Sports Doctor with Keith O'Brien

It's high school football time! Keith talks with East Lyme coach Rudy Bagos, Norwich Free Academy coach Jason Bakoulis, New London coach Johnny Burns and Fitch coach Mike Ellis. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith previews the upcoming football season with U.S. Coast Guard Academy head coach Bill George. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Is the Eastern Connecticut Conference rising in stature to rival some of the other major conferences in Connecticut? ECC Commissioner Gary Makowicki joins Keith to talk about the recent successes in basketball, softball, baseball and lacrosse, as well as the challenges facing a conference with great disparity in geography and enrollment.   Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Courtney Gomez talks about the big shoes she will have to fill replacing Bill Scarlata as the head girls' basketball coach at Norwich Free Academy. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Matt Manocherian of Sports Info Solutions, editor of The SIS Football Rookie Handbook 2019, previews the NFL draft and laments Duke's loss in the NCAA tournament.   Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Tony Gigliotti, who is retiring after 30 years of officiating local high school basketball games, and NBA referee Josh Tiven, who got his start officiating in Eastern Connecticut, talk with Keith about life as a referee. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ralph Roggero talks with Keith about his days as head basketball coach at New London, and about getting back into the game as a volunteer assistant at Ledyard. Plus, Day sports editor Chuck Banning talks about the latest Baseball Hall of Fame class. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Norwich Free Academy graduate Chris Vincent, an assistant men's basketball coach at Miami Dade College, talks about the coaching and recruiting at all levels of college basketball, and about recruiting East Lyme's Dev Ostrowski. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Monday Night Football executive producer Jay Rothman joins the Sports Doctor Keith O'Brien to talk about his journey as a television producer and his 31 years with ESPN. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mystic native Dave Campo talks about his time as the coach of the Dallas Cowboys, his new position with USC, and Thanksgiving football memories. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker and Mark Simons of Sports Info Solutions preview the World Series match-up between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For 26 years, Joe D'Ambrosio was the voice of UConn basketball and football on WTIC radio. He shares some of favorite memories and talks about his new projects with Fox 61 and WTIC. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Fitch head football coach Mike Ellis and Montville head football coach Tanner Grove talk about their impressions of their teams after the first two weeks of the season. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

After several years away from the game, Jack Cochran will be back on football sideline as an assistant coach at Killingly this fall. Cochran, who won eight state championships as a head coach at Bloomfield, New Britain and New London, talks about why he decided to return to coaching and what is wrong with the CIAC. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Who will be number one in the first state poll? Which ECC teams will make the playoffs? How do Killingly and Fitch match up against the rest of the state? Ned Griffen, author of The Day’s Lonesome Polecat football column, has the answers. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

U.S. Coast Guard Academy head football coach Bill George talks about preparing his team for the upcoming season, and how Coast Guard athletes balance the rigors of a military academy with the expectations of being on a college football team. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith talks with Clay Killingsworth, the third new coach in three years at Ledyard after Jim Buonocore stepped down to become athletic director. Killingsworth talks about his early meetings with the team, and their new “hold the rope” philosophy. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith talks baseball with Rob Bono, head coach of the Mystic Schooners in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Joe Zone of WFSB 3 explains how the Travelers Championship in Cromwell has become a favorite tournament for PGA golfers, fans and media. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Johnny Burns talks about taking over as head football coach at his alma mater, New London High School. Also, Casey O'Neill talks about WWE moving to Fox. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Are you fed up with modern baseball stats like launch angle and exit velocity? Tim Burrows, co-owner of Power In Training, talks about the importance of these stats, and whether travel baseball is a bad for young athletes. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith talks with Providence College men’s basketball head coach Ed Cooley about the Friars’ run in the Big East tournament and his thoughts on the NBA playoffs.   Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith talks with a pair of state champions from Waterford High School: UConn-bound pitcher Michael Burrows and Southern New Hampshire-bound point guard Mikey Buscetto.   Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mark Simon, senior analyst at Sports Info Solutions, talks about how advanced analytics have impacted Major League Baseball. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Coast Guard lacrosse is off to a hot start this year. Keith talks with head coach Ray LaForte about the team's success, and the growth of youth and high school lacrosse in the region. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Lee Elci stops by to break down the 2018 Major League Baseball season, and Fitch girls' lacrosse coach Jenna Tucchio calls in to preview her team's spring season. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith talks with The Day's Gavin Keefe about University of Connecticut's recent hiring of Dan Hurley as men's basketball coach, and applauds all the recent state champions from the Eastern Connecticut Conference. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Joe Morelli of The New Haven Register and GameTimeCT.com breaks down each division in the CIAC boys' basketball state tournaments.

At St. Thomas More in Montville, Jere Quinn has coached hundred of Division I college basketball players, many of whom have gone on to play professionally. This winter, he recorded his 1,000th career win, and his team will face Northfield Mount Hermon in the NEPSAC Class AAA boys' basketball tournament on Saturday.

