In Episode 44 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Jody Strittmatter, the co-founder of Young Guns Wrestling Club and a highly respected figure in the wrestling community. Jody, a 4X All-American and 2X Big Ten Champion, brings an impressive coaching resume, having mentored athletes who have secured 5 world titles, 9 NCAA titles, and numerous state accolades. This episode dives into the origins of the Young Guns Wrestling Club and explores Jody's successful approach to developing young...

In Episode 43 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by David McFadden, a distinguished wrestler with an impressive list of credentials including being a Resident Athlete at Pennsylvania RTC, a Volunteer Assistant at Drexel University, a US Open Champion, and a 3x NCAA All-American. In this engaging episode, David opens up about the intricate balance he maintains between coaching and competing at the highest level, offering a unique perspective on the dual roles. The conversation delves...

In Episode 42 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Derek Moore, the head coach at Cal Baptist University and a celebrated figure in the wrestling world. As a former NCAA Division I standout and a California Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, Derek brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. This episode delves into Derek's personal journey and how it led him to his current role at CBU. We explore the unique challenges and opportunities of building a wrestling program in...

In Episode 41 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Pat Popolizio, the esteemed head coach at NC State and a celebrated figure in the wrestling community. Awarded the 2018 Dan Gable co-NCAA Coach of the Year, and recognized three times as the ACC Coach of the Year, Popolizio brings a wealth of experience and success to the table. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of dual meets in college wrestling, the careful process of selecting wrestlers who embody the ethos of the NC State...

In Episode 40 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome renowned wrestling photographer Tony Rotundo. Tony's unique journey in the wrestling world has seen him transition from wrestler to coach, official, and finally, to a photographer whose work is celebrated widely. In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that led him to photography, revealing why capturing wrestling through a lens brought him more joy and fulfillment than coaching. This engaging conversation explores Tony's photographic...

On this episode of Athletor Podcast, we catch up with Gabe Dean, a wrestling powerhouse from Cornell, to chat about his life after hanging up his singlet. Gabe discusses leaving the world of college wrestling, where he's been both a successful wrestler and coach, and the tough parts of starting his own business. He believes that the skills and mental toughness from wrestling are huge helps in the real world. Gabe also opens up about his start in wrestling and why he thinks we shouldn't just...

On the newest installment of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Kevin Ward, the esteemed head coach of Army, West Point's wrestling team. Navigating the unique challenges of coaching at such a prestigious institution, Kevin delves into the intricacies and advantages of West Point, shedding light on what makes it a unique place both athletically and academically. Recruiting is no ordinary process for West Point. Kevin shares his strategy for showcasing the academy's unparalleled benefits...

In this fresh episode of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Zac Dominguez, the dynamic head coach of the MWC Wrestling Academy located in Papillion, Nebraska. As a key figure of a PNL club, Zac shares the intriguing backstory of how the Premier National League (PNL) was conceived and the journey of MWC becoming one of the elite eight founding members. Culture is the heart of any organization, and for Zac, building one that cultivates a genuine love for wrestling is paramount. He opens up...

On the newest episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Obe Blanc, head coach at North Dakota State University (NDSU). Boasting a robust wrestling career as an NCAA All-American and a member of the USA World team, Obe brings a unique perspective to our chat. We delve deep into the synergies of NDSU's sports programs, discussing the ripple effect of having a successful football team on the wrestling division. With a surge in the wrestling program's success over the past four years,...

Join us on the latest episode of the Athletor Podcast with our special guest, Jared Lawrence. Not only is Jared an NCAA National Champion and a 4x All-American, but he's also the co-owner of the renowned Pinnacle Wrestling Club based out of Minneapolis. Dive into an engaging conversation where Jared gives us the lowdown on the Premier National League (PNL) - from its inception, its core mission, to the unique value it brings to its members. It’s all about putting the spotlight on the sport we...

In this riveting 34th episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Joey Ghione, the dynamic head coach steering the ship at the Silver State Wrestling Club based in Reno, Nevada. His journey, marked by gritty perseverance and a deep-rooted passion for wrestling, is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we trace Joey's intricate backstory that saw him migrating from the heartlands of Jersey to the vibrant confines of Lockhaven, PA. It's here that Joey delves deep, opening up...

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast we have a special guest, 2x NCAA Champion and Jr. World Champion, Keegan O'Toole! Keegan, who’s joining us from his golf club, talks about his love for wrestling and how it started from a young age. He shares how his upbringing played a significant role in developing his passion for wrestling and offers some cool advice for kids who want to get into the sport. Plus, get ready for some exciting and wild wrestling stories with Kendrick Maple! We also...

In episode 32 of the Athletor Podcast, we are honored to host the luminary Jim Gibbons, a figure who has profoundly marked the wrestling world with his achievements both as an NCAA Champion wrestler and a coach. Now, as one of the most distinguished voices in broadcasting, he continues to cast a significant influence over the sport. In this enlightening conversation, we unpack the magic behind Jim's docuseries "The Dual," which transports viewers back to the adrenaline-charged atmosphere...

