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. ⚾🔥

In this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with the Western Dubuque grad to talk:

👀 Life behind the plate and handling the heat

🧠 The mindset it takes to stay confident under pressure

🎓 His experience at the prestigious Wendelstedt Umpire School

⚾ The grind of working college games and climbing the ranks

🎯 What it takes to reach the next level in umpiring

From strike-three calls to tough conversations with coaches, this episode gives you a whole new perspective on the game — no missed calls here.

Tap in and hear the game from the umpire’s point of view! ⚾🎙🔥

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 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.

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.