'Cat Tales - Weber State Athletics Podcast

Mary Kay Amicone - 4/19/24

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:08:00 +0000

Weber State softball head coach Mary Kay Amicone is retiring following the 2024 season. Coach Amicone, a former Weber State player, has won over 800 games in her long storied career as a head coach at Weber State, Salt Lake Community College, and BYU.

In her 11 seasons at Weber State, she is the Big Sky’s all-time leader in coaching wins and winning percentage and has guided the Wildcats to six Big Sky regular season titles and four Big Sky Tournament championships. The Wildcats have advanced to the NCAA Championships four times and in 2019, became the first school in Big Sky history to win a game at the NCAA Regionals.

She has been named the Big Sky Coach of the Year four times and also coached three Big Sky Conference Players of the Year.

In this Wildcat All In interview with Paul Grua near the end of the 2024 season, Amicone reflects on her family, her long career, why now is the time to retire and her legacy as a coach. She also discusses her different coaching experiences, memorable games and moments, the impact of players and coaches on her life, future plans, and more.

Jeremiah Larsen - 11/29/23

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:05:00 +0000

In the latest Weber State ‘Cat Tales podcast hear from Weber State volleyball head coach Jeremiah Larsen on the Weber State’s incredible run to Big Sky Tournament Champions.

Larsen looks back and tells stories of the three comeback wins to win the 2023 Big Sky Tournament title and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

He also talks about this year’s team, the trip to this year’s NCAA Tournament, looking back at the last NCAA appearance, and his nine years as head coach.

As well as his two seniors Dani Richins and Makyala Sorensen, both school record holders.

Weber State beat Montana State 3-2 in a comeback win in the fifth set to win the 2023 Big Sky Tournament. The Wildcats will take on BYU in the NCAA Tournament first round on December 1 in Provo.

Grant Sands - Wildcat All In- 03-31-23

Tue, 02 May 2023 15:03:00 +0000

Hear from Weber State junior Grant Sands in this Wildcat All In interview!

Grant talks in length about what happened in the game at Montana State last year. He explains his emotions during the game and his feelings and experiences after the game. He also talks about the support of his teammates and coaches, his faith, and how he has grown.

Grant also shares his experiences growing up in Arizona, working in Marketing and Promotions at Weber State, plans after football, golf, food, and much more!

Lauren Hoe - 03/27/23

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:55:00 +0000

Get to know Weber State standout and former Big Sky MVP Lauren Hoe in the latest Wildcat All In!

Lauren talks about how she’s grown over her five years at Weber State, memorable wins and championships with the Wildcats, playing with her twin sister Faith, growing up in Washington, how she got into softball, how she initiated the recruiting to Weber State, graduating from college, future plans, her family, and much more.

Dillon Jones - 03/21/23

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:51:00 +0000

Weber State men’s basketball superstar Dillon Jones, aka Do It All DJ, joins Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua for this latest ‘Cat Tales podcast following the 2022-23 season.

In this wide-ranging interview, Dillon talks about another heartbreaking defeat in the Big Sky Tournament, how this season turned around, offseason plans and draft workouts, opportunities to leave and why he chooses to stay at Weber State, how he handles distractions, using social media and when he shuts it off, his biggest rivals and how he gets up for them, and looking ahead to next season’s team.

He also talks about people’s opinions on him and the team, his career records watch at Weber State, his feelings on not being named MVP, the art of rebounding, what it means to graduate from college, the influence of his brother, and much, much more.

Jones has played three seasons at Weber State and was a unanimous selection as All-Big Sky first team and earned first-team all-district honors this season. He is the only player in Weber State history with at least 1,000 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, and 100 steals in a career.

Weber State radio show - 3/14/23

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 12:13:00 +0000

The March 2023 Weber State Athletics radio show, hosted by Steve Klauke on 103.1 FM "The Wave".

Steve is joined by Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton, men's basketball head coach Eric Duft, men's golf head coach Scott Erling, and new assistant football coaches Zach Larson and Jaylen Johnson.

