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On today's episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, we’re crossing the border to the center of Midwest basketball: Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

While our focus is usually on the gyms of Minnesota, all roads lead to the Sanford Pentagon this week for the NSIC Championships and the kickoff of the Summit League Tournament. To understand how Sioux Falls became a premier destination for programs like Gonzaga, Baylor, and Iowa State, we’re sitting down with the man behind the brand.

Joining the show is Terry Vandrovec, Marketing Manager for Sanford Sports. A fellow Concordia Cobber (joining us on the heels of our conversation with Coach Tyler Bormann), Terry spent 20 years as an award-winning sports journalist before transitiong to the marketing side of the game.

We discuss:

• The Recruitment of Blue Bloods: How a 3,000-seat "throwback" gym attracts the biggest names in the NCAA.
• The "Pro" Experience for Local Kids: Why hosting high school and DII tournaments is the heartbeat of the Sanford Sports Complex.
• The Journalist's Lens: How Terry uses his storytelling background to market the "Heritage Court" aesthetic.
• March in the 605: A look at the madness of the NSIC and Summit League tournaments happening right now.

I started the show off with some Timberwolves talk and my appreciation for Donte DiVincenzo.

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In this episode, Steve Hartman sits down with Concordia College men's basketball head coach Tyler Bormann to recap a landmark season that saw the Cobbers secure their third straight trip to the MIAC tournament. Coach Bormann breaks down the team's 21-win season and their battles with conference champion Gustavus Adolphus, including an overtime thriller in Moorhead.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Coaching Journey: Tyler reflects on his progression from coaching high school ball as a Concordia undergraduate to his roles at Augustana, Lakeland, and Jamestown and a few high school stops before returning to his alma mater.
• Building a Program: Insights into the Cobbers' defensive-first identity, their high team GPA, and the "toughness travels" philosophy.
• The Postseason Bubble: Concordia missed an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament, but Tyler discusses the team's standing in the NPI (NCAA Power Index) and what it takes to earn an at-large bid.
• Facility Upgrades: Exciting news regarding the upcoming "facelift" for Memorial Auditorium, including a new floor, updated seating, and audio enhancements.
• Recruiting & the Portal: How the Cobbers navigate geographic challenges and the modern transfer landscape to find the "right fit" for their culture.

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On this episode of Splash City, host Steve Hartman is joined by Jacob Torgerson, head coach of the #1 ranked in Class 2A Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Tigers.

The Tigers finished the regular season undefeated, but the target is on their back. After a 21-7 campaign in 2024-2025 ended in a tough Section 3AA exit last year to rival Montevideo, Torgerson has this year's group playing with a distinct edge. We dive into the identity of this roster: a balanced, long, and athletic rotation that has become one of the most feared units in Class AA.

We also discuss what it’s like taking over for his dad. Jake's father, Mark Torgerson, retired with 593 wins and a spot in the MBCA Hall of Fame, but he hasn’t left the gym just yet. Torgerson talks about their unique dynamic on the bench, growing up as a "coach’s kid" in Morris, and how he’s managed the massive expectations that come with a #1 ranking.

After a 1st round win against ACGC, we get a look into the mindset of a team that has met challenges near and far.

Topics covered:

• The Transition: Stepping into the shoes of a Hall of Fame father.
• The Redemption Arc: How last year’s Section loss fueled this year’s fire.
• The Roster: Why this specific group of Tigers is so difficult to match up with.
• The Target: Staying grounded while sitting at #1 in the state.

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Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.