Iowa Sports Beat Highlights Retiring Coach, Record-Setting Athlete

RadioOnTheGo Sports' weekly programs featured local spring sports updates and interviews.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:46pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.A retiring high school basketball coach reflects on his legacy as a new generation of young athletes rise to prominence.Hampton Today

The latest Sports Beat programs from RadioOnTheGo Sports aired on Saturday, highlighting a retiring high school basketball coach, a record-setting track athlete, and an Iowa men's basketball staff member. The first half of the programs featured local spring sports coaches discussing the early portion of their seasons, while the second half featured interviews with West Fork freshman Talia Pommrehn, AGWSR's retiring coach James Koop, and Iowa Men's Basketball Director of Strategic Communications James Allan.

Why it matters

The Sports Beat programs provide a platform for local athletes, coaches, and sports figures to share their stories and updates with the community. Highlighting the accomplishments of young athletes like Talia Pommrehn, as well as honoring the careers of veteran coaches like James Koop, helps to celebrate the vibrant sports culture in the region.

The details

The Sports Beat programs aired on two local radio stations, 104.9 KLMJ presented by Mort's Water Company and 99 The Wave presented by Brother's Market in Parkersburg and Grundy Center. The first half of the programs featured interviews with local spring sports coaches discussing the early part of their seasons. In the second half, West Fork freshman Talia Pommrehn was featured after recently setting a girls track & field program record in the 100-meter dash. AGWSR's James Koop, who is retiring from coaching, was also interviewed. The programs concluded with an interview featuring James Allan, the Director of Strategic Communications for the Iowa Men's Basketball team and a Hampton native.

  • The Sports Beat programs aired on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Talia Pommrehn

A West Fork freshman who recently set a girls track & field program record in the 100-meter dash.

James Koop

The retiring head coach of the AGWSR basketball team.

James Allan

The Director of Strategic Communications for the Iowa Men's Basketball team and a Hampton native.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a great run, but it's time to step aside and let the next generation of coaches take over.”

— James Koop, Retiring AGWSR Basketball Coach

The takeaway

The Sports Beat programs provide valuable exposure for local athletes, coaches, and sports figures, helping to celebrate the vibrant sports culture in the region and inspire the next generation of young athletes.