Today, we welcome back members of the Division of Student Success to Webbchat. On episode 19, we explore how the division provides guidance and support for students as they move towards the goal of graduation. *Episode 19 is hosted by Noel T. Manning II. #### This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms. **Background music for this episode features:“Reap What You Sow” By Carter McDevitt (2022)

After a national search process, on March 27th, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs has named one of its own, GWU Associate Coach Jeremy Luther as the head coach of the men’s basketball program. In his 11 seasons at GWU, Luther contributed a wealth of knowledge and played a vital part of the program’s 188 wins. Luther also helped lead the program to its first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament in 2018-2019. Today on Dawg Tracks episode 19, Phil Constantino talks with Luther about his desire to lead the Runnin' Dawgs, and what's ahead for the program.

Bulldog Dialogue: First Downs Join Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs for Episode One of 1st Downs. Travel with us today as we visit GWU alumna and current head women’s basketball coach for Shelby High School, Carley Plentovich Tallent. Tallent was a standout student-athlete at GWU, and was one of the most prolific shooters in program history. Tallent finished her career ranked first all-time in free throw percentage, second in three-pointers made, single game records, and 17th overall in points. Today, Tallent speaks with President Downs about her career at GWU, her transition into coaching, NIL, the transfer portal, her future goals, and more.

Third year Head Softball Coach Bailey Wigness joins us for this episode of Dawg Tracks. Wigness offers an outlook of the season ahead, talks the transfer portal, chats about the Brinkley Softball Stadium and facility improvements, and explores the future of the Runnin’ Bulldogs.  Wigness played at national power Arizona State University, three times earning All-Pac 12 honors and leading the Sun Devils to the 2011 National Championship. Wigness finished a career with a spectacular .371 batting average, stole 40 bases and scored 130 runs. Wigness remains ranked among the program's all-time leaders in career batting average (8th) and stolen bases (11th).  The Casa Grande, Ariz., native graduated from Arizona State with a degree in communications and political science. Wigness earned her master’s degree in educational leadership in 2018 from Boise State.  Episode 18 of Dawg Tracks is hosted by Phil Constantino. Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GWUSports⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics. You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gwusports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs. #### Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

Dawg Tracks 17: featuring GWU Head Baseball Coach Jim Chester Fifth year Head Baseball Coach Jim Chester joins us for this episode of Dawg Tracks. He provides a preview of the season ahead, reflects on his time at GW, and offers a snapshot of the First Pitch Celebration featuring Guest Speaker – Clint Hurdle [Former MLB Player (Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals) + Manager (Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies)]. Chester also chats about plans for the future of Runnin’ Bulldog Baseball.   Episode 17 of Dawg Tracks is hosted by Phil Constantino. Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GWUSports⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics.  You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gwusports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs.  ####  Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

Dawg Tracks 16: featuring GWU Women’s Soccer Coach Erik Solberg On Jan. 12th, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs named Erik Solberg the next head coach of the GWU women’s soccer program. Solberg joins GWU after four seasons as the head coach at the University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff (UAPB).  During his tenure at UAPB, Solberg coached 12 all-conference players, including a SWAC Offensive Player of the Year (2022), Defensive Player of the Year (2023), and Freshman of the Year (2022), with eight SWAC Player of the Week recognitions. Solberg is the only head coach in UAPB history to lead his team to four consecutive SWAC Tournament appearances. In each of Solberg’s four seasons at UAPB, the Golden Lions outperformed their preseason ranking.    Episode 16 of Dawg Tracks is hosted by Phil Constantino. Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠⁠⁠⁠@GWUSports⁠⁠⁠⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics.  You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠⁠⁠⁠gwusports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs.  ####  Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

11th year Head Men's Basketball Coach Tim Craft is back for another edition of Dawg Tracks (episode 15). This episode of Dawg Tracks is hosted by Phil Constantino. Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠⁠⁠@GWUSports⁠⁠⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics. You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠⁠⁠gwusports.com⁠⁠⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs. #### Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

Phil Constantino welcomes Gardner-Webb VP and Director Athletics Andrew Goodrich to Dawg Tracks episode 14. Goodrich offers a reflection on the year, changes in GWU sports, and the landscape of college athletics. *Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠⁠⁠⁠@GWUSports⁠⁠⁠⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics. You can track all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠⁠⁠⁠gwusports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs. #### Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

