgenceThe electric atmosphere of their Game of the Week win over CascadeRole models, team goals, and what lies ahead after high schoolWhether you're a fan of the Blazers or just love a great story of grit, brotherhood, and Friday night lights, this episode is a must-listen. 💚💛

In this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, we sit down with Mick Hoffman, the Cascade Cougar who does it all — football 🏈, basketball 🏀, and baseball ⚾️. A true 3-sport standout and one of the top all-around athletes in the state, Mick gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead Cascade to success across every season.We cover:​📚 His early memories growing up in Cascade sports​🧠 How he juggles three varsity sports and still finds time to dominate in all of them​🏆 What it’s like to be a closer and thrive under pressure​🏈 The rise of Cascade football and how Coach Altier has transformed the culture​🥇 His favorite sport (and which one he thinks he’s best at!)​💪 Postseason runs, locker room vibes, and game-day rituals​🎓 Future plans after high school and potential college athleticsThis is a must-listen for any fan of Eastern Iowa athletics or young athletes looking to be inspired by one of the hardest working student-athletes in the area. Cascade fans—you’re not going to want to miss this one!

It's double the talent, double the leadership, and double the Ram pride! In this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, we sit down with Joey and Teddy Schlosser, the dynamic senior duo leading the charge for Dubuque Senior Football in 2025.Joey has been lighting up the stat sheet at quarterback, while his twin brother Teddy has been delivering big hits and big plays on both sides of the ball. Together, they're helping bring the Rams back to relevance after a few tough seasons.We dive into:Their earliest football memoriesWhy they stuck it out through adversityTheir excitement over Coach Soer’s first winHow the locker room culture has changedWhat the Hempstead rivalry game means to themAnd what’s ahead for life after high schoolYou won’t want to miss this heartfelt, fun, and inspiring episode from two of the hardest-working athletes in the city — who just happen to be brothers. 👬🏈

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Everybody’s Favorite Coach — Coach Maneman — is joined by Landon McKay, one of the top returning playmakers for the Dubuque Hempstead Mustangs.Landon has been a steady force in the Hempstead passing game the last few years, leading the Mustangs in receptions, yards, and touchdown catches last season. Despite finishing 6–3 in 2024, the Mustangs narrowly missed the playoffs — and now McKay and his teammates are hungry to flip that script in 2025.In this episode, we cover:🏈 What last year’s near-playoff miss taught the Mustangs💪 Landon’s development as Hempstead’s go-to receiver🔁 How the Mustangs are approaching this season differently⚡ The excitement and intensity of the upcoming city rivalry game vs. Dubuque Senior🙌 Landon’s leadership role and message to Mustang NationIf you love rivalry games, gritty city matchups, and hearing from one of Hempstead’s most important offensive weapons, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Everybody’s Favorite Coach — Coach Maneman — sits down with Jackson Green, one of Cascade’s brightest young stars and a standout in both football and baseball.From being the area leader in interceptions (4) and earning a spot on the Small Schools Defensive Team, to dominating on the mound as Pitcher of the Year, Jackson has shown why he’s one of the most exciting two-way athletes in the area.In this episode, we cover:🏈 Jackson’s breakout football season and his goals for 2025⚾ His rise on the baseball diamond and what it meant to be named Pitcher of the Year🔁 How football and baseball fuel each other in his development💡 Leadership lessons, big-game mindset, and motivation as a two-sport athlete🙌 Advice for younger athletes in Cascade chasing their own dreamsIf you’re a fan of small-town grit, big-game moments, and the future of Cascade athletics, this is a must-listen episode.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Everybody’s Favorite Coach — Coach Maneman — sits down with Keenan Kilburg of the Bellevue Comets, one of the top wide receivers in the state of Iowa.Keenan has put up video-game numbers over the past two seasons, hauling in over 100 receptions for 1,100+ yards last year, and he’s picked up right where he left off in 2025. His highlight reel is already stacked, including a jaw-dropping performance in our Game of the Week where he caught 12 passes for 147 yards and 3 touchdowns to power Bellevue to a 22–20 victory.In this episode, we cover:🔥 His mindset during that Game of the Week thriller🏈 What separates his game and makes him one of the best in the state💪 The work he put in during the offseason to elevate his play even higher⚡ Bellevue’s goals for 2025 and how far this team can go🙌 His leadership role and message to Comet NationFrom big plays to big goals, Keenan continues to prove why he’s among the elite wideouts in Iowa.📲 Subscribe now for more exclusive conversations with the area’s top players and coaches!

