CIACcast Podcast

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For fans that simply can’t get enough conversation about high school sports, the CIAC presents CIACcast.

The ‘Cast features news you might have missed, a behind-the-scenes look at the CIAC, and conversations with media members, coaches and other notable figures from the Connecticut High School sports world.

You’ll want to check out the CIACcast regularly to insure you are part of the conversation. To subscribe to the CIACcast via iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher using the button above. If you are not using iTunes and your podcast player requires a feed URL to subscribe, use:

Or you can listen to individual episodes directly via the episode list below.

CIACcast EPISODE LIST
  • May 28, 2020
    CIACcast is back with episode 113. Joe Calafiore from Hartford Athletic talks about the new Team of the Week program, and Glastonbury High School Junior Erin Cabana discusses some of her exciting video projects.
  • February 28, 2020
    CIAC Championships take center stage for Episode 112 of the CIACcast. Gerry deSimas Jr. from Connecticut Wrestling Online (9:10-26:50) looks covers the Divisional and State Open Wrestling Championships, then the Hartford Courant’s Shawn McFarland (27:50-53:30) shares insights from the CIAC Indoor Track Championships and then looks ahead to the CIAC Boys Basketball Tournaments.
  • February 14, 2020
    CIACcast returns from its winter slumber with Episode 111. FCIAC Commissioner Dave Schulz details the upcoming basketball coaches clinic, and then John Holt goes deep on the CIAC Centennial Celebration. #CIAC100
  • October 31, 2019
    The fall season winds down and CIACcast Episode 110 looks into a few different topics. Bryant Carpenter from the Meriden Record Journal discusses his moving remembrance of John Fontana, and then Jonathan Law AD VJ Sarullo talks about a new information program.
  • October 11, 2019
    Time for soccer talk on CIACcast Episode 109. GameTimeCT writers and hosts of the “Just For Kicks” podcast Scott Ericson and Joe Morelli join the ‘Cast to cover the ongoing Connecticut high school soccer season. They hit on teams, players, and games to watch as the season unfolds.
  • September 27, 2019
    It’s a three-guest lineup for CIACcast Episode 108, covering a wide-range of topics. Vickie Fulkerson from The Day of New London covers interesting early-season stories, Tim Jensen talks about the coverage from Patch.com, and DyeStat.com’s Mary Albl goes over things to watch for the 2019 cross country season.
  • September 11, 2019
    CIACcast Episode 107 looks ahead as the 2019-20 high school sports season ramps up. CIAC staff member Dr. Bob Lehr discusses the upcoming CIAC Block Party Tournament girls volleyball tournament, and then The Day of New London’s Ned Griffen offers his week-by-week high school football schedule in the 6th edition of “Ned Griffen’s Ultimate Connecticut High School Football Itinerary.”
  • September 10, 2019
    A new high school sports season is imminent and CIACcast Episode 106 can help get you ready. This edition features conversations with a pair of athletics organization leaders. CAS-CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini makes his first CIACcast appearance, and Matt Perachi, Shepaug Valley Athletic Director and CAAD President talks about beginning a new season from the AD perspective.
  • August 16, 2019
    Episode 105 of the CIACcast is here to help pass the time before fall sports begin shortly. It’s a one-guest episode of the podcast as Joe Palladino, longtime and recently retired writer for the Waterbury Republican American joins for a wide-ranging conversation on what it’s like to cover high school sports.
  • July 19, 2019
    CIACcast provides a break from the summer heat with Episode 104. A pair of guests cover a variety of topics. NFHS Network broadcaster Tom Felice discusses the #CIACMomentsVote and what it’s like to broadcast a CIAC Championship, and then Shawn McFarland from the Hartford Courant discusses his first year on the Connecticut high school sports beat.
  • June 3, 2019
    CIACcast returns from its hibernation for Episode 103. It’s a quick one-guest return as DyeStat.com’s Mary Albl returns to preview today’s Outdoor Track & Field State Open offering teams, athletes, and events to watch.
  • February 22, 2019
    The CIACcast is back and it’s time to talk tournaments in Episode 102. Gerry deSimas Jr. of Ctwrestling.com (6:10-20:00) helps recap the Wrestling Divisional Championships and preview the State Open, and Scott Ericson from the Stamford Advocate (20:55-42:00) looks at the recently released girls basketball tournament pairings and previews the competition.
  • December 21, 2018
    It’s a special year-end celebration on Episode 101 of the CIACcast. With 100 episodes in the books, we ask nine different guests from the world of Connecticut high school sports to join and answer one question: what do you love about high school sports, what makes it special? Marc Allard, Bryant Carpenter, Mathew Conyers, Scott Ericson, Vickie Fulkerson, John Holt, Gabby Lucivero, Joe Morelli, and Lori Riley all provide answers.
  • December 8, 2018
    The CIACcast turns 100 and the centennial episode is focused on the 2018 CIAC Football Championships. Ned Griffen from The Day of New London and GameTimeCT’s Sean Patrick Bowley cover the four football finals from all angles to get fans ready for Saturday’s games.
