🐻 #BryanBuilt Podcast | Show Notes

Hosts: Chris Malanga and Superintendent Mark Rairigh

🎙️ Episode Summary

Welcome back to Season 2, Episode 4 of the #BryanBuilt Podcast! Chris Malanga and Superintendent Mark Rairigh are dressed for Homecoming Week across Bryan City Schools.

In this episode, Mark delivers updates on the $6.2 million Arts & Education Center renovation, followed by Homecoming Week events like Wednesday’s Community Game Night and Friday's matchup against Wauseon. Then, 1976 alumnus Dave "Batter" Batt joins us to share 1970s traditions, the "Secret Sisters," and football lore.

Plus, Mark tests Chris with Golden Bear history trivia, and social media interns Morgan and Zoey bring us "Bear in the Chair" featuring Bryan Elementary teacher Mr. Joe Tucker!

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 🏁 Show Intro

01:11 📢 #BryanBuilt News Feed

07:25 🎙️ Deep Dive: Dave "Batter" Batt ('76)

44:11 🐻 The Fun Segment: “Bear Down” Trivia with Chris Malanga

1:01:20 🛋️ Bear in the Chair: Mr. Joe Tucker

1:04:08 🏆 Golden Bear Standouts: 2026 Homecoming Court

🗞️ The #BryanBuilt News Feed

Superintendent Mark Rairigh shares major district updates:

• Arts & Education Project: Raised grade added for the scene/set shop. East side foundation work underway for dressing rooms, rehearsal space, green rooms, and main lobby art gallery/lounge. Interior demo continues through winter; exterior work resumes in March for a Spring 2028 completion.

• Homecoming Highlights: Kicks off with backdrop building and lip sync prep. Community Game Night is Wednesday, Oct 7 (5:30 PM cookout, 6:00 PM games) with State Bank truck, Eric's Ice Cream, ABC hot dogs, Spangler Candy, badminton, and bubble tea.

• Friday Game Day: Pep assemblies lead into Friday night's game against Wauseon, followed by Saturday's dance.

🎙️ Deep Dive: Dave "Batter" Batt ('76)

Class of 1976 graduate Dave Batt joins the studio to talk Bryan Homecoming history:

• 1970s Traditions: Downtown window painting, float parades judged at Park Stadium, homecoming mums, and garage bands after Friday night games.

• Legendary Moments: Car-smash bonfires, practicing at Washington School, psyching out Montpelier with a surprise bus entrance at kickoff, and the 1995 field-of-dreams bonfire entrance.

• Secret Sisters: Recounting the wooden scrapbook created by nine female classmates honoring senior athletes.

🐻 Fun Segment: Bear Down, Chris!

Mark puts Chris to the test with Golden Bear history trivia, featuring a special focus on the 1993-1994 school year – the year his wife graduated from BHS!

• Name Origin: High school student Charles "Red" Daniels submitted "Golden Bears" in 1929.

• Mascot History: Pre-1929 teams were called "The Purples". Bryan also hosted a live bear cub mascot named "Goldy" in 1941.

• 1993-1994 Homecoming Court: A throwback to Nikki's senior year! Chris guessed Annie Sims, but Mark didn't recognize her maiden name in the yearbook photo and doubted him - until Chris proved he was right all along! Both Annie Sims and Kim Bassett represented BHS on the court.

• 
  

🛋️ Bear in the Chair: Mr. Joe Tucker

Morgan and Zoey feature 2008 BHS graduate and teacher Mr. Joe Tucker:

• Inspiration: Joining the TRUST program in high school with Mrs. Amy Dominic inspired him to be a positive male role model. Influenced by government teacher Mr. Arnold.

• Favorite Memory: Emceeing Homecoming his senior year and participating in the pep assembly tug-of-war.

🏆 Golden Bear Standout: 2026 Homecoming Court

Congratulations to our HoCo court and emcees:

• Court: Freshman Dina DeHoyos, Sophomore Lily Davis, Junior Kaylee Dempsey, Senior Mya Parker, and Queen Piper Hannah.

• Emcees: Ethan Fryman, Autumn McNamara, Kassi McDade, and Addalyn Hendricks.

• 
  

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: podcast.bryanschools.net

Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok

Remember: Greatness isn't born, it's #BryanBuilt. 🐻🏆

Podcast Theme: Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos | License code: DBBQE8ULZQOM0UUJ