Shows
The 29/1Lighting The Fuse : How IGNITE Transformed A Friday Night Halftime with Sebastian Ruiz, Bennett Veele, Nathan Boschaert & Chris Janowiak of the West Ottawa Marching BandThe lights drop, the crowd gasps, and the drumline hits the tunnel—suddenly halftime isn’t a break anymore. We invited band director Chris Janowiak and three juniors to share how West Ottawa’s Ignite show turned Friday nights into a must-see, must-hear spectacle without losing the musical heart that drives a great band.We talk through the why and the how: the move from traditional competition sets to a performance-driven format built for community connection. Chris brings Nashville-seasoned insight and a creative partnership with arranger Benjamin Easley to blend wind writing, backing tracks, stadium lighting, and smoke...
2025-10-0650 min
The 29/1"What It's Supposed To Be" : A Lifetime Perspective Of Athletics With West Ottawa Superintendent Tim BeardenWhat makes a high school athletic experience truly special? For West Ottawa Superintendent Tim Bearden, it's that magical Friday night feeling – middle schoolers creating "white noise" in one section, the high school "Black Hole" roaring in another, dozens of cheerleaders, 120 marching band members, football players giving their all, and youth players taking the field at halftime. "You just look around and think, man, this is so cool. This is what it's supposed to be." In this thoughtful conversation, Bearden opens up about his lifelong connection to athletics – from his days as a high school golfer and track athle...
2025-09-2848 min
The 29/1Season Two Episode Release ScheduleSharing our Episode Release Schedule for Season Two. Three Sundays in a row of Podcast Releases, then one Sunday off.Send us a textPodcasts now dropping at 5pm every Sunday evening for that late weekend chill, or listen Monday AM during that morning commute or workout. Please like, follow, subscribe, or leave a review. Even share with someone who might like to listen. Thanks for taking the time to get to know each other a little bit better. The people who make West Ottawa Athletics what it is. Go WO! F...
2025-09-2202 min
The 29/1Beneath the Surface : Varsity Water Polo with Liam Tuinstra, Grady Armstrong, Noah Williams & Coach Alex WuerfelWater Polo is often overlooked in the high school sports landscape. Yet for the athletes of West Ottawa High School's Water Polo team, it's a daily passion requiring exceptional physical and mental fortitude. We sit down with team members Liam Tuinstra, Grady Armstrong, Noah Williams, and Coach Alex Wuerfel to explore the demanding world of this unique aquatic sport.What makes water polo so distinctive is the combination of multiple athletic disciplines. As the players described it, the sport blends elements of swimming, rugby, baseball, soccer, and even basketball. The physicality rivals wrestling and football, with much...
2025-09-141h 03
The 29/1Living His Dream : Professional Hoops Overseas with Peristeri Basketball Club Forward Jake Van TubbergenFrom the high school gyms of West Ottawa to the professional arenas of Europe, Jake Van Tubbergen’s basketball journey embodies the power of persistence, hardwork and community.As a 2017 West Ottawa graduate who led the Panthers to their first-ever boys basketball district title, Jake reflects on the unbreakable bonds formed with teammates who did "everything together" - from team sleepovers to hallway conversations between classes. That unselfish team chemistry became the foundation for his approach to the game, a philosophy that has served him well across multiple professional leagues.Jake's five-year career at Grand Va...
2025-09-071h 12
The 29/1"You're Gonna Be On The Wall Now" : With The 4X800 State Championship Team Of Ella Wierks, Ava Porras, Emma Gunnett & Collette WierksWhen dedication, talent, coaching and friendship come together, championships follow. That's the story of Ella Wierks, Ava Porras, Emma Gunnett, and Collette Wierks, four remarkable student-athletes, who along with many others, are part of a West Ottawa XC and Track & Field Team powerhouse. These extraordinary runners take us behind the scenes of their journey to the 4X800 State Championship and how they followed it up with a National Runner Up finish three weeks later. With raw honesty, they reveal the "shared suffering" that bonds them, describing how pushing through the "pain cave" together creates both faster times and unbreakable...
