Around The Waves

In the 12th episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome Ethan Polak from Wheeling, Illinois. Ethan is a  sports media major at Butler University. Disclaimer: Until at least mid-January the show is fully produced via Zoom. First, Ryan and Luca discuss Mizzou men's basketball team opening day win. Ryan liked what he saw and the pace at which coach Martin has them playing at. Next, Ryan and Luca discuss what they expect from Mizzou's football team as they host Vanderbilt this weekend. Luca expects Mizzou's offense to be more explosive this weekend as the offense went silent after halftime and the defense picked up the slack. He anticipates coach Eliah Drinkwitz will call a pass heavy game for Connor Bazelak. Next the entire crew discuss NFL Thanksgiving Football as the Dallas Cowboys were stomped on in the second half. All members blast Dallas's performance and pick the Washington Football Team to win the division. Of course, Luca gives his list of the top five NFL teams heading into Week 12. The crew moves on then and debate whether or not the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers will win a playoff game. Ethan has no faith in the Browns as they lack any sort of potent offense and playoff defense. Luca believes the Packers have no shot unless they play a NFC East opponent because Aaron Rodgers doesn't have the necessary weapons and the Packers defense is atrocious. To conclude the segment, Luca asks Ethan and Ryan which teams will win this upcoming NFL Sunday. Next week we'll invite our next guest  on the show, so stay tuned! 

In the 11th episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome Nick Winkelman from Plaino, Illinois. Nick is a  journalism major right here at Mizzou. First, the crew discusses what they expect from Mizzou's football team as they head to South Carolina this weekend to battle the Gamecocks. Luca expects Mizzou's offense to be explosive like they were against LSU due to South Carolina's weak defense and two of their best defensive players opting out of the rest of the season to wait for the NFL draft. He anticipates Connor Bazelak will have a huge game. Next the crew discusses NFL Thursday Night Football as NFL fans are in for a treat with a NFC West rival game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks. All members pick the Cardinals to win this one. Last night the NBA draft occurred, but NBA free agency was active before. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns were trade partners which ultimately sent Chris Paul to the Suns to pair up with Devin Booker. Both Luca and Ryan explain why the Suns are a team that will make some noise during the NBA season. Luca gives his list of the top five NFL teams heading into Week 11. Next the crew debates who's a stronger Super Bowl sleeper: Raiders or Dolphins. Following that, the crew debates which team will win a playoff game, Rams or Cardinals. Nick, makes a strong claim about the Cardinals potent offense. To conclude the segment, Chicago Bear fans (Luca and Nick) discuss what's next for their home team. Next week we'll invite our next guest  on the show, so stay tuned! Also have a great Thanksgiving!

In the 10th episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome Adam Runge from St. Charles Missouri. Adam is a documentary journalism major right here at Mizzou. Before Adam joins the show, both Luca and Ryan debate on which NBA team from the West will dethrone the LA Lakers. Luca claims the Golden State Warriors will be back and will fight tooth and nail with the Lakers, while Ryan goes with the LA Clippers. Next, both members make their Thursday Night Football predictions between a division rivalry in the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. Next, Luca and Ryan welcome Adam on to the show. First, Luca and Ryan interview Adam on his Seattle Seahawks. Next, Luca and Adam debate whether or not Justin Herbert will win offensive rookie of the year. Adam emphasizes how people are sleeping on Justin Jefferson on the Minnesota Vikings and how he can win the award. Next, Adam and Ryan debate who has the edge in the MVP winner conversation, Patrick Mahomes or Russell Wilson. Next, Luca gives his Legendary List where he gives his top 5 teams entering the new week of football. Both Ryan and Ethan debate it. To conclude the show, the crew closes out with the MLB managers of the year. Luca praises how the Marlins fought through so much diversity this year. He also blasts Ryan's take on why David Ross should've been picked. Next week we'll invite our next guest  on the show, so stay tuned!

