Elite Team Athletics Podcast

#41 - Quardell Young

On today's episode, we get to know Elite's very own Quardell "Q" Young! Q is known on the court for his cat like reflexes and his killer instinct. This led Q to becoming a 2 time national champ under legendary Coach Pat Miller and got him drafted into the G-League for his professional career with the Dallas Mavericks affiliate team, where he was coached by none other than Nick Van Exel. Quardell's accolades include: First Team All-American, Reese's All Star Game, Player of the Year, All Defensive Team, Male Sportsmanship of the year award and many more. Q finished his career at Whitewater, 2nd in assists, 5th in steals, 9th in scoring and 10th in blocks which is incredible for a point guard. Deadly behind the arc and a great facilitator of the offense. Q discusses his upbringing in Kenosha, Wisconsin and what it was like hooping at Bradford High School. Also, discusses his signature buzzer beaters he frequently had in college. As well as what Q does in his free time. A must listen!

#40 - Dontarrious Thomas

On today's episode, we had the pleasure of having Former Minnesota Viking 2nd Round Pick and Auburn Legend Dontarrious Thomas with us to discuss his football journey. The interview begins with how Covid-19 has effected his illustrious chicken wing spots, Voodoo Wings. Then we discuss what it was like growing up and playing sports in Perry, Georgia and how he wasn't even the best player on his own high school team, yet he was the one to make it to the league. How Dontarrious made it to Auburn, and forever would want to stick it to Georgia for not offering him a scholarship, and getting sweet revenge when they faced on the field. What it was like going up against the likes of Alabama and beating them 3 out of his 4 years at Auburn. Being on the front cover of ESPN magazine with his teammate Karlos Dansby. Among other topics, we discuss not getting a National Championship, First team All-SEC, College hall of fame, 10th career tackles at Auburn, and how 9 of the starters his final year in college went on to the pros. We then discuss his pro career with the Vikings, 49ers & Chargers. What it was like being drafted 48th overall in the 2nd round. Playing with the likes of Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Tekeo Spikes, Frank Gore, LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, etc. And that conversation he had with Randy Moss about how to be a pro that has stuck with him ever since. How Adrian Peterson is super human, and a hilarious LaDainian Tomlinson story. A must listen!

#39 - Darren "Doogie" Wolfson

On today's episode, we were fortunate to have 5 Eye Witness, Skor North Contributor and Host, Darren "Doogie" Wolfson give us all the juicy details of all the news and rumors in Minnesota Sports. We discussed the possible Devin Booker trade to the Wolves, Malik Beasley contract negotiations, latest on possible new ownership of the Timberwolves, where KG's group is at in this equation, who the wolves are eyeing in the upcoming NBA Draft. Also, why Everson Griffin chose the Cowboys over the Vikings, some possible veteran replacements that could fill the void of Everson (Clay Matthews, Ziggy Ansah, Jadeveon Clowney), insight on who might be the Vikings starters at Cornerback. Whether or not, the Vikes will pay Dalvin Cook before the season begins. And is Justin Jefferson a lock to start for the Vikes this upcoming season. Insight on the Big Ten Committee canceling the Gophers football season. A must listen!

#38 - Kendal Shell

On today's episode, we had the pleasure of having Former Minnesota Gopher & Chief Operating Officer of Hoops & Christ, Kendal Shell with us! Kendal was a preferred walk-on towards the end of Tubby Smith's tenure, who earned a scholarship from Richard Pitino after he took over as Head Coach. We discussed where is exuberant enthusiasm throughout games came from and how that encouraging positive attitude is greatly missed on the Gopher's team. Throughout high school, Kendal came from a very strong program that rarely lost, under Hall of Fame Coach Jay Blossom. We discussed what it was like going from winning his whole prep career to then facing the adversity of losing when he reached the college ranks. And how Kendal always marched to the sound of his own drum even when it wasn't the cool thing to do. Kendal embraced being a so called "band geek" but he wouldn't trade it for the world. Kendal was also a star baseball player back in Missouri and has ties to none other than NBA stars Bradley Beal and Jayson Tatum. Bradley and Kendal had some battles, Kendal was always tasked with guarding him. And his relationship with Jayson Tatum is a little more unique, he was actually trained by Jayson's father Justin as well as Justin's good friend Corey Frazier. This is where Kendal would compete against Hoop's & Christ Founder Chaunsee Hollingsworth. These two would duke it out during workouts but always remained cool off the court. When college rolled around they both ended up in Minnesota and decided to team up. Their program is unique in the fact that they don't only help you on the court but also off it with a discipleship program focusing on spiritual leadership training and character development. Hoops & Christ has mentors ready to motivate and empower the next generation by instilling the importance of using basketball as a platform to reach and help more people. Please check out their website to learn more, and book a session! https://hoopsandchrist.com/

 

#37 - Stavon "Steff Weezy" Williams

Today's episode, we had Internet Sensation, Dave & Buster's King, Former D1 Hooper, Stavon "Steff Weezy" Williams on the show! Steff walks us through his crazy basketball journey. From making a name for himself in Minnesota hoops through the high school ranks, to giving Jimmy Butler 30 points in JUCO. To then dropping 22 points on Paul George during Paul's final college game, and how Steff told Paul to get the hell out of college and to go to the league after the game. Steff spoke about how great the competition was the year Steff played at Utah St. facing the likes of Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Damian Lillard, Jimmer Fredetter, Luke Babbit, Wesley Matthews, Patty Mills & James Nunnally. And how one of his favorite moments at Spectrum was lighting up foe Nevada in the second half for 8 straight unanswered points in about 10 seconds T-Mac style that pushed USU to an 11-point win. Steff also discusses fatherhood, his short pro-career that he might rekindle and of course Fame and what got him to that point. This man has millions of views on Instagram, Youtube, you name it. Check out his videos, and be "One of them Ones" and cop some fresh merch! Our most entertaining interview yet!

