Dubuque Area Sports Podcast

Today we welcome Sydney Schoenhard, the newest member of the prestigious 1,000-point club at East Dubuque. Sydney shares her journey growing up in the Warriors program, her inspirations, the moment she hit 1,000, and the mindset that drives her.We talk leadership, the East Dubuque community, her goals moving forward, and the fun that comes with being one of the area’s most exciting scorers. A celebratory and uplifting episode honoring a major career milestone.

Wahlert Catholic’s 6'1 freshman sensation Emily Tanny joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast for a fun, insightful conversation about her basketball journey. Emily breaks down her unbelievable varsity debut, her WNBA-heritage through her mom Amy Herrig, and what it’s like growing up in a family full of standout athletes. She shares what skills she wishes she had from her brothers — and which of her skills they wish they had! We also talk inspirations, mindset, her goals before graduating Wahlert, and her plans for the future. A can't-miss episode with one of the top rising players in the state.

The Dubuque Area Sports Podcast sits down with Coach Wendell Eimers of the Dubuque Senior Rams for an in-depth look at one of the Mississippi Valley Conference’s most exciting teams heading into the new season.Coming off a strong 17–7 campaign and a 3rd-place finish on the Mississippi side of the MVC, the Rams return their top three scorers — all seniors — while looking to fill the defensive gaps left by last year’s standout stoppers.Coach Eimers breaks down the roster, including:​Returning award winners and the leadership they bring​Returning starters and key bench players stepping into bigger roles​Promising newcomers ready to make an impact​How the Rams plan to replace three elite defenders from last year’s squad​Reflections on last season’s growth​What the outlook is for this year’s senior-led teamA must-listen for Rams fans and MVC basketball followers — this episode brings energy, insight, and everything you need to know before Dubuque Senior hits the hardwood.

The Dubuque Area Sports Podcast sits down with Beckman Catholic Girls Basketball Head Coach Thomason as the Blazers look to bounce back from a challenging 3–20 season and make a leap in the always-tough River Valley Conference.Coach Thomason breaks down a deeper look at this year’s roster, including veteran starters, and non-starters stepping into expanded roles. Fans will also get to meet the promising newcomers who could make an impact right away.We also revisit last season’s highs and lows, discuss the growth of the program, and get Coach Thomason’s outlook on what this year’s identity will look like — including the mindset, development, and determination needed to move the Blazers forward.A great inside look at a program hungry to flip the script and rise in the conference standings.

The Dubuque Area Sports Podcast heads to Cascade for an inside look at the Cascade Cougars Girls Basketball program with Head Coach Sconsa. The Cougars are coming off an impressive 16-8 season, finishing 11-3 in the River Valley Conference and earning 2nd place on the North side of the league.Coach Sconsa breaks down everything you need to know heading into the 2025 season — including returning award winners, veteran starters, and the newcomers ready to make their mark. He also shares how the Cougars plan to replace standout scorer Molly Rolling, who averaged 14 points per game last season, and reflects on the identity and growth of last year’s team.We wrap with a look ahead at expectations, team culture, and why this year’s Cascade squad has the confidence and depth to remain one of the top programs in the RVC.Another can’t-miss episode for Cougar fans and high school hoops followers alike!

The Marquette Catholic Defenders Girls Basketball program is coming off a phenomenal 17–5 season, including a perfect 12–0 run through the Tri-Rivers Conference (East Division) to capture a conference championship. Now, the Defenders turn the page with big goals, new leaders, and plenty of excitement heading into the 2025 season.Coach Kettmann joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to reflect on last year’s conference title, highlight the returning award winners and experienced starters, introduce promising newcomers, and discuss the challenge — and opportunity — of replacing the team’s top two scorers, who combined for 29 points per game last season.From program culture to offseason growth to a preview of what Defender fans can expect on both ends of the court, this episode offers a full inside look at one of the area’s most competitive small-school programs.A must-listen for Defenders fans and Tri-Rivers basketball followers!

The Western Dubuque Bobcats enter the new season with a fresh sense of direction under Head Coach Ben Wilson. Following a 5-17 finish and a tough 2-12 mark in the Mississippi Valley Conference, the Bobcats look to take meaningful steps forward with returning leaders, emerging talent, and a program focused on growth.Coach Wilson joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to break down:Returning award winners and key veteransStarters and role players stepping into expanded responsibilitiesPromising newcomers ready to impact varsity minutesThe challenge of replacing last year’s top two scorers (19 points per game combined)Lessons learned from last seasonWhat fans can expect from the Bobcats in 2025This episode dives into culture, development, and the long-term vision Coach Wilson has for the Western Dubuque boys basketball program. A must-listen for Bobcat fans and MVC hoops followers!

The Dubuque Area Sports Podcast heads to Epworth for an inside look at Western Dubuque Bobcats Girls Basketball with Head Coach Hoefer.Coming off a challenging 3-19 season and a 1-13 finish on the Mississippi side of the MVC, the Bobcats are entering a new year with renewed energy, key returners, promising newcomers, and a commitment to turning the corner.Coach Hoefer breaks down:🏀 Returning award winners stepping into leadership roles🏀 Returning starters shaping the team’s identity 🏀 New varsity contributors ready to make an impact🏀 How the Bobcats plan to replace four senior leaders and 34 points per game from last season🏀 Reflections from last year and the lessons they’re carrying forward🏀 The overall outlook for the 2025 /2026 seasonA must-listen episode for WD fans and MVC basketball followers as the Bobcats look to take a big step forward this winter!

