WSAW Hilight Zone Podcast

Ouimettes United: Minocqua's Julianna and Kristina Ouimette

Don't stress, the Ouimette sisters of Minocqua will still play Division 1 basketball together. It'll just be in a different city than originally planned.

Julianna is transferring from Lehigh after her freshman season to play for UW-Green Bay and naturally, her sister Kristina followed her commitment there. 

Noah Manderfeld talks with the pair about the decision and the benefits Green Bay offers than has them very excited to be close to home. 

Jumping for 3: Antigo's MacKenzie Wissbroecker

For months, Antigo long jumper MacKenzie Wissbroecker has strived for the 19-foot long jump. Last Friday, she achieved that in front of the very person who initially held the school record, Cherie Dillahunt. 

There's a lot to unpack with the senior who is going for a three-peat in the long jump at state in Division 2.

Noah Manderfeld talks with Wissbroecker about the moment she set her new PR, the potential three-peat and her future goals at Winona State next season. 

The Future is Bright: Chequamegon Softball

Seven freshman, five sophomores, three juniors and one senior is the roster construction of Chequamegon softball. There's a lot of young talent for a Fighting Eagles squad on the rise.

Sports Director Noah Manderfeld speaks with Head Coach Paige Herbst and sophomore Angelina BeBeau about the youth movement up north, and how the unique roster construction is pushing players to grow even faster.

33 Years is a Long Time: Iola-Scandinavia's Tom Anderson

Few people spend 33 years at one job. But Tom Anderson isn't most people. He's entering year 33 at Iola-Scandinavia as their head softball coach and he's loving every minute of it.

He's had a lot of success in that time, as well. He's sitting at over 440 career wins and just won his first state title last season. 

Noah Manderfeld speaks with Anderson about his career and his passion for the game of softball— even if he didn't know the game when he started coaching. 

New Man in Charge: D.C. Everest's Braden Mitchell

A new era on the gridiron is underway at D.C. Everest with offensive assistant Braden Mitchell being promoted to Head Coach.

NewsChannel 7's Nolan Bulmahn dives into how the combo of football and family fuels Mitchell to strive for success as the Evergreen's sixth coach in program history. 

 

D5 at State: Columbus Catholic and Almond-Bancroft Boys Basketball

Columbus Catholic and Almond-Bancroft boys basketball are the two central Wisconsin teams who will be playing at state in Division 5 and they are the top two seeds. However, the programs are quite different.

Columbus is making their third trip to state since 2017 and has nine seniors on their team, while Almond-Bancroft has just two seniors and is making their first trip to state in school history. 

In this episode, Noah Manderfeld speaks with Emmitt Konieczny, Blake Jacobi and Head Coach Joe Konieczny of Columbus and TJ Lamb, Ayden Phillips, Shane Klismith and Head Coach Curt Lamb of Almond-Bancroft about each team's trip to state. 

Aiming to be Gold Ball Worthy: Marathon Boys Basketball

Marathon is a basketball town and Thursday night will be a special one for the community. The boys basketball team will be making the trip down to Madison to play Kenosha St. Joseph in the WIAA Division 4 State Semifinal game. It will be their first trip to state since 2018.

These Red Raiders remember that 2018 team fondly- the five seniors were in 6th grade at the time. In this episode, they look back on that trip and how much that influenced their desire to get back to Madison.

Noah Manderfeld speaks with seniors Tyler Underwood, Cooper Hoeksema, Grant Warren and head coach Adam Jacobson about the moment and how they will feel when they step onto the Kohl Center floor.

Racing in NASCAR's Cup Series: Stratford's Derek Kraus

Stratford native Derek Kraus will be racing in NASCAR's Cup Series, a dream come true. He will be sporting the No. 16 in a part-time role for six races this year for Kaulig Racing starting this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

In this episode, Kraus talks with Noah Manderfeld about his excitement for the new adventure and what this accomplishment means to him.

Consistent Success: Marshfield Boy's Basketball

It had taken over a century for Marshfield boy's basketball to win an outright Wisconsin Valley Conference title. Now they've done it three years in a row. It's a run of excellence that deserves a deeper look.

Noah Manderfeld speaks with Brook Hinson, Chris Pohl and head coach Chris Fischer about what's made this team successful and why playoff success could be coming their way this season. 

The Panthers are Back: Pittsville Girls Basketball

It's been 17 seasons since Pittsville girls basketball has had success close to this season's. They are 18-4 as they near the playoffs as a No. 2 seed, hoping to make their first state title appearance since 2004. 

In this episode, Reese Grimm, Brynn Friday, Brooke Grossman and Head Coach Jason Knott discuss the special season and how things will only look up from here.