  • October 25, 2018
    It’s championship time and Episode 99 of the CIACcast has you covered. DyeStat.com’s Mary Albl (6:00-17:20) breaks down the upcoming CIAC Cross Country Championships, CCC Commissioner and official Dan Scavone (18:40-43:00) discusses officials recruitment efforts, and Bryant Carpenter (43:40-1:00:10) from the Meriden Record Journal talks about area teams enjoying memorable seasons.
  • October 12, 2018
    A new CIACcast goes deep on a variety of topics for Episode 98. First psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Matern (8:10-44:40) joins to provide insight into mental health challenges facing adolescents, then Dan Nowak (45:25-55:45) from the New Haven Register discusses the 2018 field hockey season, and then the Hartford Courant’s Shawn McFarland (56:15-1:14:00) talks about a football team dealing with tragedy and other stories from the gridiron.
  • September 21, 2018
    Episode 97 of the CIACcast covers a wide range of topics. New CAS-CIAC team member Cherese Miller (6:50-17:05) discusses student activities and the launch of a new student-led program, Larry Kelley from the Norwich Bulletin (18:10-31:50) shares some teams and stories to follow from Eastern CT, and then Joe Morelli & Scott Ericson (32:45-50:40) from the New Haven Register and Stamford Advocate respectively provide a glimpse of the boys and girls soccer landscape.
  • September 5, 2018
    The fall sports season has nearly arrived and CIACcast is talking some football in Episode 96. The Day of New London’s Ned Griffen returns for the 5th anniversary of the Ned Griffen Ultimate Football Road Trip (trademark pending) giving fans one (or two) games to see each week for the high school football season.
  • August 16, 2018
    CIACcast gets a little introspective with Episode 95. Approximately one year after his first appearance, CIAC Associate Executive Director Gregg Simon joins us again for a deep dive into CIAC topics including what he learned in his first year, issues and challenges for the organization and some good old-fashioned rules explanations.
  • August 2, 2018
    CIACcast covers some weighty but important topics for high school sports in Episode 94. Tom Pincince (8:30-28:20) from CCSU discusses the importance responsible use of social media by students, and then Dave Ruden (29:00-55:10) from TheRudenReport.com talks about his series on parental interference in high school sports and a few other topics.
  • July 17, 2018
    It’s a summertime edition of CIACcast with Episode 93. Noah Finz from Vantage Sports (9:35-21:30) talks about the Vantage Cup and covering high school sports, and then outgoing CAS-CIAC Executive Director Karissa Niehoff (22:30-39:25) discusses her tenure leading CIAC.
  • June 13, 2018
    It’s a CIAC championship blowout with four guests on episode 92 of the CIACcast. The Coach George DeMaio (5:55-22:05); Xavier CIAC Golf Open winner Chris Fosdick (23:05-31:25); Tom Felice (31:15-42:10) of the NFHS Network, and Scott Ericson (42:55-1:05:05) of the Stamford Advocate all join to discuss softball, golf, boys volleyball/girls lacrosse and baseball championships respectively.
  • June 1, 2018
    CIACcast episode 91 checks in with some CIAC Championships in progress. DyeStat.com’s Mary Albl (8:25-20:20) discusses the track championships and previews the State Open, and Dave Ruden (21:55-45:15) from TheRudenReport.com offers thoughts on FCIAC teams pursuing girls and boys lacrosse titles.
  • May 18, 2018
    CIACcast stays on schedule with Episode 90. North Branford softball coach Nick DeLizio (10:20-27:50) talks about his team’s season and postseason hopes, Mike Anthony (28:55-44:45) from the Hartford Courant discusses his new role as columnist, and GameTimeCT’s Pete Paguaga (45:45-1:01:15) chats about what’s new with the website.
  • May 3, 2018
    CIACcast finally returns after a mysterious absence for Episode 89. We had some great guests join us at Chiney Ogwumike from the Connecticut Sun (8:15-16:05) previews her keynote for the CAS-CIAC Scholar Athlete Banquet, best-selling author Jeff Pearlman from The Athletic (17:55-33:00) talks about a recent feature story, and the Waterbury Republican-American’s Joe Palladino (33:55-53:45) checks in with things he’s been covering.
  • February 23, 2018
    The winter championship season rolls on and CIACcast Episode 88 continues a deep look at the championship events. CIAC gymnastics tournament director Pat Simon (9:00-18:45) talks about this weekend’s Gymnastics Class Championships, and on the day the girls basketball tournament pairings came out, Scott Ericson (19:30-35:55) gives thoughts on what to watch in those tournaments.
  • February 8, 2018
    After a long hiatus, CIACcast is back with Episode 87 and two great guests, just in time for the winter championships. Dyestat.com’s Mary Albl (8:10-21:20) previews the upcoming CIAC Indoor Track Championships, and then Luke Devoe (22:20-37:35) from CTHShockey.org helps break down the current high school hockey season.