2025-08-311h 02
The 29/1WOBN & Game Day: Pushing Buttons & Boundaries with Quinn VanderKamp, Cody Schurman, Fatima Correa Morales & Lindsay WalcottThree years ago, the fan football experience at West Ottawa was traditional – you'd watch the game, listen to the Public Address Announcer, and perhaps enjoy some music from a CD player. Fast forward to today, and the difference is remarkable. With the addition of West Ottawa Stadium in the fall of 2022, a mobile live streaming studio already being utilized this year, and recently announced video scoreboards coming to the main gym in 2025, the Panthers are revolutionizing how their community experiences high school sports.The transformation of the game day experience at West Ottawa High School has begun, in...
2025-03-1659 min
The 29/1Three Injuries. Three Journeys. Three Comebacks: with Avery VanDellen, Brandon Berry & Collin RoelofsA sports injury to end your season, and maybe take away your sport forever. It's the devastating news no athlete ever wants to hear. Depression, sadness and anger are all part of the process, isolation and doubt show up too.In this episode, we are blessed to have Avery VanDellen, Brandon Berry and Collin Roelofs all come on The 29/1 and simply tell the truth, sharing their experience with you, the greater West Ottawa, and greater sports community.These three West Ottawa High School Seniors open up about the hurdles they've faced, from torn ligaments and...
2025-02-231h 07
The 29/1Throwing Moves & Shedding Stereotypes: Varsity Competitive Cheer with Ashlyn Stonick, Kirstyn Wilson & Mindy VorkPrepare to be inspired by the world of Competitive Cheer at West Ottawa High School as coach Mindy Vork, and seniors Kirstyn Wilson and Ashlyn Stonick reveal the intense dedication and resilience behind their sport.Discover how synchronized movements and high-stakes stunts demand not only physical prowess but also mental toughness. Coach Vork provides a compelling perspective on what it takes to lead a team in this demanding sport, while Ashlyn shares her experience of navigating sudden changes and maintaining performance. We also examine the empowering evolution of competitive cheer as a varsity sport in Michigan, celebrating...
2025-02-1653 min
The 29/1Jimmy John's & A Bag Of Chips: The Brotherhood of Panther Hockey with Tyler Noblett, Krue Anderson & Tom CareyHockey is more than just a game; it's an arena where friendships blossom, brotherhood flourishes, and experiences are shared. The West Ottawa Hockey Team embodies this in its every move, showcasing the intricacies of relationships among teammates, coaches, and family. This episode delves into the strong bonds formed on and off the ice, narrated through vibrant stories of Tyler Noblett, Krue Anderson and Coach Tom Carey as they navigate through highs and lows in their hockey journey.As conversations flow, this group of young athletes discusses the impact of family in their journey and the chemistry amongst...
2025-02-0950 min
The 29/1We Got Your Back: On The Scene with Athletic Trainers Chris Schoenrock & Grace MierendorfEver wonder what it takes to keep student-athletes at their best, both on and off the field? Come and hang out with some of the best people we get to interact with at West Ottawa. Athletic Trainers Chris Schoenrock and Grace Mierendorf (Chris & Grace), the devoted athletic trainers at West Ottawa High School, whose stories might just shift your perspective on sports and rehabilitation. They share how their personal journeys through sports injuries led them to dedicate their lives to the well-being of young athletes. Chris and Grace reveal the pulse of game day intensity and the critical role...
2025-01-1954 min
The 29/1First of the First: Isabel Anaya, Le'Anna Zavala & Mathias Sarli with Girls Varsity WrestlingIt's not very often that a pair of athletes get to be the first of the first. Come listen to our conversation with Isabel Anaya and Le'Anna Zavala, the two leaders of West Ottawa High School's Girls Varsity Wrestling. Alongside their coach, Mathias Sarli, these athletes are setting new standards and paving the way for future wrestlers at WO. Join us to hear how mental toughness, teamwork, and sheer determination have led them to numerous state placements and victories at major tournaments such as the Kent County Classic and the Montague Mat Cat Championship.Isabel and Le"...
