The Bill Chaves Podcast

On this edition of the Bill Chaves Podcast, pod favorite Erik Martinson joins Bill and Alex to discuss the inner workings of UND Athletics for 2026-27 and beyond (1:37). The guys then recap strong starts to the year for Fighting Hawks football, volleyball, soccer and cross country before hitting on the latest NCAA news (24:59). On the B-Side (39:52), replay takes center stage in Ann Arbor and Nottingham, while the Red Sox appear ready for October.

On this edition of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex are joined by the NCAA’s Ty Halpin to discuss the recent successes of championship events in the FCS and NCAA Men’s Hockey (1:42). Then, the conversation moves to the ever-shifting sands of NCAA eligibility before talking UND Football and Volleyball ahead of each program’s respective season openers (22:06). On the B-Side, Tottenham Hotspur fall flat in their season opener – but so do most of the Premier League’s “big” clubs. (42:53).

On the Season 9 premiere of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex are joined by Kyle Grooms of the MVFC to discuss what’s new around the Valley and the FCS ahead of the 2026 college football season (1:53). Then, there’s conversation about UND’s fall sports beginning, as well as an update on the NCAA and where things currently stand regarding eligibility (15:09). Last but not least, the B-Side returns with receipts from all the predictions made on the Season 8 finale in May before the guys reminisce about another glorious FIFA World Cup and the summer of the greatest turnaround in Red Sox history (39:14).

On the Season 8 finale of the #ChavesPod, Bill and Alex are joined by Heather Weems of the NCHC for a big-picture conversation on all things college hockey, from age-based eligibility to changes coming to the new-look NCHC (2:49). After an update from the Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships and a look at the summer plans around UND Athletics (38:46), it’s a prediction-heavy B-Side (44:17), as the fate of Spurs, Arsenal, and the FIFA World Cup are debated.

This week, Bill and Alex begin the show by addressing the difficult decision to discontinue men’s and women’s tennis at UND (1:29). The two then touch on the UND Champions Ball before checking in with golf, softball, and track and field, as well as dissecting a slew of NCAA news (17:17). To close, it’s a slightly-less melancholy B-Side this week (26:58), as Spurs pull themselves out the relegation zone with only three matches left.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by the always inspiring Val Sussex of the UND Champions Club to help build the excitement around this Saturday’s Champions Ball and other upcoming alumni and fan events (1:43). The guys then look back over the Frozen Four, football’s spring wrap-up scrimmage, and the drama on the final day of the regular season for men’s tennis (28:45). To close, it’s a sad B-Side this week (42:31), as Spurs and the Red Sox continue to discover new ways to avoid victory.

This week, Bill and Alex welcome Tim Keener, the president of Las Vegas Events, to discuss how the 2026 Frozen Four landed in Vegas as well as what traveling fans can expect in and around the big event at T-Mobile Arena (1:33). The guys then discuss NoDak’s standout weekend at the Sioux Falls Regional before talking weather postponements for softball, a push to the finish for tennis, and Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships’ first step toward potential commercial branding on uniforms and apparel (17:56). On the B-Side (39:17), Spurs put their faith in De Zerbi, while the Red Sox stumble out of the gates.

This week, Bill and Alex spend time with old friend Jayson Hajdu of College Hockey Inc. to break down the state of college hockey and the upcoming NCAA Tournament (1:10). The guys then chat more hockey before discussing softball’s upcoming home opener, Jadyn Keeler’s latest All-American effort, and football’s start to spring practice (18:38). On the B-Side (43:42), Spurs might be going down, the Red Sox are poised to begin, and March Madness remains undefeated.

This week, Bill and Alex spend time with REA GM Jody Hodgson to discuss what to expect on site ahead of Saturday’s NCHC Frozen Faceoff semifinal in Grand Forks (1:13). The hockey talk continues with a recap of UND’s quarterfinal victory over Omaha, followed by reaction after the Hawks’ thrilling run to the Summit League Tournament men’s final and softball’s impeccable start to March (22:39). On the B-Side (45:06), the World Baseball Classic has captured Bill’s attention – and has him thinking about October already.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by UND Track and Field’s Jim Vahrenkamp to preview this weekend’s Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships and to discuss what goes into hosting the competition (1:18). That’s followed by a look around UND Athletics, where hockey and the basketballs move ever closer to conference tournament time (19:25). On the B-Side (31:00), Bill grades the Red Sox offseason as Spring Training gets underway in Fort Myers, plus the Winter Olympics conclude, and Spurs begin the already-troubled Igor Tudor Era.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by new Pride of the North director Josh Gillen to discuss his approach to leading the program, the story behind the infamous skating tuba player at the REA, and the impact a student band can have on events campus-wide (3:10). That’s followed by a look around UND Athletics, where the winter sports teams make the turn for home and softball begins in Hawaii (22:22). On the B-Side (37:28), Spurs and Liverpool play the hits – and not in a good way – and video review continues to keep Bill awake at night.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by Jordan Stevens of UND Softball to discuss the art/science of pitching and non-conference schedule-making before touching on the impact Albrecht Field has already made on the Fighting Hawks’ program and the Grand Forks community (0:56). That’s followed by a look around UND Athletics, highlighted by road successes for hockey and men’s basketball and an overview of next month’s Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships hosted by UND (21:53). On the B-Side (44:56), in light of the AFC Championship game, is it special when weather impacts a sporting event – or just disappointing? Plus, Liverpool and Spurs remain in shambles domestically while soaring in Europe ahead of the final matchday of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