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Everybody’s Favorite Coach — Coach Maneman — is joined by Noah Krapfl of the Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles, one of the most exciting two-sport athletes in the area.Noah helped lead Wahlert to a state football championship in 2024, then turned heads on the baseball diamond by helping the Golden Eagles reach the state championship game. What made his story even more remarkable was that he came seemingly out of nowhere in baseball to earn All-State honors.This fall, he picked up right where he left off — earning Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1 after racking up two interceptions and a sack in a huge win over Western Dubuque.In this episode, we cover:🏈 Noah’s role in Wahlert’s state title run on the football field⚾ His breakout baseball season and rise to All-State status💪 What it meant to start this season as Defensive Player of the Week🔥 Balancing two sports while competing at a championship level🙌 Noah’s goals for the rest of 2025 and his message to Golden Eagle fansIf you love stories of athletes who step up when the lights shine brightest, you won’t want to miss this conversation.📲 Subscribe now for exclusive access to the area’s top players and coaches!

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Everybody’s Favorite Coach — Coach Maneman — is joined by Zander Tierney of the Southwestern/East Dubuque WarCats, one of the area’s most versatile and explosive athletes.Last fall, Zander helped the WarCats make program history by reaching the playoffs for the first time ever. On the diamond, he’s proven to be just as dangerous, earning recognition for his all-around play in baseball. This fall, he’s back to making headlines — recently earning Kramer Pest Control Ground & Pound Rusher of the Week after piling up touchdowns in a dominant WarCats win.In this episode, we cover:🏈 What it meant to help the WarCats reach their first playoff berth🔥 His recent Rusher of the Week performance and what fueled that breakout game⚾ How baseball and football complement each other in his development💡 The mindset and preparation needed to balance two demanding sports🙌 Zander’s leadership role and vision for the WarCats in 2025From record-setting football moments to his growing baseball career, Zander is proving he’s one of the area’s most impactful two-sport athletes.

In this electrifying episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Everybody’s Favorite Coach — Coach Maneman — sits down with John Guy, the Operations Director and co-owner of the Iowa Power.Known for his wildly creative promotions and having been featured on ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and the New York Daily News, John pulls back the curtain on what makes Iowa Power games a must-see event. From coast-to-coast marketing stunts to unforgettable fan experiences, he’s redefining how semi-pro football entertains the crowd.🎧 In this episode:​John’s background and what brought him to the Iowa Power​The most outside-the-box promotions that gained national attention​What fans can expect on and off the field this season​How the team balances football with full-throttle entertainment​What’s next for the Power as they look to energize the Dubuque sports sceneWhether you love creative sports marketing, behind-the-scenes team operations, or just want to know what crazy promo is coming next — this one’s a can't-miss.📲 Listen now and subscribe for more exclusive access to the people powering local sports!

The WarCats made history in 2024 with their first-ever playoff appearance, and Head Coach Joe Edler joins the podcast to reflect on that milestone season and preview what’s ahead in 2025.In this episode, Coach Edler discusses: 🏈 The experience of taking the program to the postseason for the first time🔁 Key returners and award winners, including standout Zander Tierney🧩 Replacing top two-way talents Aidan Colin, Evan Mead, Brody Culbertson, and Drew Kieffer👀 Promising newcomers ready to make their varsity debut💪 Team strengths and areas for growth📅 Big matchups on the 2025 schedule🎯 Expectations for the season and how the WarCats plan to build on last year’s successIf you're a fan of small-school football, this is a must-listen as the WarCats look to keep climbing in 2025!📲 Subscribe, rate, and share the show to support local high school football coverage!

