Mike Szalat - Making Cross Country Fun for over 20 Years!
Release Date: 11/15/2022
Keith Duncan: Cutthroat Kicking
The Moonlight Graham Show
In this episode of the Moonlight Graham Show, we turn our focus to a special kind of underdog – the often overlooked yet crucially important football kicker. Our guest, Keith Duncan, a former Iowa walk-on kicker known for his game-winning field goal against Nebraska, joins us to share his unique perspective on the sport. The inspiration for this episode struck as I watched the recent Iowa vs. Nebraska football game, witnessing another walk-on kicker step into the spotlight under immense pressure. It brought back memories of Keith's own dramatic experience, making him the perfect guest to...
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Jack Brownlee: Youth Sports and Raising Champions
The Moonlight Graham Show
On this episode of the Moonlight Graham Show, we're bringing back a true original, one of our very first guests who embodies the underdog spirit, Jack Brownlee. As the pivotal point guard who led Fort Dodge St. Edmond to a historic state championship victory in 2000, Jack is no stranger to overcoming odds and exemplifying what it means to be a Moonlighter. Jack's journey from high school legend to a passionate advocate for the love of the game is as inspiring as it is instructive. After a notable performance at Kirkwood Community College, he walked on to the University of Iowa team,...
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Sean Johnson - World Long Drive Runner-Up
The Moonlight Graham Show
This week on the Moonlight Graham Show, we're reconnecting with a guest whose story captures the essence of athletic versatility and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Sean Johnson, a towering former baseball player turned World Long Drive competitor, joins us to discuss his incredible ascent in the sport of long drive golf. Sean's athletic prowess first shone on the baseball diamond, where he claimed a junior college national championship with Iowa Western and hurled pitches for Ole Miss in the SEC before dipping into the minor leagues. When we last spoke to Sean a year and a half ago, he...
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Brady Ross: Former Walk-On Fullback gives his thoughts on Iowa's Offense
The Moonlight Graham Show
This week on the Moonlight Graham Show, we delve into the story of Brady Ross, a former Iowa Hawkeye fullback whose journey and character perfectly capture the essence of what this show and Iowa Hawkeye football are all about. Ross, who joined the Iowa program as a walk-on and transitioned from linebacker to fullback, truly embodies the role-player spirit. During his four years starting, Ross's stats might not jump off the page - with only 13 carries, 25 total yards, a touchdown, and seven receptions - but his commitment and selflessness speak volumes about his dedication to the team. Renowned...
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Peter Jok and the Best Iowans to Never Play in the NBA
The Moonlight Graham Show
On this week's episode of the Moonlight Graham Show, where we spotlight the unsung heroes and unforgettable tales of sports, we're thrilled to bring you a story of resilience, talent, and dreams. Meet Peter Jok: an Iowan with roots in Sudan, a basketball prodigy, and now, an Olympic hopeful. Peter's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from the tumultuous backdrop of Sudan, which experienced decades of civil unrest, Peter and his family found refuge in Des Moines, Iowa. From a newcomer who had never held a basketball, he transformed into one of the top high school recruits in the...
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The Longest Losing Streak in Sports History
The Moonlight Graham Show
Today, the pod delve into one of the most baffling sports records ever witnessed: the Minnesota Twins' staggering 18-game postseason losing streak spanning 19 years across eight postseason appearances. Remarkably, this streak stands unmatched in the annals of American professional sports history. For context, the Detroit Pistons hold the NBA's longest losing streak with 14 straight postseason defeats, putting the Twins' plight into stark perspective. What's even more perplexing? The Twins haven't fielded mediocre teams during this period. They've showcased MVPs, Cy Young winners, Batting...
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Iowa vs. THE WORLD
The Moonlight Graham Show
Driving straight into golf's heartland, the Moonlight Graham Show tees up an unexpected tale where Iowa takes center stage in the golfing world. Drawing on these unexpected links, Tim delves deep into the significant Iowa presence in two of golf's most esteemed events: the Ryder Cup and the Walker Cup. Despite its seemingly unimpressive golfing history, Iowa has managed to leave an indelible mark this year with Zach Johnson, arguably the state's finest golfer, captaining the Ryder Cup team. In a twist of fate or perhaps sheer talent, Mike McCoy, a Des Moines local, headed the Walker Cup's U.S....
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A State Divided… by VNITY PL8S
The Moonlight Graham Show
Once a rare novelty, vanity plates have become increasingly ubiquitous, especially in the heart of Des Moines. In a region divided by the fierce Cy-Hawk rivalry, the vehicular battle is real, with Hawkeye and Cyclone fans using their cars as an extension of their team pride. This pod isn't just about numbers and letters on reflective aluminum, though. It's about the evolving culture, regional identities, and the amusing ways in which our sports loyalties manifest in everyday life. After weeks of research, this episode promises a lighthearted look at a unique phenomenon in Iowa. Buckle up and...
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Michael Barta - Johnston Baseball Coach
The Moonlight Graham Show
This week on the Moonlight Graham show, we shine the spotlight on one of Iowa’s most distinguished high school baseball coaches - Michael Barta. Not even 40 and already a name to reckon with, Barta has led teams to an impressive five state championships. Our discussion dives deep into Barta's monumental achievement of turning Johnston High School, a large public institution, into a powerhouse of baseball. In an age where high schools emphasize sports like basketball and football, Barta's accomplishment stands out. Under his guidance, Johnston is not just thriving in high school baseball but...
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Ben Meyer - Weight Loss and Brian Ferentz
The Moonlight Graham Show
In this episode of the Moonlight Graham Show, we're thrilled to welcome back one of our most beloved Moonlighters, Big Ben Meyer, affectionately known as "Mr. Grandview." A fan favorite from the early days of the podcast, Ben returns to share his unique and often amusing insights. With Iowa and Iowa State week in full swing, Tim and Big Ben dive deep into their respective allegiances, discussing the upcoming game, offering thoughts on Brian Ferentz, and navigating the latest trending topics from the world of sports. A trusted figure both on the podcast and in his professional life at Robert's...
info_outlineSports are about so much more than wins and losses. At the same time, though, sports aren’t nearly as fun if you don’t care about wins and losses. At the middle school and high school level, more than anything else, sports are about learning life lessons and building relationships. It takes a special kind of coach to be able to balance the drive to develop young people and develop competitors. Mike Szalat is one of those people. Over the last 20+ years, few people have put more hours into the students and athletes at St. Edmond in Fort Dodge.
True to his Moonlighter status, in his time at Saint Edmond, Coach Szalat has taught Science and Social Studies courses, coached cross country, wrestling, and baseball, and sponsored the National Honor Society and Student Council, among other roles that the school has asked him to take on. He has coached a runner in every state cross country meet since 1999 and had successful individuals and teams on the diamond and on the mat during his tenure.
In more than two decades as a coach, he has been able to coach many good athletes, but none more memorable than coaching his three sons. This past cross-country season was his first season without one of his sons on the team since 2009. Tim gets a little inside information as he looks down the road to coaching his three sons someday.
Several members of the Moonlight crew were taught and coached by Coach Szalat. Almost 20 years later, he is still Coach Szalat or Mr. Szalat to us. This interview covers Coach’s career in sports and working with young people. He has worked with hundreds and hundreds of young people and made an indelible impact on their lives.