In the ninth episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome back Wheeling, Illinois native Ethan Polak. Ethan is a sports media major that attends Butler University. Before Ethan joins the show, both Luca and Ryan discuss their takeaways on the Mizzou football team as they enter their bye week, posting a 2-3 record. Luca goes in-depth about their previous loss against the Florida Gators wasn't pretty but it was a dose of reality. He also encourages Mizzou fans to not panic as this was QB Connor Bazelak's first bump in the road. Ryan also praises how well they've progressed through their first five games. Next, they welcome Ethan on the show. First, Luca and Ryan interview on Ethan on his Miami Dolphins. Next, Luca and Ethan debate whether or not Jalen Hurts should be the starter for the Philadelphia Eagles the second half of the season as they enter their bye week. Ethan emphasizes how they should stick with Carson Wentz regardless of his play. Luca wants Jalen Hurts to start as Carson Wentz is regressing before our very eyes and has eerily put up similar numbers as Jameis Winston did last season. Next, Ethan and Ryan debate whether or Trevor Lawrence should dodge this year's draft if the New York Jets receive the first overall pick. Let's say this one went opposite directions. A new segment was added to the show this week, Luca's Legendary List where he gives his top 5 teams entering the new week of football. Both Ryan and Ethan debate it. Moreover, all three members debate who is to blame for the Bears struggles. Luca completely blasts Ryan's take. To conclude the show, the crew discusses Thursday Night's Football game, the Packers and 49ers. Next week we'll invite our next guest  on the show, so stay tuned!

In the eighth episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome back Plaino, Illinois native Nick Winkelman. Nick is a journalism major right here at Mizzou. Before Nick joins the show, both Luca and Ryan reflect on the World Series as the Dodgers have captured their crown for the first time since 1988. Luca blasts Kevin Cash for removing Blake Snell to early which ultimately gave the Dodgers all of the momentum, while also apologizing to Clayton Kershaw about being a choker. Next, both of them move onto the NFL where they debate if the Dallas Cowboys fate is determined this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ryan believes this division is so bad so there isn't a reason to think. Luca believes this is it for the Cowboys as they have been horrible all season and are getting worse by the week. Next, they debate whether or not if America should be panicking about Cam Newton. Ryan believes there's nothing to worry about and Cam Newton will be himself this weekend against the Bills. After the break, Around The Waves welcomes Nick Winkelman. First, they interview Nick on his thoughts about the Chicago Bears thus far. When asked about the quarterback situation during the offseason, Nick was left speechless because there's too much uncertainty. The crew moves on to talk about if their opinions on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Antonio Brown was signed. Luca believes if they don't make the Super Bowl, the season was a failure because of the "embarrassment of riches they had available to them." The crew closes off with a segment what to expect this weekend with Mizzou football against the Florida Gators. Nick believes they can defeat Florida because they previously beaten LSU and Kentucky "so why not". Next week we'll invite our next guest  on the show, so stay tuned!

In the seventh episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome St. Charles, Missouri native Connor Larkin. Connor is an engineering major right here at Mizzou. Before Connor joins the show, both Luca and Ryan reflect on the World Series as both the Rays and Dodgers have one win a piece. Luca doesn't like the hype that is surrounding Clayton Kershaw after an expectional outing he displayed in Game 1. Next, both of them move onto the NFL where they debate who is the team in the NFC to beat. Ryan sticks with his Packers despite the beatdown they experienced from Tampa Bay. Luca responds with Tampa Bay and Seattle as their offenses are more explosive and can take down the Packers when it matters the most. After the break, Around The Waves welcomes Connor Larkin. First, they debate whether or not the Cleveland Browns should give up on Baker Mayfield. Both Luca and Ryan go on rants saying how Mayfield is a below average quarterback and how he is holding this team back. Connor mentions how the Browns should give Case Keenum a chance even though Mayfield is considered their franchise quarterback. The crew moves on to talk about if the Miami Dolphins made the right decision on starting Tua against Aaron Donald and the Rams. Connor likes the idea of Tua being in a ring of fire where he's pressured to show Miami that he can handle tough situations. Then, both Luca and Connor move on to if the Dallas Cowboys should panic about losing the NFC East. Connor believes they should because of the Philadelphia Eagles but Luca puts that argument to rest by going on an epic rant how historically bad the NFC East is and dissects each team. The crew closes off with a segment what to expect this weekend with Mizzou football against the Kentucky Wildcats. Ryan has high hopes for the Tigers while Luca discusses how this game will go to Kentucky but only so slightly. Next week we'll invite our next guest  on the show, so stay tuned!

