In Episode 53 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Troy Nickerson, Head Coach at the University of Northern Colorado and former NCAA National Champion. With a decade of experience at UNC and insights from his time as an assistant coach under Kevin Jackson at Iowa State, Troy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. This episode delves deep into his journey over the past ten years, highlighting the remarkable progress and development of the UNC wrestling program under his guidance. A focal point of our discussion is the talented Andrew Alirez, a returning NCAA national champion whose recruitment and development at UNC reflect Troy's strategic and nurturing approach. Troy also opens up about his philosophy of being a "Transformational" coach, going beyond the mat to impact athletes' lives. We explore the intricate process of building a successful college wrestling program, drawing lessons from Troy's learnings from Rob Koll. Join us for an insightful exploration into the world of collegiate wrestling and leadership.