  • December 6, 2017
    CIACcast Episode 86 goes deep on the upcoming CIAC Football Championships. Ned Griffen from The Day of New London and Sean Patrick Bowley of GameTimeCT break down all four finals, and suggest players, teams, and stories to watch.
  • November 2, 2017
    Time for more fall tournament talk with Episode 85 of the CIACcast. Boys and girls soccer tournament director Tom Malin (5:45-15:30) helps preview the release of the tournament pairings, The Day of New London’s Vickie Fulkerson (15:50-30:40) talks about some teams and stories to watch, and Sean Patrick Bowley from the New Haven Register (31:20-58:50) discusses one of the best high school football games he’s ever seen and offers thoughts on the current football landscape.
  • October 20, 2017
    Amazingly it’s almost time for fall championships and CIACcast Episode 84 has you covered. Mary Albl (9:10-21:40) from DyeStat.com breaks down the cross country season and previews the upcoming championships. Then Jimmy Zanor from the Norwich Bulletin (22:25-32:20) talks about some of the happening in the eastern part of Connecticut.
  • September 22, 2017
    CIACcast Episode 83 takes a deep dive into the high school football season. The Stamford Advocate’s Scott Ericson discusses his favorite high school football venues (7:30-21:20) and then Ned Griffen of The Day of New London (22:25-41:30) returns for a 4th time to offer the ultimate week-by-week Connecticut high school football itinerary.
  • September 15, 2017
    After a brief hiatus the CIACcast returns with Episode 82. We talk “The Year of the Quarterback” with the Meriden Record Journal’s Bryant Carpenter (10:00-31:35) and old friend Matthew Conyers of the Hartford Courant shares thoughts on the high school soccer season (32:10-1:00:10)
  • August 3, 2017
    It’s a summer conversation edition of the CIACcast with Episode 81 featuring a single guest. We get to know new CIAC Associate Executive Director Gregg Simon and talk about his background, his hopes for CIAC and what he’s learned so far.
  • July 20, 2017
    It’s a massive year-in-review with Episode 80 of the CIACcast. Ten guests join us to answer just one question: what were your favorite stories, games, moments from the 2016-17 high school sports season?
  • June 23, 2017
    CIACcast Episode 79 takes one more look back at the CIAC spring championships. DyeStat.com’s Mary Albl (7:40-18:20) recaps the outdoor track & field championship season, Class M boys volleyball championship coach Curt Burns of Newington (18:50-28:10) talks about his team’s title run, and Don Boyle of the NFHS Network (29:15-40:30) offers thoughts on the Open Tennis and Baseball finals.
  • June 15, 2017
    A whole lot of championship talk on CIACcast episode 78. We cover the softball finals with Joe Palladino (8:30-23:35); girls lacrosse with Steve Kirck II (23:35-30:50), softball, baseball and more with Scott Ericson (30:50-48:10) and boys lacrosse with Dan Nowak (48:40-56:25).
  • May 18, 2017
    Spring championships and a great feature story take center stage for Episode 77. Staples girls tennis coach Paco Fabian (8:25-19:55) talks about his team’s season, Kyle Brennan from the Waterbury Republican-American (20:45-37:50) discusses a recent feature on celebrating a beloved umpire and the Hartford Courant’s Matthew Conyers (39:20-1:01:40) previews the upcoming outdoor track championships.
  • May 4, 2017
    Two guests stop by for Episode 76 of the CIACcast. Former Connecticut high school girls basketball star Dr. Jennfer Monti (7:45-19:00) talks about the impact of high school sports before she speaks at the Scholar Athlete Banquet this weekend, and Vickie Fulkerson (20:00-35:25) from The Day of New London offers some of her favorite stories from the spring season.
  • April 20, 2017
    It’s a two-guest edition of the CIACcast in Episode 75, with some general conversation. First, Davis Whitfield of the NFHS (8:15-21:30) discusses a new initiative to recruit new high school officials, and then it’s a long chat with legendary college volleyball coach Larry Bock (23:45-1:00:10) covering a range of sports topics.
  • April 7, 2017
    With the change of seasons CIACcast Episode 74 brings some behind-the-scenes insight along with spring previews. East Haven athletic trainer Mark Aceto (7:25-26:10) talks about the role of trainers, Dave Ruden (26:45-47:40) discusses FCIAC spring sports, and Stafford AD Damian Frassinelli (48:15-1:07:15) offers the perspective and challenges of an AD on the spring sports season.
  • March 23, 2017
    It’s a super-sized CIACcast as Episode 73 recaps the concluded winter championships. Joining us in order are Rich Gregory on Danbury wrestling (5:20-15:50), Steven Cusano on Boys Swimming Open (15:30-25:25), Lori Riley talking girls basketball (25:25-40:05), Don Boyle on boys ice hockey (40:10-52:05) and Tom Yantz & Joe Morelli discussing boys basketball (52:10-1:16:25)
  • March 9, 2017
    CIACcast Episode 72 covers some winter tournaments and other news. Woodstock Academy gymnastics coach Kasey Fillmore (7:00-16:55) discusses the gymnastics championships, CAS-CIAC’s Dave Maloney (17:40-23:35) chats about the Battle of the Fans, and we get lots of CIAC ice hockey tournament talk with Matthew Conyers (24:25-1:08:10) of the Hartford Courant.
