Reigning Cats & Dogs

The final episode of season one of Reigning Cats & Dogs features Kirksville High School Athletic Director Sara Williams. She walks us through the reality of transitioning from the NCMC Conference to the MEC in the years ahead and what it takes behind the scenes to fill out a season schedule and conduct home contests in a way that creates a great experience for the students and spectators. Reigning Cats & Dogs season two will pick up at the start of the next academic year. Thank you so much for everyone who has been a guest this year and everyone who has supported the operation throughout the year.

The penultimate episode for season one of Reigning Cats & Dogs brings back a pair of familiar faces to close out their seasons. First, we talk with Truman State Baseball Assistant Coach Tyler Hudlow. He breaks down the final series of the season this weekend against Upper Iowa University and gives a roaring recap of the three baseball seniors who will be playing their final games in Truman purple this weekend. Then, we sit down with Kirksville High School Tennis Coach Lee Riley to talk about the conference and district tournaments and how he feels his team fairs in the postseason matchups. We also take a look back on his coaching career that will be concluding at the end of this season. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

We're getting close to the end of the semester it today's episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs. First we are joined by Kirksville High School Choir and Dance Team Director Rebecca Murphy. She discusses the ins and outs of choir and the impact that music can have on a person, as well as the dance team's increased visibility at high school games this year. Next, we have Truman State Softball Assistant Coach Josie Buhr make her debut appearance on the podcast. She talks about her coaching background and her shift into the coaching field that happened rather suddenly. Lastly, we talk with Truman State Women's Tennis Coach Steve Smith as he recaps the thrilling senior day victory over Quincy and talks about how people can get involved in the game of tennis in the Kirksville community. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

We're taking a look at the past, present, and future on today's episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs. First, we meet with Kirksville High School Boys Wrestling Coach James Alter who discusses his team's performance at the Missouri State Wrestling Tournament and how he thinks everyone should give wrestling a chance if you aren't playing basketball in the winter. Next, we are joined by Truman State Swimming Coach Doug Heighton who gives us a recap of the GLVC Swimming and Diving Championships and shares what he learned during his season as an interim head coach and how he has prepped the program for the next head coach of Bulldogs Swimming. Lastly, we sit down with Kirksville High School Boys and Girls Golf Coach Kevin White. Kevin discusses the outlook for his boys team this spring, his girls team next fall and goes down memory lane about some of the great Truman State athletes over the years. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

We've got an ensemble cast on this week's edition of Reigning Cats & Dogs. First, we meet with Truman State Head Athletic Trainer Michelle Boyd who discusses what it takes to keep athletes healthy during both their competitive season and their offseason training. She also talks about her 30 years of experience at Truman State and how she can apply those principles in the classroom as well teaching future athletic trainers. Next, we sit down with Kirksville High School Speech and Debate and Theater director Elizabeth Anderson who breaks down the MSHSAA spring competitive slate for these sponsored activities and how it has made a large impact on a growing number of Tigers. Lastly, we are joined by Kirksville Girls Wrestling Coach Nick Cook who recaps the Tigers performances at the state wrestling tournament, including the school's first ever finalist and 2nd place finisher. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference!https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

It's time to meet some new faces on this week's episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs. We start off by meeting with Kirksville High School Band Director Brad Hudson who discusses some of the intricacies of performing at sporting events and gives us a sneak peek at the new performing arts center at Kirksville High School. Then, we are joined by the pair of new additions to the Truman State Football coaching staff. First we sit down with Mike Glass, the new wide receivers coach for the Bulldogs talks us through is playing and coaching journey, and how he got a helping hand from another Truman State coach to land the position. Lastly, we meet with Dominic Stoneking, who recently was promoted to full-time defensive backs coach. He talks about the changes that come with having added responsibilities, as well as shining a light on some of the quality play going on at the NAIA level, where he previously played. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

It's time for mid-season check-ins for the spring sports on this episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs. First, we are joined by Truman State Softball Head Coach Ron Ferrill who talks us through the Bulldogs road GLVC trip this past weekend. He also shouts out some important home dates for the Bulldogs in the month of April. Then, we are joined by Truman State Assistant Baseball Coach Tyler Hudlow who discusses the great leadership his senior class has provided, while highlighting the contributions by the Bulldogs standout freshmen. Both teams have a plethora of home games for the next six weeks, so come out and support! Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

