Topper Talk

Sports Editor Nick Kieser and men's basketball beat reporter Kaden Gaylord dissect the Hilltoppers loss in the C-USA Championship game against North Texas. Following the loss in the championship and missing an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament WKU has accepted a bid to the NIT. Keep up with the latest in WKU sports by listening to the weekly update from the Herald Sports staff.

Sports Editor Nick Kieser sits down with Drew Toennies who just finished his coverage of the women's basketball season. Drew breaks down the 83-77 OT loss on March 9 that concluded the Lady Toppers season. A clip from Greg Collins reveals how he feels about his teams play this season during a COVID-19 year. The duo also breaks down how the Hilltopper basketball team matches up for their first round matchup. As of March 10 the Hilltoppers will either play UTSA or Charlotte.

Sports Editor Nick Kieser welcomes sports reporter Matthew Hargrove and staff photographer Gunnar Word for the 21st installment of Topper Extra. Gunnar answers questions from Nick and Matthew about being a photographer for the College Heights Herald and shooting pictures during the COVID-19 pandemic. WKU men's and women's basketball are entering into their respective season finales against Old Dominion this weekend. Then the WKU baseball and softball programs are back in action this weekend as well. The Lady Topper soccer program hosts FIU on March 4 to open home play this spring. Stay tuned in for the weekly show with the College Heights Herald sports staff. Articles can be found on wkuherald.com/sports/

Sports Editor Nick Kieser and baseball beat reporter Wyatt Sparkman hop on after a one week hiatus to catch up to speed on WKU sports. The softball and baseball programs are back and the basketball programs bounce back after a week off due to the snow. The Hilltopper basketball team will play #6 Houston this Thursday (Feb. 24) then host FIU at home this weekend on Feb. 28 and March 1. Also, head coach Rick Stansbury shared his thoughts on his teams matchup with Houston this week. The Lady Toppers will travel to Miami to play at FIU this Friday and Saturday. WKU Soccer is back as well after a 4-0 road win at Southern Illinois. They'll be at MTSU this Friday to open C-USA play. Track and Field also finished off its indoor season over the weekend at the C-USA Championships.

On episode 19 of Topper Extra Sports Editor Nick Kieser and sports reporter Matthew Hargrove break down what WKU teams are finally back after a year long wait. The Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers basketball teams tipoff against Rice this weekend along with WKU softball. Soccer is back as well and WKU baseball announced its schedule on Monday Feb. 8. Also, the No. 23 Lady Topper volleyball team is entering into its second week of Conference USA play as well this coming weekend. Stay tuned for all of the live coverage and articles on wkuherald.com/sports.

On episode 18 of Topper Extra Sports Editor Nick Kieser brings men's basketball beat reporter Kaden Gaylord & women's basketball beat reporter Drew Toennies on the show to talk about this past weekend and what's ahead this weekend. The Hilltoppers will head down to the sunshine state to take on Florida Atlantic and the Lady Toppers will host the Lady Owls in Diddle arena. Meral Abdelgawad from the Lady Toppers hit a game winning buzzer beater shot in triple overtime on Jan. 29 to lift her team over Charlotte 100-99. The Hilltoppers had a weekend off since Old Dominion postponed last week and now they go on the road to try and keep their four game winning streak alive.

Sports Editor Nick Kieser brings on men's basketball beat reporter Kaden Gaylord and Football/Baseball beat reporter Matthew Hargrove for this weeks edition of the show. Both Hilltopper basketball programs have their series with Old Dominion postponed due to COVID-19 issues in the Monarch programs. Kaden breaks down all of the latest in WKU basketball, including Charles Bassey continuing to dominate this season earning his sixth C-USA player of the week. Matthew shares his thoughts on the faces hired on WKU's football staff and what to look forward to ahead of this spring. Read about sports on the Hill at WKU Herald Sports.

During this week's edition of Topper Talk Sports Editor Nick Kieser sits down inside Student Publications for the first time this school year for a recording. He is joined by men's basketball beat reporter Kaden Gaylord and women's basketball beat reporter Drew Toennies. The beat reporters catch up with Nick about the respective programs series against Marshall and what's to come this week against MTSU.

Sports Editor Nick Kieser and the College Heights Herald sports staff catch you up to speed since the last recording on Dec. 23. Men's basketball beat reporter Kaden Gaylord (3:00-14:20) highlights what the first C-USA matchup with Charlotte was like and previews the LA Tech series on Jan. 8-9. Also, head coach Rick Stansbury (12:56-13:33) shares his thoughts on the matchup against LA Tech. Women's basketball beat reporter Drew Toennies debuts on the show (14:25-23:45) and reviews how the Lady Toppers have been and what to expect against LA Tech in their first C-USA series this season against the Lady Techsters. To wrap it up football beat reporter Matthew Hargrove hops on (24:05-41:07) to talk about the rumblings over in Houchens-Smith Stadium and some new faces that signed with the program.