  • February 2, 2017
    Four guests come onboard for Episode 71 of the CIACcast. First it’s time for some winter championship previews as Mary Albl talks indoor track & field (8:25-17:00) and Gerry deSimas Jr. weighs in on wrestling (17:40-30:55). Then Noah Finz discusses covering Connecticut High School sports on the Vantage Sports Network (31:45-46:30) and Sean Patrick Bowley talks national signing day (47:10-57:30).
  • January 12, 2017
    After a brief holiday hiatus CIACcast is back with Episode 70 which takes a look at several items around the high school sports landscape. The Hartford Courant’s Jeff Jacobs (7:45-28:55) talks about a recent story and his coverage of high school sports, Mike Sportini of Laxworm.com (29:35-42:05) talks about the boys swimming & diving season and Staples High School student Cooper Boardman (43:00-58:30) shares his experiences covering high school sports as a student.
  • December 14, 2016
    CIACcast Episode 69 goes long on the just concluded CIAC Football Championships. Tom Yantz, Sean Patrick Bowley, Scott Ericson, Kyle Brennan, Dave Ruden, and Ned Griffen all join to weigh in on the championship games and the football season as a whole.
  • November 23, 2016
    A handful of guests join CIACcast episode 68 to break down CIAC championships from the past weekend. Guests offer insight on the swimming Open (4:25-13:00); Class S boys and girls soccer finals (13:00-17:30); all four girls volleyball finals (17:30-34:05); boys soccer Class L (34:05-40:45); and Class LL boys and girls soccer (40:45-58:00).
  • October 27, 2016
    With the regular season winding down CIACcast Episode 67 starts looking ahead to the postseason. Scott Ericson from the Stamford Advocate (7:20-17:50), Marc Allard from the Norwich Bulletin (18:10-25:25), and GameTimeCT’s Derek Turner (26:45-40:50) all offer thoughts on teams and stories to watch with the tournaments coming up fast.
  • October 13, 2016
    CIACcast returns with Episode 66 covering varied topics from around the country. Three first-time guests stop by as Mark Koski of the NFHS (6:20-18:45) talks about the #MyReasonWhy campaign, Amity boys cross country coach Jon Faitsch (19:20-34:10) discusses the cross country season and we get a breakdown of the NFHS Network School Broadcast Program with Pat Euart (34:45-49:35).
  • September 30, 2016
    Head into the weekend with some light listening of Episode 65 of the CIACcast. The Hartford Courant’s Lori Riley talks about one of her recent features, and CIAC’s Bob Lehr discusses the upcoming event with Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn.
  • September 15, 2016
    Episode 64 of the CIACcast covers a few topics as the fall season starts to unfold. John Lecardo of Shore Publishing (6:40-21:55) discusses a recent behind-the-scenes story on high school sports, The Hartford Courant’s Matt Conyers (22:25-52:20) goes deep on the high school soccer season, and Joe Palladino of the Waterbury Republican-American (52:50-1:02:50) shares some of his favorite stories from the early season.
  • September 1, 2016
    It’s time to talk the 2016 high school football season, and CIACcast Episode 63 does just that. Ned Griffen of the New London Day maps out the perfect Connecticut High School football itinerary for 2016 and CPTVSports’ Francesco Graziano discusses the 2016 CPTVSports Training Camp Tour.
  • August 11, 2016
    The CIACcast returns for Episode 62 with a one-guest edition. Long-time athletics administrator and friend of the show John Reeves joins us again to offer his perspective on a variety of topics in the world of athletics.
  • July 13, 2016
    It’s a mammoth summer CIACcast as Episode 61 offers a wide-ranging year-in-review with a slew of guests. We set a new record with 16 guests as we ask a wide variety of folks covering high school sports (along with some of you) for their most memorable moments from the 2015-16 high school sports season.
  • May 27, 2016
    It’s CIAC Tournament time which means CIACcast episode 60 is here to help get you ready. Three folks weigh in on upcoming events with the Hartford Courant’s Matthew Conyers (8:05-40:45), Sean Krofssik (41:25-55:05) of the Meriden Record Journal, and Mike Sportini (55:25-1:07:15) of Laxworm offering thoughts on outdoor track & field, softball, and boys lacrosse respectively.
  • May 12, 2016
    CIACcast is back with Episode 59 just one week after the last edition. This edition has a lone guest as CAS-CIAC Executive Director Karissa Niehoff stops by to discuss a variety of topics on all aspects of the CIAC and high school sports in Connecticut.
  • May 5, 2016
    The CIACcast returns after a brief hiatus with Episode 58 covering a variety of topics. The Norwalk Hour’s John Nash (8:20-22:05) discusses the art of sports photography, Tim Gaffney (23:25-34:55) of Litchfieldcountysports.com offers thoughts on Unified Sports, and GameTimeCT’s Derek Turner (35:35-47:40) breaks down the high school baseball season.
