Dubuque Area Baseball Podcast

Weighin' in with Worm — Nick MooreOn this episode of Weighin' in with Worm, Worm sits down with one of Iowa wrestling's all-time greats — Nick Moore, Iowa's 19th four-time state wrestling champion.Nick won four state titles at Iowa City West and was part of some of the most dominant high school wrestling teams in the country. But before Iowa City, before the state championships, and before the University of Iowa, Nick grew up right here in Dubuque, Iowa.We start with the Moore family's wrestling roots and Nick's dad, Denny Moore, whose name has been tied to the foundation of Dubuque wrestling dating back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. Nick talks about growing up around wrestling, the family's move to Iowa City, and what eventually led him to Iowa City West.From there, we dive into Nick's incredible high school career — when wrestling started to click, winning his first state championship, his only loss during his freshman season, and the unique story of losing to Mark Ballweg at the state duals just one week after beating him in the state tournament semifinals.We also talk about those legendary Iowa City West teams that featured multiple state champions and were nationally ranked, and what it was like competing every day in a room filled with elite wrestlers.And no conversation about Nick's high school career would be complete without talking about Mark Rieland. Nick shares the impact Mark had on him as a coach, mentor and person, what made him such a special coach, and the lessons that have stayed with Nick long after his wrestling career ended.After high school, Nick took his talents to the University of Iowa, going from one of the best wrestlers in the country to being a freshman all over again. We talk about that transition, the grind of college wrestling, and being back in the room with familiar faces like his brother Nate Moore, Dylan Carew, Derek St. John and Grant Gambrall.And finally, Nick talks about life roughly 10 years removed from competitive wrestling — family, work, whether he misses competing, and what wrestling means to him today.Then we put Nick “On the Scale” with a special rapid-fire edition built for a guy who has been retired from wrestling for a decade.A conversation about wrestling, family, Dubuque, Iowa City West, the Hawkeyes, Mark Rieland, and the life that comes after the whistle.

Dubuque Hempstead sophomore Danny Houselog joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to talk about life as a three-sport Mustang. ⚾

NEW EPISODE — Weighin' in with WormThis week on Weighin' in with Worm, I'm sitting down with Zach Roeder for a conversation covering wrestling, life, competition, and everything that comes with being part of the wrestling community.Zach and I talk about his wrestling journey, the people and experiences that have helped shape him, the lessons learned along the way, and what it takes to continue pushing forward both on and off the mat.It's a great conversation with plenty of wrestling talk, some laughs, and a look behind the scenes at the person beyond the singlet.

Western Dubuque standout Kyla Ramler joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to talk about her journey as a two-sport athlete for the Bobcats.

She's back in the Wormhole! This week on Weighin' In with Worm, Coach Worm sits down with returning guest Eve Skrocki to talk about an incredible year in her wrestling career.From winning a 2025 Junior National Championship at Fargo, to taking on the best competition in the world at the World Championships, Eve opens up about the work, confidence, challenges, and experiences that have shaped her journey.We talk wrestling, training, competition, the mental side of the sport, what it takes to keep pushing when the stakes get higher, and what's next for one of Iowa's rising wrestling stars.And of course, we wrap things up with “On the Scale with Coach Worm” — putting Eve on the hot seat with some rapid-fire questions!

SW/East Dubuque standout Lucas Foley joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to talk football, family, and what's ahead for the Warcats.

The Beckman Catholic Trailblazers are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 9-2 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in district play.New Head Coach Ryan Meissner joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss his years of experience as an assistant within the program, his excitement about taking over and the identity he wants the Trailblazers to establish moving forward.We also discuss replacing a talented graduating class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and how Beckman plans to build around several proven playmakers entering another highly anticipated season.

The Cascade Cougars are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 7-3 overall record and a 4-1 mark in district play.Head Coach Ryan Altiere joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a highly productive senior class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas Cascade must improve to remain one of the top programs in Class 1A.We also discuss the quarterback position, potential breakout players and how the Cougars plan to replace the production and leadership of Mick Hoffman, Brody Otting, Eli Fritz and the rest of last year's graduating class.

