Kevin Kendro, FCPS Supervisor of Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

June 7, 2026 Graham Cullen

Building on an annual tradition, Kevin Kendro, the supervisor of athletics and extracurricular activities for Frederick County Public Schools, stops by The Final Score podcast to deliver what's affectionately been dubbed The State of FCPS Athletics Address.

Kendro and host Greg Swatek review the school year it was for Frederick County sports as 10 teams and more than 30 individuals won state championships over the course of the fall, winter and spring seasons.

They also talk about big achievements away from the field as Carroll County Public Schools is set to join the Central Maryland Conference for the 2027-28 school year and girls flag football became an officially sanctioned varsity sport by the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association after starting in Frederick County in 2023.

What other big projects might be in the works for FCPS in regards to athletics? How do people feel about the CMC championship games? What's on the summer agenda leading into the start of fall sports practice in August? Kendro answers those questions as well.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy is back from his week of vacation. He and Greg wrap up the spring sports season for Frederick County schools and touch on all of the state championships. They also discuss the surprising success so far of the Washington Nationals.

State Champion Urbana High Girls Lacrosse

May 29, 2026 Graham Cullen

After Urbana High School to became the first Frederick County team to win a state championship in girls lacrosse, the coach of the Hawks, Ryan Hines, his daughter, Josey, a senior attack, and Colby Johnson, a senior attack, are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about the significance of the achievement and the significance of the breakthrough, finally getting past Broadneck after the Bruins had knocked them out in closely contested state finals in each of the last two seasons.

They describe the dramatic final minute of the state-quarterfinal win over Broadneck and how the team maintained its poise and determination and positive frame of mind when the momentum of the game had switched against them, potentially setting the stage for more heartbreak. Johnson describes what it was like to sprint the length of the field and score the game-winning goal with seven seconds to play.

The players and Hines also talk about finishing the job with victories over Perry Hall and Leonardtown in the state semifinals and championship game, respectively, and what the future holds now that they have achieved this remarkable feat.

State Finalist Urbana High Baseball

May 22, 2026 Graham Cullen

After advancing to a state final for the third time in the last four years, coach Mike Frownfelter, senior pitcher Evan Zarroli and senior catcher D.J. Staub are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Host Greg Swatek asks Frownfelter and the players if this is the season the Hawks finally get the monkey off their backs and overcome that final hurdle and claim their first state title in baseball. Weather permitting, Urbana is scheduled to face Dulaney in the Class 4A championship game at 4 p.m. Friday at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.

Frownfelter and the players talk about why the team is playing its best at the right time — Urbana has outscored the opposition 25-2 in three playoff games so far — and why the program has been so remarkably consistent. Tuesday's 5-0 victory over Broadneck marked the Hawks' fourth consecutive appearance in the state semifinals.

They discuss a lineup that doesn't have any easy outs and a pitching staff that has consistently shut down the opposition when it has mattered most this season. They talk about what it's going to take to beat Dulaney, how previous adversity in big games has strengthened the team and what it would mean for all three of them to finally break through and claim that elusive state title.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss state finals week for Frederick County teams in baseball, softball and boys and girls lacrosse.

Andy Baker, Cory Godlove, Middletown High Baseball

May 15, 2026 Graham Cullen

After Middletown High's baseball team won its third consecutive regional championship, coach Andy Baker and senior center fielder Cory Godlove are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Baker and Godlove chat with host Greg Swatek about the Knights' momentous and memorable 5-4, come-from-behind victory over Century in the Class 2A West Region I championship game. It marked the third straight year Middletown had beaten Century in a regional final.

The discussion centers around Baker's longevity in his job and the Knights' ability to pull through and overcome adversity. Godlove talks about being a three-year varsity player, a three-time regional champ and a state champ with the Knights back in 2024.

Baker and Godlove also talk about why this has been such a successful season for Middletown baseball.

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the state playoffs for Frederick County teams in baseball, softball and lacrosse.