This week, Bill and Alex welcome UND’s Nicole Letofsky to discuss her multi-faceted role as Associate AD of Marketing & Athletic Communications before looking ahead to the fan experiences she’s helping bring to the ice and hardwood (1:11). The guys then dig into the current state of college athletics ahead of this week’s NCAA Convention, then touch on what’s happening around UND Athletics, highlighted by another series win for the NCHC-leading hockey team and a 3-1 start to Summit League play for men’s basketball (20:43). Then, on the B-Side (40:55), the magic of the FA Cup is on full display, as sixth-tier Maaclesfield FC take down defending champions Crystal Palace. Plus, Bill makes several bold predictions regarding what the next six months will look like at White Hart Lane.

This week, Bill and Alex welcome the NCAA’s Ty Halpin to discuss logistics surrounding the FCS title game for this year and the future, as well as details for the 2026 Men’s Frozen Four in Las Vegas (1:43). The guys also reflect on the successes of the UND Hockey contingent currently on international duty and share excitement around the hire of David Nguyen to lead UND Volleyball (33:35). Then, on the B-Side, there’s a status check two-thirds of the way through the EPL’s festive fixtures, a quick examination of the Red Sox offseason, and a thoughtful dissection of the Patriots’ improbable return to AFC East glory (45:11).

This week, Bill and Alex take a pre-Christmas tour of all things UND Athletics, including a deep dive on the NCHC-leading NoDak hockey team, a look ahead to the end of the non-conference season for men’s and women’s basketball, and a conversation about the current NCAA landscape (5:27). Then, the B-Side looks into the current state of affairs at Tottenham (not good) and Liverpool (getting better?) before addressing the lack of hot stove activity for the Red Sox (36:35).

This week, Bill and Alex welcome back UND Deputy Athletics Director/COO Erik Martinson to discuss his recent appointment to the NCAA DI Men’s Hockey Rules Subcommittee (1:22). Then, the conversation shifts to UND Football’s playoff berth, UND Hockey’s final three series before the holiday break, Jadyn Keeler’s All-American performance at the NCAA XC Championships, and much more (16:55). Finally, the beautiful game takes over the B-Side, as there’s sadness on Merseyside and White Hart Lane – but so, so much joy in Dublin (33:15).

This week, Bill and Alex welcome back NCHC commish Heather Weems to discuss how the league is navigating college hockey’s evolving landscape, the importance of non-conference success, and the new-look Frozen Faceoff (2:09). Then, the guys look back on a busy start to November for Fighting Hawks Athletics, highlighted by hockey’s road sweep at Omaha, football’s instant classic against NDSU, and the first week of the men’s and women’s basketball seasons (28:37).

This week, Bill and Alex welcome back Josh Fenton of The Summit League to chat about staging conference championships, the new Summit-MVFC partnership, the current NCAA landscape, and much more (3:14). Then, the conversation shifts to UND Athletics, as football remains unbeaten in Valley play, hockey prepares for this weekend’s NCHC opener, and both cross country teams set their sights on the league championships (32:21). On the B-side (49:37), Tottenham Hotspur become masters of the set piece, while Liverpool’s poor run continues.

This week, Bill and Alex bring back Ralph Englestad Arena General Manager Jody Hodgson to discuss new fan experiences at the REA, the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame Game in Austin, the CHL-to-college hockey dynamic, and much more (2:00). Then, the guys flip through a flawless weekend for the Fighting Hawks, highlighted by wins in hockey, football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country (37:24). On the B-side (51:49), soccer’s latest international break has Bill searching for answers.

