Eye On Sports

A weekly sports podcast hosted by Butler Eagle News sports writer Derek Pyda. Joining Derek are Butler Eagle sports editor Jake Merda Adams and fellow sports writer Brendan Howe. For more follow: @altereaglepodcast on Instagram, www.butlereagle.com/section/sports and www.alter-eagle.com Hosts: Brendan Howe, Derek Pyda, Jake Adams Producer: Laura Crago

The Only Steelers Draft Breakdown You Need, featuring PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh 04/23/2026

NCAA Champ Easton Bazzoli, Butler Eagle Swimming and Wrestling All-Stars, and Steelers Draft Talk 04/17/2026

NCAA Champ Easton Bazzoli, Butler Eagle Swimming and Wrestling All-Stars, and Steelers Draft Talk “I got about four hours of sleep last night.” Seneca Valley grad Easton Bazzoli still hasn’t slept much since leading Gannon men’s basketball to its first NCAA Division II title a week ago. Is it the recruiting, the celebration or raising a 3-year-old? The former Raiders standout hops on the pod to talk about a whirlwind season and what’s next. But before that, Jake and Brendan (Derek is on vacation this week) talk swimming and wrestling all-county teams and break down the stars from the 2025-26 season. Finally, did you know the NFL draft is coming up? Jake gives Brendan a Eagle-Steelers-themed trivia question with a twist, and they break down some of the options and scuttlebutt (good word) for the Steelers at No. 21. Tune in next week for our full 2026 NFL Draft preview. Like, subscribe, rate, comment and smash that notification button to get the latest episodes every Thursday! For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: Follow on social media: #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #WPIAL#PIAA #NCAA #Butler #GannonMensBasketball #DivisionII #Champions #EastonBazzoli This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/40903560

A Debt Paid off, Butler Eagle All-County Basketball, Mars' Jackson Krock Joins Us 04/09/2026

Hall of Fame Inductee Brad Mueller in Studio, Only After We Go Off The Rails 04/02/2026

Mars' Marin Raible Joins the Show, Previewing the PIAA Spring Season 03/26/2026

Mars' Marin Raible Joins the Show, Previewing the PIAA Spring Season “Diving is definitely the way we still get that excitement.” Mars diver and newly crowned WPIAL and PIAA medalist Marin Raible hopped on "Eye on Sports" to talk about her transition from gymnastics to diving and what it was like to win multiple medals. But first, we stumble all over ourselves to get the interview started as she laughs at our expense. The guys talk spring sports. Can Mars boys and girls lacrosse make it 10 and four WPIAL titles in a row, respectively? We've been unleashing our athletes to watch lists this week and break down some of the big names to know in lax, track, baseball and softball. Plus, Jake has an update on College Football Hall of Fame Terry Hanratty and his cancer battle after talking to the Butler legend. Don't worry, the jokes are still flying! For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/ Follow on social media: https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/ www.alter-eagle.com #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #WPIAL#PIAA #flagfootball #SpringSports #Diving #marsDiving #MarinRaible This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/40624570

Flag on The Play! Talking PIAA Flag Football's Debut, Spring Storylines and NBA Tanking. 03/19/2026

Flag on The Play! Talking PIAA Flag Football's Debut, Spring Storylines and NBA Tanking. "Speaking of flags..." Warmer weather means outdoor sports are back. And that means storylines. Jake is all on board the flag football train. The first PIAA-sanctioned season began in the past week, and Mars, Seneca Valley and North Catholic will be part of the debut season. What can we expect? What's there to be excited about? (Answer: more football!) And is boys flag football next? Derek and Jake also talked about the NBA's tanking "problem." When presented with some ideas, here is what Derek believes might help. And is Mars having the best year overall so far in the 2025-26 school year? Or is another school's athletic department winning our entirely made up "Butler Eagle Bowl?" And you there! Like and subscribe to "Eye on Sports!" Or else! Jake's serious! For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/ Follow on social media: https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/ www.alter-eagle.com #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #WPIAL#PIAA #flagfootball #SpringSports This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/40527175

PIAA Wrestling Championships Recap; Mars' Bednars, Wetherholt Having Big Spring Trainings. 03/12/2026

PIAA Wrestling Championships Recap; Mars' Bednars, Wetherholt Having Big Spring Trainings. Butler's Santino Sloboda won his fourth medal, bronze, at the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships, closing out a historic career. Jake was on site with coverage, highlights and interviews with the man of the weekend. And with it feeling like a (soggy) spring finally, you better be watching some baseball. Mars Planets fans have reasons to be excited, with David Bednar pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and facing his younger brother, Will, in a scrimmage against the San Francisco Giants a week ago. But they may not even be the hottest names with local ties. St. Louis Cardinals top prospect JJ Wetherholt looks all but set to win the starting job and contend for National League Rookie of the Year. Derek and Jake react to an exciting spring. Be sure to smash that like button, ring the bell to get notifications every time we drop an episode and comment and review "Eye on Sports." For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: Follow on social media: #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #WPIAL#PIAA #GirlsBasketball #Wrestling #nfl This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/40404005

Breaking Down PIAA Basketball and Wrestling Championships, Plus an NFL Combine Scouting Report. 03/05/2026

A LOT of WPIAL Wrestling Thoughts, That Knoch-North Catholic Semifinal and Olympics. 02/26/2026

