Dean Swink, New Urbana High Football Coach

A couple of weeks after being named the new varsity football coach at Urbana High School, Dean Swink is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Swink chats with host Greg Swatek about why he wanted to be a head coach again after being away from such a position for more than a decade. He previously served as the head coach at Tuscarora High from 2009-11 and Walt Whitman prior to that. In the ensuring years, he was an assistant coach at both Damascus and Urbana, serving as the Hawks' defensive line coach last season.

Swink talks about coaching NFL Draft prospect Bryan Bresee at both Urbana and Damascus. He discusses all of the nuances and added responsibilities that come along with his new job, his general disdain for social media and the overall vision he has for the Urbana football program.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the sudden end to the winter sports season in Frederick County. They discuss about the half-court heave that sank the Urbana girls basketball team, a terrific effort by the often-overlooked Oakdale girls, the first blemish for the Frederick boys and a difficult circumstance that ended the season for the Walkersville boys.

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Beau Traber, New Thomas Johnson High Football Coach

After taking the helm of the Thomas Johnson High School varsity football team in late January, Beau Traber is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Traber chats with host Greg Swatek about his unlikely path to the job, from observing a practice on a walk with his dog, to joining the team as a volunteer assistant, to taking over as defensive coordinator at midseason last fall to becoming the head coach, all within the span of five months. He talks about how he was able to squeeze the most out of his athletic ability as an undersized high school middle linebacker in Oklahoma and later at Bucknell University. And he discusses what it will take to get the TJ football program back on a winning track.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the high school basketball playoffs, which have now reached the state quarterfinal stage for four Frederick County basketball teams (Frederick and Walkersville boys, Oakdale and Urbana girls). What are their chances of advancing even farther?

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Brody Buffington, Coach Dave Lillard, State Champion Catoctin Boys Track and Field

After his sensational state record in the 55-meter dash and a wild last month that earned him some national recognition, Catoctin High sprinting star Brody Buffington and his coach, Dave Lillard, are this week's guests on the Final Score podcast.

Buffington chats with host Greg Swatek about how much his life has changed over the last month, starting with the 6.25-second 55 dash he ran in mid-January that vaulted him to the best time in the nation, at the time, to the 6.19-second 55 dash he ran Tuesday at the state indoor meet to set the Maryland Public School record for all classifications. What has it been like handling all of the attention?

He also talks at length about the controversial disqualification he suffered in the 300 dash at the 1A regional meet that knocked him out of a race he was the defending champion in and states and prompted nationwide calls of support on social media, including from numerous Olympians.

How do Buffington's teammates handle all of his success? Lillard talks about that and about all of the noteworthy athletes and performances that can get lost in the very large shadow cast by Buffington's dynamic performances.

And what's on tap for Buffington as he prepares to run at the New Balance Indoor National meet in Boston in two weeks and during the outdoor track season in the spring?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to talk about the Central Maryland Conference championship games for both boys and girls basketball, as well as state and regional playoff happenings for swimming and wrestling.

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Ben Arneson, Ben Lawn, State champion Linganore wrestling

Fresh off Linganore High's wrestling team winning its first state duals championship last Saturday, coach Ben Arneson and senior middleweight Ben Lawn are this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Arneson and Lawn chat with host Greg Swatek about how the profile of the sport has risen at Linganore to the point where the Lancers are now one of the most respected teams in the state. They talk about the team's relentless and never-quit attitude, which carried them to the Class 3A duals championship over North Point, and they talk about how the wrestlers were able to come together for the purpose of achieving that common goal.

Plus, they offer a little preview of the Frederick County Public Schools tournament this Friday and Saturday at Frederick High School, as the individual portion of the postseason is set to begin.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to discuss the end of the basketball regular season in Frederick County and what team can possibly contend for a state title on the boys and girls side, as well as the FCPS swimming and diving championships over the weekend.

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Coach Dave Crawmer and RJ Roche, Urbana boys basketball

Following a dramatic and tense come-from-behind win at Linganore this week, Urbana boys basketball coach Dave Crawmer and sophomore forward RJ Roche are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Crawmer and Roche chat with host Greg Swatek about the Hawks' season. They are 13-5 with three challenging games remaining in the regular season. They also discuss the qualities of the team that allowed it to rally from an early 13-point deficit to beat Linganore on the road by three, surviving a potential game-tying 3-pointer by the Lancers at the buzzer. 

