The latest episode of “Chieftain Roll Call” spotlights the Bellefontaine High School baseball program.

Initially, the Bellefontaine High School Key Club launched the podcast in January 2022.

The newly-formed Chieftain Backers are in charge of the podcast this school year.

The weekly show focuses on BHS Athletics and student organizations.

The most recent show features Bellefontaine varsity baseball coach Russ Hogue.

The second-year skipper discussed the first two weeks of practice along with a robust preseason schedule.

The Chiefs will scrimmage Coldwater on Saturday.

BHS will also face St. Henry in the preseason.

Last spring, the Chiefs finished 10-14 overall and 7-8 in the CBC.

Hogue said his team needs to learn from several close losses last season.

He expects his seniors to lead this year’s team.

The seniors are Alex Caudill, Kaden Reames, Keyon Collier, Lane Reeves, and JT Mundy.

Caudill, who committed to Lake Erie College, will likely miss his senior season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery last fall.

Despite the injury, Hogue said Caudill has been like another coach at practice.

Hogue said Jonathan Alder and Kenton Ridge are the teams to beat in the Kenton Trail Division.

BHS will open the regular season vs. Division I Fairfield on Saturday, March 25th at Blue Jacket Park.

The first guests on this episode were Bellefontaine assistant football coach Rick Reed and junior offensive lineman Jack Varner.

Reed and Varner spoke in-depth about the football team’s offseason.

Varner has started at center the last two seasons.

He expects to move to guard or tackle in the fall and anchor the offensive line.

Reed talked about the challenge of replacing four senior starters up front.

He still expects the Chiefs offense to be explosive.

Reed and Varner discussed some of the younger players who could emerge in ’23.

“Chieftain Roll Call” is hosted by Bill Tipple.

Students in Aaron Gregor’s TV Production class help produce and record the show.

“Chieftain Roll Call” is sponsored by Easton Water Solutions.

You can see the show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxJQDhMbm-c