Angelo Torres, Gavyn Dodson, Walkersville High Boys Lacrosse

May 11, 2026 Graham Cullen

After the Walkersville High boys lacrosse team won the Central Maryland Conference small school championship, continuing one of its best seasons in school history, star face-off man Angelo Torres and standout goalie Gavyn Dodson are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Torres tells host Greg Swatek how he became a face-off man and the key to becoming a good one, while Dodson explains why he wanted to be a goalie and how fearless one has to be to play the position.

Torres and Dodson also discuss why this has been such a great season for Walkersville lacrosse, some of the most memorable moments and victories along the way and the key going forward for the Lions if they are going to seriously challenge for the Class 2A state championship.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the spring sports playoffs across Frederick County and the paths forward for some of the top state-title contenders in various sports.

Keivette Hammond, Frederick High Athletic Director, Maryland Athletic Director of the Year

May 1, 2026 Graham Cullen

After being honored last weekend in Ocean City as the Athletic Director of the Year by the Maryland State Athletic Directors Association, Frederick High athletic director Keivette Hammond is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Hammond chats with host Greg Swatek about the honor and how it fittingly coincided with the state's athletic directors voting to make a sport she championed from the very beginning, girls flag football, an officially sanctioned varsity sport in Maryland just three years after its inception here in Frederick County.

She talks about the growth and impact that girls flag football has made on the high school sports scene statewide and the opportunities it has generated for young female athletes.

Hammond also talks about her biggest role models and influences growing up and how they helped shape her as a person, as a coach and now an athletic director. She also talks about how sports can be a great vehicle in the lives and young people and create opportunities for them that they might not have expected.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss girls flag football becoming a varsity sport in Maryland, two former Frederick County football players, Jalen Huskey and Cameron Dorner, joining the NFL as a draft pick and priority free agent, respectively, and the upcoming spring sports playoffs for Frederick County teams.

Dean Coccia, Linganore High Girls Lacrosse Coach

April 23, 2026 Graham Cullen

After his team produced a momentous and unusual victory over arch rival Urbana last week, Linganore High girls lacrosse coach Dean Coccia is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Coccia talks with host Greg Swatek about the Lancers' 9-7 victory over Urbana, the two-time reigning Class 4A runner-up. Both Coccia and Urbana coach Ryan Hines agreed to end the game with 8 minutes and 35 seconds to play because both teams were severely short-handed due to the number of yellow cards issued in the game.

On the podcast, Coccia discusses why that decision was made, the way the game was being officiated and the gesture made by Hines in a game his team still had a chance to come back and win. How big of a victory was it for Linganore and how might the Lancers benefit from it going forward?

Now in his fourth season on the job, Coccia also talks about the growth and development of his young team, why it is having such a strong season and his overall expectations as the playoff approach. Can the Lancers contend for a state title in Class 3A?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy stops in to chat with Greg about that unusual Linganore-Urbana girls lacrosse result, the pecking order on the boys lacrosse scene in the county behind Urbana and other happenings with spring sports around Frederick County.

Steve Melewski, Longtime Baltimore Orioles Insider

April 19, 2026 Graham Cullen

Following the Frederick Keys' home opener this week and their big return to affiliated baseball, Steve Melewski, a familiar voice who has covered the Baltimore Orioles and their minor-league system for more than two decades, is the latest guest on The Final Score podcast.

Melewski chats with host Greg Swatek about the overall significance of the Keys being the High Class A minor league affiliate for the Orioles once again after a five-year separation. He talks about the home opener and the energy and excitement around it, as well as the upgrades at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium that made the return possible.

The conversation then moves to the parent club. How does he feel about the Orioles start to the season? What does he think of the new manager, Craig Albernaz? What will define a successful season for the team? And what might happen if they fail to make the playoffs or fail to win a playoff game?

Melewski also talks about his overall fondness for Frederick, enjoying his chance to come back here often to cover the Keys, and how his longtime reporting career began in this town.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the Keys home opener and important games this week on the high school sports scene in Frederick County.