The Dubuque Area Sports Podcast heads to Dyersville to break down the upcoming season for the Beckman Catholic Blazers with Head Coach Mike Molony.After finishing 12-11 overall and 4th in the River Valley North, the Blazers return with momentum — and plenty to be excited about. Coach Molony discusses his returning award winners, key starters, and the program’s top two scorers who made major strides during the offseason.We also highlight promising newcomers, the team’s developing identity, and how Beckman plans to compete in one of the toughest small-school conferences in the state.A must-listen for Blazer Nation as the green and gold gear up for another competitive season on the court!

The East Dubuque Warriors Girls Basketball program turns the page to an exciting new chapter under first-year Head Coach Hannah Thiele. Coming off a strong 19-12 season, the Warriors are looking to build on last year’s success with a mix of experienced returners, emerging talent, and a new vision for the future.Coach Thiele joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to talk about what drew her to East Dubuque, what the community can expect from her program on and off the court, and who fans should watch for among the returning contributors and promising newcomers. She also shares her reflections on early practices, the team’s identity, and the foundation she’s working to build in her first season leading the Warriors.An inspiring conversation about leadership, culture, and the next generation of East Dubuque basketball!

After a 19-4 season and a River North Division championship, the Cascade Cougars were just one game shy of the state tournament. Coach McMullen joins the show to reflect on last year’s success, discuss how the Cougars plan to replace top scorers Jackson Lieurance and Nathan Scholkemoehl, and share which players are stepping up in key roles this season. Plus, we play our annual NBA All-Star Weekend Fun Segment — find out who’s repping Cascade in the dunk, 3-point, and skills challenges!

The Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles finished 13-10 overall and 4th in the Valley Division of the Mississippi Valley Conference last season. Coach English returns to the podcast to talk about this year’s group — returning award winners, veteran starters, and exciting new talent. We also discuss the challenge of replacing four senior leaders who accounted for 43 points per game and how the Golden Eagles are shaping a new identity for 2025. Of course, we wrap up with the always fun NBA All-Star Weekend segment!

The Bellevue Comets Girls Basketball team is gearing up for another exciting season under Head Coach Scott Jess. After finishing 9-14 overall and 4-10 in conference play — good for a 6th-place finish on the North side of the River Valley Conference — the Comets are focused on growth, chemistry, and climbing the standings.Coach Jess joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to reflect on last season, highlight returning award winners and starters, introduce promising newcomers, and share his excitement for this group’s offseason progress and goals for the year ahead.Another can’t-miss conversation featuring insight, energy, and a deep look into the direction of Bellevue girls basketball!

The Dubuque Area Sports Podcast sits down with Coach Sturm of the Marquette Catholic Defenders to break down one of the most intriguing storylines in Class 1A basketball this season. Coming off a historic 27–2 campaign, a perfect 12–0 conference run, and a trip to the State Championship game, the Defenders enter a new era without their top four scorers — a group that combined for 68 points per game, including Media Player of the Year Spencer Roeder, one of the most dominant forces in the state.In this in-depth conversation, Coach Sturm discusses:Last season’s remarkable chemistry, culture, and postseason runReturning starter Louie Gonner and the strengths he brings as the new on-court leaderBench players ready to step into major varsity rolesPromising newcomers who could make an immediate impactHow the Defenders plan to replace lost scoring, size, rebounding, and leadershipThe philosophy shift required when transitioning from a massive senior classTeam identity on both sides of the ball heading into 2025Why this group’s versatility and depth could surprise people this seasonAnd of course — who he’s entering in the NBA All-Star Dunk, 3-Point, and Skills CompetitionsThis episode offers a rare, honest inside look at how great high school programs reinvent themselves while maintaining championship-level standards. A must-listen for Defenders fans and basketball junkies alike.

It’s Year 2 for Coach George and the Dubuque Hempstead Mustangs, who look to take a big step forward after a 3-19 season in 2024. Coach George reflects on lessons learned in his first season, highlights returning leaders, and previews the next wave of Mustang talent. He also discusses how the team plans to replace all-around star Reed Strohmeyer, who averaged nearly 20 points per game. Another fun and insightful conversation capped off with our NBA All-Star Weekend team picks!

After a 24-9 campaign and a perfect 12-0 conference championship season, the East Dubuque Warriors enter a new era under Coach Schaber. The program is reloading after graduating major production and leadership. Coach Schaber joins Coach Maneman to talk about returning stars, promising newcomers, and how the Warriors plan to stay among the area’s elite. Plus, we keep the fun rolling with the fan-favorite NBA All-Star Weekend Challenge segment

The Bellevue Comets finished 12-12 last season and are looking to move up in the River Valley North standings. Coach Knake joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to reflect on last year’s growth, introduce key returning players, highlight breakout newcomers, and set the tone for the 2025 campaign. We also hit the NBA All-Star Weekend segment — find out who’s representing Bellevue in the dunk, 3-point, and skills competitions!

The Dubuque Area Sports Podcast tips off basketball season with Coach Rush from Dubuque Hempstead Girls Basketball. Coming off a 7-15 season, the Mustangs are hungry to climb the ranks in the Mississippi Valley Conference’s Valley Division. Coach Rush breaks down returning award winners, veteran starters, promising newcomers, and the foundation being built through the Mustang Youth Program. A great inside look at how Hempstead plans to bounce back and make noise this winter!

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!