Quick recap: The group discussed various sports topics, including track and field performances at the Drake Relays, the NFL draft, and local sporting events. Kaytlan, an outreach coordinator and naturalist at the Dubuque County Conservation Commission, shared her work on environmental education and the Mowing to Monarchs program. The conversation also covered outdoor recreation opportunities in the area, including the Heritage Trail and various activities for all ages and seasons.

SummarySports Topics and Local Events: The group discusses various sports topics, including track and field performances at the Drake Relays, the NFL draft, and local sporting events. Aaron highlights impressive records broken at the Drake Relays, particularly by Quentin Nahman from Western Dubuque. Kyle and Tucker analyze the NFL draft, focusing on Shedeur Sanders' unexpected drop in draft position and the NFL's global expansion efforts. Tucker also shares his experience attending a Forward Madison FC soccer game in Madison, Wisconsin, describing it as an impressive and unique sporting event with a great atmosphere.

Kaytlan's Outreach and Environmental Education: Lyle and Kaytlan discussed Kaytlan's role as an outreach coordinator and naturalist at the Dubuque County Conservation Commission. Kaytlan manages 2,800 acres of property, including 23 parks, 8 campgrounds, and 3 Mississippi River accesses. She focuses on environmental education, teaching the public about the natural gems in Iowa and the importance of stewardship. Kaytlan also mentioned her work with the Dubuque Community School district, providing outdoor education field trips for kindergarten through 5th grade students. The conversation also touched on the challenges of educating children about environmental issues, particularly in an agriculturally dominant region like the Midwest.

Mowing to Monarchs Program Overview: Kaytlan discusses the Mowing to Monarchs program, which helps private landowners convert turf grass to pollinator-friendly habitats in Dubuque County. She explains that turf grass, which is not native and requires significant resources to maintain, is expanding due to urban sprawl. The program, started in 2020, has created about 400 pocket prairies in the county and educates people about native plants. Kaytlan also describes the structure of the county conservation department, which is funded by taxpayers and works alongside city, state, and federal agencies to manage natural areas.

Lesser-Known Iowa Attractions: The fondness for Horseshoe Bluff and Whitewater Canyon, and sought recommendations for lesser-known attractions. Kaytlan suggested the State of Iowa's touristy locations, including Horseshoe Bluff, Whitewater Canyon, and New Wine Park. She also recommended the Miller Mcgrath Wildlife Area for fishing, Bankston Park for trout fishing, and the Heritage Pond for fishing. Kaytlan also mentioned the Swiss Valley Nature Center and the Heritage Trail, which is currently under consideration for paving.

Dubuque County Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Kaytlan, a representative from Dubuque County Conservation, discusses various outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. She highlights the Heritage Trail, a popular rails-to-trails project that offers hiking, biking, and camping experiences. Kaytlan also mentions other activities like night hikes, foraging dinners, and rock climbing in nearby counties. She emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreation for all ages and seasons, including winter activities. Kaytlan shares upcoming projects such as acquiring new properties for public use and upgrading campground facilities, while noting potential budget constraints for future conservation efforts.

Quick recapThe meeting covered various sports topics, primarily focusing on the Masters golf tournament, college athletics, and the WNBA. The group discussed recent events, including the Masters' ticket prices and merchandise sales, as well as the impact of NIL deals and transfer portals on college sports.

Masters Golf Tournament and Outdoor Activities Lyle and Aaron discuss the recent Masters golf tournament and the weather. Lyle introduces his upcoming guest, Caitlin Moore from Dubuque County Conservation, who will be talking about outdoor activities and local attractions. Lyle mentions that he knows Caitlin through her husband, who works with him at Revolution.

Masters Golf Tournament Excitement The group discusses the upcoming Masters golf tournament, expressing increased interest due to better promotion and the Indoor League allowing fans to get to know players better. They note the excitement and movement in the final round. The conversation also touches on other sports topics like the WNBA draft, NIL contracts in college sports, and a brief mention of a guest from Dubuque County Conservation who is expected to join the discussion.