Gardner-Webb University welcomed new Head Football Coach Cris Reisert on Thursday, Dec. 14. Students, student-athletes, faculty and staff were joined by alumni, the community and media for the event held in the GW Football Center at Spangler Stadium. On this episode of Dawg Tracks, Phil Constantino offers a meet and greet with Reisert. Reisert comes to GWU from Tiffin University (Ohio). At Tiffin, Reisert led his team to three GMAC championships (2019, 2020, 2023) and was named GMAC Coach of the Year in each of those championship seasons. This past season, his most successful team posted an 11-1 record, completing the regular season unbeaten before losing in the second round of the Division II national playoffs. With Reisert also handling offensive coordinator duties, the 2023 Tiffin Dragons finished ranked in the top 25 nationally in scoring offense (43.7 PPG, 6th), total offense (482.9 4th), scoring defense (16.2 PPG allowed, T-16th), and total defense (281.2 YPG allowed, 22nd). During his tenure at Tiffin, Reisert’s other notable accomplishments included the first two Division II playoff berths in school history (2019 and 2023), the highest national ranking in school history (No. 9), and the program’s first win over its primary rival (University of Findlay) in 22 years. In total, Reisert’s team defeated Findlay three times in five meetings. Reisert’s 40 total wins in five seasons were the most career wins by any head coach in his first five seasons in Tiffin’s history. *Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠⁠⁠@GWUSports⁠⁠⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics. You can track all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠⁠⁠gwusports.com⁠⁠⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs. #### Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

GWU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Tim Craft is back on Dawg Tracks: episode 12. Today, Craft talks about the impact of the Paul Porter Arena home crowd, the community value of the basketball program, and why he likes playing regional teams like Western Carolina. Craft also offers an outlook of this week’s matchup with Wofford College.  This episode of Dawg Tracks is hosted by Phil Constantino. Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠⁠@GWUSports⁠⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics. You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠⁠gwusports.com⁠⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs. #### Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

Tim Craft has helmed Runnin’ Bulldogs Men’s Basketball for 11 years. On this episode of Dawg Tracks he reflects on his time in Boiling Springs, offers a day in the life of coaching, shares notes on where to find joy in life, weighs in on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and much more.  This episode of Dawg Tracks is hosted by Phil Constantino. Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for ⁠@GWUSports⁠ and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics. You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at ⁠gwusports.com⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs. #### Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

Tyrell Nelson made his mark as a Runnin’ Bulldog for four seasons on the Men’s Basketball squad. During that time, he scored nearly 1700 points over the course of 133 games, and averaged 12.5 points per game. His time at GW provided the foundation for the 2019 team that earned a spot in the NCAA tourney vs. eventual national champion Virginia. Today on Dawg Tracks, Brendon Boylan speaks with Nelson about his time with the Dawgs, and his international professional basketball playing career. This episode of Dawg Tracks is hosted by GWU alumnus and award-winning documentarian, Brendan Boylan. Boylan has been covering college and pro athletics for several years as a commentator, analyst & contributing writer. ####  You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at for Men’s and Women’s basketball at ⁠gwusports.com⁠. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs.   Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Football team is riding a four-game winning streak heading into this weekend’s regular season finale.  The contest against CSU has a conference championship on the line, and an opportunity to head to the FCS playoffs for the second consecutive year. On this episode of Dawg Tracks, Head Coach Tre Lamb offers a reflection on the season, a look at the evolution of GWU football, and a forecast of things to come.     This episode of Dawg Tracks is hosted by Phil Constantino. Constantino is Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting & Strategic Communication for @GWUSports and calls play-by-play for GWU athletics. You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at gwusports.com. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs. #### Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

Balsam Range, winner of 13 awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)—including Entertainer of the Year—will headline the second concert in Brinkley Amphitheater at Gardner-Webb University. Special guest, Fireside Collective, will open the event on Nov. 18. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the program starts at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are available now.   Today on Webbchat Richard McDevitt and Noel T. Manning II spend time with Tim Surrett of Balsam Range. Surrett shares his influences, the genesis of the band, and why Bluegrass Music continues to resonate with audiences.   The Boiling Springs Tourism Development Authority is a sponsor for this event, and WNCW is a media sponsor. Tickets are available at Gardner-Webb.edu.  #### This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms. **Background music for this episode features: “Blue Hills” courtesy of PowerDirector/Cyberlink.com (2023)

Dan Sellers is the host, producer and writer of the “Carolina Haints” podcast, and he’s also the owner and operator of Wreak Havoc Film Productions. He was invited to Gardner-Webb University to speak to students, faculty, staff and the community about folklore, developing memorable podcasts, writing, and more. On this episode of WebbChat, Sellers shares his story.   Also on this episode is Natalie Bishop, dean of the Gardner-Webb Dover Library. #### This episode of WebbChat is hosted by Noel T. Manning II. This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms.   **Background music for this episode features: “Reap What You Sow” By Carter McDevitt (2022)  “Into the True Country” by David Benedict