Roche talks about how his game has evolved over the course of the season. And Crawmer discusses his day job as the head golfing pro at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville. What his lowest score ever? What is the most famous course he has ever played? The answers may surprise you.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the the controversial disqualification of Catoctin sprinting star Brody Buffington in the 300 dash over the weekend in the Class 1A West regional indoor track meet in Hagerstown. They also discuss the prominent storylines on the boys and girls basketball scenes in Frederick County, and share the story of Zion Ortiz, a star athlete at Maryland School for the Deaf.

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Ryan Hines, Tuscarora Football Coach, Urbana Assistant Principal

On the heels of girls flag football becoming a varsity sport in Frederick County, new Tuscarora High football coach and Urbana assistant principal Ryan Hines is this week's guest on the Final Score.

Hines played a prominent role in helping girls flag football carve out a foothold in the area through Frederick County Parks and Recreation and the high school league last fall. He chats with Greg Swatek about the significance of it becoming a varsity sport in Frederick County Public Schools and the opportunities it will create for young girls interested in playing sports.

He also talks about his desire to get back into coaching after roughly a decade of holding administrative positions at Urbana and why Tuscarora was the right opportunity for him, despite the Titans' struggles in recent seasons.

How is he balancing and managing both jobs at the moment? Why would he be willing to take such a significant pay cut? How long will it take to turn the Tuscarora program around? He answers those questions and more.

Prior to Hines coming on, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to discuss girls flag football as a varsity sport, the contributions of Frederick High's deaf boys basketball player, Keanu Boren, and Hood College's newly formed men's volleyball team.

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James Partlow, Larry O'Hara TJ Boys Track and Field

After helping lead the Thomas Johnson High boys track and field team to its first county indoor title since 2012 last week, standout distance runner James Partlow and coach Larry O'Hara are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Partlow explains to host Greg Swatek how he overcame a weeklong illness to not only participate in the meet but to provide valuable points for his team by winning the 3,200-meter run and placing second in the 1,600. He also talks about how a tremendous cross-country season in the fall generated a lot of confidence and belief heading into the indoor track season.

O'Hara talks about how he has built the Patriots into a county champion over the course of his six seasons on the job. It has not been a fast or easy process. But he's gradually convinced more good athletes to come out for the team, which created has created the depth TJ needs to win the championship without a lot of event wins.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the winter sports scene in Frederick County. They touch on the county track meet, boys and girls basketball and some wrestling.

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Pat Cadden, New Frederick High Football Coach

Less than a week after being named the varsity football coach at his alma mater, Frederick High football coach Pat Cadden is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Cadden chats with host Greg Swatek about how the opportunity came about for him. He served for the last six seasons as Frederick's defensive coordinator under former coach Kevin Pirri and has helped resurrect the program from one of its lowest points ever into one of the top ones in the state.

Cadden also talks candidly about his 20 years of military service in the U.S. Army, which is approaching its end, and how that shaped his life and his coaching career.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers Alexander Dacy and John Cannon join Greg to discuss the new high school football coaching hires at both Frederick and Tuscarora, as well as some notable results and upcoming matchups on the Frederick County basketball scene.

The guys also touch on Catoctin's Brody Buffington posting the fastest time in the nation in the 55-meter dash last week, as well as Linganore wrestling's big win over Middletown.

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Trinity Lindblade, Rachael Easterday, Linganore Girls Basketball

After leading Linganore to a last-second, one-point win over Urbana to achieve status as the only unbeaten team in Frederick County this season in girls basketball, Lancers junior guard Trinity Lindblade and her coach, Rachael Easterday, are this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Lindblade chats with host Greg Swatek about the nothing-but-net 3-pointer she hit to beat the previously unbeaten Hawks by one point (63-62) in the final seconds of what could be the girls basketball Game of the Year in the county this season. What was she thinking and feeling leading into that shot? What gave her the confidence to take it and make it from so far behind the 3-point line? What has her adjustment been like to the Linganore team after transferring from Thomas Johnson last season? Lindblade answers all of those questions.