Masters Golf Tournament and Colin ReaThe group discusses the Masters golf tournament, focusing on ticket prices and entry policies. Kyle mentions that unverified third-party tickets were being denied entry, with final round tickets costing up to $20,000 on StubHub. They also talk about the tournament's outcome, including Rory McIlroy's performance and Jon Rahm's victory. The conversation then shifts to Colin Rea, a local baseball player from Cascade, Iowa, who recently made a start for the Chicago Cubs. They discuss Rea's career trajectory, including his time in Japan and his current contract with the Cubs.

College Sports and WNBA Updates The discussion covers several topics related to sports, particularly focusing on college athletics and the WNBA. Kyle shares his experience attending a college football refereeing camp, noting that NAIA schools are excited about the changes in Division I programs as they may receive better athletes. The group discusses the impact of NIL deals and transfer portals on college sports, with concerns raised about financial literacy for student-athletes and the potential bankruptcy of schools. They also talk about the upcoming WNBA draft, highlighting the increased viewership of women's college basketball, particularly due to players like Caitlin Clark. Aaron mentions that Paige Bueckers signed a deal with a 3-on-3 league that will pay her more than her entire rookie WNBA contract in just 10 weeks.

Kyle's College Officiating Experience Kyle shares his experience attending an NAIA officiating camp in Des Moines. The camp included classroom sessions, on-field practice, and insights from experienced referees from major conferences and the NFL. Kyle notes that college football officiating differs from high school, focusing on "big fouls" rather than nitpicking. He expresses interest in potentially pursuing college officiating in the future, acknowledging the significant time commitment required. The discussion also touches on the importance of networking and mentorship in advancing as a college referee, as well as the strict prohibition on gambling for officials.

Masters Golf Merchandise Sales and Tech The group discusses the Masters golf tournament merchandise sales, with Aaron sharing that the gift shop is expected to generate $70 million in sales during the event, averaging $10 million per day or $1 million per hour.

Donchaknow Podcast (03/09/2025) Summary

Andy Peterson Joins Sports Discussion Andy Peterson, a guest with experience in radio, agriculture, and sports officiating. The conversation covers various sports topics, including recent basketball tournaments and coaching changes. They mention Iowa's basketball team making it to the tournament and discuss the performance of different teams. There is also some discussion about the future of Iowa's basketball coach, with mixed opinions on whether he should stay or go.

Challenges and Changes in College Basketball The group discusses the challenges facing college basketball programs, particularly Iowa, in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. They express concerns about the difficulty of retaining players, the impact on team chemistry, and the changing role of coaches. The conversation touches on the business aspect of college sports, the leveling of the playing field, and the potential for smaller schools to attract top talent through NIL packages. They also note the increasing influence of agents and the pressure on coaches to not only coach but also market their programs to attract and retain players.

Iowa Women's High School Basketball Participation Declines The group discusses the decline in women's basketball participation in Iowa and potential causes. They note that several programs didn't have a season this year, and speculate on reasons such as competition from other sports like volleyball, early burnout from starting sports too young, and issues with playing time. The Caitlin Clark effect is mentioned as a potential positive influence, but some are skeptical about its long-term impact. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by volleyball programs as players transition from club teams to more competitive high school environments.

Sportsmanship Evolution and Official Challenges The team discussed the evolution of sportsmanship in various sports, with a focus on football, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey. They observed that social media influences what is considered acceptable and cool, impacting the behavior of athletes. The panelists agreed that sportsmanship is deteriorating, with incidents like brawls at high school games becoming more common. The conversation then shifted to the challenges of finding qualified lacrosse officials, particularly in Dubuque. Tucker mentioned that Chicago has the best officials in the Midwest, while other regions struggle with officials having different levels of experience and understanding of the sport. The team concluded that the unpredictability of an official's background can sometimes lead to internal conflicts within the officiating crew.

