Mid-American Bandwagon Episode 54

Hustle Belt: for Mid-American Conference fans

Happy Friday folks! It was a bittersweet week here at the Bandwagon, as we announce Sam’s departure as co-host of the show. It’s been a great ride building this up from nothing over the past year, so we put together a great show to send him out on a high note!

In the major news story of the week, the boys break down Frank Solich’s retirement at Ohio. Solich led the Bobcats for 16 years and retires as the winningest head football coach in MAC history. What he’s done for the Bobcats program has been incredible, and we don’t think it’s crazy to say there will be a statue of him in Athens one day. Long time offensive coordinator Tim Albin will take over the reins of the program, and we’ll be curious to see if he’ll be able to sustain the Bobcats momentum over the next few seasons.

Also at Ohio, AD Julie Cromer announced Geoff Carlston as the new head coach of the Bobcats women’s volleyball program. Carlston returns to Athens for a second stint as head coach, previously serving in the role from 2003-2007. In that time, Carlston’s squads went 144-22, and 78-2 in the MAC. Are those numbers good? Carlston returns to Athens after spending 12 years in Columbus leading the Ohio State women’s program.

Lastly in the news, the boys break down the MAC selections in last weekends MLB draft. The headliner was Miami pitcher Sam Bachman, who went 9th overall to the LA Angels. Overall, 9 MAC players were drafted, including MAC Player of the Year Chris Myers of Toledo. Best of luck to all of the MAC athletes who heard their name called!

In this weeks football preview, Zach and Sam select the players who they think will serve as the “Keys to Success” for each MAC squad this year. Who will be the driver of your team this season? What players or position groups need to step up? Let us know!

To close out this weeks show, soon to be co-host Steve Helwick stops by to introduce himself to the audience. Steve has been covering the MAC for Hustle Belt for five years now, so if you’re a Belter, you certainly have read his work. Steve talks about his love for college football, how he got introduced to the MAC, and the teams that intrigue him this year. We’re looking forward to welcoming Steve as a new co-host!

As always thanks for stopping by this week folks. Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you back here next Friday!

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