Ocean State Sidelines

The latest episode of the Ocean State Sidelines podcast features Call/Times sports writer Brendan McGair catching up with former Friar Ed Croswell, a member of the program's memorable 2022 squad that captured the Big East regular-season title and reached the Sweet 16. Presently, Croswell is in his first season playing professional basketball in Turkey.

PODCAST BREAKDOWN (29 minutes, 41 seconds):

1:21 - Sorting through the many different facets of pro life in Turkey.

11:06 – Following the Friars from afar.

13:50 – Thoughts on Providence not getting selected to the NCAA Tournament. 

15:45 – The NBA Draft process that potentially awaits Devin Carter. 

17:08 – The bond that was struck with current PC head coach Kim English.

20:15 – Looking back on Ed Cooley’s departure from PC.

21:45 – Playing with no fans in the stands during the 2020-21 season.

By BRENDAN McGAIR

Call/Times Sports writer

The latest episode of the Ocean State Sidelines podcast welcomes Dave Goucher, a graduate of Tolman High and current TV play-by-play announcer for the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights. Before heading out west, Goucher was the longtime radio voice of the Boston Bruins and also served in the same capacity with the Providence Bruins.

The latest episode of the Ocean State Sidelines podcast - sponsored by GLG Athletic Performance - welcomes Cumberland native Zach Fogell, who's currently down in Fort Myers, Fla. experiencing his first spring training as a member of the Red Sox organization. Hear from the lefthanded pitcher about the road he's traveled to get to this point in his baseball journey. 

The latest "Ocean State Sidelines" podcast makes the turn in the direction of the prep school ranks. Sports writer Brendan McGair (Woonsocket Call/Pawtucket Times) welcomes Joseph "Ladi" Odugbela, who was recently named boys' basketball head coach at Mount St. Charles, as the Woonsocket-based Catholic school prepares to transition its sports programs to the NEPSAC beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Hear from Coach Ladi about his vision for Mount and watching one of his AAU players (Erhunmwunse Oswin) get recruited by Providence College. 

The latest episode of the Ocean State Sidelines podcast welcomes Kayla Baptista, a Smithfield native who is entering her third season as a player development coach with the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers. Hear from Baptista about being part of the best MLB club in 2024 and why coaching means a great deal to her.

This podcast is sponsored by GLG Athletic Performance.

The latest episode of the Ocean State Sidelines Podcast coincides with the Big East basketball opener between Providence and Marquette. Joining Ca//Times Sports Writer Brendan McGair on the podcast is Ben Steele, who covers Marquette hoops for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Ben gives his thoughts on Marquette making a strong statement during non-conference play, how Tyler Kolek has grown as a player after being named last year's Big East Player of the Year, and some of the matchups to keep an eye on between the Friars and Golden Eagles.

Breaking down the four RIIL Super Bowls that will be taking place Saturday (11/18) and Sunday (11/19) are sports writers Brendan McGair (Woonsocket Call/Pawtucket Times) and Will Geoghegan (The Independent Emeritus).

Schedule of Games:

Saturday, November 18

Noon - Division II, Barrington vs. Cumberland

3 p.m. - Division III, Middletown vs. West Warwick

6 p.m. - Division IV, Davies Tech vs. West Warwick

Sunday, November 19

Noon - Division I, Bishop Hendricken vs. North Kingstown

It's time to gear up for the RIIL football playoff semifinals, which are being contested over three days. Sports writers Brendan McGair (Pawtucket Times/Woonsocket Call) and Will Geoghegan (The Independent Sports Editor Emeritus) talk about the eight matchups that are on the docket.

The latest episode of the Ocean State Sidelines podcast welcomes Nicole Menner, who covers the New England Patriots for NBC10. Nicole talks about returning home to R.I. after previously working in Green Bay where she covered the Packers. Plus, Nicole and sports writer Brendan McGair (Pawtucket Times/Woonsocket Call) talk about the current state of the Pats, plus Nicole weighs in on Jrue Holiday joining the Boston Celtics.

It's the final weekend in September and sports writers Brendan McGair (Pawtucket Times/Woonsocket Call) and Will Geoghegan (The Independent) size up the Friday-Saturday gridiron slate. Plus, how do Division I teams approach their non-leaguers against D-II teams?