Dillon Jones - All In Interview - 02/03/23

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:17:00 +0000

Do it All DJ leads the Wildcats in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

Get to know Weber State star Dillon Jones in this latest Wildcat All In.

Why he chose Weber State, how he excels at rebounding, memorable Wildcat wins, participating in Damian Lillard's summer camp, his favorite food, and much more.

Weber State radio show - 1/10/23

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:36:00 +0000

Mickey Mental introduced as new head football coach - 12/21/22

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:34:00 +0000

Mickey Mental was introduced as the new head football coach at Weber State.

WSU radio show - 12/13/22

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 11:06:00 +0000

It's the December 2022 Weber State Athletics radio show, hosted by Steve Klauke on 103.1 FM "The Wave".

Steve is joined by Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton, football radio analyst and former head coach and AD Jerry Graybeal, men's basketball radio analyst and former Big Sky MVP David Patten, and WSU women's basketball head coach Velaida Harris.

Jay Hill - 7/26/22

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:18:00 +0000

Weber State head coach Jay Hill is entering his ninth season as head coach of the Wildcat football team. Last season Hill became WSU’s all-time leader in coaching wins and this year he will coach his 100th game at Weber State and become the leader in games coached.

In the latest ‘Cat Tales podcast with WSU Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua, coach Hill talks about preparing for the 2022 season. He talks about last season, his current Wildcat team, and how the offense will look different this season.

Hill also discusses how he finds balance in life and coaching, his schedule of preparation for games during the season, what he did this summer, and what he loves about coaching college football.

Randy Rahe after retirement announcement - 5/20/22

Fri, 20 May 2022 14:34:00 +0000

Randy Rahe retired after 16 years as the head coach at Weber State. He is the Big Sky's all-time leader in victories with 316 wins and led the Wildcats to five Big Sky titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament. He was also named Big Sky Coach of the Year four times.

In this podcast with Paul Grua and Steve Klauke, Rahe reflects on his time at Weber State. Highlights include:

* How he almost didn't apply for the WSU job
* How he nearly lost Damian Lillard because of a headband
* What he heard and focused on during games
* Becoming consumed with the job and trying to find balance
* Did he really not check on the conference standings?
* Intentionally getting a technical foul
* Memories of favorite games
* Retirement plans and much more.

Robb Alexander - 01/07/22

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 10:54:00 +0000

Robb Alexander has been associated with Weber State Athletics for nearly 60 years, with many years spent as the public address announcer for Weber State men’s and women’s basketball games. As an Ogden native, Robb grew up going to Weber State games as a child and has been involved ever since.

In the latest ‘Cat Tales' podcast, Robb talks with Paul Grua about his numerous memories of Weber State Athletics, including calling games for several sports and working at the University for many years. He also talks about memorable games he has been involved with and multiple favorite players and experiences. He has never missed a men’s basketball game at the Dee Events Center.

Jerrick Harding - 07/13/21

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 14:38:00 +0000

In the latest Weber State ‘‘Cat Tales podcast, former Wildcat men’s basketball standout Jerrick Harding joins Paul Grua to look back on his Wildcat career and his first season playing professionally in the Czech Republic.

Harding finished his four-year career in 2020 as Weber State’s all-time leading scorer. He looks back on some memorable Wildcat moments, becoming the all-time leader, former teammates, living in Ogden, his first year professionally during the worldwide pandemic and much more.

Subscribe to the 'Cat Tales podcast for in-depth interviews around Weber State Athletics. The 'Cat Tales podcast is on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Google podcasts and Amazon Music podcasts.

Ask the AD - June 2021

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 11:35:00 +0000

In the June 2021 edition of Ask the AD, Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton talks with Paul Grua about the state of Wildcat Athletics. He looks back on making it through this last season and looks forward to the next year.

Also discussed is the new Big Sky partnership with ESPN+.

Wildcat radio show - 03/23/21

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

It's the March 23, 2021, Weber State Athletcs radio show, hosted by Steve Klauke.

Steve is joined by Wildcat football offensive coordinator Matt Hammer, volleyball head coach Jeremiah Larsen and women's cross country All-American Summer Allen.