Recruiting and Retaining Sports Officials The group discusses the challenges of recruiting and retaining sports officials. Tucker mentions a young official who has made it a full-time career, while Andy highlights the low retention rate of officials after three years. They debate the barriers to entry for different sports, with basketball being considered relatively easy to start but still requiring a significant initial investment. The conversation touches on the complexity of different rule sets across leagues and levels, as well as restrictions on gambling for some officials. The discussion briefly shifts to agricultural issues, with Andy drawing parallels between game management in officiating and handling agricultural challenges.

Summaryof Donchaknow Podcast (03/03/2025)

Summary Wrestling Coach Joins Team Meeting Lyle led a discussion with Kyle, Aaron, and The Coach Paul Cleary, the wrestling coach, regarding their week and upcoming plans. Kyle expressed excitement about the upcoming basketball tournament and mentioned a show choir concert. Aaron shared their recent busy vacation schedule, including attending wrestling tournaments in Cedar Falls, Madison, and Rockford. The group discussed the upcoming March Madness and wrestling events. Wrestling Program and Coaching Staff Paul discussed the wrestling program he was involved in through his youth, from participating in the Kids Club to becoming a head coach at West Dubuque. He described the program's structure, including typical weeks' practices, the importance of technique improvement, and the variety of roles involved in the coaching staff and team management. Lyle emphasized the resilience and grit of the team and praised the unsung contributions of the coaching staff, volunteers, and families. He also mentioned the challenges and strategies of managing weight changes and technical focuses in wrestling. Paul's Team Practice and Wrestling Discussion the team's practice routine, which includes running, biking, and stretching on Thursdays and matches on Fridays. He also shared his experiences as a father and husband during the busy season. The team's favorite meets include the Williamsburg tournament and the Walkie Northwest competition. Lyle expressed his enjoyment of the new edge-of-the-mat rules in wrestling, which have made the sport more exciting and fan-friendly. A change in the point system has led to more tech falls and majors. Wrestling Team Building and Event Logistics Lyle emphasized the importance of perseverance and building positive relationships with referees during wrestling matches. Aaron inquired about the duration of state wrestling, which Lyle acknowledged as an adjustment but noted that they have a well-structured staff and a variety of activities to keep the team engaged. Lyle also discussed the challenges of accommodating different needs for meals and establishing a solid base camp for their team during events. Family System and Youth Camps Paul discussed the different stages of a family system and the various pressures placed on children. He highlighted the importance of youth camps and the role of coaches in managing these camps. Lyle also mentioned the school community program and the leadership role of Matt Davis. In response to a question, Lyle shared his personal interests, which include spending time with family, exercising, and listening to podcasts. He also mentioned his plans for summer activities, including advanced technique and youth camps. Finally, Lyle shared his admiration for the culture and achievements of the Mark Schwab family and the role of Matt Lansing in organizing their trip. Growth and Synergy Paul mentioned the growth and success of women's wrestling, highlighting his daughter's achievements and the increasing number of girls involved in the sport. He praised the support from the administration and the synergy between the girls and boys programs. Lyle also mentioned the potential for girls to become coaches and teachers in the future. Aaron agreed with Lyle's observations and emphasized the positive impact of increased participation in sports on mental health and academic performance.!!!

Meeting summary for Donchaknow Podcast (02/16/2025)Email Us: @ [email protected]

Super Bowl Discussion and NFL TrendsLyle, Aaron, and Kyle discussed the recent Super Bowl game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. They agreed that the Chiefs' loss was surprising, attributing it to the Eagles' effective defensive strategy and the Chiefs' inability to adapt. They also discussed the potential retirement of Travis Kelce, a Chiefs tight end, and the changing dynamics of the NFL, particularly the size and strength of defensive backs compared to tight ends. The conversation ended with a plan to invite former NFL players on their podcast to discuss their experiences and the challenges of playing in the league.

