Daviess County’s Cole Burch is taking steps toward a future in sports from a media perspective, as he has started the Panther Den Podcast which will highlight his fellow athletes and coaches, as well as special guests from time to time.
Burch plays football and basketball for the Panthers, proving himself to be a reliable tight end on the gridiron and a constant scoring threat on the hardwood. Looking to push his love for sports a little bit more, he wanted to expand on his interest in podcasts.
“Since Fifth Grade I’ve been really interested in journalism and writing,” Burch said. “Recently Podcasts have really caught on and I really like the Barstool sports podcast Bussin with the Boys With Will Compton and Taylor Lewan. And after I did the Sports Spiel with The Owensboro Times it lit the spark in me that I could do something similar right now.”
Burch said that the Panther Den will be a pure sports podcast that will give an in-depth look at Daviess County High School Athletics, as he hopes to also get athletes a little out of their comfort zone to try something new. This is something that he touched on in the podcast trailer, which is available now on Spotify and Anchor.
In order to get the podcast setup he had to get some approval and boys basketball Head Coach Neil Hayden and Head Coach Matt Brannon were more than happy to oblige.
“Coach Hayden and Coach Brannon were extremely supportive of the idea and other than using the DC name it’s all me,” Burch said. So I have the approval of my coaches and that’s all that I needed.”
Hayden said he wants to support all of his players’ passions and dreams so he’s excited about Cole’s ambitious venture and is looking forward to future podcasts.
“Cole has wanted to pursue journalism since I’ve known him,” Hayden said. “Cole will pursue the podcast the same way he pursues his sports, with an enthusiasm and passion like no other.”
Burch feels that the podcast can be a big outlet for memories and great conversations amongst Panther student-athletes, coaches and alumni, hoping to grow an audience and show the family-like atmosphere Daviess County athletics has.
“I feel that the podcast could be huge,” Burch said. “I think keeping current athletes involved could benefit us in maybe growing a fan base across Owensboro. And keeping Alumni involved with the school would mean the world to not only me but to the coaches and Teachers. I believe this podcast could shine a light on just how deep the Panther Family runs.”
The first episode is scheduled to be released on Spotify and Anchor at 8 a.m. on July 13, as Burch is ready to get the podcast going as football season approaches. He will have a special guest for the first episode, as he will be joined by Denver Broncos middle linebacker and Louisville, Kentucky, native Jonas Griffith.
While Burch would’ve liked to start the podcast before his senior year, he’s excited for the opportunity to make a difference at Daviess County with the podcast and hopefully help push others in going for their dreams while pursuing his.
“I wish I would have started it sooner but being able to leave a mark on DCHS and hopefully inspire some underclassmen to get a head start on their dream careers and hopefully get a foot in the door for mine,” Burch said. “I’m looking forward to learning the ins and outs of Journalism and Podcasting.”
