IHSAA Game Changers Podcast: A Deep Dive into Iowa High School Activities

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) launched “Game Changers: The IHSAA Podcast” in January 2024, offering an audio update and interview series for supporters of Iowa high school activities. Hosted by Communications Director Chris Cuellar, the podcast features insights into IHSAA information and interviews with individuals positively impacting Iowa high school athletics. Listen to the podcast on Podbean, Apple, Amazon, and Spotify.

Podcast Highlights & Recent Episodes

The podcast has quickly become a platform for exploring various facets of Iowa high school activities. Here’s a look at some recent episodes:

• Episode 8: Judd Jirovsky on being a golf champion and five-sport student – Guest: Judd Jirovsky, Date: May 3, 2024
• Episode 7: Rick Wulkow discusses Iowa high school activities, IHSAA tenure – Guest: Rick Wulkow, Date: April 26, 2024
• Episode 6: Kelli Clark on life as an AD spouse, officials registration, spring starts – Guest: Kelli Clark, Date: April 19, 2024
• Episode 5: IHSAA spring transition, Elisa Kahler, advisory meetings – Guest: Elisa Kahler, Date: March 25, 2024
• Episode 4: Media and rankings with Derek Martin, tournament rewind, NFHS – Guest: Derek Martin, Date: March 14, 2024
• Episode 3: Swimming with Dan Briggs, Championship facilities, Board of Control – Guest: Dan Briggs, Date: Feb. 6, 2024
• Episode 2: Classification conversation, Student Advisory, winter roundup – Guests: Kyle Kingsbury, Jared Chizek, Date: Jan. 29, 2024
• Episode 1: Welcome! – Guest: IHSAA executive director Tom Keating, Date: Jan. 15, 2024

Chris Cuellar: The Voice Behind the Podcast

Chris Cuellar, the Communications Director for the IHSAA, is the driving force behind “Game Changers.” Cuellar joined the IHSAA in 2017, bringing with him a strong background in sports journalism from the Des Moines Register, where he covered wrestling, college recruiting, University of Iowa football, and all high school sports for six years. His work earned him numerous awards from the Iowa Newspaper Association and Iowa Associated Press Media Editors.

At the IHSAA, Cuellar manages media relations, public relations, digital and print communications, sports information, archives, and event management. He likewise created an undergraduate internship program and is the first staff member of color in the organization’s history. He holds a Master’s degree in strategic communication from the University of Iowa.

The IHSAA’s Role in Iowa High School Athletics

The Iowa High School Athletic Association, founded in 1904, is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating, promoting, regulating, and sanctioning student services and boys’ athletics for Iowa high schools and junior high schools. The IHSAA sponsors 11 sports and oversees postseason competition and state tournament events. Iowa is unique in having separate activity organizations for boys and girls.

Looking Ahead

“Game Changers: The IHSAA Podcast” promises to continue providing valuable insights and stories from the world of Iowa high school activities. With Chris Cuellar at the helm, the podcast is poised to become a proceed-to resource for student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans alike.