This week, Bill and Alex welcome Belfast Giants General Manager and Sporting Director Steve Thornton and UND Deputy AD Erik Martinson for more details regarding UND Hockey’s inclusion at the 2027 Friendship Four in Belfast, Northern Ireland (2:12). Then, the guys look ahead to the start of hockey season and look back on conference openers for soccer and volleyball and a pair of historic performances for cross country and men’s golf (29:46). On the B-side (42:38), the Red Sox are back in the playoffs, the Steelers are leading the AFC North, and Spurs score one of many late, late goals across the Premier League at the weekend.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by UND Letterwinners Association President Brian Westlund to discuss this weekend’s Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet and Homecoming celebrations (1:42). Then, the guys recap the week that was in UND Athletics, including football’s close call at Montana, soccer’s strong finish to the non-conference season, and cross country’s big opportunity at the Roy Griak Invite. (17:36). On the B-side (33:45), all the hits get a spin, including Spurs, Steelers, international soccer, Red Sox, and more.

This week, Bill and Alex welcome the Alerus Center’s Anna Rosburg to discuss what fans need to know before attending UND Football’s 2025 home opener this Saturday night (1:01). Then, the conversation shifts to the week that was for UND Fall sports, highlighted by NoDak’s near upset against #17 Kansas State in Eric Schmidt’s head coaching debut (10:54). On the B-side (28:15), there’s more sadness regarding instant replay and optimism in Red Sox Nation.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by Kyle Grooms – the newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Missouri Valley Football Conference – to talk about his journey to The Valley and what fans of MVFC programs should be watching for during the 2025 season (2:40). The guys then preview UND Football’s season opener at Kansas State (16:32) and discuss the perfect start for UND Women’s Soccer before flipping to the B-Side (36:10) to discuss the first weekend of the English Premier League season, highlighted by an emotional win for Liverpool and a satisfying three points for Spurs.

In the Season 8 premier, Bill and Alex recap news and notes from the summer (2:10), headlined by a debrief on what’s happening with the NCAA House Settlement. Then, the first B-Side of the new season (35:20) touches on all the changes at White Hart Lane for Bill’s beloved Tottenham Hotspur before an assessment of the ahead-of-schedule Boston Red Sox.

In the final episode of Season 7, Bill and Alex look ahead to the looming verdict on the House Settlement (2:58) before discussing all things UND Athletics, including track and field’s spotlight at the NCAA West Regional (8:32), new home kickoff times for football (11:43), and the naming of hockey’s new associate head coach (16:44). On this week’s triumphant B-Side (36:07), it’s all COYS, as Tottenham Hotspur win their first European trophy in 41 years.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex discuss all things NCHC, Summit League, and Missouri Valley Football Conference in the midst of end-of-season meetings around the leagues (2:26). The guys then reflect on a special season for UND Softball before previewing the conference championships for Outdoor Track and Field and breaking down how the latest UND Athletics Hall of Fame class was selected (14:22). On this week’s B-Side (28:58), Tottenham Hotspur are inexplicably a win away from a major European trophy.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex are joined by UND’s Erik Martinson to discuss the department’s preparations as host of the 2026 Men’s Frozen Four in Las Vegas and to reflect on Albrecht Field’s tremendous debut season (1:21). The guys then break down a busy stretch for Fighting Hawk spring sports before previewing the upcoming UND Football Spring Showcase (15:33). On this week’s B-Side (33:32), Spurs improbably reach the Europa League semifinals, the Red Sox remain enigmatic, and the Celtics start their title defense.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex discuss changes in leadership at UND for hockey and women’s basketball and how difficult the job of head coach has become in the modern NCAA landscape (1:46). The guys then look back over what’s been an historic stretch for Fighting Hawks softball, track and field, tennis, and golf (27:48) before flipping to the B-Side (44:43), where the Red Sox are fun AND good – but VAR remains problematic.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex welcome the NCHC’s Michael Weisman to preview what to expect in St. Paul at this weekend’s Frozen Faceoff (1:20). The guys then dig into UND’s prospects at the X before recapping impressive final acts for basketball and indoor track and stellar mid-season runs for softball and tennis (24:30). On the B-Side (36:05), the March Madness selection committees show little love for the mid-majors, while Liverpool fall flat on their biggest week of the season.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex welcome The Summit League’s Myndee Kay Larsen to look ahead to this week’s glorious return of the conference’s basketball championships in Sioux Falls (1:15). The guys then discuss North Dakota’s weekend outlook on the hardwood and the ice (18:34) before celebrating big successes for indoor track and field, softball, and tennis (30:12). On the B-Side (43:23), the UEFA Champions League returns, while the Red Sox *might* be ready sooner than later to contend in the AL East.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex welcome UND Athletics CFO Chad Karthauser to talk all things money and college athletics, from revenue sharing and the House settlement to how UND measures themselves among peer institutions (1:52). Then, there are big wins and new school records to discuss, as the guys whip around the winter and spring sports scene (27:19) before flipping to the B-Side (45:16), where Alex Bregman now plays for the Red Sox and Spurs *might* be turning things around.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex are joined by Deputy AD Erik Martinson to talk about the opening of the new Nodak Insurance Company Sports Performance Center (1:19) before discussing rule changes, officiating, and the nature of video review (14:38). Then, there are positives on the court, the ice, and the track to look back on, as UND basketball, hockey, indoor track, and tennis continue to press on toward tournament time (29:24). On the B-Side (53:52), Super Bowl predictions are made – or avoided – and the stage is set for another Heinert-Chaves Derby in the English League Cup semifinals.