  • February 25, 2016
    It’s a Championship weekend podcast extravaganza on CIACcast Episode 57. Five guests help break down the stories and action from a busy weekend: Lori Riley on the girls basketball championships (6:25-18:25); Joe Palladino on local basketball teams (18:45-35:25); Don Boyle on ice hockey tournaments (35:35-50:05); Joe Morelli on boys basketball championships (50:15-1:03:10) and Dave Ruden on local championship teams (1:03:20-1:15:35).
  • February 11, 2016
    The CIAC winter championships are upon us and Episode 56 of the CIACcast is here to get fans ready for an exciting few weeks of competition. Matthew Conyers of the Hartford Courant joins the pod to break down the indoor track & field meets while Gerry deSimas from Connecticut Wrestling Online previews the upcoming wrestling championships.
  • December 10, 2015
    CIAC Football Championships are the sole focus of CIACcast Episode 55. A three-person round table of Kyle Brennan from the Waterbury Republican-American, Ned Griffen of the New London Day, and the New Haven Register’s Sean Bowley break down all four title games taking place this Saturday.
  • November 25, 2015
    A cavalcade of guests joins Episode 54 of the CIACcast to recap the weekend’s fall championships. Seven guests take part in the discussion representing the seven championship sites from the previous weekend and help breakdown all the championship action.
  • November 5, 2015
    It’s nearly CIAC Tournament time and CIACcast Episode 53 helps get you ready. This episode features conversations with The New London Day’s Vickie Fulkerson (6:30-21:15), Scott Ericson of the Stamford Advocate (21:25-32:10), the Hartford Courant’s Matthew Conyers (32:25-51:50), Mary Albl of the New Haven Register (52:10-1:02:35) and Lori Riley of the Hartford Courant (1:02:40-1:10:20) all offering thoughts on the upcoming CIAC Championships.
  • Octpber 22, 2015
    The CIACcast talks to some folks providing different high school sports coverage in Episode 52. Peter Huoppi of the New London Day, Stephen Mazzone of MileSplitCT, Kels Dayton of SportzEdge.com and CPTVSports’ Francesco Graziano all offer thoughts on some of the interesting things they are doing to cover high school sports.
  • September 22, 2015
    CIACcast Episode 51 offers a new version of a fall sports preview. Eight different writers from around the state weigh in on the games, matches, and meets to watch during the 2015 Connecticut high school fall sports season.
  • September 10, 2015
    The CIACcast is back with Episode 50 getting fans primed for the high school football season. Ned Griffen of the New London Day (6:55-31:55) lays out the week-by-week itinerary for fans, and The Waterbury Republican-American’s Mark Jaffee (32:30-47:50) offers favorite stories from his training camp tours.
  • June 26, 2015
    Episode 49 of the CIACcast checks in as one of the longest in history. A jam-packed episode with guests who were in attendance weighing in on the championships in softball (3:45-18:55), boys volleyball (19:15-29:20), girls lacrosse (29:50-46:00), boys lacrosse (46:20-55:40), outdoor track & field (56:05-1:09:50), and baseball (1:10:15-1:21:45).
  • May 8, 2015
    The weather is finally warmer and CIACcast Episode 48 is also warming up with some spring sports conversation. Vickie Fulkerson of the New London Day (5:10-28:10), The Waterbury Republican American’s Joe Palladino (28:45-40:25) and Connecticut Post’s Doug Bonjour (41:10-57:30) talk softball, feature stories, and baseball respectively.
  • April 24, 2015
    CIACcast Episode 47 turns its eye to some events taking place around Connecticut. CIAC’s own Steve Wysowksi (5:45-13:45) talks about the Scholar Athlete program, Rob Adams (16:00-29:00) of Hersam Acorn Radio chats about his organization’s coverage of high school sports, and Meriden Record-Journal’s Ken Lipshez (29:10-45:05) discusses the Gold Key Dinner.
  • April 9, 2015
    The CIACcast is not quite done with winter as Episode 46 takes a final look back at the winter championships. The NFHS Network’s Don Boyle (4:50-16:20) talks hockey, Greenwich swim coach Terry Lowe (17:00-25:35) breaks down his team’s titles, Marc Allard of the Norwich Bulletin (26:10-39:15) talks gymnastics, and finally The New Haven Register’s Joe Morelli (39:55-50:25) chats about basketball.
  • February 27, 2015
    CIACcast Episode 45 looks ahead to championships, and looks back on championships. The New Haven Register’s Henry Chisholm (8:00-26:35) and Dave Ruden of TheRudenReport.com (46:55-1:00:40) offer thoughts on the upcoming basketball championships and Corey Bernier (27:05-37:55) and Gary Moore (38:20-46:20) the coaches for the Tolland girls and Hillhouse boys indoor track teams respectively discuss their teams’ State Open wins.