Santino Sloboda’s Record-Breaking Day at Butler, Talking Karns City Girls Basketball's Playoff Odds 02/19/2026

Santino Sloboda’s Record-Breaking Day at Butler, Talking Karns City Girls Basketball's Playoff Odds It's the best time of the wrestling calendar — POSTSEASON! Jake was on site at Butler High School and got some highlights and news from the WPIAL sectional wrestling tournament, where Butler's Santino Sloboda broke a historic record and classmate Sutton Stoner at long last got the win he has been waiting for. What's ahead for the area's best wrestlers? And what did Sloboda have to say about his latest achievement? Plus, that Karns City girls basketball team can sure play defense. The Gremlins, with KSAC MVP Naomi Venesky leading the way, won the conference and look like the team to beat in District 9. But can the offense hold its own against stiffer competition, especially if KC gets to the PIAA tournament? The guys break down the Gremlins' odds. And we talk a little Pirates baseball! It's nearly spring, baby! ESPN gives the Buccos nearly at 25% (!!!) chance to make the postseason and projects 79-80 wins. Jake's just glad Nick Castellanos is not taking up real estate in Philadelphia this year. For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: Follow on social media: #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #miketomlin #WPIAL #SantinoSloboda #Wrestling #ButlerWrestling This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/40158650

WPIAL Basketball Bracket Release, Karns City's Naomi Venesky on Her Milestone & Super Bowl Thoughts. 02/12/2026

Knoch Basketball's Joe Lafko Joins the Show, District Basketball Lookahead and the Belichick Snub 02/05/2026

Knoch Basketball's Joe Lafko Joins the Show, District Basketball Lookahead and the Belichick Snub The WPIAL, District 9 and District 10 playoffs are right around the corner. But many Butler County teams still have to make the dance. Derek, Brendan and Jake discuss this year's surprises and which teams have the best chance to stick around for a while. Can Seneca Valley girls, poised to repeat as WPIAL Section 1-6A champs, make a deep run to the PIAA tournament, or are Karns City, North Catholic (boys and girls) or Slippery Rock girls the area's biggest threat? Then, Knoch boys basketball coach Joe Lafko joins the pod to talk about his surging Knights, another WPIAL contender, and his more-than-30 years of coaching, family and HUGE Fayette County Family. You can't begin to guess how many cousins this man has! Finally, it's Super Bowl week! Time to talk the Stanley Cup Final! Just kidding ... the guys make their predictions for Super Bowl LX and who will win MVP, and touch on that whole Bill Belichick snub thing. They're actually more in alignment than you'd expect. For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: Follow on social media: #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #MoniteauHighSchool #JakeJewart #miketomlin #MoniteauBoysBasketball #slipperyrockpa #MarsPA This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/40006615

Best Student Section? Karns City in the Running + Mike McCarthy to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 01/29/2026

Best Student Section? Karns City in the Running + Mike McCarthy to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Student section week is here in Butler County, and Derek, Brendan and Jake talk about how high school crowds do it best. And then Karns City senior Quinn Robinson, the man behind the theme nights and organizing the gang, joins the show to tell us why the Gremlins have the best supports in all the land. Plus, the Steelers named a head coach. Maybe you know his name. Mike McCarthy. Brendan covered the press conference and shares his inside-baseball thoughts, but is this more of the same for the Steelers or are Lombardis on the horizon again? And Butler held a big girls wrestling tournament over the weekend, which state power Canon-McMillan dominated. Jake was there to get the lay of the land, and breaks down some of the top performances, how Knoch is doing with its coach reinstated and what might be ahead for some of the area's best wrestlers. For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/ Follow on social media: https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/ www.alter-eagle.com #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #Spring2026 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #BestStudentSection #MikeMcCarthy #Pittsburgh #Steelers #KarnsCity #Mars #Butler #Knoch #SlipperyRock #NorthCatholic #SenecaValley #Freeport #Moniteau This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/39919110

Moniteau Basketball Coach Jake Jewart Joins the Show; Reacting to Mars, Slippery Rock Openings. 01/22/2026

Moniteau Basketball Coach Jake Jewart Joins the Show; Reacting to Mars, Slippery Rock Openings. Move over, Mike Tomlin. There's bigger coaching carousel news this week! Derek, Brendan and Jake break down last week's stories on Mars and Slippery Rock losing their head football coaches. What's next? Who might be a candidate for those teams? How good of a job are they? Oh, yeah, there's a Steelers coaching search going on. The guys discuss one of the rarest occurrences in American sports. And Moniteau boys basketball coach Jake Jewart hops on the show to talk about taking the reigns of his alma mater from his dad and leading a surging Warriors team to a hot start. Jewart discusses what's new and what's the same in his first year, which players make him roll his eyes the most and what's ahead this season. And finally, the PIAA announced the state soccer championships are coming to Pittsburgh's Highmark Stadium and overtime is going extinct during the regular season. What's the bigger news for high school soccer, and what does it mean going forward (besides a sorter trip for us if any local teams make the state final)? Episode LINKS: For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to: Follow on social media: #WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #MoniteauHighSchool #JakeJewart #miketomlin #MoniteauBoysBasketball #slipperyrockpa #MarsPA This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA. Cast: Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host /episode/index/show/3210efa4-4f15-470d-8220-5039e7e20d05/id/39820800