Sports Editor Nick Kieser and his staff are back right before Christmas to record the latest episode of Topper Talk. This week Nick opens the show (1:08-3:15) by remembering former staff member Elliott Wells, who passed away on Dec. 18. Men's basketball beat reporter Kaden Gaylord joins the show (6:04-25:40) to talk about the Hilltopper's latest win against Tennessee Tech and their recent success. Head coach Rick Stansbury (16:17-18:19) shares his thoughts on the team's progress so far before conference play opens up on Jan. 1-2. Football beat reporter Matthew Hargrove hops on to talk about WKU football (25:57-50:51) prior to the LendingTree Bowl on Dec. 26. Head coach Tyson Helton (41:15-42:36) shares his analysis on the matchup against Georgia State to wrap up the show.

This week on the resurgence of Topper Talk Sports Editor Nick Kieser takes over as host of the show and welcomes men's basketball beat reporter Kaden Gaylord and football beat reporter Matthew Hargrove. Nick and Kaden talk Hilltopper basketball (4:46-24:00) with the addition of some soundbites from head coach Rick Stansbury (15:06-17:46) and senior Josh Anderson (23:04-23:24). Then at (24:06-30:59), Nick brings to light what is happening with the Lady Topper basketball team with head coach Greg Collins giving his take (28:23-29:13) on the team's loss at Little Rock on Dec. 13. Nick and Matthew touch on the latest with WKU football in the final segment (31:16-47:37) and what it means to get a bowl game after a 5-6 regular season. Head coach Tyson Helton shares his thought on the bowl game (38:36-40:11) and Athletic Director Todd Stewart speaks on the achievement as well (47:38-48:51) to wrap up the episode.

This special edition episode of Topper Talk is brought to you by Graves Gilbert Clinic and Mariah's. College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens a special bowl game edition of the show (0:00-1:10) before sharing an audio clip from head coach Tyson Helton (1:11-2:48). Producer Mark Webster Jr. joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming bowl game against Western Michigan, his relationship with Broncos running back LeVante Bellamy and the WKU defense (2:49-17:09). Audio clips from defensive coordinator Clayton White (17:11-17:33), junior defensive end DeAngelo Malone (17:34-17:45) and redshirt junior safety Devon Key (17-46-18:00). What the WKU offense has to do against the WMU defense (18:01-26:52). Audio clips from offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis (26:53-27:32), redshirt senior receiver Lucky Jackson (27:33-27:46) and graduate transfer quarterback Ty Storey (27:47-28:06). Predictions for the First Responder Bowl (28:07-36:04).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:40). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming road game against C-USA opponent Southern Mississippi and a program-defining road win against SEC opponent Arkansas prior to the bye week (0:41-14:17). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares an audio clip from head coach Tyson Helton (14:18-15:36) before introducing quotes from women's basketball head coach Greg Collins (15:37-16:38) and men's basketball head coach Rick Stansbury (16:39-18:27). Sports Editor Drake Kizer gives an update on the WKU volleyball team in the newest addition to the show, "Views from the Hill" (18:28-19:50) and shares an audio clip from head coach Travis Hudson (19:51-20:38). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate whether or not WKU will knock down Southern Miss this weekend (20:39-27:57).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:42). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming road game against SEC opponent Arkansas and a critical home loss against Florida Atlantic last week (0:43-12:55). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares audio clips from head coach Tyson Helton (12:56-14:37) and starting quarterback Ty Storey (14:38-15:05) before introducing quotes from women's basketball head coach Greg Collins (15:06-16:10) and men's basketball head coach Rick Stansbury (16:11-17:09). Sports Editor Drake Kizer gives an update on the WKU volleyball and soccer teams in the newest addition to the show, "Views from the Hill" (17:10-18:58) and shares an audio clip from head coach Travis Hudson (18:59-20:25). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate whether or not Ty Storey will have a breakout game against his former coach and teammates at Arkansas (20:26-27:40).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:42). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming home game against Florida Atlantic and a heartbreaking road loss at Marshall last week (0:43-15:52). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares an audio clip from head coach Tyson Helton (15:53-16:59) before introducing quotes from women's basketball head coach Greg Collins (17:00-18:25), redshirt senior Dee Givens (18:26-18:43), men's basketball head coach Rick Stansbury (18:44-19:35) and sophomore center Charles Bassey (19:36-20:12). Sports Editor Drake Kizer gives an update on the WKU volleyball and soccer teams in the newest addition to the show, "Views from the Hill" (20:13-21:52). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate whether or not the FAU game is another must-win game for the WKU football team (21:53-29:54).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:45). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming road game against Marshall and another dominant defensive performance against Charlotte during Homecoming last week (0:46-14:48). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares audio clips from head coach Tyson Helton (14:49-15:52), offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis (15:53-16:47) and defensive coordinator Clayton White (16:48-17:16). Sports Editor Drake Kizer gives an update on the WKU volleyball and soccer teams in the newest addition to the show, "Views from the Hill" (17:17-19:07) and shares an audio clip from head coach Travis Hudson (19:08-19:26). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate whether or not the Marshall game is a must-win for the WKU football team (19:27-28:00).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:50). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming game against Charlotte and another dominant defensive performance against Army last week (0:51-14:48). Sports Editor Drake Kizer share an audio clip from head coach Tyson Helton (14:49-16:10). Men's basketball beat writer Elliott Wells joins the show to discuss Hilltopper Hysteria and his transition from soccer to men's basketball (16:11-25:25). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares audio clips from head coach Greg Collins (25:26-26:42) and head coach Rick Stansbury (26:43-27:20). Sports Editor Drake Kizer gives an update on the WKU volleyball team and WKU soccer teams in the newest addition to the show, "Views from the Hill" (27:21-28:59). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate the Hilltoppers' offensive and defensive MVPs so far (29:00-38:00).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:43). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming game against Army and another dominant defensive performance against Old Dominion last week (0:44-12:22). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares audio clips from head coach Tyson Helton (12:23-13:46) and head coach Rick Stansbury (13:47-14:48). Soccer beat writer Elliott Wells gives a preview of the WKU soccer team continuing Conference USA play against UTEP and FIU (14:49-17:13) and shares audio from head coach Jason Neidell (17:14-17:44). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate the Hilltoppers meeting the Black Knights (17:45-23:50). Kaden Gaylord gives an update on the WKU volleyball team (23:51-26:31) and shares audio from head coach Travis Hudson (26:32-27:00).