  • February 6, 2015
    Upcoming winter championships are the focus of CIACcast Episode 44. First Michigan State Association member Andy Frushour (7:10-20:30) offers insight into the Battle of the Fans competition, then Gerry deSimas breaks down the wrestling season (21:30-31:05) and Mary Albl and Matthew Conyers break down indoor track and field (35:05-41:55).
  • January 16, 2015
    CIACcast Episode 43 turns its eye back to 2014 for some championship highlights. Darien student-athlete Alex Ostberg (6:10-24:05) discusses his record-breaking fall, Portland girls soccer coach Sandy Booth (24:45-38:00) covers his team’s state title, and Sean Patrick Bowley of the New Haven Register (38:45-58:10) recaps the 2014 high school football season.
  • December 5, 2014
    It’s time to talk Connecticut high school football on Episode 42 of the CIACcast. Tom Yantz of the Hartford Courant (4:50-13:20) Doug Bonjour of the Connecticut Post (13:35-29:00) and The New London Day’s Ned Griffen (29:15-44:15) all offer thoughts on a busy weekend of football semifinals.
  • November 21, 2014
    Looking for an epic recap of the fall championships, then CIACcast Episode 41 is for you. Nick Greene (4:05-20:55), Steve Buono (21:12-33:35), Dan Nowak (33:48-42:15), and Matthew Conyers (42:30-1:35:00) weigh in on the girls volleyball, girls swimming, field hockey and boys and girls soccer championships respectively.
  • October 31, 2014
    The CIACcast turns 40 and gets updates from around the State. Checking in are Marc Allard (6:50-16:55) from the Norwich Bulletin, GameTimeCT’s Derek Turner (17:20-27:30), Tim Gaffney (27:45-40:40) of Litchfieldcountysports.com and Dave Ruden (41:00-55:15) from therudenreport.com.
  • October 17, 2014
    The fall season is in full swing and episode 39 of the CIACcast breaks down a variety of sport topics. The Waterbury Republican-American’s Kyle Brennan (5:45-22:10) weighs in on some football topics, Mike DiMauro (22:40-36:05) of the New London Day offers perspective on sportsmanship and Newtown cross country coach Dave Foss (36:45-54:00) gets us ready for the CIAC Cross Country Championships.
  • October 2, 2014
    The CIACcast turns its focus to fall sports progress for Episode 38. The Hartford Courant’s Matthew Conyers offers his thoughts on boys and girls soccer and Dan Nowak of the New Haven Register provides information on field hockey and girls swimming.
  • September 8, 2014
    Three guests join us this week to discuss a wide-range of topics on CIACcast Episode 37. Michael Fornabaio of the Connecticut Post talks sports specialization, the Waterbury Republican-American’s Joe Palladino talks preseason soccer stories and Francesco Graziano Jr. previews the fall CPTV Sports schedule (apologies for audio issues, working out the kinks with new equipment).
  • August 21, 2014
    With the summer winding down CIACcast Episode 36 turns its eyes to the fall season. New CIAC Unified Sports Executive Director George Synnott talks about future plans for the organization and The New London Day’s Ned Griffen offers lays out the games to see in the upcoming high school football season.
  • July 31, 2014
    CIACcast Episode 35 is the first one-guest pod in our history. With the slower summer pace, this week’s episode features a lengthy chat with long-time collegiate athletics administrator John Reeves on a wide range of athletics topics.
  • June 27, 2014
    The spring championship discussion continues with CIACcast episode 34. The New Haven Register’s Mary Albl on record-breaking track & field, John Nash of The Norwalk Hour on girls lacrosse, and Rich Gregory and Nick Greene of the Danbury News-Times and Hartford Courant respectively on boys volleyball all offer their thoughts this week.
  • June 20, 2014
    The spring championship season is now concluded and Episode 33 of the CIACcast recaps many of the championship happenings. NFHS Network’s Glen Conticello (5:45-17:45) on softball, Laxworm.com’s Mike Sportini (18:15-31:25) on boys lacrosse, New Haven Register’s Henry Chisholm (31:40-45:25) on baseball and Darien Times’ Steve Buono (45:50-1:03:50) on a championship bonanza at Darien all offer their perspectives on the championship season.
  • May 29, 2014
    The CIACcast packs its bags for Episode 32, taking a trip around the state for status updates on sports from different areas. Norwich Bulletin writer Owen Poole (6:00-20:00) offers his thoughts, Tim Gaffney from Litchfieldcountysports.com weighs in, and TheRudenReport.com founder Dave Ruden joins the show as well.
  • May 15, 2014
    Episode 31 of the CIACcast plays catch-up with some spring sports. With the regular season winding down we check in on boys volleyball with Nick Greene (5:25-14:55) of the Hartford Courant, discuss some strong softball teams with Meriden Record-Journal’s Sean Krofssik (15:25-27:45), and Laxworm.com creator Mike Sportini (28:05-41:30) offers thoughts on boys lacrosse.
