WSAW Hilight Zone Podcast

No Rebuild Needed: Laona/Wabeno Girls Basketball

Laona/Wabeno girls basketball is heading to state for the first time in their history. And it comes two years after losing five seniors.

Noah Manderfeld talks with the seniors Grace Krawze and Kaylyn LaRock along with head coach Andrew Harrison about their history trip to state that includes a confident statement from Harrison, and the potential for a Griddy in Green Bay.

Over the Hump: Mosinee boys hockey

It's been 15 years since Mosinee boys hockey has made the trek to Madison for state. To get there, they finally beat conference rival Lakeland in the playoffs.

Today's conversation is with senior Caden Schmirler and junior Grant Kuklinski about the accomplishment ahead of their debut on the state stage.

Hodag History: Rhinelander Boys Swimming

Two years after the Rhinelander girls swimming team won a state title, the boys side adds their program's first-ever banner next to it. That's a feat the Hodags don't take lightly.

Noah Manderfeld speaks with seniors Carter Gaber and Daniel Gillingham about taking the first state title in program history back to Rhinelander, and what the accomplishment means to the team and the community.

The Race for Full-Time: Rhinelander native Parker Retzlaff

Rhinelander native Parker Retzlaff is just 19 years old, but he is already a full-time driver in NASCAR's Xfinity Series. Retzlaff will drive the No. 31 with Jordan Anderson Racing in 2023.

Noah Manderfeld speaks with the young driver ahead of his first-ever Daytona race and his first full-time season in the Xfinity Series.

A Senior Class to Remember: Newman Catholic Boys Basketball

The Newman Catholic boys senior athletic class has quite the laundry list of achievements at the small school. They've won back-to-back 8-player football state titles, regional titles in baseball and basketball along with a top-five finish in golf. They are also a very lively bunch.

Noah Manderfeld speaks with Mason Prey, Eli Gustafson, Conner Krach and basketball head coach Jeff Waldvogel about what makes this group special. 

Chip on the Shoulder: Wausau East Boys Basketball

We've all heard the noise—Wausau East Athletics are on the downturn. Their boys basketball team aims to reverse that notion. Their thrilling 77-69 overtime win over D.C. Everest is a start to bigger goals.

Noah Manderfeld talks with their leading scorer Jesse Napgezek, Isaac Rozwadowski and head coach Dan Garrett about their win over the Evergreens, and what it means for Wausau East Basketball now and in the future.

Pass First, Shoot Second: Almond-Bancroft’s TJ Lamb

Almond-Bancroft boys basketball's TJ Lamb is a certified passer. His 8.1 assists per game are third in the state, and he is nearing the school record books in all-time assists and steals. 

Noah Manderfeld speaks with TJ along with his dad and coach, Curt Lamb, about the junior's vision on the floor, and the relationship between father and son, as well as coach and player.

Healthy and Ready For More: Wisconsin Rapids native Vince Biegel

It's been an up and down few years for Wisconsin Rapids native Vince Biegel. The NFL linebacker had a breakout season with the Miami Dolphins in 2019, then tore his Achilles before 2020 before injuring his calf in the 2021 training camp.

Now he's with the Baltimore Ravens with a clean bill of health, and he's ready to get back to work.

Noah Manderfeld talks to Biegel about his opportunity ahead in Baltimore and how he keeps a positive mindset despite the roadblocks.

State Soccer Bound: Lakeland girls’ soccer

Lakeland girls' soccer is returning to state for the first time since 2004 and the second time ever. It comes in the same year they won their conference for the first time in 11 years. It's a big deal in Minocqua.

Noah Manderfeld speaks with Sophia Myshchyshyn and Leah Wolf along with head coach Stephanie Hartzheim about how big it is for the school, and what they look to do in Milwaukee.

Ultra-competitiveness: Medford Softball

Medford softball is back-to-back Great Northern Conference champions and enters the playoffs as a two-seed. 

But the group has many storylines including their ultra-competitiveness.

Noah Manderfeld speaks with Martha Miller, Rynn Ruesch and Laurissa Klapatauskas as well as head coach Virgil Berndt to give some examples of their competitiveness. They also talk about how good it feels to be on top of Mosinee two years in a row.