ALASKA SPORTS TALK
Championship football takes center stage on this episode of AST! Lathrop Football Head Coach Luke Balash and son Bo Balash Lathrop QB joins the crew to recap Lathrop’s Division II state championship victory over Soldotna, highlighting quarterback Boaz’s development, Wilson’s playmaking ability, and the veteran offensive line that helped make it all possible. From offseason work to championship execution, hear how the Malemutes built their success—and how the Fairbanks community rallied behind them. Next, South Anchorage’s Coach Lewis previews the Division I championship showdown against West. He discusses South’s defensive identity, overcoming early quarterback injuries, and finding stability with Ethan Harrington. With West’s powerful offensive line presenting a major challenge, Lewis explains why defense and the running game will be critical. The crew also touches on the Division III final between Kenai and Homer, Snowden Williams’ standout performance, and the challenges Alaska’s fall weather brings to outdoor championship games. Watch the Full Episode on AST YouTube: https://youtu.be/9T9GhcnoSSQ
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AST RECENT EPISODES
A podcast all about Alaska Sports! We bring insight, knowledge, with an interesting and fun perspective about all the happenings in high school and college sports in Alaska!
Photos on AlaskaSportsTalk.com provided by Stephanie Goon (@goongallery96), Todd Ramoth and the University of Alaska Anchorage
SEASON 4, EPISODE 4
Isaiah and Brad welcome the new UAA Athletic Director Michael Bazemore for a conversation about leadership, student-athlete success, and connecting Seawolf sports with the community. Bazemore shares his journey from coaching youth sports to leading an athletic department, explains why UAA was the right next step, and describes learning a new institution as joining a team with a new playbook. The conversation tackles some of college athletics’ biggest questions—from transfers and name, image, and likeness opportunities to staffing and mentorship. Closer to home, the crew explores how to get more families into the stands, build lifelong fans, and turn game nights into can’t-miss community events. Friday night bragging rights: A Week 5 football recap and Week 6 preview, featuring rivalry talk, marquee matchups, and undefeated Lathrop’s 5–0 start. Seawolves on a roll: UAA volleyball opens conference play with wins over Seattle Pacific and Montana State Billings, while high school teams dig into their conference schedules. Flag football drama: Dimond takes an overtime thriller against South, and the hosts break down the growing role of RPI rankings in Alaska high school sports. Hockey buzz: The USA development team’s visit brings energy to the Sullivan Arena as the Anchorage Wolverines prepare for a three-week road trip. Watch the Full Episode on AST YouTube: https://youtu.be/GpYWRlDatDI
SEASON 4, EPISODE 3
AST is back with Episode 4, featuring Anchorage Wolverines GM Merit Waldrop as he reflects on his journey through Alaska hockey—from UAA and the Aces to leading the Wolverines. He shares his approach to building a team around character and hard work, looks back at last season’s strong finish and close playoff exit, and discusses the roster decisions ahead. The crew also previews the Wolverines’ September 11–12 showdown with Team USA’s U-17 squad at Sullivan Arena, alongside Alaska State Hockey Hall of Fame festivities. Merit explains what makes Anchorage a compelling destination for players and why hosting some of the nation’s top young hockey talent is a special opportunity for Alaska fans. On the football field, the conversation covers Bartlett’s resurgence under coach Hans Diemer, its upcoming rivalry clash with East, Lathrop versus Palmer, and the Battle of the Bridge between Chugiak and Eagle River. Plus, Kodiak celebrates its first home football win since 2019, South stays unbeaten and unscored upon in flag football, and the crew checks in on UAA volleyball and preseason basketball buzz. Watch the Full Episode on AST YouTube: https://youtu.be/bzAJ59l_5ng
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2
Keaton, Isaiah, and Brad welcome West Anchorage head football coach Brown Faaaliga to recap the Eagles’ challenging trip to Colorado, where the heat, elevation and injuries tested the team against Heritage High School. Coach Brown reflects on lessons from the loss, West’s progress at the season’s halfway point, his coaching partnership with Tim Davis and the team’s preparation for a major Cook Inlet Conference matchup against South Anchorage. The crew also breaks down Soldotna’s impressive battle with Wyoming powerhouse Star Valley and previews the Railbelt Conference showdown between Soldotna and Lathrop. They check in on Alaska’s high school volleyball season, highlighting upcoming weekday matchups and encouraging families and students to get out and support their local teams. The conversation also explores the continued rise of girls’ flag football, its growing participation and popularity across Alaska, and the excitement surrounding the sport’s future on the Olympic stage. Plus, they preview the Anchorage Wolverines’ highly anticipated games against the USA Hockey National Team Development Program at Sullivan Arena on September 11 and 12. The two-game series will feature some of the country’s top young hockey talent, along with a 50/50 raffle that could award a prize of at least $10,000. Watch the Full Episode on AST YouTube: https://youtu.be/x0BllwV_73E