Fans are looking forward to an amazing night of music with 15-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Will Jones and Gardner-Webb student Lindy Bryson on Saturday, Oct. 28 in the Brinkley Amphitheater. Today on WebbChat episode 15, Richard McDevitt gets a chance to talk to the legendary Ricky Skaggs about his love of performing, his advice to young performers, a story about Flatt and Scruggs, working with the likes of Ry Cooder and Jack White (White Stripes), and what fans can expect for the inaugural concert in Gardner-Webb's Brinkley Amphitheater. #### This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms. **Background music for this episode features:“Blue Hills” courtesy of PowerDirector/Cyberlink.com (2023)

Today we welcome award-winning author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle as our guest for WebbChat episode 14. Clapsaddle came to Gardner-Webb as a featured speaker for the Darlene J. Gravett Visiting Writer Series. Hosted by the Department of English Language and Literature, Clapsaddle spent time with students and offered a talk to the general public. Today on Webbchat she discusses her debut novel, “Even As We Breathe”; she offers thoughts about her Cherokee heritage, and provides lessons learned about the art and craft of writing.   Clapsaddle, an enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, resides in Qualla,N.C. She holds degrees from Yale University and the College of William and Mary. Her debut novel was a finalist for the Weatherford Award and named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020. In 2021, it received the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award.   *Episode 14 is hosted by Richard McDevitt and Noel T. Manning II. ####   This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms.   **Background music for this episode features: “Reap What You Sow” By Carter McDevitt (2022)

Dawg Tracks: Episode 8 welcomes GWU President William Downs   Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs joins Brendan Boylan to explore the Campus of Champions. The two chat about the impact of Runnin’ Bulldog athletics, the best places to sit to watch games, and some of the president’s favorite moments for students during his time at GWU.   This episode of Dawg Tracks is hosted by GWU alumnus and award-winning documentarian, Brendan Boylan. Boylan has been covering college and pro athletics for several years as a commentator, analyst & contributing writer. ####  You can track out all that’s happening in Runnin’ Bulldog athletics and find your season tickets at gwusports.com. Follow the ‘Dawgs on social @gwusports and search #RunninBulldogs.   Music on today’s episode is the: GWU Fight Song by Jerry Hill/Bob Decker/Oland Summers

WebbChat Episode 13 featuring Lindy Bryson On October 28th, the Gardner-Webb University Brinkley Amphitheater hosts 15-Time Grammy Winner Ricky Skaggs as headliner for the inaugural concert for this new outdoor venue. Opening act for the show will be Gardner-Webb student Lindy Bryson, followed by North Carolina native, Will Jones. Today on Webb Chat Episode 13, Bryson shares her love of music, and the journey from singing in church at the age of three, growing up on the Gardner-Webb campus, and winning the 2023 Don Gibson Singer Songwriter Symposium. Bryson will also offer thoughts about her songwriting craft, offer a couple of tunes, and chat about the anticipation of opening the Brinkley Amphitheater. You can find Bryson’s music including the new release “Originals” on most streaming platforms and see her live on Oct. 28. Tickets are available now at gardner-webb.edu/skaggs.   *Episode 13 is hosted by Richard McDevitt and Noel T. Manning II. #### This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms. Songs featured in this episode: “Muddy Waters” by Lindy Bryson ‘Walk like Jesus” by Lindy Bryson and Randy Maynor     **Background music for this episode features: “Reap What You Sow” By Carter McDevitt (2022)

WebbChat episode 12 For all Gardner-Webb faculty and staff, the ultimate goal is to provide opportunities for students to successfully navigate a path towards graduation, and be better prepared for a life of service to God and Humanity, Pro Deo et Humanitate. On this episode of WebbChat, we welcome representatives from the Division of Student Success. We’ll get an overview of the offices specifically designed to usher students along their academic journey at GWU, and we’ll chat about the resources, benefits and impacts this division provides for all students. Guests today are: o  Ryan Erck, Executive Director for the Division of Student Success o  Kara Alves, Director of Success Initiatives and First-Year Experience o  Carrie Baker, Director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes  o  Edwina Rozelle, Director of Advising, Retention, and Academic Coaching  *Episode 12 is hosted by Noel T. Manning II. #### This is the official podcast channel for Gardner-Webb University; you can subscribe to podcasts like these on many of your favorite platforms. **Background music for this episode features: “Reap What You Sow” By Carter McDevitt (2022)