In this episode, we dive into the world of high school baseball with Kade Wede from Harrisburg High School (SD). Kade shares insights on the upcoming season, team dynamics, and the rigorous training regimen that has helped him grow as an athlete. He discusses his experiences at various showcases, the importance of mental strength in sports, and his nutritional strategies for performance enhancement. As he looks forward to future opportunities, Kade expresses excitement about competing at a higher level and the potential for a state title this season.

Chapters

In this episode, we sit down with the St. Thomas pitching coach Neal Kunick to discuss their approach to recruiting, player development, and building a competitive Division I program.

Coach Kunick share insights on what they look for in a recruit, the importance of high baseball IQ, and how they develop athletes both on and off the field. We also dive into their Midwest-focused recruiting strategy, the challenges and benefits of playing in Minnesota’s climate, and the future of the program’s facilities. Plus, hear how St. Thomas is making a name for itself on the national stage while staying true to its four-year development model.

In this episode of Ducks on the Pond, Blaine Barthel, head coach at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC), discusses his coaching journey and the rapid growth of the Blue Knights program.

He shares his path from playing at Itasca CC and UMD to coaching at various levels before taking over at DCTC. Bartle emphasizes developing Minnesota talent, leveraging technology, and overcoming the challenges of northern baseball to build a top-tier JUCO program.

He highlights DCTC’s growing reputation as a pipeline to higher levels, with recent players moving on to Division I schools. His vision is clear: establish DCTC as a premier Midwest JUCO and help players succeed at the next level.