District Wrestling Event and State Tournament Aaron discusses the recent district wrestling event and the success of local schools, particularly Western Dubuque, which sent 10 wrestlers to the state tournament. He highlights the mental and physical challenges wrestlers face during the long season, including weight management and maintaining discipline. Aaron mentions specific matches and wrestlers who showed improvement or had notable performances. He also describes the upcoming state tournament schedule, emphasizing the demanding nature of the event with early weigh-ins and multiple days of competition. Aaron concludes by noting the unique experience of competing at Wells Fargo Arena in front of a large audience.

Rule Changes in Wrestling DiscussedLyle discussed rule changes in wrestling, praising the new system that rewards offensive play with a 3-point takedown. He noted that some referees struggle with the new rules and suggested that tech fall requirements be adjusted to 18 points to encourage longer matches. Lyle also highlighted the increased activity at the edge of the mat and commended the growth and health of wrestling in the Dubuque County area.

High School Athletes' Season ChallengesLyle discusses the challenges faced by high school athletes who participate in multiple sports throughout the year. He highlights the need for a break between seasons, especially for successful teams that compete in state tournaments. Lyle also mentions a survey sent to girls' basketball coaches and officials, exploring potential changes to the season's schedule, including the possibility of introducing holiday tournaments. He emphasizes the benefits of these tournaments in preparing students for state competitions and helping them grow by adapting to new situations.

Talking with Tyler Lown Athletic Director at Western Dubuque High School and his Future as Assistant Director at The IHSAA Iowa High School Athletic Association. The meeting covered various topics related to sports and education, including discussions about upcoming events, Tyler's new position at the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the success of Western Dubuque High School's athletic programs. Aaron Burds talked about of being involved as a volunteer on the Bobcats Booster Club running events, fund raising and what it takes to have a top rate facility. The participants also explored the benefits of athletic involvement, the development of new facilities, and current issues in college sports, particularly regarding unregulated payments to athletes. The conversation concluded with reflections on teamwork, loyalty, and the importance of creating lasting memories for the community through sports and educational activities.

Newspapers' Shift to Digital MediaKyle, Tucker, and Lyle discussed the shift in media consumption and the decline of print newspapers. Kyle shared that the Telegraph Herald and the Cedar Rapids Gazette have decided to move to a three-day print schedule, with the rest of their content moving to an E edition. Tucker expressed his concern about the lack of digital media presence from these newspapers, suggesting that they need to adapt to the changing times and invest more in social media campaigns. Lyle shared his personal experience of delivering newspapers, highlighting the challenges and changes in the industry. The group agreed that newspapers need to adapt to the younger, tech-savvy audience and invest more in digital media to stay relevant.Local Sports, Storms, and Business TrendsKyle and Lyle discuss local sports coverage in Cedar Rapids, praising various journalists and commentators. They then transition to talking about the aftermath of a storm in St. Petersburg, Florida, where Lyle notes that the damage appears less severe than media reports suggested. The conversation shifts to the future of Dubuque County and Eastern Iowa, with Tucker expressing concern about the closure of local businesses. Kyle and Lyle discuss the trend of chain establishments buying out local businesses, particularly in the gas station and restaurant industries, and how this might affect the local character of the area in the coming decades.NASCAR, Lacrosse, and High School SportsKyle encourages everyone to attend a NASCAR race in Newton, Iowa, describing it as a fun and well-organized event with great fan experiences. Tucker provides an update on his lacrosse team's preseason, noting they have the largest and most talented roster in school history. He discusses the challenges of managing a large team as the sole coach, but expresses excitement about the upcoming season and the opportunity to provide players with high-quality equipment and experiences. Lyle brings up the approaching end of the high school winter sports season, particularly wrestling. The group discusses the growth of girls' wrestling programs in Iowa and the positive impact it has had on female athletic participation. They agree that February is an exciting time for high school and college sports competitions.

