Ep 47 | Prep Baseball Minnesota Player of the Year Owen Marsolek

We're back with another season of Ducks On The Pond. To start Season 4, we're joined by Connor Gandossy, the University of Minnesota's Hitting Coach & Recruiting Coordinator.  In this episode, Coach Gandossy talks about his view on the current recruiting landscape, what he looks for in his talent evaluation process, and how the Gophers are set up for offensive success in 2026.  Listen and subscibe. 

In this episode, Owen Marsolek, Prep Baseball Minnesota's Player of the Year, reflects on his high school baseball journey, discussing his impressive statistics, team dynamics, and the importance of mentorship. He shares insights on preparing for college baseball, the significance of physical development, and his favorite places to play and eat in Duluth. The conversation highlights the challenges and excitement of transitioning from high school to collegiate baseball, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, preparation, and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Owen Marsolek 02:36 Reflecting on a Successful Duluth Marshall Season 04:47 Team Dynamics and Leadership 07:04 Preparing for the Next Level 09:23 Future Aspirations and College Decisions 11:44 Favorite Memories and Local Favorites

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 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Harrisburg High School Baseball 02:55 Team Dynamics and Expectations for the Season 06:05 Training Regimen and Personal Development 08:54 Showcase Experiences and Competitions 11:55 Physical Growth and Nutrition Strategies 14:50 Mental Game and Personal Goals 18:08 Future Aspirations and Team Opportunities

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.

In this episode, we dive deep into Division III college baseball, focusing on the MIAC conference and its competitive structure. From the challenges of scheduling 40 games in a season to navigating a playoff system with limited spots, we break down what it takes to succeed at this level. The conversation also explores how recruiting has evolved, with technology and platforms like Prep Baseball enabling national talent searches. It highlights the rising skill level in Division III baseball due to changes across the collegiate landscape. We get an inside look at St. Scholastica's recruiting philosophy, emphasizing academics, player development, and competitive culture, as well as how the program targets athletes nationwide. Whether you're an aspiring player, coach, or baseball enthusiast, this episode offers a comprehensive view of DIII baseball and what it takes to build a winning program.

In this episode of Ducks On The Pond, Andy Judkins and Parker Hageman are joined by Augustana University's head coach Tim Huber. Our discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities of collegiate baseball recruiting, with a focus on Augustana University's unique approach to player development. The conversation highlights the importance of patience, as overlooked players often transform into standouts over time.  Topics include the impact of the transfer portal, the growing talent pool in South Dakota, and the dynamics of balancing local recruitment with national competition. Augustana's coaches emphasize loyalty to their program, the value of nurturing high school talent, and the importance of giving committed players a fair shot at success. The episode also touches on how regional and cultural factors shape recruiting strategies and player experiences.

On this episode of Ducks On The Pond, we are joined by the Rocket of Rockford, William Haas.  Haas is currently the no. 1 ranked prospect in Minnesota's class of 2025, a University of Tennessee commit, and has been catching some helium on the way into MLB draft season. The left-hander joins us to talk about his offseason training, his recruitment process, Rockford's state title in 2024, and looking ahead to his senior year.  Listen and subscribe. 

In this episode, we're back with special guest Alec Crawford, assistant coach for the University of Minnesota baseball program. Coach Crawford shares insights into the Gopher baseball team's fall training, the innovative use of technology like TrackMan, and how the team balances legacy traditions with a faster-paced, modern coaching philosophy. We also dive into recruiting strategies, the role of multi-sport athletes, and building a diverse and competitive pitching staff. With plenty of behind-the-scenes stories and thoughtful discussion, this episode offers a fresh perspective on collegiate baseball's evolving landscape. Listen and subscribe.

Andy Judkins and Parker Hageman are joined by 2018 Rocori graduate Dylan Tebrake.  Tebrake shares his story of being recruited by Creighton, his flirtation with the transfer portal, getting drafted by the Mets in 2022, and what the full spring training experience is like.  Listen and subscribe.