Topper Talk Producer Producer Mark Webster Jr. opens the show while College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer is out sick with seasonal allergies (0:00-0:45). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming game against Old Dominion and analyzes the Hilltopper defense's marquee performance against reigning Conference USA Champion Alabama-Birmingham (0:46-7:53). Producer Producer Mark Webster Jr. shares an audio clip from head coach Tyson Helton (7:54-9:30). Soccer beat writer Elliott Wells gives an update on the WKU soccer team following its first loss in Conference USA play to Charlotte on Thursday night (9:31-11:25) and shares audio from head coach Jason Neidell (11:26-12:00). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate whether the WKU offense or defense has the most to prove against Old Dominion (12:01-22:16). Kaden Gaylord gives an update on the WKU volleyball team (22:17-24:10) and shares audio from head coach Travis Hudson (24:11-24:33).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:50). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' upcoming game against Alabama-Birmingham and analyzes the pros and cons of each candidate in the latest quarterback race necessitated by starter Steven Duncan's season-ending surgery (0:51-16:42). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares an audio clip from head coach Tyson Helton (16:43-18:04). Soccer beat writer Elliott Wells gives a preview of the WKU soccer team continuing Conference USA play against Louisiana Tech (18:05-20:51) and shares audio from head coach Jason Neidell (20:51-21:20). Producer Mark Webster Jr. brings in volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord to debate whether or not UAB is the real deal (21:21-28:45). Kaden Gaylord gives an update on the WKU volleyball team (28:46-31:31) and shares audio from head coach Travis Hudson (31:32-32:20).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:50). Sports Columnist and News Editor Matt Stahl joins the show and discusses the Hilltoppers' loss against Louisville in Nashville and analyzes the quarterback controversy introduced by starter Steven Duncan's potentially season-ending injury (0:51-15:52). Sports Editor Drake Kizer shares audio clips from offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis (15:53-16:59) and defensive coordinator Clayton White (17:00-17:25). Volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord gives an update on the WKU volleyball team and shares audio from head coach Travis Hudson (17:26-20:50). Producer Mark Webster Jr. shares a quote from head coach Tyson Helton (20:51-21:48) before he brings in Kaden Gaylord to debate who should be WKU's new starting quarterback (21:49-27:43). Soccer beat writer Elliott Wells gives a preview of the WKU soccer team opening Conference USA play against Southern Miss (27:44-29:55).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer opens the show (0:00-0:50). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show and discusses the Hilltoppers' win against FIU, previews what to expect against Louisville and shares an audio clip from offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis (0:51-12:10). Sports Columnist and News Editor Matt Stahl talks his 'Quit Stahl-ling' column (12:11-21:49). Volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord gives an update on the WKU volleyball team and shares audio from head coach Travis Hudson (21:50-24:44). Staffers Mark Webster Jr. and Kaden Gaylord debate whether Gaej Walker will have his third 100-yard rushing performance against the Cardinals (24:45-31:05). Soccer beat writer Elliott Wells gives a preview of the WKU soccer team’s upcoming slate (31:06-32:55).

College Heights Herald Sports Editor Drake Kizer introduces the WKU Herald's new-look podcast (0:00-1:25). Football beat writer Alec Jessie joins the show and discusses the Hilltoppers' loss to Central Arkansas, previews what to expect against FIU and shares an audio clip from head coach Tyson Helton (1:26-10:35). Sports Columnist and News Editor Matt Stahl talks his 'Quit Stahl-ling' column (10:36-18:10). Soccer beat writer Elliott Wells gives an update on the WKU soccer team and shares audio from head coach Jason Neidell (18:11-21:21). Staffers Mark Webster Jr. and Kaden Gaylord debate whether Ty Storey should have a larger role in the WKU offense (21:22-28:42). Volleyball beat writer Kaden Gaylord gives an update on the WKU volleyball team (28:42-30:40).