Coaching Life Lessons and Resilience - Justin talks about his coaching journey and how he values teaching life lessons like empathy, delayed gratification, and resilience through sports. Despite early struggles, he appreciates being the Western Dubuque coach for 11 years. He aims to help athletes become better people, not just better players. COVID disrupted many team-building activities but highlighted gratitude for having sports. Tucker and Kyle agree that overcoming failure and adversity develops resilience more than just winning. The group discusses Michael Jordan's mindset of never losing, but learning to improve each time.

Coaching Experiences and High School Impact - In the meeting, Tucker and Lyle reminisced about their experiences as young athletes and how they became coaches. They discussed the importance of teamwork, leadership, and the impact of sports on society. Lyle shared his journey of becoming a coach, starting from his passion for music and eventually finding his love for sports. They also discussed the development of players over time, with Lyle highlighting the importance of the weight room and multi-sports in their program. The conversation also touched on the changing landscape of college sports and the role of high school coaches in the recruitment process. Lyle shared his experiences with Reese Morgan, a renowned recruiter, and Mike Elgin, a successful player. The conversation ended with a discussion on the importance of coaches visiting high schools and getting to know athletes beyond their on-field performance.

NIL Rules and College Athletics - Lyle, Tucker, and Kyle discuss the potential impacts of the new NIL rules on college athletics. They speculate that the NIL deals may create an environment where only the top 40-50 college teams across the country can sustain the financial demands, while smaller programs struggle. Tucker shares his perspective on athletes pursuing non-Division I paths to reach higher levels. They also touch on the importance of financial literacy for young athletes receiving large paychecks. Additionally, they talk about the announcement of a Tim McGraw concert at the Field of Dreams movie site, expressing excitement for the economic impact it could bring to the area.

Donchaknow!!! were talking Eastern Iowa Sports, National Sports, NILm Concussion and protocol in different sports. Email Us at [email protected] with comments, questions, or if you think you got what it takes to be a guest the door is open and nothing is off the table.

Iowa Power's Arrival in Dubuque - Tucker discussed the upcoming arrival of an arena football team, the Iowa Power, to Dubuque. He expressed excitement about the potential for this team to bring more sports into the community and contribute to the city's growth. Kyle agreed, noting the success of the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the potential for minor league baseball to return. Lyle added that arena football is fast-paced and could be a good fit for Dubuque. The group also discussed the growth of the city and the surrounding areas, with Tucker suggesting that Dubuque could be a prime location for startups and franchises. The conversation ended with a discussion about the lack of a good two-year sports option in the region and the announcement of the NICC's new sports programs.

Nicc, NIL, and Drone Concerns - Tucker discussed the growing popularity of Nicc, a junior college with a rich baseball culture, and its potential to attract top talent. He also touched on the NCAA's NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policy, expressing concerns about the lack of financial literacy among athletes and the potential impact on professional sports. Tucker also shared his interest in drone technology, noting the recent sightings of large drones over coastal regions and the potential implications for privacy and security. Lyle and Kyle agreed with Tucker's observations, with Lyle suggesting a potential interview with the new AD at Nicc and Kyle expressing concern about the NCAA's lack of regulation.

Drones, Society, and Embracing Change - The team discussed various topics, including the use of drones in agriculture and their potential impact on society. They also shared personal experiences, such as Kyle's involvement in youth sports and Lyle's observations about the city of Decorah. The conversation also touched on the role of media in communication and the influence of Twitter on public discourse. The team agreed on the importance of embracing change and adapting to new technologies, such as drones, while also acknowledging the potential challenges and risks associated with them.

Building Relationships With Referees - Lyle, Kyle, and Tucker discussed their experiences with referees and the importance of maintaining good relationships with them. Lyle shared a negative experience with a referee who was unresponsive and unprofessional, while Kyle emphasized the need for officials to be treated with respect and acknowledged for their time and effort. Tucker agreed, highlighting the importance of building connections with officials and treating them as human beings. The conversation also touched on the potential for more officials to be involved in sports, particularly in niche sports like lacrosse, and the need for better communication and understanding between coaches and officials.