#36 - Tony Danna

Today, we had the pleasure of having UST Legend, All-American Linebacker Tony Danna on the show. Coincidentally, we started the show off with some small talk about the most recent Joe Rogan Podcast because Tony surprisingly made the #1516 episode on the 29th of July. Do to that episode, we jumped right into his work, Tony is the first US Employee to be microchipped, because of this, Tony went viral and did interviews with Good Morning America explaining all the things employees can do with their chip, and how he believes long term this microchip technology will be able to help humans detect illnesses early so humans have a better chance to cure them. We then discuss Tony’s playing career, and how originally he was only interested in hockey. What got him to switch to football, and how incredible his 5 year journey was with the program. Watching Glen Caruso completely flip the program around. What Tony thinks will happen to the University of St. Thomas football program now that it is going D1. Tony also, discusses the infamous Tommie Johnnie football rivalry. How after college his hip injuries cut his pro career short overseas. Which then got Tony into coaching. A must listen!

#35 - Aba & Nuni Omot

On today's show we interview Stand-Up Comedian and former Professional Track Athlete Aba Omot and his brother Professional Basketball Player Nuni Omot. What makes these brother's story so incredible is the obstacles they had to endure and conquer to reach their goals. When Aba was 3 his family was caught in the middle of a civil war in Ethiopia, they traveled 440 miles to safety at a refugee camp in Nairobi. While on that journey by foot, Nuni was born. With some help Aba and Nuni along with their mother were able to move to the United States. This trek meandered through New York City, South Dakota and Minneapolis before the family settled in Mahtomedi. The Omot brother's discuss how challenging it was to overcome a language barrier in a single mother household while trying to figure out how to provide. Their Mother would work two jobs, while Aba would baby sit Nuni. Aba discusses how his responsibilities as a child were far different from his peers. But how watching their Mother's work ethic helped instill that same work ethic in themselves. Both brother's were late bloomers, but when their opportunities arose they took full advantage. Aba discusses how he went from being in the shadow to then the spotlight as a captain after one season, then to being one of the greatest all around track athletes for the University of St. Thomas, before attempting to qualify for the Olympics, but now has found a home behind the mic doing stand up comedy. Nuni discussed going from playing JV basketball his Junior year, to then growing a few more inches his senior year to then averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assist. Nuni was still disappointed because he did't receive any D1 offers. Nuni chose to play D2 for Concordia and realized he didn't want to stop there, he trasfferred to a D1 JUCO program, had a great season, then the D1 offers started pouring in. Nuni elected to choose Baylor where he was a staple 3 and D player for the program over the following 2 years. Nuni goes on to tell us what motivates him, His experiences with the Nets and the Warriors and the trials and tribulations of playing overseas. It was a pleasure having the Omot brothers on the show and we hope to have them back! A must listen!

#34 - Raw Cowels Pt. 2

We are in Part 2 of our interview with Professional Basketball Player, Ray Cowels. We are very fortunate that Ray felt comfortable with us to dig a little deeper into his story. Ray talks about receiving a scar from another Minnesota standout athlete Mike Floyd in the middle of a basketball game. Trevor Mbakwe dunking on him in 8th grade. To being homeless after college, while chasing his pro career. Sleeping in his car to couch hopping. Training kids just to get by to the next workout, and how the grind all paid off and he wouldn’t trade it for anything. And some crazy stories in the Drew League. That time rapper, The Game left a blooded out red bag full of money in the locker room but nobody touched it out of fear/respect. And essentially Ray’s initiation into the Drew League! A must listen!

#33 - Jon Hoese

Glencoe Silver Lake Legend, Gopher Great, Former Professional Football Player, and Vice President Banker by day and Professional Snowmobiler by night, or shall I say by winter… Jon Hoese hopped on the show with us to tell us about his journey. From being a small town kid on a farm to bouncing around the NFL. Jon’s life has been a roller coaster ride, that not even hollywoods best writers could dream up, some extreme highs and tough lows. We were fortunate that Jon felt comfortable enough to discuss what it was like playing the game of his life days before his father passed away. To also, surviving the deadliest mass shooting in US history, the Las Vegas Music Festival Shooting in 2017. It was a pleasure talking football with Jon, and we hope he comes back on the show once snowmobile season comes back! A must listen!

#32 - Ashley Drazkowski

We had on Certified Personal Trainer and Former D1 Swimmer Ashley Drazkowski! Ashley goes in depth how she went from having 2 degrees at job in the corporate world, to then realizing she hated sitting at a desk all day and switching to a life in Personal Training. How Ashley’s now found a niche in preparing future NBA/WNBA players for college and the pros. What it’s like conversing with the Head Coaches at schools like Arizona, UNC, Marquette and UCONN on how to physically prepare her athletes before sending them off to their respected colleges. Ashley’s clients include: Zeke Nnaji, Kerwin Walton, Dawson Garcia, Paige Bueckers, Maya Nnaji, Elvis Nnaji, Camden Heide, Jamison Battle, Amaya Battle, Xavier White, Jalen Treml, Andrew Chisley, Tyrell Sappington, Rashad Vaughn & Nuni Omott. Tune in to find out which players have the hardest time getting through her work outs! And surprisingly what the hardest thing is to convince Kerwin Walton to do. And why Dawson Garcia would rather do a marathon than a particular lift. A must listen!