In this episode of Cougars Uncaged, the spotlight is on Cleary University wrestlers Julius Polk, Jack Gruno, and Grayson Sonntag as they share their personal journeys, favorite campus spots, and what brought them to Cleary. From transferring schools and reconnecting with wrestling to finding community through the program, the trio opens up about life as student-athletes and the bond they’ve built on and off the mat.

The conversation dives into everything from breakfast debates and favorite foods to dream celebrity meetups, personal inspirations, and rapid-fire questions that reveal each athlete’s personality. Listeners will hear heartfelt reflections on family, leadership, discipline, and overcoming adversity — balanced with plenty of laughs about Dave’s Hot Chicken, tattoos, social media, and UFC trivia.

Packed with humor, authenticity, and team camaraderie, this episode gives fans an inside look at the personalities behind Cleary Wrestling while showcasing the culture, energy, and student experience that make Cleary Athletics special.

In this episode of Cougars Uncaged, the Den Dwellers sit down with Cleary University President Alan Drimmer and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Carl Thomas for a conversation filled with momentum, heart, and humor. Fresh off the release of Cleary’s strategic plan and the men’s basketball team’s biggest win yet over nationally ranked Indiana Tech, both guests reflect on what these milestone moments mean for the university and its future.

Coach Thomas shares what it has been like to build a program from the ground up, emphasizing grit, belief, and a “let’s go to work” mindset. President Drimmer reflects on his five-year journey at Cleary and why the university has become such a meaningful part of his life. Together, they highlight the people of Cleary as the institution’s greatest strength and discuss what makes the campus culture so personal and student-centered.

The episode also dives into lighter topics, including music, favorite campus spots, dream travel destinations, and rapid-fire questions, while still making room for some deeper and more meaningful reflections. Coach Thomas opens up about the influence of his grandmother and father, sharing how their values shaped his life, work ethic, and commitment to education. President Drimmer reflects on the teachers who challenged and inspired him, and how discomfort can often be part of true growth.

From jazz and game-day playlists to leadership, family, education, and vision for the future, this episode offers a powerful look at two leaders helping shape Cleary in very different but complementary ways. It is a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation that gives listeners a deeper look at the people behind the titles.

Athletic Director Max Ballinger and Associate Head Baseball Coach Nick Hoogerhyde bring energy, humor, and heart to this episode of Cougars Uncaged—joined by our first-ever live studio audience.

Max shares his journey from joining Cleary in 2019 to leading a rapidly growing athletics program, while Nick reflects on being part of Cleary’s first baseball recruiting class and now helping shape the next generation of student-athletes.

From favorite campus spots (third-base dugout vs. press box views) to heated Thanksgiving hot takes (pumpkin pie, turkey, and gravy debates included), this episode balances laughs with meaningful moments. Both guests open up about the family values and mentors who shaped their leadership styles—highlighting the culture that defines Cleary Athletics.

The show wraps with a competitive baseball trivia showdown and, of course, a spirited “Roll Cougs!”

🎧 Tune in for a fun, fast-paced look at the people building Cleary Athletics from the inside out.