It's a mix of winter and spring on this week's episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs. First, we are joined by Truman State Track and Field Head Coach Leslie Hardesty who gives us the breakdown on the best Truman performances at the GLVC Indoor Championships and walks us through the upcoming outdoor track season. She also discusses the journey a lot of track athletes take to develop and find the events that best fit their strengths. Then, we sit down with Kirksville High School Assistant Girls Basketball Coach and Truman State alum Ellie Weltha to discuss the Kirksville girls' run to the state quarterfinals. She takes us through what it's taken for the team to get to this point, and gives a preview of the game this Friday against Cardinal-Ritter HS. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

Postseasons are among us! This episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs starts off with Truman State Women's Basketball Coach Theo Dean who breaks down the details of the Bulldogs goals at the GLVC Conference Tournament and their quarterfinals matchup with Drury set for 2:15 PM on Friday in St. Louis. Next, we are joined by Truman State Men's Soccer Coach Duke Cochran to discuss his 2026 recruiting class and how the team is preparing heavily in the offseason for their spring scrimmage schedule. Lastly, we sit down with Kirksville High School Boys Basketball Coach Aaron Coombs ahead of the beginning of districts play this week. By the time this episode airs, Kirksville will have already played their first round game. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

This episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs starts out with the young phenom Kirksville High School Baseball Coach Cruz Lewis as he talks about his quick rise through the coaching world and how he plans to lead his baseball squad this Spring. Next we are joined by Aquadogs Swim Club Coach Paul Yoder who discusses the mission of the Aquadogs helping create a year round space for kids to get involved in a sport that is about competing against yourself as much as it is against others. He also discusses the new Special Olympics certified Beyond Boundaries Program. He goes on to talk about how young athletes in the Kirksville area can get involved in either program. Lastly, we meet with Truman State Basketball Coach Mike Worley who walks us through the scenarios at play heading into the final week of the regular season as the Bulldogs scratch their way into the GLVC tournament. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

This episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs starts off with Kirksville HS Track and Field Coach Anna Grace who recaps the Tigers NCMC conference championships last spring and discusses the early season growing period for her teams as their spring season begins. Next, we sit down with Truman State Women's Golf Coach Clint Fitzpatrick as he walks us through his unique situation being the head golf coach and running the country club in town. Clint provides a breakdown of the composition of his team this spring with his standouts and hints at next year's team receiving some important reinforcements. Lastly, we are joined by Truman State Women's Basketball Head Coach Theo Dean who talks about the red hot Bulldogs who are 7-1 in their last eight games and discusses everything that went into making senior day a memorable event. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

Keep your eyes peeled for the future, as this week of Reigning Cats & Dogs features a breakdown on the world of collegiate recruiting. First, we sit down with Truman State Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Jamar Johnson who discusses the realities of recruiting, NIL, and the transfer portal in different levels of collegiate athletics in 2026. Next, we are joined by Truman State Head Football Coach Kellen Nesbitt who breaks down his 2026 signing class and walks through the village it takes to have a successful campus visit for prospective student-athletes. Lastly, we talk with Truman State Women's Soccer Head Coach Mike Cannon, as he talks about some of the advantages Truman presents from a recruiting perspective, and gives us a first look at his 2026 signing class. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference! https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

The 10th edition of Reigning Cats & Dogs features a trio of first time guests from Truman State and KHS. We first sit down with Truman State Women's Basketball Assistant Coach Alexis Griffin who discusses her background coaching both high school and college hoops and how the Bulldogs have sharpened themselves after an intentionally touch early season schedule. Next we are joined by Kirksville High School Softball and Girls Basketball Coach Sydney Snyder who talks about the differences between being a head coach and an assistant coach for different sports and how her basketball knowledge has blossomed in the past year. Lastly, we sit down with Truman State Baseball Coach Dan Davis who is entering his 20th year at the helm of Bulldogs Baseball. He walks us through the early part of the season and how he has shifted his approach in recruiting and building his team. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference? https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

