Then and Now with Coach Z

Episoder

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  Ep. 012 | Pete Woods | Then & Now 20.08.2026 45min

  Coach Z sits down with Missouri Sports Hall of Famer Pete Woods to look back on a remarkable athletic career that began at University City High School and continued at the University of Missouri.A three-sport standout at U City, Woods went on to compete in both football and baseball at Mizzou, playing quarterback for the Tigers while also taking the mound for Missouri baseball. Pete and Coach Z revisit his days in St. Louis, his path to Mizzou, the coaches and teammates who shaped him, and the experiences that ultimately earned him induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.Subscribe for more conversations with the athletes, coaches, officials and sports figures who helped shape Missouri sports — then and now.
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  Ep. 011 | Steve Stipanovich | Then & Now 13.08.2026 50min

  Coach Z sits down with Steve Stipanovich, the No. 2 overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft and a 2001 inductee into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.Stipanovich reflects on his basketball journey from De Smet Jesuit and the University of Missouri to the NBA, where he spent five seasons with the Indiana Pacers before injuries cut his career short. He and Coach Z revisit the people, moments and lessons that shaped his path, along with stories from a memorable era of St. Louis and Missouri basketball.Then & Now with Coach Z brings together athletes, coaches, officials and sports personalities to share the stories behind their careers—and how the game has changed along the way.
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  Ep. 010 | Rich Hantak & Bob Hantak | Then & Now 06.08.2026 40min

  This week on Then & Now with Coach Z, Coach Ron Zetcher welcomes two brothers whose impact on sports has been felt from the local diamonds of St. Louis to the biggest stage in professional football.Rich Hantak, former NFL official and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee, shares stories from decades officiating the game's biggest moments, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the pressure, preparation and split-second decisions that define life in the NFL.Joining him is Bob Hantak, a Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame inductee whose lifelong dedication to the game helped shape generations of players and preserve one of the region's richest baseball traditions.Together, the Hantak brothers reflect on growing up in a sports family, the lessons that carried them through remarkable careers, and why integrity, leadership and a love of the game remain timeless. It's a conversation spanning football, baseball and the enduring values that connect both.
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  Ep. 009 | Dr. Ed Hightower | Then & Now 30.07.2026 59min

  In Episode 9 of Then & Now with Coach Z, Coach Z sits down with longtime friend and former officiating colleague Dr. Ed Hightower — one of the most accomplished figures in both basketball officiating and education.During a decorated career on the court, Hightower officiated at the highest levels of college basketball, including 12 NCAA Division I Final Fours. Off the court, he built an equally distinguished career in education, including his tenure as superintendent of the Edwardsville School District.Coach Z and Hightower look back on their years officiating together, the personalities and experiences they encountered along the way, and the preparation, judgment and composure required to call games at the highest level. Hightower also reflects on a lifetime of leadership in education and the lessons that carried between the classroom and the basketball court.It’s a reunion between two veteran officials — and a conversation about basketball, leadership, friendship and a remarkable career spent making an impact on and off the court.
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  Ep. 008 | Tamar Sher | Then & Now 28.07.2026 49min

  In Episode 8 of Then & Now with Coach Z, 2025 Missouri Sportscaster of the Year Tamar Sher of KMOV Sports on 4 joins Coach Z to talk about her career in sports media and covering some of the biggest stories across the St. Louis sports landscape.Tamar shares her journey into broadcasting and experiences covering the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis CITY SC and University of Missouri football, along with the athletes, coaches and moments she’s encountered along the way.She and Coach Z also discuss the changing world of sports journalism, building relationships with the people behind the games and what makes covering sports in St. Louis unique.It’s a conversation about storytelling, local sports and the next generation of St. Louis sports media.
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  Ep. 007 | Vahe Gregorian | Then & Now 23.07.2026 45min

  In Episode 7 of Then & Now with Coach Z, award-winning sports columnist Vahe Gregorian joins Coach Z for a conversation spanning decades of sports journalism—from his years covering St. Louis sports at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch to his current role as one of the leading voices at The Kansas City Star.Vahe reflects on the stories, athletes, and moments that have defined his career while discussing the ever-changing landscape of sports media. Together, he and Coach Z dive into the rich sports culture of the Kansas City region, the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Kansas City, and their shared experiences covering memorable basketball games at the legendary Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.Whether you're a fan of great sportswriting, college basketball, Kansas City sports, or the stories behind the headlines, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations preserving the stories, memories, and people who shaped the games we love.
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  Ep. 006 | Greg Vitello | Then & Now 16.07.2026 43min