In episode 31 of the Athletor Podcast, we journey through a myriad of topics that are shaping the present and future of wrestling. From an insider's glimpse into the current landscape of Virginia Tech Wrestling to the nuanced skills of recruiting and developing athletes, Jared pulls back the curtain, offering unparalleled insights. Recruits eager to catch his attention? Jared shares some golden nuggets on how to get noticed, and the red flags that could potentially halt your progress in its...

In episode 30 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Matt Ciampa, the head coach of Eclipse Wrestling Club in New Jersey. Throughout our conversation, Matt's passion for wrestling and dedication to his athletes shines through, making for a fascinating discussion. We start by exploring Matt's personal background and the journey that led him to start Eclipse. He shares stories of high-level wrestlers that have emerged from his club and elaborates on his strong belief that learning how to...

In episode 29 of the Athletor Podcast, we are joined by Lee Roper, the esteemed assistant coach at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). This enlightening conversation provides valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and wrestling enthusiasts alike. Lee takes us behind the scenes at UNI, discussing the strategies used to keep wrestling relevant at the school and how he and his team leverage the rich history of UNI to attract and inspire their athletes. The conversation then shifts to the...

In episode 28 of the Athletor Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Eric Larkin, a 4x NCAA All-American, Hodge Trophy winner, and founder of Valiant College Preparatory, a fully accredited 6-12th grade independent school. The episode delves into the innovative approach of Valiant College Preparatory, which has creatively intertwined academics and wrestling. Eric gives us an inside look at the school facilities and staff, and the unique academic schedule that's built around wrestling, even...

In episode 27 of the Athletor Podcast, we are joined by Gene Zanetti, the Co-founder of Wrestling Mindset. This episode dives deep into the psychology of wrestling, highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving success on and off the mat. Gene doesn't just preach about mindset; he embodies it. We explore the competition for athletes' attention in an increasingly distracted world and how mindset training has emerged as a key focus over the past two decades. Gene offers real-world...

Dive into the mind of one of wrestling's brightest stars in this special episode of the Athletor Podcast, featuring guest Yianni Diakomihalis. He shares insight into his unique lifestyle changes, including diet, red light therapy, and more, all geared towards achieving peak performance. Yianni's approach to learning and applying techniques, his mindset towards improvement, and his strong opinions on what needs to change in wrestling to grow the sport are enlightening. In the conversation, we...

Join us in the latest episode of the Athletor Podcast as we dive into a conversation with Evan Wick, assistant coach at Cal Poly and a contender to make the US National team at 86kg. From his memorable experiences competing at Fargo to the unique coaching philosophies he has cultivated, Wick sheds light on the synergistic relationship between his coaching and athletic careers. The discussion takes an exciting turn as Wick opens up about his ambitions to make a world team at 86kg. He unravels...

On Episode 24 of the Athletor Podcast we sit down with Damion Hahn, Head Coach at South Dakota State University, as he shares insightful stories and valuable experiences from the world of wrestling. Join us as we delve into the journey of SDSU's new wrestling facility, unravelling the process of fundraising and the challenges faced in getting it built. Hahn takes us behind the scenes of this monumental project and highlights the collective efforts that brought it to fruition. Discover the...

In this episode, we have a truly inspiring guest, Anthony Ferraro. Join us as we dive into Anthony's incredible journey, filled with resilience, determination, and a passion for wrestling. Born and raised in New Jersey, Anthony shares his origin story, growing up in a big family and how he discovered his love for wrestling. Despite facing the challenge of being blind, he embraced the sport in junior high and quickly found his stride. Anthony takes us through his experiences training at...

Join us on the Athletor Podcast as we dive into the fascinating journey of J Jaggers, associate head coach from Ohio State and a 2-time NCAA champion. In this episode, we explore J's remarkable athletic career and delve into his mindset during pivotal moments. Discover the inside scoop on coaching at The Ohio State University, and witness an entertaining conversation as Mike and J share their mutual love for country music. Get ready for an engaging and insightful discussion that offers...

Tune in to the Athletor Podcast as we sit down with Christopher D. Fraley, the head coach at Phoenix Tribe Wrestling. In this episode, we explore Christopher's journey as a founding member of the Rhino wrestling club, where numerous national champions emerged. Discover how Christopher brings his expertise in cultural anthropology to coaching, implementing a unique approach that prioritizes person-centered planning. Join us as we delve into Christopher's holistic coaching philosophy and learn...

In this exciting episode, we are joined by the unstoppable force, Zane Richards, who recently secured his spot on the Final X world team and claimed victory at the US Open in Vegas. Join us as Zane shares his remarkable journey, discussing his preparation for the world team trials, the challenges he faced, and the strategies that propelled him to success. Gain exclusive insights into his training regimen, mindset, and the dedication required to compete at the highest level of wrestling.