In this week’s episode, Bill and Alex are joined by Dr. Art Malloy, UND’s VP of Student Affairs, to discuss a variety of topics, including Martin Luther King’s legacy, the elevation of the UND student experience, and the time Art played a pick-up game against Michael Jordan (1:09). Then, Bill reflects on the goings-on at last week’s NCAA Convention (25:05) before giving an update on the UND winter sports scene (41:29). On the B-Side (53:52), Tottenham Hotspur continue to reach new lows.

In the first pod of 2025, Bill and Alex chat with UND Champions Club Director Val Sussex about all the alumni events surrounding UND Hockey’s upcoming series at Arizona State as well as how to get involved in the Champions Club moving forward (:55). Then, the guys discuss the goings-on around NoDak’s winter sports programs and detail new coach hires for soccer and football (17:02). On the B-Side (37:20), Spurs have a not-so-merry holiday period ahead of the second Heinert-Chaves Derby in a month, while the Steelers and Patriots both end the regular season on depressing notes.

This week, Bill and Alex look back at the steps that led to the hiring of Eric Schmidt as UND’s new head football coach (2:42) before discussing hockey’s pre-Christmas surge (18:13) and the non-conference highs and lows of men’s and women’s basketball (27:46). On the B-Side (35:24), Spurs win big ahead of the Chaves-Heinert Derby, the Red Sox win big by landing Garrett Crochet, and Scott Boras wins really big negotiating the record-setting Juan Soto contract.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton to address the constantly evolving NCAA landscape and discuss the changes to the league’s basketball championship schedule (1:51). Bill then adds closure to the football and volleyball seasons before looking ahead to Thanksgiving week plans for hockey and basketball (28:57). On the B-Side (50:44), Spurs beat Man City AGAIN, while Liverpool stay top of the EPL after another road win.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by UND Deputy Director of Athletics Erik Martinson to talk about the creation of the Capital City Classic, the farewell sendoff for the Hyslop, and the excitement around this week’s grand opening of Memorial Village 1 (1:51). The guys then reflect on a week that saw multiple changes in plans for two road basketball games and an impressive start to NCHC play for the hockey team in Duluth. (32:31). On the B-Side (46:27), it’s all Premier League talk, as Spurs continue to find ways to lose to winless teams, while Man City shockingly – and delightfully – taste defeat for the fourth match in a row.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by UND Provost Eric Link to discuss the boom in enrollment and retention at the university and the role athletics play in both (1:21). The guys then look back on the highs and lows of the previous fortnight in UND Athletics before previewing a handful of big events coming in the first week of November, including the Summit League XC Championships and the start of basketball season (24:09). On the B-Side (42:43), there’s more retro Boston sports stories from Bill’s childhood, a Spurs no-show at Crystal Palace, and a record-setting start for the Celtics.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by UND Assistant AD Alec Stocker Johnson to talk about the enhancements coming to FightingHawks.com and the process and thought behind updating the website (2:03). The guys then discuss Bill’s previous life in the sports information world before looking ahead to another full weekend around UND Athletics (32:54). On the B-Side (49:04), there’s another international break to suffer through – or just ignore? – and a tribute to departed Red Sox legend Luis Tiant.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by Ralph Engelstad Arena General Manager Jody Hodgson to look ahead to the new UND Hockey season and to discuss the enhancements made to the REA fan experience (1:13). The guys then break down all the happenings around UND Athletics and set the scene for this weekend’s home volleyball, soccer, hockey and close-to-home football matchups (18:50). On the B-Side (32:25), Spurs get back on track in a big way, and the Pod’s Red Sox prediction comes true.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by UND Softball Head Coach Jordan Stevens to discuss the grand opening of Albrecht Field, the new state-of-the-art on-campus softball facility that will debut Saturday, September 21 at 7pm (1:12). The guys then look ahead to this week’s Summit League meetings and glance back over an impressive two-week stretch for Fighting Hawks football, volleyball, cross country and more (26:20). On the B-Side (44:10), the validity of polls comes into question, and Bill delights in the Steelers’ early season success.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by University of Montana Director of Athletics Kent Haslam ahead of North Dakota Football’s home opener against the fourth-ranked Grizzlies on September 7 at 6pm CT (1:08). The guys then look back at the recent happenings around the UND Fall sports scene, including impressions of football’s trip to Iowa State, volleyball’s success in New Mexico, and soccer’s pilgrimage to Chapel Hill (18:17). On the B-Side (37:28), global soccer’s first of three autumnal international breaks arrives at just the wrong time, while the Red Sox prepare for a crucial offseason ahead.

