Ep 46 | Harrisburg's Kade Wede, RHP, 2027
Ducks On The Pond
In this episode, we dive into the world of high school baseball with 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...
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Ep 45 | Recruiting, Development & The St. Thomas Way With Coach Neal Kunik
Ducks On The Pond
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...
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Ep 44 | How DCTC Is Trying To Change The JUCO Landscape with Head Coach Blaine Barthel
Ducks On The Pond
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...
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Ep 43 | Inside DIII Baseball: Competing, Recruiting, and Building a Winning Program with St. Scholastica's Seth Betts
Ducks On The Pond
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...
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Ep 42 | Inside Augustana's Winning Formula with Head Coach Tim Huber
Ducks On The Pond
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....
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Ep 41 | Rockford's William Haas
Ducks On The Pond
On this episode of Ducks On The Pond, we are joined by the Rocket of Rockford, . 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.
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Ep 40 | University of Minnesota Pitching Coach Alec Crawford
Ducks On The Pond
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...
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Ep 39 | Dylan Tebrake - New York Mets Prospect
Ducks On The Pond
Andy Judkins and Parker Hageman are joined by 2018 Rocori graduate . 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.
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Ep 38 | The Ohm Bros
Ducks On The Pond
Andy Judkins and Parker Hageman are joined by Zumbrota Mazeppa's hard-throwing siblings, Preston and Hudson Ohm. Preston is a 2024 and a St. Thomas commit. The big lefty was recently at the Prep Baseball Midwest Procase where the no. 5 ranked prospect in Minnesota's class of 2024 was firing 93.5 MPH in front of pro scouts. Hudson is a 2026 right-hander who was up to 88 MPH at our Fall ID-Twin Cities this past October. He's the no. 7 overall prospect in his class. Listen and review our show.
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Ep 37 | Minnesota State-Mankato's PJ McIntee
Ducks On The Pond
Andy Judkins and Parker Hageman are joined by Minnesota State-Mankota's associate head coach, PJ McIntee. McIntee gives us a glimpse of how the Division II program recruits, what they look for in players, and how the 2024 season is shaping up for the Mavericks.
info_outlineHunt talks about his experience scouting Minnesota players and his obsession for Quixotic Coffee in St. Paul.