The Bellevue Comets are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 7-2 overall record and a 4-1 mark in district play.Co-Head Coach Matt Jaeger joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a highly productive senior class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas Bellevue must improve to remain one of the top programs in Class 2A.We also discuss the quarterback position, potential breakout players and how the Comets plan to replace the enormous production and leadership of Cal Bonifas, Keenan Kilburg and the rest of last year's graduating class.

The Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 9-3 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in district play.Head Coach Jamie Marshall joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a highly productive senior class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas Wahlert must improve to remain one of the top programs in Class 3A.We also discuss the return of quarterback JP Elbert, potential breakout players and how the Golden Eagles plan to replace the production and leadership of Anderson Herbst, Brody Schumacher, Noah Krapfl and the rest of last year's graduating class.

The Dubuque Senior Rams are preparing to charge into the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 5-4 overall record and a 3-2 mark in district play.Head Coach Zach Soer joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a productive graduating class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas the Rams must improve to compete in Class 5A.We also discuss the quarterback competition, potential breakout players and expectations surrounding the Dubuque Senior program entering the new season.

The Dubuque Hempstead Mustangs are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 3-6 overall record and a 2-3 mark in district play.Head Coach Jeff Hoerner joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a highly productive senior class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas Hempstead must improve to take another step forward in Class 5A.We also discuss the quarterback position, potential breakout players and how the Mustangs plan to replace the enormous production and leadership of Jaden Montgomery and the rest of last year's graduating class.

The Western Dubuque Bobcats are preparing to defend their district championship after finishing last season with a 7-3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in district play.Head Coach Justin Penner joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a talented senior class, the returning players ready to take on larger roles and the expectations surrounding the Bobcats entering the 2026 season.We also discuss the quarterback position, returning playmakers, potential breakout players and what Western Dubuque must improve to remain one of the top programs in Class 4A.

The Southwestern/East Dubuque Warcats are preparing for a new chapter entering the 2026 football season.New Head Coach Jason Foley joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss his previous coaching experience, what attracted him to the position and what excites him most about the roster he inherits.We also look back at last season, discuss the production that must be replaced, highlight returning players ready for larger roles and examine what the Warcats must improve to take a step forward this fall.

From calling Little League games at 15… to training at one of the top umpire schools in the country — Mason Ruden is chasing the dream one call at a time. ⚾

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with “T-Clutch” Tyler Smith to talk about his journey as one of the area's most reliable big-moment performers.Tyler talks about growing up in sports, competing as a multi-sport athlete, and earning a reputation for always seeming to come through when the pressure is on. The conversation dives into his biggest clutch performances, what fuels his confidence in huge moments, and how his approach carries over from sport to sport.If you enjoy hearing from athletes who thrive under pressure, compete with toughness, and seem to save their best for when the lights are brightest, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Graham Ahlers of Wahlert Catholic to talk about his journey as a multi-sport athlete and one of the top left-handed pitchers in the area.Graham opens up about his path to Wahlert Catholic, what it has been like balancing baseball and basketball, and how both sports have helped shape him as a competitor. The conversation also dives into his growth on the mound, what makes him tough on hitters, how he handles pressure in big moments, and what drives him as he continues to build his name as one of the top arms in the state.If you enjoy hearing from athletes who compete with confidence, toughness, and a high ceiling, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Louie Gonner of Bellevue and Marquette Catholic to talk about life as a three-sport athlete and what it takes to shine in the biggest moments.Louie talks about competing in football, baseball, and basketball, what he loves about each sport, and how each season helps shape him as an athlete. The conversation also dives into his work on the football field, pitching and playing baseball, and helping Marquette Catholic make another run to the state championship game in basketball.Of course, they also talk about the viral walk-off 3 that had everyone buzzing on social media, what that moment felt like in real time, and how he handles pressure when the game is on the line. If you enjoy hearing from athletes who compete with confidence, toughness, and a clutch gene that shows up in every sport, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