Easterday discusses what makes Lindblade such a special player and what makes these Lancers such a special team. Did she unbeaten and state-championship potential in her team prior to the season starting?

Prior to this discussion, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the winter sports season in Frederick County, with the girls and boys basketball scenes being a particular point of emphasis. What has stood out to these guys so far this season?

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Logan Malone, Shawn Baker, Brunswick Boys Soccer

After scoring his second game-winning goal in a state final in November, Brunswick boys soccer player Logan Malone and his coach, Shawn Baker, are the guests this week on The Final Score podcast.

Malone recounts to host Greg Swatek his storybook scenario of scoring not just one, but two game-winning goals in overtime of state championship games against the very same opponent, Fallston. What was the liklihood of that happening? What were his emotions like? What sort of reaction did he get from his teammates and the community?

Plus, Baker shares his pride in leading his alma mater to back-to-back state titles as a coach and what made this Brunswick team so strong once again.

Prior to that, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy chats with Greg about winter sports in Frederick County and a very early candidate for Game of the Year, as unbeaten Linganore and unbeaten Urbana played in girls basketball. Learn how the game lived up to the hype.

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Happy New Year!

On an informal holiday edition of The Final Score podcast, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins host Greg Swatek to discuss their holiday travel adventures and the winter sports scene in Frederick County.

Alexander also reflects on his first nine months on the job in the FNP sports department.

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Carson Smith, Middletown Football, Army Recruit

After signing his National Letter of Intent this week to make his college commitment to play football at Army official, Middletown running back Carson Smith is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Smith chats with host Greg Swatek about the recruiting process and why he ultimately settled on Army. Did he ever envision himself at a military academy?

The guys also discuss his sensational last two seasons at Middletown, during which he rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns and led the Knights to the Class 2A state semifinals in November. They talk about his various interests outside of football and what he sees in the eyes of defenders who attempt to tackle him.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the winter sports scene in Frederick County. What boys and girls basketball teams have separated themselves from the pack so far?

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Travon Neal, Kevin Pirri, Frederick High Football

After making his college decision this week, Frederick High football star Travon Neal is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast, along with his coach, Kevin Pirri.

Neal explains to host Greg Swatek why he chose Monmouth University as his next football destination. He talks about the recruiting process and the things he enjoyed and did not enjoy about it. He also discusses how he has grown as both a person and a player and what playing football at Frederick High over these last four years has meant to him.

Pirri shares his feelings on Neal's decision and the impact he has had on his program. He talks about some of the nuances of the recruiting process that he noticed and the type of person and player that Monmouth is getting in Neal.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to discuss Neal and his college choice, as well as their early impressions of the winter sports season in Frederick County, particularly how it relates to high school basketball and wrestling.

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Darryl Whiten, FCC Men's Basketball Coach

Now in his second season as the men's basketball coach at Frederick Community College, Darryl Whiten is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Whiten chats with host Greg Swatek about taking the job at FCC after serving many years as a high school boys and girls basketball coach in the county. He talks about learning how to recruit and the process of bringing players. He addresses how he and the team have evolved from his first season on the job to now, and he talks about his relationship with well-known college coaches John Calipari and Shaka Smart. 

Plus, Whiten addresses his extensive work with Frederick native Aje Hill and his I Believe in Me foundation.

First, though, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss Oakdale's loss to Damascus in the Class 3A football state-championship game and the conclusion on the high school football season in Frederick County in general.

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State Champion Urbana Volleyball

After winning the school's first state championship in volleyball, Urbana High volleyball coach Jerry Burge and two of his daughters who are on the team, Charis and Logan, are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

The Burges chat with host Greg Swatek about the Hawks' dramatic five-set win over Arundel in the Class 4A championship match. They discuss why their season was so successful and how Urbana managed to knock off a team riding a 30-match winning streak in the state final.

Jerry Burge talks about raising six daughters, who were all volleyball players, and how that sport became such a huge part of their family. Charis and Logan also share their perspective on why they love playing the sport so much and being coached by their father.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy stop by to talk about the state football semifinals and Oakdale's upcoming 3A championship game against Damacus in Annapolis this weekend. What are the Bears' chances of winning their second state title?