A new era begins in Cascade! First-year head coach Ryan Altiere joins the show to preview the 2025 football season and discuss his vision for the Cougar program following a 3-5 campaign in 2024.In this episode, Coach Altiere breaks down:🏈 His coaching background and why he took the Cascade job🔁 Key returning players including QB Mick Hoffman and defensive standout Jackson Green🧱 How the Cougars plan to replace top playmaker Nathan Schockemoehl👀 Promising newcomers ready to step into varsity roles💪 Team strengths, areas to improve, and position battles to watch📅 Key games on the 2025 schedule and what goals Coach Altiere has for year one📣 A message to Cougar fans and the Cascade football communityIf you're a player, parent, alum, or just a fan of Friday night lights — don’t miss this deep dive into one of Eastern Iowa’s most tradition-rich small school programs.📲 Subscribe, rate, and share the show to support local high school football coverage!#DubuqueAreaSportsPodcast #CascadeCougars #FridayNightLights #HighSchoolFootball #Everybody’sFavoriteCoach

The Blazers are back and looking to build on a solid 6-3 season and playoff appearance in 2024. Head Coach Cole Mather joins the show to talk all things Beckman Catholic football as we head into 2025.In this episode, we discuss:🔁 Key moments and takeaways from last season🏈 Returning standouts including QB Carter White and sack machine Julien Kramer (12.5 sacks in 2024)🧩 How the Blazers plan to replace 1,000-yard rusher Isaac Burlage👀 Promising newcomers and rising varsity talent💪 Strengths of the team and areas that still need to come together📅 Big matchups on the 2025 schedule and overall team goals📣 Coach Mather’s message to the Blazer fanbase as the season approachesWhether you're a player, parent, alum, or local football fan — this episode gives you everything you need to know about Beckman Catholic heading into the fall.📲 Subscribe, rate, and share to support local sports coverage!#DubuqueAreaSportsPodcast #BeckmanCatholic #BlazersFootball #FridayNightLights #Everybody’sFavoriteCoach

Fresh off a 13-0 season and the first state football championship in school history, Coach Jamie Marshall joins the show to reflect on a magical 2024 and preview what’s ahead for the Golden Eagles in 2025.In this episode, we cover:🏆 Key turning points from the undefeated title run🔁 Standout returners including QB JP Elbert and defensive weapon Will Welbes🧩 How the team plans to replace Co-Players of the Year Tom Scheer and Michael Bormann👀 Promising newcomers and rising underclassmen💪 Strengths of this year’s squad — and areas they’re still working to improve🎯 2025 goals, expectations, and how the program plans to defend its crownCoach Marshall also shares his mindset entering the season with a target on his team’s back — and a message for Wahlert fans excited to watch this group chase back-to-back greatness.📲 Subscribe, rate, and share to support

The Bobcats are back and reloading for another run in 2025! After a 6-4 season and a first-round playoff appearance in 2024, Head Coach Justin Penner joins the show to break down what’s ahead for Western Dubuque football this fall.In this episode, we discuss:🏈Key takeaways and defining moments from the 2024 campaign🏈Standout returners including 900-yard rusher Drew Bergfeld, dynamic playmaker Bradley Brosius, and defensive anchor Brady Shekleton 🏈How the staff plans to replace a senior-heavy offensive line and the top four tacklers from last year’s defense🏈Young talent and promising newcomers ready to make an impact🏈The team’s biggest strengths, areas for improvement, and leadership focus• Goals and expectations for 2025 — and what the Bobcat faithful can look forward to under the Friday night lightsWhether you're a fan, parent, or proud WD alum — this is your inside scoop on the culture and talent driving the Bobcats this fall.📲 Subscribe, rate, and share to support local

A new era has begun at Dubuque Senior! After a 1-8 campaign in 2024, the Rams turn the page with first-year head coach Zach Soer leading the charge.In this episode, Coach Soer joins the show to discuss:🏈His coaching background and why he took the Senior job🏈The challenges and excitement of rebuilding a proud program🏈Key returners including QB Joey Schlosser and defensive playmaker Teddy Schlosser 🏈How the team plans to replace all-around force Drew Francois 🏈Promising newcomers ready to make an impact🏈The team’s strengths, areas of growth, and cultural goals for 2025🏈What Rams fans can expect from this new-look squad under the Friday night lightsWhether you're a Ram alum, student, parent, or Dubuque football fan — this is your inside look at the rebuild and what’s ahead for Senior football.📲 Subscribe, rate, and share the show to support local football coverage!