  • May 2, 2014
    It is a two-topic edition of the CIACcast in Episode 30. David Mintz of the NFHS Network joins us to talk about the opportunities with the School Broadcast Program and then several guests join to talk about the CIAC Scholar-Athlete Banquet.
  • March 28, 2014
    It’s time to look back on a tremendous weekend of championships with CIACcast Episode 29. A trio of reporters provide their astute perspectives on the events of the past week with Lori Riley of the Courant, Don Boyle from the NFHS Network and Joe Morelli from the New Haven Register stopping all joining the show.
  • March 6, 2014
    CIAC Basketball tournaments are the focus of the 28th installment of the CIACcast. We take a look at both the girls and boys tournaments first with the New Haven Register’s Henry Chisholm (5:10-20:15) breaking down the girls brackets and the Connecticut Post’s Doug Bonjour (20:40-35:55) discussing what teams might shine in the boys basketball tourney.
  • February 20, 2014
    Lots of championship discussion looking back and forward in Episode 27 of the CIACcast. The Indoor Track & Field Open championship coaches from Danbury and Wilbur Cross discuss that meet, followed by Nick Greene of the Hartford Courant breaking down the wrestling divisional championships. We close with the Courant’s Tom Yantz discussing the life of Doc Hurley and a quick look at the boys basketball season.
  • February 6, 2014
    The CIACcast returns for some wide-ranging discussion in Episode 26. The New Haven Register’s Mary Albl (4:40-17:45) helps breakdown the Indoor Track & Field Class Championships, John Sand (18:20-28:40) from Wethersfield High School talks about an exciting new student program, and we get to know Steve Wysowski (30:20-45:55) the newest CIAC staff member.
  • December 6, 2013
    It is football tournament time on the CIACcast. Three guests join to talk about the CIAC Tournaments with Mark Jaffee of the Waterbury Republican-American (2:55-15:20), Hersam Acorn’s Rob Adams (15:45-25:15) and Sean Patrick Bowley from the New Haven Register (25:40-36:25) all offering their insights.
  • November 26, 2013
    Episode 24 of the CIACcast takes a look back at a busy stretch of CIAC Championships. Lori Riley from the Hartford Courant (3:20-14:30) talks field hockey, The Waterbury Republican-American’s Kyle Brennan (14:50-29:10) talks girls volleyball and some football, and the Courant’s Matthew Conyers (29:20-56:40) breaks down the soccer season.
  • October 31, 2013
    CIAC postseason play is upon us, and CIACcast episode 23 turns its eye toward the postseason. Tim Gaffney (3:55-13:30) talked about some of the teams to watch in the playoffs in Litchfield County and Dave Ruden (14:05-29:10) breaks down the chances of some FCIAC teams.
  • October 25, 2013
    Episode 22 of the CIACcast tackles a pair of subjects. Mary Albl (4:55-13:40) of the New Haven Register previews the weekend’s CIAC Cross Country Championship, and Neal Curland (15:15-32:10) talks about positive coaching behavior.
  • October 3, 2013
    Episode 21 is a two-guest edition of the CIACcast. Bloomfield AD Tammy Schondelmayer (3:00-14:55) discusses the CIAC Sportsmanship program and some of the successes at her institution, and Chip Malafronte of the New Haven Register (15:25-25:30) talks about his recent piece about North Haven football and its connection with a child in the community.
  • September 20, 2013
    A wide-range of topics covered in Episode 20 of the CIACcast. The Hartford Courant’s Matthew Conyers breaks down the soccer season, Dave Maloney of CASCIAC talks about student activities, and a chat about Michael’s Cup with Fred Balsamo.
  • September 5, 2013
    With the season nearly here, the CIACcast returns with episode 19. It is a football-themed edition with Mark Jaffee of the Republican-American, the New London Day’s Ned Griffen and Sean Patrick Bowley from the New Haven Register all weighing in on the upcoming season.
  • August 2, 2013
    Episode 18 of the CIACcast is a summer year-in-review extravaganza. Dave Ruden, Joe Morelli, Ken Lipshez, Marc Allard, Mary Albl, and Kyle Brennan all join the ‘Cast to talk about their most memorable moments from the past year.
  • July 18, 2013
    After a nearly one-month hiatus the CIACcast is back with episode 17. After a lengthy edition of Things You Might Have Missed WFSB Channel 3 sports reporter John Holt joins the show to talk about an upcoming documentary and covering high school sports.
  • June 20, 2013
    More spring championship discussion in episode 16 of the CIACcast. Two first-time guests join the show as the Norwalk Hour’s John Nash (3:40-21:25) chats about girls and boys lacrosse and some record-breaking track and field performers and then Kyle Brennan of the Republican American (21:55-35:50) breaks down Oxford’s triple championship weekend and delves into his research in multiple CIAC championships.