Wildcat radio show - 03/02/21

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The March 2, 2021, Weber State coaches radio show, hosted by Steve Klauke.

Steve is joined by WSU men's basketball head coach Randy Rahe, head football coach Jay Hill, athletic director Tim Crompton and head softball coach Mary Kay Amicone.

Wildcat radio show - 01/19/21

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The January Weber State Farr Better Radio Show, hosted by the voice of the Wildcats Steve Klauke.

Hear from Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton, men's basketball head coach Randy Rahe, men's basketball senior forward Michal Kozak and volleyball head coach Jeremiah Larsen.

Ask the AD - November 2020

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the November 2020 edition of the Ask the AD, Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton offers an update on Wildcat Athletics.

He discusses the current COVID-19 situation, including beginning the basketball season with no fans in attendance. He also talks about recently released schedules for WSU teams, beginning athletics competition this month and much more.

Cameron Higgins - 10/08/20

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the latest Weber State ‘Cat Tales podcast as part of Homecoming Week, Steve Klauke and Paul Grua talk with former Wildcat All-American quarterback Cameron Higgins.

Cameron looks back on his route being recruited to Weber State from Hawaii, winning the Big Sky title in 2008, playing for coach Ron McBride, his teammates, the recent success of the Wildcat program, what playing college football meant to him, what he’s doing now in Hawaii and much more.

Jamie Martin - 10/05/20

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State football legend Jamie Martin joins Steve Klauke and Paul Grua for this Homecoming 'Cat Tales podcast.

Martin looks back on his Hall of Fame career at Weber State, including winning the Walter Payton Trophy and becoming the first athlete in WSU history to have a jersey retired.

He also talks about his 14-year career in the NFL, coaching high school football and his new adventures with his family in St. Louis.

He also tells Wildcat nation of his love for Weber State, impressions of the WSU football program, memorabilia, love of attending games at Weber State and much more.

Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill - 09/23/20

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Big Sky Conference Commissioner Tom Wistrcill discusses the current state of athletics in the conference with Steve Klauke and Paul Grua. Wistrcill discusses the process that led to the postponement of fall sports and what needs to happen for sports to return.

Other topics include dealing with COVID-19 in his own family, the importance of this time in college athletics, the beginning of the pandemic at the Big Sky Tournament in March, plans for playing basketball and potential basketball scheduling, how the fall sports can be played in the spring, what a spring football schedule could look like, testing and other protocols necessary to play, how rules from other states effect decisions, the role of the commissioner in the decision-making process, why the Big Sky appealed to him and much more.

Jerry Graybeal - 08/20/20

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Ask the AD - August 2020

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It's the August Ask the AD with Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton.

Joined by Steve Klauke and Paul Grua, Crompton discusses the news of the postponement of fall sports and its implications as well as plans moving forward to sports in the spring.

Ask the AD - July 2020

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton is joined by the voice of the Wildcats Steve Klauke and Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua in the July 2020 Ask the AD.

Crompton addresses the uncertainty surrounding college sports during this time.

Ask the AD - June 2020

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the June 2020 edition of Ask the AD, Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton offers an update on Wildcat Athletics.

He joins Paul Grua and Derek Dawes to discuss voluntary workouts that are underway, protocols in place at Weber State, schedule updates, fall sports plans and much more. He also is asked about some of his favorite things to get to know him more.

Steve Klauke - 05/26/20

Tue, 26 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the latest Weber State ‘Cat Tales podcast, the voice of the Wildcats Steve Klauke talks with Paul Grua. Klauke talks about: Memories and stories of Jerry Sloan, The Last Dance, the current state of sports, memorable games from his five seasons at Weber State, preparing for game broadcasts, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and much more.

Ask the AD - May 2020

Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State Athletic Director Tim Crompton talks about the current situation for Wildcat Athletics in the May 2020 Ask The AD. Crompton discusses when Wildcat athletics will start opening as well as scheduling plans and other adjustments for the fall seasons.