  In Episode 6 of Then & Now with Coach Z, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee and longtime De Smet Jesuit baseball coach Greg Vitello joins Coach Z for a conversation celebrating 46 years of coaching, leadership, and the lasting impact of high school athletics.Greg reflects on building one of Missouri's premier baseball programs, the values that guided his decades in the dugout, memorable players and championship moments, and the relationships that made the journey so rewarding. He also shares stories about baseball becoming a family affair, including watching his son, Tony Vitello, rise to become Manager of the San Francisco Giants.Whether you're a baseball fan, a coach, or someone who appreciates the power of mentorship and leadership, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations preserving the stories, memories, and people who shaped the games we love.
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  Ep. 005 | Gene Gieselmann | Then & Now 09.07.2026 40min

  In Episode 5 of Then & Now with Coach Z, legendary St. Louis Cardinals Head Athletic Trainer Gene Gieselmann joins Coach Z in the studio for an unforgettable conversation spanning nearly three decades inside one of baseball's most iconic clubhouses.Gene reflects on his journey to the Cardinals, the evolution of athletic training, caring for Hall of Fame players, and the relationships that defined his remarkable career. Along the way, he shares behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments from championship seasons, and lessons learned from a lifetime dedicated to America's pastime.Whether you're a Cardinals fan, a baseball history enthusiast, or simply appreciate great stories from those who lived them, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations preserving the stories, memories, and people who shaped the games we love.
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  Ep. 004 | Bob Hardcastle, Rich Rogers, Sandy Pomerantz | Then & Now 02.07.2026 42min

  In Episode 4 of Then & Now with Coach Z, Coach Z is joined by three lifelong pillars of the St. Louis sports community—Bob Hardcastle, Rich Rogers, and Sandy Pomerantz—for a conversation that celebrates the people, moments, and memories that shaped generations of local athletics.From unforgettable games and legendary coaches to the evolution of sports in St. Louis, the group shares personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections on the friendships and values that have endured over the decades. Whether you're a lifelong sports fan or simply enjoy hearing history told by those who lived it, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the lasting impact of community, competition, and character
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  Ep. 003 | Tom Dore | Then & Now 25.06.2026 42min

  On the third episode of Then and Now with Coach Z, Ron sits down with Tom Dore, the longtime television voice of the Chicago Bulls during one of the most iconic eras in sports.From his days as a 7'2" standout at the University of Missouri to calling Bulls basketball alongside legends like Johnny “Red” Kerr and Stacey King, Dore shares stories from a front-row seat to the Michael Jordan championship years. Together, he and Coach Z reflect on the personalities, preparation, leadership, and unforgettable moments that defined a generation of basketball—and the lessons that still carry forward today.
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  Ep. 002 | Bill Westbrooks & Todd Burchyett | Then & Now 23.06.2026 37min

  In Episode 2 of Then & Now with Coach Z, Coach Z is joined by Bill Westbrooks and Todd Burchyett for a conversation shaped by decades of experience in college officiating. From Bill’s years spent in a referee uniform to Todd’s work in today’s replay-driven game, they reflect on the paths, people, and pivotal moments that have defined their careers.Along the way, they discuss how officiating has evolved—from preparation and communication to technology and the pressure of getting every call right—while exploring the values that continue to guide the profession: integrity, accountability, and respect for the game.This episode offers a rare look at college football through the eyes of those responsible for its most important decisions, connecting the traditions of the past with the realities of the game today.
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  Ep. 001 | Ron Zetcher | Then & Now 18.06.2026 21min

  In the debut episode of Then & Now with Coach Z, Ron Zetcher shares the remarkable journey that shaped his life in sports, leadership, and service. From his early years and coaching career to decades as an NCAA official and mentor, Coach Z reflects on the experiences, relationships, and lessons that have defined his path.Along the way, he discusses how sports have evolved over the years, the values that never go out of style, and the moments that taught him the importance of integrity, preparation, and perseverance.This episode serves as both an introduction to Coach Z and the foundation for the conversations to come—connecting the wisdom of the past with the opportunities and challenges of today.Welcome to Then & Now with Coach Z.