In this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Will Steffen to talk about his journey as a multi-sport athlete and what drives him to compete at a high level.Will talks about balancing multiple sports, the biggest moments of his high school career, and the mindset it takes to stay locked in when the pressure rises. The conversation also dives into leadership, preparation, confidence, and what he has learned from competing in different environments throughout the year.If you enjoy hearing from athletes who bring toughness, versatility, and a competitive edge every time they take the field or court, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Addison Frake of Cascade to talk about life as a four-sport athlete and what it takes to compete at a high level all year long.Addison talks about balancing volleyball, basketball, track, and softball, what she loves about each sport, and how every season has helped shape her into the athlete and competitor she is today. The conversation also dives into team chemistry, leadership, handling pressure, and what she has learned from constantly moving from one sport to the next.If you enjoy hearing from athletes who bring energy, toughness, and versatility every time they compete, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Hempstead Head Coach Jeff Rapp to preview the 2026 Mustangs baseball season.Coach Rapp looks back on a 22-20 season that saw Hempstead finish 4th in the Valley Division of the Mississippi Valley Conference at 15-13, and he breaks down what the Mustangs need to do to keep building this spring and summer. The conversation touches on key moments from last season, returning award winners and starters, players ready to step into bigger roles, and the arms that could help lead the pitching staff.They also talk about younger players to keep an eye on, the biggest strengths of this year's team, areas that still need improvement, and what Hempstead baseball fans can expect from the Mustangs in 2026. If you want a closer look at one of the area's toughest programs, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Coach Maneman is joined by Marquette Catholic head softball coach Brett Ploessl to preview the Defenders' 2026 season on the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast. After a strong 20-15 season and a second-place finish in the Tri-Rivers East with a 15-9 conference record, Marquette Catholic enters the new year with plenty to build on. Coach Ploessl reflects on key moments from last season, discusses returning award winners and starters, highlights players ready for bigger roles, breaks down the pitching staff, and shares what it will take for the Defenders to keep pushing forward in 2026. It's a fun and informative look at Marquette Catholic softball and what fans can expect this season.

Coach Maneman is joined by Dubuque Hempstead head softball coach Jeff Brandel to preview the Mustangs' 2026 season. After finishing 18-20 overall and 10-18 in the Mississippi Division, Hempstead is looking to take the next step in a tough conference. Coach Brandel reflects on key moments from last season, discusses returning award winners and starters, highlights players ready to step into bigger roles, breaks down the pitching staff, and shares what the Mustangs need to improve on to make a bigger push this spring. It's a fun and informative look at Hempstead softball and what fans can expect in 2026.

Coach Maneman is joined by Cascade head softball coach Bailey Clemens to preview the Cougars' 2026 season on the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast. After a strong 21-10 season and a River Valley North Conference championship at 10-2, Cascade heads into the new year with plenty of momentum. Coach Clemens reflects on key moments from last season, discusses returning award winners and starters, highlights players ready for bigger roles, breaks down the pitching staff, and shares what it will take for the Cougars to stay on top. It's a fun and informative look at Cascade softball and what fans can expect this season.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Marquette Catholic Head Coach Travis Templeton to preview the 2026 Defenders baseball season.Coach Templeton looks back on a tremendous 23-5 season that saw Marquette Catholic go a perfect 12-0 in conference play and capture an undefeated conference championship. The conversation dives into the key moments that shaped last year's success, the returning award winners and starters, players ready to take on bigger roles, and the arms that could help lead the pitching staff this season.They also discuss younger players to keep an eye on, the biggest strengths of this year's team, areas that still need improvement, and what Marquette Catholic fans can expect from the Defenders in 2026. If you want a closer look at one of the area's top baseball programs, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Coach Maneman is joined by Beckman Catholic head softball coach Amber Boeckenstedt to preview the Blazers' 2026 season on the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast. After a strong 21-16 season and a second-place finish in the River Valley North with a 9-3 conference record, Beckman Catholic enters the new year with plenty to be excited about. Coach Boeckenstedt reflects on key moments from last season, discusses returning award winners and starters, highlights players ready to step into bigger roles, breaks down the pitching staff, and shares what it will take for the Blazers to keep building in 2026. It's a fun and informative look at Beckman Catholic softball and what fans can expect this season.

