06/12/26 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas from WCIA3 talks St. Joe-Ogden baseball, Dane Eisenmenger to Illini, & his basketball showdown against Evan Stone; Cards v Twins & Cubs v Giants preview; Friday Toasts!
Tristan Thomas, sports reporter from WCIA3, joins The Drive to break down the emotional farewell for St. Joe-Ogden's baseball team at Illinois Field, spotlighting standout players like Cam Schluter and Bryson Houchens ahead of their state championship showdown. He reveals that Illinois' recruitment of Dane Eisenmenger—once committed to Central Missouri—was a last-minute, high-stakes pivot fueled by his local roots and elite performance in the state title game. The conversation shifts to a lighthearted but spirited preview of Tristan’s upcoming celebrity basketball showdown against Evan Stone, a charity game benefiting a local scholarship fund, while also revealing his ambitious plan to play 18 holes of golf before the game. The episode is packed with sports banter, including a deep dive into the Immaculate Grid game, a viral sports trivia challenge, and a passionate toast to the Cubs, Knicks, and Team USA—highlighting the joy of fandom and the human side of sports journalism.
Dane Eisenmenger's transfer to Illinois was a surprise move after he signed with Central Missouri, driven by his desire to play close to home and his standout performance in the state championship game.
St. Joe-Ogden's senior class is loaded with talent, including power hitters Cam Schluter and Bryson Houchens, and clutch pitcher Parker Fitch, making them a serious threat in the state finals.
Tristan Thomas is preparing for a charity celebrity basketball game against Evan Stone, playing 18 holes of golf beforehand—proof that media personalities are just as passionate about sports as their audiences.
The Immaculate Grid, a daily sports trivia game matching athletes to two categories, is gaining popularity among fans and is now a shared ritual between Tristan and his dad.
The Drive’s Friday toast tradition continues with Quinn Flavin toasting the Cubs, Knicks, and Team USA—showcasing how sports fandom transcends team loyalty and unites listeners in shared hope.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening with Music and the Drive's Friday Vibe
The episode kicks off with a playful music trivia segment, where Curtis and Quinn try to identify Luke Combs, setting a light, energetic tone for the Friday broadcast.
Dane Eisenmenger's Surprise Transfer to Illinois
“This is really something he's wanted to do. To do it so close to home of playing at a bigger school, it's a pretty cool story to follow and obviously just a big deal around here.”
St. Joe-Ogden's State Baseball Final Preview
“He took a hit-by-pitch that was driving a run in that Unity sectional championship game. It's apparently always been his M.O., just that guy who's going to do the little things.”
Tristan’s Celebrity Basketball Showdown with Evan Stone
“If I can make one shot, honestly, I would be like, that's the goal. Like, I'll hustle, I'll do the other thing the rest of the game.”
The Immaculate Grid: A Viral Sports Trivia Game
“I've got an Immaculate Grid t-shirt. For real? So like, I'm all in on it.”
“AI, the machines, they're going to take over and take us all out. So I'm preparing for that.”
“football coach yesterday and he said with Dane that this is really something he's wanted to do. To do it so close to home of playing at a bigger school, it's a pretty cool story to follow and obviously just a big deal around here.”
“So toasting to the Knicks and toasting to the Cubs. Cubs hopefully can get back playing good baseball and the Knicks hopefully can close it out tomorrow.”
Host
Guest
Tristan Thomas
person
Evan Stone
person
Chicago Cubs
other
Dane Eisenmenger
person
St. Joe-Ogden
other
Illinois Fighting Illini
other
Immaculate Grid
media
Cardinals vs Twins
other
Cubs vs Giants
other
Team USA
other
06/12/26 Hour 1: Dane Eisenmenger meets the Illini Media; Jordan Sigler from Chi City Sports explains the next steps in Bears stadium move, talks Minicamp, Caleb Williams vs Michah Parsons, and more
55m • 6/12/2026
06/02/26 Hour 2: More on Quentin Coleman's big game for Team USA; Evan vs Texters World Cup Part 2; Should Brendan Sorsby be banned?
50m • 6/2/2026
06/08/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports tells us why the Bears WON'T be going to Indiana, Lincoln Williams to the Illini, and Quentin Coleman's performance for Team USA U8
52m • 6/8/2026
06/10/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer tells us why Lincoln Williams was perfect timing, reviews Quintin Coleman's Team USA Performance; Tolono Unity QB Dane Eisenmenger to Illinois
54m • 6/10/2026
06/10/26 Hour 2: NBA Finals Game 4 preview, why Wemby will win; Cards vs Mets and Cubs vs Rockies preview; Evan goes Hulk Hogan on The World Cup, Brother!
51m • 6/10/2026
06/02/26 Hour 1: Chris Kwiecinski from Fox32 Chicago on the Bears' Stadium Situation; Illini Headlines - Quinten Coleman's big game, HOF'er Jenna Hall takes over Softball; Evan vs Texters - World Cup
59m • 6/2/2026
06/03/26 Hour 1: Cardinals & Cubs both skidding; Illini Headlines; Who are the players from Rival Teams that you respected?
54m • 6/3/2026
06/04/26 Hour 1: Isaac Ambrose talks Bielema calling out Pete Bevecqua, and is Underwood the GOAT Coach in Illini history?; Knicks stun the Spurs
55m • 6/4/2026
06/04/26 Hour 2: HOF'er Rob Rains talks Cardinals & why this team plays so relaxed, which player is his surprise star; Aaron Donald back to the Rams?; Draft Winner - Most Hateable Athletes
52m • 6/4/2026
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