In the sixth episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome Wheeling, Illinois native Ethan Polak. Ethan is also a  journalism major that attends Butler University. Before Ethan joins the show, both Luca and Ryan give props to Mizzou quarterback Connor Bazelak after his stellar performance against the LSU Tigers last Saturday. They both believe he is the answer at quarterback at this point. Next, both members debate whether or not the Miami Heat can return to the NBA Finals next season after hearing Jimmy Butler's press conference following the Game 6 loss. Luca is confident they can as long as they trade for a piece like Bradley Beal who is a dominant shooting guard while Ryan believes the Heat need to acquire Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. After the break, Around The Waves welcomes Ethan Polak. First, they discuss what Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's injury means for him and the Cowboys. Luca believes Dak's future in Dallas is in jeopardy due to the complications of the injury. Furthermore, Luca and Ethan debate whether or not the Las Vegas Raiders are AFC competitors after defeating the Super Bowl champions. Both Ethan and Luca agree that they are not at this point due to a loaded AFC. The next segment was everyone's favorite as they pick who their MVP is through the first five weeks of the season. Ryan picks Aaron Rodgers while both Ethan and Lica pick Russell Wilson due to his dominance with Seattle's 5-0 record. To close out the show, all of the members discuss the ALCS/NLCS series in the MLB. Luca believes the Dodgers will fall to the Braves while Ryan believes the Rays and Astros series will be extended. Next week we'll invite our next guest  on the show, so stay tuned!

In the fifth episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome Boca Raton, Florida native and KCOU host of Start Your Saturday's Harrison Vapnek. Harrison predicts a blow out loss between the LSU Tigers and Mizzou Tigers with a score of 45-10 LSU. Ryan predicts a closer score due to Connor Bazalek's performance last Saturday. Harrison then debates Luca on the firing of Houston Texans GM/coach Bill O'Brien. Luca mentions that O'Brien should've never been hired as the GM as the team was already heading in the right direction. For their second guest Ryan and Luca welcome back Nick Winkelman from Plaino IL. With the Cleveland Browns hot start, Luca credits coach Kevin Stefanski for utilizing Odell Beckham Jr. and Baker Mayfield appropriately. Ryan believes the Browns have potential of the second seed in the division but Luca and Nick shut that claim fast. Furthermore, all three members debate on what the Chicago Cubs should do next after an early exit in the wild card. All three suggest the core needs to be broken up and players that the Cubs should sign via free agency. Luca wants former Cub DJ LeMahieu to sign while Nick and Luca agree with Trevor Bauer signing. Last topic of the day, Nick and Luca discuss Thursday Night Football between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both believe the Bears can come on top if they display their strong defense and score a decent amount of points.  Next week we'll invite our next guest Ethan Polak on the show and potentially tennis coach Chris Wootton for an interview, so stay tuned!

In the fourth episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, the crew had multiple technical difficulties as Ryan Waelterman was not able to participate in today's segments. Luca welcomes Nick Winkelman back on the show as they debate if Nick Foles should remain the Chicago Bears starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Both members have different takes as Luca believes Foles can take the Bears to the promise land due to his history and the performance he displayed in the fourth quarter last Sunday when Trubisky was benched. Nick believes Trubisky had too short of a leash and defends Trubisky. Furthermore, Luca and Nick reflect on the MLB NL Wild Card games. Luca expresses disappointment in his hometown Chicago Cubs while Nick, who is also a Cubs fan, hasn't lost all hope. Both crack jokes at the expense of the LA Dodgers who have a brief history of not getting the job done in the playoffs. Next week we hope to have a show with no technical difficulties and we'll invite Harrison Vapnek and Nick Winkelman back so stay tuned!

In the third episode of Around The Waves on KCOU 88.1 FM, Luca Vitale and Ryan Waelterman welcome their second guest Adam Runge onto the show. Luca and Ryan debate if the Cowboys "won" or if the Falcons "lost" during a dramatic ending that resulted in Atlanta choking and dropping 0-2 on the 2020 season campaign. Furthermore, Adam debates Luca on which quarterback captured the storyline on Sunday Night Football, Russell Wilson or Cam Newton. Luca makes a bold statement saying Superman is back and the Patriots will be a problem this season going forward. Ryan  rejoins Luca and debates whether or not it's time to panic about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz after two abysmal starts. Ryan doesn't believe it's something to be concerned about while Luca says it's and points out how Wentz is heading in the wrong direction. Additionally,  Luca, Ryan, and Adam predict the starting quarterback for Mizzou football this upcoming Saturday against the Alabama Crimson Tide as well as the Stanley Cup champions in the NHL. To wrap up the hour, Luca and Ryan test Adam on his expertise on the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and Seattle Seahawks. Next week we'll invite our third guest on the show, so stay tuned!