Coach Maneman is joined by Western Dubuque head softball coach Rex Massey to preview the Bobcats' 2026 season on the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast. After a terrific 31-13 season and a third-place finish in the Mississippi Division with a 19-9 conference record, Western Dubuque heads into the new year with plenty of momentum. Coach Massey reflects on the biggest moments from last season, discusses returning award winners and starters, highlights players ready to step into bigger roles, breaks down the pitching staff, and shares what it will take for the Bobcats to make another strong run in 2026. It's a fun and informative look at Western Dubuque softball and what fans can expect this season.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Beckman Catholic Head Coach Ryan Mabe to preview the 2026 Blazers baseball season.Coach Mabe looks back on a 14-16 season that saw Beckman Catholic finish second in the River Valley North at 9-3. The conversation touches on the key moments from last year, the returning award winners and starters, players ready to take on bigger roles, and the arms that could help set the tone for the Blazers this season.They also talk about younger players to keep an eye on, the biggest strengths of this year's team, areas that still need improvement, and what Beckman Catholic fans can expect from the Blazers in 2026. If you want a closer look at a program that always seems to stay in the mix, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Dubuque Senior Head Coach Tyler Saeugling to preview the 2026 Rams baseball season.Coach Saeugling looks back on an 18-19 season that saw the Rams finish 7th on the Mississippi side of the MVC at 11-17. The conversation dives into the key moments from last year, the returning award winners and starters, players ready to step into bigger roles, and the pitchers who could help lead Senior this season.They also discuss younger players to keep an eye on, the biggest strengths of this year's team, areas that still need improvement, and what Dubuque Senior fans can expect from the Rams in 2026. If you want a closer look at a team battling in one of the toughest baseball conferences around, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman is joined by Western Dubuque Head Coach Casey Bryant to preview the 2026 Bobcats baseball season.After finishing 22-16 overall and 15-12 in the Mississippi Division, the Bobcats are looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign. Coach Bryant reflects on the key moments that shaped last year's team, discusses the returning award winners and starters, and breaks down the players expected to step into bigger roles after graduation losses.The conversation also dives into the Bobcats' pitching staff, younger players to keep an eye on, the biggest strengths of this year's team, areas that still need improvement, and what the overall outlook is for Western Dubuque heading into the new season. If you want insight on one of the area's most consistent baseball programs, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman is joined by Wahlert Catholic Head Coach Kory Tuescher to preview the 2026 Golden Eagles baseball season.Wahlert is coming off a tremendous 38-7 overall record, a 23-5 mark in the MVC, a conference championship, and a run all the way to the state championship game. Coach Tuescher looks back on the key moments that defined last season, talks about the returning award winners and starters, and shares which players are ready to step into larger roles after the loss of an outstanding senior class.The conversation also breaks down the Golden Eagles' pitching staff, highlights younger players to keep an eye on, and discusses the biggest strengths and areas for improvement for this year's team. If you want a closer look at one of the premier baseball programs in the area and what it will take for Wahlert to make another deep postseason run, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Coach Maneman is joined by Wahlert Catholic head softball coach Tyler Lang to preview the Golden Eagles' 2026 season on the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast. After a tremendous 37-8 season, an MVC championship with a 24-4 conference record, and a run all the way to the state championship game, Wahlert Catholic heads into the new season with high expectations once again. Coach Lang reflects on the biggest moments from last year, discusses returning award winners and starters, highlights players ready for bigger roles, breaks down the pitching staff, and shares what it will take for the Golden Eagles to make another deep run. It's a fun and informative look at Wahlert Catholic softball and what fans can expect in 2026.

MOn this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Brady Gogel to talk about his journey into his senior year at Beckman Catholic and the impact he has already made as a multi-sport athlete.Brady talks about making the move to Beckman, leading the football team at quarterback, helping fuel the offense on the basketball court as one of the area's top assist guys, and getting ready for his baseball debut for the Blazers this summer. The conversation also dives into leadership, adjusting to a new program, competing in multiple sports, and what he hopes to accomplish in his final high school year.If you enjoy hearing from athletes who embrace new challenges, lead with confidence, and stay busy all year long, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Coach Tashner joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to break down the upcoming East Dubuque Warriors baseball season. We talk returning talent, players to watch, pitching depth, and what it will take for the Warriors to compete in the NUIC this year. Coach also shares insights on the team's offseason work, leadership in the dugout, and the expectations heading into the new season. If you're a Warriors fan, this is your inside look before the first pitch is thrown. ⚾

The Warriors are digging in at the plate and toeing the rubber for another run in the NUIC West!