Chick Hislop - 05/13/20

Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Legendary Weber State track and field coach Chick Hislop joins Paul Grua in the latest 'Cat Tales podcast. Coach Hislop looks back on the 50th anniversary of his first Big Sky Championship meet. He talks about that first meet and how a letter paved the way for him to become the coach at Weber State. He also talks about his 38 years as the head coach at Weber State where he won 21 Big Sky titles and coached numerous All-Americans.

Meagan Thunell - 05/04/20

Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the latest Weber State 'Cat Tales podcast, new WSU Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator and member of the Wildcat Hall of Fame Meagan Thunell talks with Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua. Topics include: How the Weber State administration is trying to help student-athletes and coaches during the pandemic. Ways WSU is communicating with athletes and coaches Trying to honor the student-athletes this season Transitioning from coaching to administration The role of an SWA Growing up playing soccer and coming to Weber State Her Hall of Fame soccer career Teaching high school How she got into coaching Earning multiple master’s degrees Why she loves Weber State and much more.

Scott Erling - 04/08/20

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the latest Weber State ‘Cat Tales podcast, WSU Director of Golf and men’s head coach Scott Erling talks with Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua about how his team has been affected this season. Erling also talks about how the golf world has reacted and how golf is affected, growing up golfing in southwestern Idaho, golfing in college, becoming a club and teaching professional, coming to Weber State as a golf coach, coaching golf, memories of longtime WSU golf coach Jeff Smith, the frustration of the game of golf, how golf has changed over the years and much more.

Corbin Talley - 04/03/20

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the latest Weber State ‘Cat Tales podcast, WSU men’s track and field head coach and former Wildcat runner Corbin Talley talks with Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua. Talley discusses the sudden cancelation of spring sports and how it’s affected the Wildcats. Other topics include: a look back at last season’s cross country team, Trey Deveraux qualifying for the NCAA Indoor Championships, mentality of runners, running at Weber State and for coach Chick Hislop, becoming a coach and coaching for many years in high school, transitioning to Weber State, his own running career, running the Grand Canyon and much more.

Jeremiah Larsen - 03/30/20

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Hear from Weber State volleyball head coach Jeremiah Larsen in this ‘Cat Tales podcast. Larsen talks about his five years as head coach of the Wildcats, including a record-setting season in 2019. He also talks about the coronavirus impact on coaching and recruiting. Other topics include: Growing up and playing volleyball, winning a national championship as a player, why he got into coaching, his coaching career leading to Weber State, why he chose to come to Weber State, building the Wildcat program, memorable wins, his favorite thing about coaching and much more.

Jay and Sara Hill - 03/26/20

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State football head coach Jay Hill and his wife Sara talk about the impact of the coronavirus on their family and the football team. Other topics include: coach Hill's goatee challenge, humanitarian trips to Fiji, Sara's health and impact on the team, a look back on the 2019 season, what it would take to leave Weber State, and a look ahead to this year's Wildcat team.

Matt Hammer - 02/12/20

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

New Weber State football offensive coordinator Matt Hammer talks about taking over his second stint as the OC at Weber State. He talks about his first stint working for three different coaches, his time as a high school head coach and coming back to Weber State.

Dave Arslanian - 09/23/19

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Former Weber State football head coach and WSU Hall of Famer Dave Arslanian joins Athletic Director Tim Crompton and Paul Grua in this podcast. As part of the 100th anniversary of football at Weber State, Arslanian talks about playing for his father Sark, how he came back to Weber State, coaching for Mike Price, memorable games and coach Jamie Martin. He also talks about being a part of saving Wildcat football in 1994.

Damian Lillard - 08/23/19

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 22:55:00 +0000

NBA All-Star and Weber State legend Damian Lillard talks with head coach Randy Rahe and Paul Grua about his time at Weber State, his NBA career, living as a celebrity, rapper and a father.

Tim Crompton - 06/05/19

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Get to know Weber State's new interim athletic director Tim Crompton. In this latest 'Cat Tales podcast, Crompton talks about his long family connections to Weber State, how he got into coaching, his 15 years as head coach of the Weber State women's soccer team, what he's excited about being an athletic director and much more.