The 2025 season is here, and we’re previewing one of the top small-school programs in Eastern Iowa — the Bellevue Comets, coming off a 7-3 season and a second-round playoff run.Coach Matt Jaeger joins the show to break down:​ Key moments and lessons from the 2024 campaign​ Returning award winners and standout starters​ The growth and leadership of QB Cal Bonifas The electric return of WR Keenan Kilburg (100+ catches, 1,100+ yards)​ How the Comets plan to replace all-state standout Jaden Bakins on both sides of the ball​ Newcomers ready to step into varsity roles​ Team strengths, areas for improvement, and 2025 expectations​ What fans can look forward to this fall in BellevueWhether you're a Comet parent, alum, or just love small-school football — this episode sets the tone for what's to come under the Friday night lights.📲 Subscribe, share, and don’t miss a snap of the action this season!#DubuqueAreaSportsPodcast #BellevueComets #FridayNightLights #1AFootball #Everybody’sFavoriteCoach

This episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast is hosted by Everybody’s Favorite Coach, Coach Maneman. He’s joined by Mustang Insider Ryan Baker as they sit down with special guest Head Coach Jeff Hoerner of the Hempstead Mustangs to preview the upcoming 2025 high school football season.The 2025 high school football season is almost here, and we're kicking off our season preview series with Hempstead Head Coach Jeff Hoerner!Coming off a solid 6-3 season, the Mustangs return key contributors on both sides of the ball — including QB Avery Keehner and two-way standout Jaden Montgomery, who led the team in both rushing and tackles.In this episode, we cover:🔁 Key moments from the 2024 season🔙 Returning starters to watch🚨 Breakout newcomers on the rise💪 Team strengths and areas for growth🗓️ Big matchups on the 2025 schedule🎯 Program expectations and goals📣 Coach Hoerner’s message to Mustang NationTap in for an inside look at one of the Dubuque area’s most physical and disciplined squads as they gear up for a big year in Class 5A.📲 Subscribe, rate, and share the show with your football crew!#DubuqueAreaSportsPodcast

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, your host — Everybody’s Favorite Coach, Coach Maneman — sits down with one of the biggest names in Iowa high school softball: Julia Roth from Wahlert Catholic!She’s just a sophomore, but she’s already making headlines with dominant pitching, clutch hitting, and leadership well beyond her years. From her walk-off home runs to shutouts in the state tournament, Julia is showing the entire state why she’s one of the most feared players in Class 3A.We talk about her breakout season, her mindset on the mound, what drives her success at the plate, and what the future holds as she sets her sights on Division I softball at the University of Iowa.Tune in for a powerful conversation with one of Dubuque’s brightest young stars. 💪🥎

In this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Everybody’s Favorite Coach, Coach Maneman, sits down with Quinn Baumhover — former Western Dubuque baseball standout and current manager of the Peosta Cubs. Quinn opens up about his journey from high school diamonds to leading one of the area's most respected semipro programs. He shares the highs and lows of semipro ball, the challenges of managing, and the joy of playing alongside his brothers. We take a trip down memory lane through his early baseball years, get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes semipro special, and wrap up with how Quinn hopes the baseball community will remember him when he finally hangs up the cleats.Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack — it’s time for another great episode of Dubuque baseball storytelling!

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, your host — Everybody’s Favorite Coach, Coach Maneman — welcomes one of the most respected umpires in the region, Eric Olson. With years of experience behind the plate and as a trainer with Perfect Game, Eric joins the show to share stories from the field, break down the art of making tough calls, and offer valuable advice to anyone thinking about picking up the umpire mask.From the biggest games he's called to the toughest situations he’s faced, Eric gets real about the current umpire shortage, how we got here, and what can be done to reverse the trend. Whether you're a player, coach, parent, or future umpire — this episode gives you a true inside look into one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in sports.👨‍⚖️ Tips for new umpires💥 Dealing with heated coaches💵 What it costs to get started⚾ How to make your first callStep into the shoes of the blue — this is one you won't want to miss!