What's goin on guys? We made it, the season finale of season 3 of Weighin in with Worm. On this episode we are going to recap the state tournament and take one last visit to "in the corner with Coach Worm" where we will discuss off season goal setting!

What's goin on guys?! Big week ahead of us, it's here the State Tournament! We break down district qualifiers and what to expect at the state tournament!

The Spartans are loosening up in the bullpen and sharpening the spikes — and Coach Dan Spain is stepping into the box with a full preseason scouting report! ⚾

The Pride are stepping into the batter's box, and Coach Brian McCabe is calling the shots! ⚾

One of the most accomplished athletes ever to come out of Western Dubuque — and one of the top runners in the United States — Quentin Nauman joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast.Quentin discusses winning back-to-back state cross-country titles, setting the Iowa state meet record, becoming the first high-schooler in U.S. history to run both a sub-1:50 800m AND sub-4:00 mile in the same meet, and committing to continue his career at the University of Oregon.We talk training, mindset, inspirations, goals, and the unbelievable athletic journey that has made Quentin one of the most exciting prep athletes in the country.

What's goin on guys? Today we are recapping the Girls State Tournament, while looking ahead to districts this weekend for the boys!

Former Dubuque Senior standout and first-ever DASP Player of the Year Jacob Williams returns to the podcast to talk about his journey to collegiate success at the University of Dubuque. Jacob reflects on growing up in hoops, the moments that shaped him, the differences between high school and college basketball, and how Senior prepared him for the next level. He also shares what lies ahead, how he handles expectations, and — of course — what it was like having Coach Maneman as a teacher. A fun, insightful, and energizing conversation with a hometown star.

What's goin on guys?! This week, we are on the Road to Coralville for the Girls State Tournament, all while discussing the Dark Horses for the upcoming District Tournament next week! Tune in!

In this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Wahlert Catholic's two-sport standout, Connor Walsh — a smooth-shooting guard on the hardwood and a calm-under-pressure competitor on the golf course.Connor gives us a fun, behind-the-scenes look at what it's like juggling varsity basketball and varsity golf, how he developed his game growing up, and the inspirations that shaped him into one of Wahlert's most versatile athletes.We talk returning stats, leadership, momentum heading through the season, and how he handles school, sports, workouts, and everything in between. Connor also dives into the Golden Eagle culture, the off-season grind, and his goals for the rest of his high school career.Light-hearted, honest, and full of laughs — including his take on Coach Maneman as a teacher

What's goin on guys?! We are here we are in the post season!this week we talk about the last regular tournament schedule for the boys. The conference results for the ladies, and the Dark Horses going into the Girls Regional Qualifier this weekend!

What's goin on guys?! Super pumped about this episode. I got a chance to sit down with 3x State Qualifier and State Placer Tim O'Connell. After his high school wrestling career was over, Tim went out and became a 3X World Champion Rodeo Cowboy. In this episode we chat about his wrestling career ,and his rise to rodeo stardom!!Enjoy!!

What's goin guys?! We got a good one this week! We got National Duals Recaps, We got a week worth of tough wrestling, and a team who stepped up and stepped out this weekend in our area!

What's goin on, Guys?! On this episode we talk about the epic dual that was the County Clash. Bellevue and Wahlerts Day of WrestlingAnd the Cougars were on the road!

On this Episode it's all about the Annual County Clash, between Hempstead and Western Dubuque!!Tune in as we break down this top ten showdown between two of bigger rivals in the area

Winter weather got us again! But we are not letting that stop us! We cover last weeks competitions along with our Wrestler of the Week. Karise Benson, of Dubuque Hempstead, Karise is ranked 5th currently at 190lbs of her senior campaign and we sit and chat with her about her season!

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.