Jerry Bovee - 05/09/19

Thu, 09 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

After 10 years as athletic director, Jerry Bovee has announced he's leaving Weber State. In this podcast, Bovee reflects on his time running the Wildcat athletic department. He discusses the hardest part of his job, how he's grown, changes he's seen at Weber State, building and improving facilities, hiring coaches, memorable games, and much, much more. He also says farewell to the fans, supporters, coaches, athletes and others.

Randy Rahe - 04/05/19

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State men's basketball head coach Randy Rahe talks with WSU athletic director Jerry Bovee and Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua. Hear from Rahe after the conclusion of his 13th season as head coach at Weber State. He'll discuss why this past season was the most frustrating of his career and how he's going to change. More from Rahe: The Weber State culture What kind of a coach he is What his game preparation is What he sees and hears during games Why he's looking forward to next season What he'd do if he wasn't coaching Some of his memorable wins Why he has chosen to stay at Weber State and much more.

Harold Arceneaux and Eddie Gill - 03/11/19

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Jerry Bovee and Paul Grua visit with Wildcat legends and Hall of Famers Harold "The Show" Arceneaux and Eddie "The Thrill" Gill on the 20th anniversary of Weber State's 1999 NCAA Tournament win over North Carolina. Harold and Eddie talk about their memories before, during and after the game, as well as memories of coach Ron Abegglen. They'll also tell Wildcat fans what they've been up to the last 20 years. Look back on one of the greatest moments in Weber State history with The Show and The Thrill.

President Brad Mortensen - 03/05/19

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

New Weber State University President Brad Mortensen is joined by WSU athletic director Jerry Bovee and Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua in this edition of 'Cat Tales podcast. Dr. Mortensen talks about his time in the two months since he became the 13th president of Weber State. He also talks about working with the Utah State legislature and development at Weber State, growing up in Idaho and playing football, and what he sees as the future of Weber State. He also discusses the role athletics plays at a university and recalls some of his favorite memories of Wildcat athletics, as well as what role the president of a university plays in athletics. Get to know the new president of Weber State University in this edition of 'Cat Tales podcast.

Dick Motta - Part 2 - 02/27/19

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State athletic director Jerry Bovee and Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua talk with legendary Weber State and NBA coach Dick Motta in this episode of 'Cat Tales. In part two of the interview with coach Motta, he tells of coaching in the early days at Weber State, coaching in the old Swenson Gym, how Weber State got into the Big Sky Conference, recruiting Willie Sojourner, and more on his days in the NBA. He reminisces on winning an NBA title with the Washington Bullets, his experience visiting the White House and what he thinks about teams that don't go now, coaching with the Mavericks and the saying of the opera ain't over till the fat lady sings.

Dick Motta - Part 1 - 02/19/19

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State athletic director Jerry Bovee and Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua talk with legendary Weber State and NBA coach Dick Motta in this episode of 'Cat Tales. Motta tells his amazing experiences coaching at Weber State and nearly 2,000 games in the NBA. Find out how a trash can helped him leave Weber State for the NBA, his experiences coaching Jerry Sloan with the Chicago Bulls, the early days at Weber State where he coached basketball, baseball, football and track, and meeting one of his idols in Vince Lombardi. This is the first part of a two-part interview with Dick Motta.

Big Sky Conference Commissioner - Tom Wistrcill - 12/18/18

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

New Big Sky Conference Comminssioner Tom Wistrcill joined Weber State athletic director Jerry Bovee and Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua to discuss becoming the new commissioner of the Big Sky.

Quinton Ganther - 07/31/18

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State football assistant coach and former NFL player Quinton Ganther sits down with WSU Athletic Director Jerry Bovee and Paul Grua. Coach Q shares his incredible story about his difficulties growing up in Richmond, California, playing college football at Utah, his time in the NFL, and how he got into coaching.

Mary Kay Amicone - 06/05/18

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Weber State softball head coach Mary Kay Amicone sits down with Athletic Director Jerry Bovee and Paul Grua to talk Wildcat softball. Amicone talks about her time at Weber State as a player and now as a coach, as well as her different coaching jobs along the way, including a head coach of a boys high school baseball team.