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Tony Lombardi, Todd Knepper, Tuscarora Boys Soccer State Champions

Following their 3-0 victory over Centennial in last week's Class 3A championship game to cap a dominant season, Tuscarora boys senior captain Tony Lombardi and coach Todd Knepper are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Lombardi and Knepper chat with host Greg Swatek about why the Titans were so dominant this season and what sort of legacy the team will leave. They talk about the state championship game, the team's first since its breakthrough victory in 2008, and why they weren't that nervous or feeling much pressure. They also discuss the team's dynamic playmakers, such as senior striker Erick Rodriguez, and some of the unsung heroes that made the Titans as good as they were.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to discuss the state playoffs for Frederick County high schools. They talk about Brunswick's dramatic overtime victory over Fallston in the Class 1A championship game for the second straight season in boys soccer. They also talk about the state quarterfinal round in the football playoffs and look ahead to this week's state semifinals.

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Urbana volleyball and Tuscarora boys soccer state titles

After Urbana's volleyball team and Tuscarora's boys soccer team each won state titles this week, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joined host Greg Swatek to discuss that and more on this week's episode of The Final Score podcast.

The guys discuss Urbana's remarkable five-set win over reigning Class 4A state champion Arundel, which was riding a 30-match winning streak heading into the state final. Alexander shares his thoughts on why Urbana was able to win this match to claim their first state title and what players led the way.

The guys also touch on the total dominance of the Tuscarora boys soccer team this season, which was capped by a 3-0 victory over Centennial in the Class 3A championship game. What made the Titans so special and how will they be remembered all-time on the Frederick County boys soccer scene?

The state cross country championships and the ongoing football playoffs are also discussed on this episode.

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Chad Dickman, Hood College Men's Basketball Coach

With Hood men's basketball set to tip off another season as the reigning Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth champions, the team's coach, Chad Dickman, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

The Blazers will host the annual MMI Tip-Off Tournament at BB&T Arena this weekend, a four-team event that includes defending NCAA Division III national champion and No. 1 ranked Randolph Macon, coached by Walkersville native Josh Merkel.

Dickman chats with host Greg Swatek about his longtime relationship with Merkel and hosting the top-ranked team in the country in a season-opening event.

He also talks about how his team will transition away from two of its greatest players ever in Mason and Evan Wang, now that they have graduated, and why mid-range jump shots are considered bad shots.

Prior to that, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about the fall sports playoffs in Frederick County for high school sports. They discuss the upcoming state semifinals for boys and girls soccer, as well as the regional semifinals for football, the state-championship meet for cross country and the regional finals for volleyball.

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Antoine White, Mount St. Mary's Women's Basketball Coach

With the women's basketball team at Mount St. Mary's set to begin another season, coming off back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament, the team's coach, Antoine White, is this week's guest on the Final Score podcast.

White chats with host Greg Swatek about the trip to the Big Dance last March and what the team can take from it. He also talks extensively about playing in a new league this season, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and the impact it will have on his program.

Who are the players to watch this season for the Mountaineers? What are their expectations for the coming season? Those questions are addressed over the course of the conversation.

Plus, FNP sports writers John Cannon and Alexander Dacy join Greg to talk about fall sports in Frederick County, as the high school playoffs head toward regional finals and state quarterfinals. The guys discuss the remaining county playoff teams in field hockey and soccer and look ahead to the upcoming playoffs for football and volleyball.

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Dan Engelstad, Mount St. Mary's Men's Basketball Coach

With Mount St. Mary's set to begin its first season of men's basketball in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, coach Dan Engelstad is this week's guest on the Final Score podcast.

Engelstad chats with host Greg Swatek about the MAAC and how the Mountaineers figure to fit into their new league in their first season of play. He talks about how the Mount can benefit from the raised profile the league offers and the impact it could have on recruiting. He also talks about this season's roster, which features several returning players, and what he is looking forward to the most heading into the Nov. 7 season opener at West Virginia.

Prior to that, FNP sports writer John Cannon joins Greg to discuss fall sports in Frederick County. John and Greg touch on the state golf tournament, the Central Maryland Conference championship games for soccer and field hockey and the final week of the regular season for high school football.