2025-01-1257 min
The 29/1A Senior Season: Varsity Boys Basketball with Jake Gerrits, Hudson Vellinga, Ben Beetham & Jared RedellCome join us for some Varsity Hoops talk as we sit down with seniors Hudson Vellinga, Jake Gerrits, Ben Beetham, and Head Coach Jared Redell. Together, we explore the promise of a 6-2 start to the season, highlighted by wins over Zeeland East, the Holland Dutch & the Jenison Wildcats. Coach Redell speaks to developing resilience and growth through wins and losses, and how his seniors are crucial in the team's current success. Hudson and Jake open up about improved team dynamics, while Ben reveals how he stays cool under pressure when it matters most. But it's not a...
2025-01-0554 min
The 29/1Grind And Go Get It, with Elite Hoops Trainer Jorddan MyrickOn this week's 29/1 episode, we sit down with Jorddan Myrick, a West Ottawa graduate whose journey from high school standout to influential trainer is nothing short of inspiring. Through his innovative training techniques and personal experiences, Jorddan is transforming the games of West Michigan's top high school basketball players and helping them open up windows of opportunity they might have never dreamed possible. Fresh from the post-Thanksgiving hustle, we dive into lively stories from the holiday season, including a turkey trot that turned out to be a trot to the car. :) From playing on the outdoor courts a...
2024-12-0157 min
The 29/1The Athletic Long Game with Lifelong Panther Kristy JerniganThe 29/1 welcomes Kristy Jernigan on this week's episode, the first female principal in West Ottawa's history to ever have played Water Polo! Kristy’s unique connection to the school started with her father’s role as Athletic Director, and she fondly recounts childhood memories that shaped her path. From a humorous belly slide at a Michigan State basketball camp in front of Magic Johnson to her father's influence on her understanding of grace and leadership, Kristy offers listeners a personal glimpse into how she learned to lead from those who guided her.The conversation navigates the vibrant West...
2024-11-2442 min
The 29/1Figuring It Out and Doing It Together with Clayton Dykhouse, WO Boys BasketballGoing from the court to the sideline is a massive change for any athlete. Listen to the voice of Clayton Dykhouse, the new Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at West Ottawa High School, as he shares his inspiring journey from the courts of Hope College to the classrooms and gymnasiums of West Ottawa. Clayton brings a dynamic blend of passion and discipline to his roles as both a coach and physical wellness instructor, reflecting on his final carefree summer before diving into these challenging yet rewarding responsibilities. His energy and commitment leap off the page as he discusses this...
2024-11-1752 min
The 29/1Bringing It Home, with Makenzie Baldwin, Steve Bowyer and Varsity Girls Swim and DiveCome sit down with us and enjoy our vibrant conversation with 100 Backstroke Record Holder Makenzie Baldwin and Varsity Girls Swimming Head Coach Steve Bowyer, on this week's episode of The 29/1.As they bring it home in the last 2 weeks of the season, we uncover the dedication and passion that drive their success in the water. Hear about a team that grinds in the pool with a vigorous training schedule and focused commitment. Makenzie opens up about pulling for her teammates to achieve their goals, as well as her own in the 100 backstroke and the 500 freestyle. Hear about...
2024-11-1049 min
The 29/1The Voice of West Ottawa: Karl Von Ins, Part 2 of 2The 29/1 continues our conversation with Karl Von Ins this week, highlighting his almost four-decade-long career in coaching in basketball and track and field, and PA announcing in basketball. Step back in time and discover the meticulous craftsmanship that went into organizing track meets before the digital age with mimeograph invitations and typewritten schedules, and how his family's values infused a strong sense of community into these events.As we uncover the origins of the West Ottawa Relays and the Von Ins Invite, we see the larger role Karl played in shaping the athletic culture of West Ottawa...
2024-11-0343 min
The 29/1The Voice of West Ottawa: Karl Von Ins, Part 1 of 2Join us this week for amazing story telling and surprising history lessons with legendary PA Announcer Karl Von Ins. For fifty-eight years, Karl Von Ins has been the voice behind the mic at West Ottawa, his presence a staple in the community. This episode celebrates Karl's remarkable journey and the deep connections he has forged with generations of athletes, coaches, and fans.His unique perspective on the evolution of Panther Stadium, from its modest beginnings to today's modern West Ottawa Stadium, is a narrative rich in detail and nostalgia. Karl reflects on his early days announcing games...