JM Sienkowski, Walkersville High Boys Lacrosse Coach

April 12, 2026 Graham Cullen

During a week in which he faced his former team and his former player, Walkersville High boys lacrosse coach JM Sienkowski is the guest on The Final Score podcast.

Sienkowski chats with host Greg Swatek about facing Middletown, the Lions' arch rival and a place where he coached for many years prior to taking the Walkersville job. He talks about the awkwardness of jumping to the other side of the rivalry and how that move was received by family, friends colleagues and people on both sides of it.

He also talks about facing Middletown coach Dominic Ceresini, with whom he has a close relationship after previously coaching him.

Sienkowski talks about the good start to the season for the Walkersville boys, how he changed the direction and culture of the program and what reasonable expectations are for the Lions for the rest of this season.

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss what he is working on for the news side of the company, as well as the start of the Frederick Keys' season with the home opener on the horizon Tuesday night.

Chris Jenkins, General Manager, Frederick Flying Cows

April 3, 2026 Graham Cullen

With Frederick's professional basketball team, the Frederick Flying Cows, in the early stages of its third season, the team's general manager, Chris Jenkins, is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Jenkins chats with Greg Swatek about the new eight-team league the Flying Cows are playing in. After playing their first two seasons in The Basketball League and reaching the TBL semifinals last June, the Flying Cows joined the United States Basketball League, which was renamed 94x50 League through a fan vote.

He also talks about the team's intentional effort to become more local with a coach (Dan Prete) and players on the roster (Garrison Linton and Zach Thomas) who are from Frederick. Jenkins discusses how the team and the new league plan to grow, new things the team is trying this season, how it plans to dig out of its slow start this season with losses in five of their first eight games and his upcoming trip to Indianapolis for the NCAA Final Four.

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about his temporary transition to a news reporter to assist that side of the newsroom and some of the different assignments he has been working on, as well as his thoughts on the upcoming Frederick Keys season, which begins Friday night in Spartanburg, South Carolina with their return to affiliated minor league baseball.

Ryker Keeney, State Champion Middletown High Wrestling

March 31, 2026 Graham Cullen

The Final Score podcast continues its state-championship series this week with sophomore standout Ryker Keeney of the Middletown High School wrestling team.

Keeney chats with host Greg Swatek about his 43-6 season, which included placing third in the Frederick County tournament at 144 pounds, winning the Class 2A-1A West regional title in that weight class and then placing fifth at the state tournament.

He talks about what it was like to be a part of such a powerhouse team at Middletown this season. The Knights capped an undefeated season by winning the Class 2A state duals championship, and they crushed nearly all of their opponents along the way. Keeney talks about what made the team so strong and how it felt after winning the state title.

There is also discussion about why he is so passionate about wrestling, leading a team despite being one of its youngest members, how he got into wrestling and what the future looks like for the Middletown High wrestling program.

Prior to this conversation, News-Post sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss spring sports around Frederick County and the players from the county playing minor-league baseball, keeping the dream alive with Opening Day on tap across Major League Baseball.

Brunswick High State Wrestling Champions Kate Virgilio and Seth Crawford

March 21, 2026 Graham Cullen

After winning championships at the state wrestling tournament in Upper Marlboro, Brunswick High's Kate Virgilio and Seth Crawford are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

With a 12-8 victory over Smithburg's Rileigh Romberger in the girls championship match at 120 pounds, Virgilio became a back-to-back state champion for Brunswick. Last season, she won the title at 115 pounds. Meanwhile, Crawford beat Francis Scott Key's Jesse Owings by an 11-2 major decision in the Class 2A-1A championship bout at 150 pounds to win his first state title and fulfill a lifelong dream.

Virgilio and Crawford chat with host Greg Swatek about their championships and their journeys to them. What was the most challenging part about them? What was the most rewarding part about them? What sort of goals do they have in the future? And how did they ever find themselves on a wrestling mat in the first place?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about Hood College bowing out of the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament in the Sweet 16 in Hartford, Connecticut and look ahead to the spring sports season in Frederick County.