This week, Bill and Alex are joined by Nick Joos of Iowa State Athletics ahead of North Dakota Football’s August 31 season opener in Ames against the Big 12’s Cyclones (1:45). The guys then discuss the NoDak news of the day, including impressions on football’s first two-deep of 2024, the announcement of hockey’s new leadership group, and the solid start to soccer’s regular season (17:33). On the B-Side (46:23), Spurs and Liverpool open the new English Premier League season with similar performances – and familiar, differing results.

On the Season 7 premiere of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex are joined by Missouri Valley Football Conference Commissioner Patty Viverito ahead of her 40th and final season leading the most successful league in the FCS (1:33). The guys also discuss the ever-changing NCAA landscape, the exciting facilities upgrades around campus, and the start of Fall Camp for football, volleyball, soccer, and cross country (16:37). On the B-Side (38:02), the Red Sox are fun again, the Olympics remain undefeated, and the soccer offseason still doesn’t exist.

On this episode of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex discuss the goings-on at the end-of-term meetings for the Summit League, the NCHC, and the MVFC (2:04) before reflecting on the highlights of the past year in UND Athletics. (28:07). On the B-Side (36:17), Bill predicts what will happen over the summer for the pro teams and leagues he’s invested the most in before ending the season with a discussion on a Chaves Pod favorite: instant replay.

On this episode of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex look back on several end-of-the-year events around UND Athletics, including the Champions Ball, the Night of Champions, the UND Athletics town hall meeting, and more (6:03) – before previewing the Summit League Championships for UND softball and track and field (18:21). On the B-Side (35:35), the Red Sox can pitch, Anthony Edwards can play, and Spurs still can’t defend.

On this episode of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex welcome UND Champions Club Director Val Sussex and Deputy Athletics Director Erik Martinson to preview the upcoming Champions Ball and to highlight other avenues to help support North Dakota Athletics (1:53). Then, Erik and the guys promote next month’s UND Athletics town hall meeting and discuss some of the main talking points the NCAA Hockey Rules Committee are set to debate this summer (19:44). On a brief B-Side (40:22), there are penalty kick arguments at Stamford Bridge, despair for Liverpool, Arsenal, and Spurs, and a surplus of injuries in the MLB.

On this episode of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex are joined by Jonathan Holth and Matt Bonzer to discuss the formation of the new 1883 Collective and how they plan to help support UND student athletes through it (1:42). The guys then look back on the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Regional in Maryland Heights and preview a busy period in the UND spring sports scene (28:54). On the B-Side (45:21), the EPL title race heats up – thanks in part to the dullest of matches – plus a new Major League Baseball season begins.

On this episode of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex welcome the legendary radio voice of North Dakota Hockey, Tim Hennessy, ahead of UND’s return to St. Paul for the 2024 Frozen Faceoff (1:13). The guys then continue preview the college hockey postseason, look back on the end of the seasons for Fighting Hawks men’s and women’s basketball, and check in on the on-going progress of UND’s spring sports teams (21:31). On the B-Side, there’s March Madness consumption, Red Sox concerns, and an all-new quarterback room in the Steel City (46:34).

On this episode of the Bill Chaves Podcast, Bill and Alex are joined by UND alum and longtime radio voice of North Dakota Athletics, Paul Ralston, to break down an exceptional season for Fighting Hawks men’s basketball and to preview this year’s Summit League Tournament (2:26). The guys then look back on championship-winning weekends for hockey and indoor track and field and touch on UND spring sports (20:42) before flipping to the B-Side for an update on the Boston sports scene and the English Premier League (51:23).