Reigning Cats & Dogs features a pair of Truman coaches this week who are deep in the preparations for their spring seasons. Truman State Softball Coach Ron Ferrill joins us to talk about his journey through softball coaching, the support he has been grateful for during his time at Truman, and a deep dive of who his 2026 team is composed of. Next, we sit down with Truman State Women's Tennis Coach Steve Smith who discusses the intricacies of international versus domestic recruiting, what he hopes to get out of this spring season, and the great work in the community that his athletes have been leading. Want to be a supporter of Truman Athletics? Join the Bulldog Backbone Booster Club today and make a difference? https://trumanbulldogs.com/sports/2026/1/12/bulldog-backbone-fund.aspx

The first edition of Reigning Cats & Dogs in the new semester features Kirksville High School Girls Basketball Head Coach Nick Totta as he discusses his team's current nine game winning streak and what he expects to see as the season reaches it's final month. We are also joined by Truman State Men's and Women's Swim Coach Doug Heighton who provides the highlights from Truman State's Swimming Senior Day and the team's approach heading into the GLVC Championships. Finally, Truman State Men's Basketball Assistant Coach Cory Sloan joins the set to talk about his wild journey that has led him to this point in his coaching career. Thank you for joining us for our best episode yet!

This episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs features Truman State Head Football Coach Kellen Nesbitt as he discusses the team's postseason game against UINDY, the offseason recruiting trail, and what it means to him to be named the 2025 GLVC Football Coach of the Year. It also features Kirksville High School Boys Tennis Coach Lee Riley as he dives into his long coaching tenure and what this final season at the helm means for him with his retirement announced. Finally, we are also joined by Truman State Head Volleyball Coach David Gannon who breaks down the postseason award winners on his squad as well as how the team will attack this offseason.

In this installment of Reigning Cats & Dogs. Henry Janssen sits down with Truman State Women's Basketball Coach Theo Dean for an extended interview where he discusses earning career victory #100 against Southwest Baptist, why he feels that this year team is moving to a new level offensively and defensively, and how his new coaching staff has helped elevate the team's performance.

This episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs features Kirksville High School Head Volleyball Coach Missy Dempsay as she discusses their concluded 2025 season and graduating senior class, while giving an inside look at club volleyball in the Northeast Missouri area. It also features Truman State Head Cross Country and Assistant Track Coach Thomas Whittaker for a discussion about how the cross country season wrapped up at the NCAA Regional Championships. He goes on to talk about the transition to the indoor track and field season, how he and Head Coach Leslie Hardesty work together to lead the growing track and field program.

This edition of Reigning Cats & Dogs features Truman State Head Volleyball Coach David Gannon and football offensive coordinator Austin Zoda as their teams prepare for the GLVC Tournament and the NCAA Playoffs respectively. Truman's Volleyball has qualified for the GLVC tournament for the first time since 2020 and Truman Football will being playing in their first NCAA Playoffs since 1994. We were also joined by Kirksville Boys Wrestling Head Coach James Alter and Kirksville Girls Wrestling Head Coach Nick Cook, as they get ready for their season openers.

This edition of Reigning Cats & Dogs features Truman State Men's and Women's Soccer Head Coaches Duke Cochran and Mike Cannon as they discuss their now concluded 2025 seasons as well as their GLVC All-Conference players. It also features Kirksville Boys and Girls Soccer Head Coaches Shawn Meintz and Nathaniel Kennard as they talk about their boys team run to the district semi-finals and how they switch off responsibilities of being head coach and assistant coach during each other's seasons.

This episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs features the father-son duo of Truman State Head Football Coach Kellen Nesbitt and Kirksville High School Head Football Coach Greg Nesbitt. This episode is jam-packed with everything from their current seasons and future plans, their wide coaching tree that has spread across the Midwest, and how the Nesbitt family has shaped so many lives through football all across Northeast Missouri.

The inaugural episode of Reigning Cats & Dogs features an introduction to the show and what it hopes to become and features four coaches from Truman State and Kirksville High School that are all in their first year as head coach of their respective programs. Joining us will be Truman State Men's Basketball Coach Mike Worley, Kirksville Boy's Basketball Coach Aaron Coombs, Truman State Cross Country Coach Thomas Whittaker, and Kirksville Cross Country Coach Austin Skyes.