Linganore State Wrestling Champions Cash Wheat and Alex Tortolani and Coach Jeff Wheat

March 16, 2026 Graham Cullen

After winning state wrestling titles last Saturday in Upper Marlboro, Linganore High wrestlers Cash Wheat and Alex Tortolani, as well as their coach, Jeff Wheat, Cash's father, are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about its big weekend at the state wrestling championships at The Show Place Arena. Cash Wheat pinned Walt Whitman's Matthew Hobbs in 5 minutes and 54 seconds in the Class 4A-3A championship match at 150 pounds, while Tortolani earned a 5-3 victory over Whitman's Zach Richards in the 4A-3A final at 215 pounds, reversing a loss to him from a week earlier in the regional championships.

Wheat, who pinned over 100 opponents during his high-school career, grew up dreaming of winning a state title. Meanwhile, Tortolani didn't start wrestling until he was in high school and only recently developed the belief and the confidence that he could actually do it. How did they feel when they won their championships? And what did their coach, Jeff Wheat, think as he watched it all unfold?

Prior to this conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss state semifinal boys basketball games featuring Frederick High and Middletown and Hood College's remarkable run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament.

Masiah Martin, State Champion High Jumper, and Walkersville Coach Amy Pezenoski

March 9, 2026 Graham Cullen

After winning the Class 2A high jump at the state indoor track and field meet with a personal-best leap of 6 feet, 10 inches, Walkersville High junior Masiah Martin and his coach, Amy Pezenoski, are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast.

Martin tells host Greg Swatek what it meant to win a state title in the high jump and how it felt to clear such a lofty standard, and Pezenoski talks about what makes Martin such a special athlete, teammate and person.

The conversation turns to how Martin prepares for meets, how he helps teammates and even rival jumpers during meets, his inner confidence and strong self-belief, how he started high jumping in the first place and, ultimately, how high he might fly during this upcoming outdoor season. What are his goals? How much higher can he raise the bar?

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports report Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the high school basketball regional finals and what's ahead for Frederick County teams in the state quarterfinals, as well as Hood College's impressive run to hosting at least one game in the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament this weekend and a banner night for Frederick County ice hockey.

State Champion Linganore High Boys Track and Field

February 28, 2026 Graham Cullen

After claiming the Class 3A boys indoor track and field team championship with just eight athletes, two of them, senior Ricky Johnson and junior Jake Brown, and the coach of the Lancers, Bill Eckard, are this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about how the Linganore boys were able to pull off such an improbable championship with such a small team. The Lancers didn't win a single event and scored only 31 points, and yet it was still good enough for a one-point win over second-place Oakdale and their first state team indoor championship since 2019.

What did the team expect going into the state indoor meet? When did the athletes start thinking that winning the team championship possible? Why is it such a close-knit team? And how does this result propel the Lancers into the outdoor season this spring?

All of these questions are answered over the course of the discussion, which also revealed some questionable dietary choices after practices and meets.

Prior to this discussion, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to share thoughts on the epic men's hockey final at the Olympics and preview the upcoming high school basketball playoffs. They also touch on Mount St. Mary's opening its first season of girls flag football this weekend and Hood College's run to the NCAA Division III Tournament in men's basketball.

J.R. Rawlins, Urbana High Girls Basketball Coach

February 19, 2026 Graham Cullen

As his team prepares for the upcoming playoffs, Urbana High girls basketball coach J.R. Rawlins is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Rawlins talks with host Greg Swatek about the very competitive and tightly packed girls basketball landscape in Frederick County and how his talented team at Urbana fits into the mix.

He talks about how he got his start in coaching and his time spent as a basketball referee in the county and the respect he has for both jobs. And he outlines the road ahead for his team at Urbana and what he expects as the Hawks head into the Class 4A West regional playoffs.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss Middletown's state championship over the weekend in the Class 2A wrestling duals and the end of the high school basketball regular season in Frederick County.