Keith talks with New London boxer Cassius Chaney about his upcoming fight on March 3 at Madison Square Garden, and complains about the Winter Olympics.

Ernie DiGregorio looks back on his basketball career at Providence College and in the NBA, sharing stories about playing against Bill Walton and Julius Erving, and alongside John Havlicek and Dave Cowens.

Joe Morelli of The New Haven Register and GameTimeCT.com breaks down the top boys' basketball teams in Connecticut, and Casey O’Neill reflects on the passing of Keith Jackson and where he rates among the all-time best sports broadcasters.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy men’s basketball team is off to an 8-3 start. Keith talks with head coach Kevin Jaskiewicz about the differences between coaching in Divisions I, II and II, and recruiting players to a service academy. Coast Guard hosts WPI on Saturday afternoon.

How high are the expectations for Dev Ostrowski and his surrounding cast? Can Stonington finally advance deeper in the state playoffs? How do you field a competitive team at the smallest school in the conference? Boys’ basketball coaches Jeff Bernardi of East Lyme, John Luzzi of Stonington and Neal Cobleigh of Wheeler talk with Keith about their expectations for the winter season.

How will the Whalers handle the pressure of being the defending state champions? Who will step into the vacancies left by the graduation of India Pagan and Jada Lucas? New London girls' basketball coach Holly Misto previews the 2017-18 basketball season with the Sports Doctor.

Part 2 of 2. Take a trip down memory lane as Keith and special guest host Casey O’Neill talk Thanksgiving football with Killingly head coach Chad Neal, Norwich Free Academy head coach Jason Bakoulis, former Waterford standout Lee Elci, and Westerly head coach Duane Maranda. Listen to part 1 here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fjmfr-7bcb2c

Part 1 of 2. Take a trip down memory lane as Keith and special guest host Casey O’Neill talk Thanksgiving football with Ledyard athletic director Jim Buonocore, New London head coach Juan Roman, referee Ken Daniewicz, and former New London standout Troy McKelvin. Listen for part two next week with Chad Neal, Jason Bakoulis, Lee Elci, and Duane Maranda.

Does Ledyard basketball deserve to be placed in Division 2 under the new format? Ledyard High School boys basketball coach Dave Cornish makes his case with Joe Morelli of GameTime CT and The New Haven Register.

East Lyme High School graduate and Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker breaks down the 2017 World Series and talks about his nearly 30 year career in professional baseball.

The Day's Gavin Keefe gives some insight into the state of UConn football after a big win over Temple, and previews the UConn men's basketball season.

Yale director of basketball operations Chris Vincent (Norwich Free Academy class of 2009) talks about the ripple effects of the recent college basketball scandal, and how Ivy League schools are staying competitive with tougher academic standards. Plus, The Sports Doctor and producer Peter Huoppi discuss whether to care about the U.S. men's soccer team not qualifying for the World Cup. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith talks with East Lyme High School head football coach Rudy Bagos about the team's surprising 3-1 start after going 1-9 last season. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith checks in with Fitch High School head football coach Mike Ellis ahead of Friday's game with Montville. Both teams had disappointing seasons in 2016, but have started 2-0 in 2017. Also, Sean Patrick Bowley of GameTimeCT talks about how the top ECC teams stack up against the state's best. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Montville High School football coach Tanner Grove talks about the difficulties and the rewards of coaching at a small high school. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Providence College men's basketball coach Ed Cooley talks about Kris Dunn, his favorite basketball memories, and whether the Friars will ever play UConn again. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

New London High School football coach Juan Roman talks about the upcomnig season, what he learned after his first year as a head coach, watching his sons at Yale, and seeing New London alumni succeed.   Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Kris Dunn talks with the Sports Doctor about his first year in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves and being traded to the Chicago Bulls. Dunn is back in New London to celebrate Kris Dunn Day on Friday August 18, with giveaways starting at 2:00 p.m. at 44 Williams Street. They're joined by Dunn's New London basketball teammate Doug Henton and their friend Nae'Quon Sutton. Sutton has kidney failure and needs a transplant. For information on becoming a kidney donor, contact Yale-New Haven Hospital at 866-925-3897. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Keith talks with New London boxer Cassius Chaney about his boxing career, and gets his opinion on the upcoming bout between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Zig Fracassi of Sirius-XM NFL Radio and Sirius-XM Sports joins Keith to talk about the NBA turning into a soap opera with Kyrie Irving trying to get out of Cleveland and Washington overpaying John Wall. Also, what's worse, being a Jets fan, or a Bills fan?   Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Sports Dr Keith O'Brien and the Legend Lee Elci talk MLB all star game, world series predictions and so much more. Icons in Sports, heavy metal bands and Lee's pride for Waterford baseball. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

East Lyme's Todd Donovan joins the Sports Doctor to discuss the best (and worst) pro ballparks in America. Donovan played 11 seasons in the minor leagues, making it as far as Triple-A with the Dodgers and the Orioles, before working with the Rays, the Diamondbacks, and now the Mariners as assistant director of player personnel. Music: Big Rock Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/