2024-10-2740 min
The 29/1Reflecting & Reminiscing with 2024 West Ottawa Hall of Fame Inductee Ato CondeleeCelebrate a journey of triumph, nostalgia, and inspiration as we welcome 2024 West Ottawa Hall of Fame inductee, Ato Condelee. A three-sport standout and 2013 Male Athlete of the Year, Ato shares memories of his high school sports career and the unexpected honor of entering the West Ottawa Hall of Fame. The episode is filled with laughter and positive reminiscing, capturing the excitement and joy of reconnecting with your past and the people in it.The conversation takes a personal turn as we explore life beyond sports and how the lessons learned in high school currently shape Ato in...
2024-10-2049 min
The 29/1Shared Success in Girls Cross Country, with Helen Sachs & Kyle BarnesPut on the headphones and jump into the world of Girls Varsity Cross Country, as we sit down with Coach Kyle Barnes and 2022 State Champion and Notre Dame bound athlete/runner, Helen Sachs.Team togetherness is crucial in athletics, and this episode unravels how shared goals and mutual respect can fuel great accomplishment. Rigorous training, recovery and strength training are essential components of the program. Kyle highlights how prioritizing recovery techniques like foam rolling, ice baths, and proper nutrition are integral to the team's success. These practices not only aid in physical adaptation but also e...
2024-10-1448 min
The 29/1Injury, Innovation and a Conference Title: with Brian Metz, Trevyn Bethke and Varsity Boys TennisCome along and join us for an encouraging conversation with Boys Varsity Tennis Coach Brian Metz and #2 Singles Player Trevyn Bethke, who share the nuances of a challenging 2024 fall season, and a surprise accomplishment despite overwhelming odds.We learn about a team with talented players at every level, and a group of friends who enjoy each day together.We take a deep dive into Trevyn's resilience as he navigates the challenges of an unexpected shoulder injury. Discover how an innovative adoption of an underhand serve became a surprising asset, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to...
2024-10-0745 min
The 29/1Explosive, Powerful, Fast Athletes: with Frank Lerchen & Kyle McKenzieAthlete Performance Coordinator Frank Lerchen and Peak Performance Instructor Kyle McKenzie join us on The 29/1, providing a comprehensive look at the innovative approaches they've introduced to elevate West Ottawa’s Athletic program.The Panther Strength program and Peak Performance Class are revolutionary approaches that focus on intentional training techniques, with PR bell celebrations being a highlight. These celebrations foster a sense of accomplishment and motivation among the athletes, contributing to a thriving athletic environment. The energy in the weight room is palpable, creating an atmosphere where students are eager to push their limits and achieve their personal be...
2024-09-3059 min
The 29/1Finding Balance with Big 10 Balance Beam Champion Sarah MorawSarah Moraw, a 2022 West Ottawa graduate and current gymnast at the University of Minnesota, sits down with us on the 29/1. From overcoming the mental hurdles of her freshman year to clinching a victory on the beam at the Big Ten Championship, Sarah's story is one of resilience and passion.We reminisce about her involvement in multiple sports, running the "Circus" play in a lacrosse game, and the extraordinary support from her flexible coaches. Sarah's return to her old training facility, seeing the evolution of the program, brought a mix of emotions and reflections on how far she h...
2024-09-2348 min
The 29/1It Takes A Village: Kaitlyn Lawton, Magaly Lemus and Varsity Girls VolleyballDownload and hit play on the 29/1 Podcast as we sit down with Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach Kaitlyn Lawton and senior middle blocker Magaly Lemus. Our conversation with Coach Lawton brings out her dedication to continuous learning and her passion for volleyball and Magaly shares her experiences as a multi-sport athlete who has taken on volleyball, basketball, and even pickleball. Kaitlyn's insights into nurturing young athletes and fostering a positive, growth-oriented mindset make this episode an inspiring listen for coaches and sports enthusiasts alike. The ability to learn from mistakes and use failure for good is also d...
2024-09-1640 min