  • June 14, 2013
    After a one-week hiatus the CIACcast is back with episode 15. It is a jam-packed look at spring championships with New Haven Register’s Joe Morelli on golf (3:50-15:05), the Westport News’ Doug Bonjour on boys volleyball (23:15-30:35), Middletown Press’ Jim Bransfield on baseball (31:15-45:35) and in a CIACcast first we have a student guest with girls tennis standout Kimmy Guerin of Weston discussing her recent historic feat (16:10-22:35).
  • May 29, 2013
    CIAC Tournaments are the focus of Episode 14 of the CIACcast. Dave Ruden of the Stamford Advocate tells the story of a generous baseball player and talks softball and baseball, The New Haven Register’s Dan Nowak discusses the girls and boys lacrosse tournaments, and Timothy Gaffney of Litchfieldcountysports.com breaks down the top teams in his region.
  • May 23, 2013
    The regular season is winding down and the new CIACcast covers a variety of topics. With league championships in full swing Southern Connecticut Conference Commissioner Al Carbone (3:45-19:55) talks about the conference experience, and George Synnott (20:45-32:40) of Unified Sports discusses the value of the programs.
  • May 17, 2013
    CIACcast Episode 12 delves into several different topics. Marc Allard (4:50) of the Norwich Bulletin chats about some recent noteworthy golf events, the Waterbury Republican-American’s Joe Palladino (14:45) talks about his recent stories on officials’ safety and some boys volleyball, and record-breaking East Lyme softball coach Judy Deeb discusses her career.
  • May 9, 2013
    It is a coach-focused episode of the CIACcast with a pair of guests. NFHS High School Hall of Fame inductee and former Cheshire swim coach Ed Aston joins for a lengthy discussion of his distinguished career, and Middletown AD Mike Pitruzello explains the CHSCA Coaches Recognition Dinner.
  • May 2, 2013
    Episode 10 of the CIACcast covers two different topics. The Hartford Courant’s Matthew Conyers checks in on the outdoor track and field season (2:30) and then the discussion turns to the CAS-CIAC Scholar Athlete Banquet (22:29) with CIAC staffers Paul Hoey and Robert Lehr, along with a past honoree.
  • April 26, 2013
    It is an all “inside the CIAC” edition of the CIACcast. Robert Hale, Jr., the chairperson of the CIAC Board of Control discusses the ins and outs of that organization, and CIAC Associate Executive Director Paul Hoey explains a recent tournament change.
  • April 18, 2013
    The CIAC Network is the focus of Episode 8 of the CIACcast. David Rudolph of PlayOn! sports joins us for a in-depth discussion of the company, and Don Boyle chats about the logistics of providing live event coverage.
  • April 11, 2013
    Girls spring sports get the focus this week in the new CIACcast. John Reisert (at 4:54) who serves as one of the CIAC girls tennis tournament director discusses that sport, Vickie Fulkerson (15:25) of the New London Day breaks down the softball season, and New Haven Register writer Mary Albl (29:35) weighs in on girls lacrosse.
  • April 4, 2013
    The CIACcast turns its eyes to the spring sports (though with so many spring sports, this edition deals with a few boys sports. Next week we will turn attention to the girls). Pete Paguaga of the Torrington Register Citizen talks golf, Fairfield Citizen sports editor Pat Pickens discusses boys lacrosse, and the Hartford Courtant’s Tom Yantz is back to break down baseball.
  • March 28, 2013
    During a minor lull in the athletic calendar, the CIACcast turns its eyes to some different topics. CIAC Hockey Committee Chairperson Thomas Neagle discusses some recent changes to the hockey postseason structure, and Fred Balsamo of the Connecticut Association of Athletics Directors talks about his organization and its recent annual conference.
  • March 20, 2013
    With CIAC Tournament competition mostly wrapped up, the CIACcast turns its attention to some other matters. Sports writer Ken Lipshez joins the show to recap the Boys Swimming Open, the founder of the EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center Joe DeRing discusses an exciting new program exclusively for coaches, and CIAC Executive Staff Member Bob Lehr chats about the CIAC Bowling Championship.
  • March 14, 2013
    The CIACcast hits the road for round table discussions previewing the boys and girls basketball and boys ice hockey finals. Lori Riley, Marc Allard and Joe Palladino discuss girls basketball (1:10-18:30), Mike Cardillo, Tom Yantz and Joe Morelli break down the boys basketball finals (19:00-28:00), and Dan Nowak and Don Boyle dig into the boys hockey finals (28:10-38:10).
  • February 28, 2013
    The attention turns to boys and girls basketball and gymnastics. The New Haven Register’s Henry Chisholm discusses the girls basketball tournaments, CIAC Gymnastics co-Tournament Director Pat Simon looks at the state open, and Dave Ruden of the Stamford Advocate discusses the release of the boys basketball tournament brackets.
  • February 21, 2013
    The inaugural edition of the CIACcast features an introduction about what fans can expect from this series. Also included is a talk with Gerry deSimas, Jr. of Connecticut Wrestling Online previewing the wrestling open, a look at the process of creating tournament brackets with girls basketball tournament director Dave Maloney, and the Hartford Courant’s Matthew Conyers stopping by to take a look back at the indoor track season.