Rob Havenstein, Linganore Grad, Now Retired L.A. Ram

February 12, 2026 Graham Cullen

After saying goodbye to the NFL after 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Linganore High graduate Rob Havenstein is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Havenstein, who has been the stalwart right tackle on the Rams' offensive line for more than a decade now, explains to host Greg Swatek why he decided to retire after making 161 starts for the Rams over the last decade-plus.

When did he know? What factors played into the decision? What was the most memorable game he played in? Who was the toughest defensive player he had to block? What will he miss the most now that he is not playing? And what are his future plans?

Havenstein addresses all of those questions and more, as he reflects on his long career.

Prior to that discussion, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about the Frederick County Public Schools' swimming and diving championships, the Monocacy Valley Hockey League championship game and other observations about the high school basketball scene in Frederick County.

Tim Abercrombie Jr., Linganore High Boys Basketball Coach

February 8, 2026 Graham Cullen

With his resilient team finding ways to rally and win, Linganore High boys basketball coach Tim Abercrombie is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Abercrombie talks with Greg Swatek about what he appreciates most about his team of 10 players, who often lack the size and athleticism of their opponents. Linganore also has the tendency to get off to slow starts and fall behind by double digits in games. Yet the Lancers have an equal knack for finding their way back into games and ultimately prevailing in the end.

The coach explains how this is all possible, how having such a small team benefits them in many ways and whether he's had to adjust his expectations over the course of the season.

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to the depth of the girls basketball scene in Frederick County, Hood College's Jevon Yarbrough, one of the leading scorers in Division III basketball for the nationally ranked Blazers, and some big games on tap on the high-school boys hoops landscape.

Korey Kauflin, County Champion, Urbana High Boys Track

February 4, 2026 Graham Cullen

After winning three individual races and anchoring a winning relay last week in the Frederick County Public Schools Indoor Track and Field Championships, Urbana High senior Korey Kauflin is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

Kauflin chats with host Greg Swatek about his season and how a race two week ago in Virginia Beach changed his overall outlook on it and set the stage for him to win the 500-meter dash, the 1,600 run, the 800 run and anchor the winning 4x800 relay at the county championships.

He also talks about how and why he started running and the overall impact it has had on his life. He discusses the cross county season last fall and Urbana's dominant run to the Class 4A boys team championship, and he discusses his future in the sport and what he would like to accomplish before he graduates from high school.

Prior to this conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about how the winter weather and school closures are impacting the schedules of all Frederick County basketball, wrestling, swimming and diving and indoor track and field teams.

Zach Thomas, Oakdale High basketball legend, Newest Member of Frederick Flying Cows

January 28, 2026 Graham Cullen

After signing with the Frederick Flying Cows last weekend, former Oakdale High basketball star and Frederick County's all-time leading scorer Zach Thomas is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast.

The Flying Cows are Frederick's professional basketball team set to begin play in March in the United States Basketball League after two very successful seasons in The Basketball League {TBL). Last season, the won the Southeast Conference championship and reached the TBL's final four.

Thomas chats with host Greg Swatek about his decision to sign with the Cows and how the opportunity came about.

He talked about his continued desire to play after spending two years in the coaching ranks, serving as an assistant for legendary coach John Calipari at the University of Kentucky and a player-development coach for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets.

Thomas also recounts his professional basketball journey since graduating in 2018 from Bucknell University, where he was the Patriot League Player of the Year as a senior. He has played professionally in Belgium, Italy, Ukraine before the Russian invasion, Poland, Finland, Sweden and Cyprus.

What were his favorite and most memorable stops? What are his goals and priorities as he begins to play for the Flying Cows?

Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to talk about Hood College's recent ascension into the Division III Top 25 for men's basketball, as well as the high school boys and girls basketball scenes in Frederick County and key results that have recently transpired.