Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

In Episode 067 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Terry Steiner, the accomplished USA Wrestling Women’s Head Coach and NCAA Champion. Coach Steiner shares insights into the distinct process of making Team USA for women compared to men, explaining the rationale and origins of these differences. He provides an inside look at the rigorous Team USA training camps as the team prepares for the 2024 Olympics and discusses the heightened pressures athletes face during Olympic years.

We also cover how Team USA helps athletes stay focused on competition amid numerous media requests, the role of Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in the US's decentralized athlete development approach, and the impact of NIL on RTCs. Additionally, Coach Steiner talks about the growth and challenges of women’s college wrestling at the NCAA level. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in elite wrestling and athlete preparation.

In Episode 066 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Steve Mytych, Assistant Coach at Rutgers, who brings a wealth of experience from both the competitive and coaching sides of wrestling. This discussion delves into the critical aspects of youth wrestling culture and the influence of parenting on young athletes' careers. Steve shares poignant insights from his time on the camp circuit, illustrating common mistakes he observes in wrestling parents and the often overlooked emotional toll of "the car ride home" discussions post-practice.

Steve offers invaluable advice to wrestling parents, emphasizing the importance of stability by committing to a single wrestling club and fostering a supportive home environment aligned with shared goals. He also recounts some eye-opening stories of parenting mishaps he's encountered, providing lessons on what not to do. Additionally, Steve discusses the logistical and emotional challenges of juggling a demanding Division I coaching schedule with managing youth national competitions, shedding light on how he successfully maintains balance between high-level coaching responsibilities and personal commitment to youth development in the sport. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports, particularly wrestling, offering guidance on nurturing young athletes while avoiding the pitfalls of high-intensity sports parenting.

In Episode 065 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Neil Erisman, the pioneering head coach at the University of Little Rock, Arkansas, who is charting a new course in collegiate wrestling. Neil, an Oklahoma State alum, shares his insights on transitioning from a wrestling powerhouse led by John Smith to building a new program from the ground up. We celebrate a monumental achievement for Little Rock wrestling as the team secured their first All-American at the NCAAs this year, marking a significant milestone in the program's young history.

Neil dives into the identity and culture he's cultivating at Little Rock, focusing on building consistency and a strong team ethos. He discusses the challenges and rewards of recruiting athletes who align with the vision of a burgeoning program, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic decisions that shape a competitive team. Neil also paints a vivid picture of Little Rock, Arkansas, highlighting the state's beauty, the loyalty of its fans, and the exciting potential for many more "firsts" as the program continues to grow. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into what it takes to build a wrestling program from scratch, and the unique opportunity athletes have to leave a lasting legacy in Little Rock.

In Episode 064 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Shane Griffith, an NCAA Champion and 4X NCAA All-American, to share his journey through the wrestling world. Shane opens up about his early experiences in New Jersey, discussing how he first got into wrestling and the influence of his family's supportive, non-pressuring approach. He also reflects on the pivotal decision to attend Bergen Catholic High School and the thought process behind his choice of Stanford for college, exploring the stark contrasts between East Coast and West Coast wrestling cultures.

Throughout the episode, Shane offers insights into his transition to the University of Michigan, how he manages the relentless demands of college wrestling, and the critical role of taking breaks to foster personal and athletic growth. As he closes this chapter of his collegiate career, Shane discusses his future aspirations and how he plans to leverage his experiences and successes into his next endeavors. This episode is a deep dive into the life of a top-tier wrestler, providing valuable lessons on adaptability, perseverance, and planning for life beyond the mat.

In Episode 063 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Matt Valenti, the Associate Head Coach at Penn and a 2x NCAA Champion, to explore his dynamic transition from an administrative role back to the hands-on world of coaching. Matt discusses the motivations behind his shift and compares the broad, strategic influence he had in administration to the direct, interpersonal impact he achieves as a coach. This conversation highlights his unique perspective on effecting change in both capacities.

Matt explains how his experience in the Penn athletic department enhances his effectiveness as an associate head coach, offering insights into the synergy between administrative acumen and coaching strategies. He also shares practical advice for young coaches on how to build positive relationships with administrative staff, including simple gestures like sharing team gear. The discussion also covers recruiting strategies and the critical role of building a strong team culture, making this episode a valuable listen for aspiring coaches and sports administrators alike.

In Episode 062 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mike Grey, head coach of Cornell University and a 2X NCAA All-American. Mike dives into the strategic nuances of coaching at the NCAAs, revealing his approach to assisting wrestlers with their game plans and the multifaceted considerations involved in preparing for high-stakes competition. The discussion offers a detailed look into Cornell's personalized training methodology, beginning with the initial evaluation of a wrestler's technique, addressing challenges when an athlete struggles with new techniques, and deciding when to encourage a wrestler's unique style versus reinforcing fundamental skills.

Grey also shares his insights on the recruitment process, including potential red flags that could deter Cornell's interest in a prospective athlete. Furthermore, he provides an in-depth analysis of the adjustments made between the second and third matches of the notable Vito Arujau vs. Ryan Crookham bout. Rounding out the conversation, Coach Grey reflects on Cornell's impressive second-place finish at the nationals, outlining the steps and improvements necessary for Cornell to surpass powerhouse teams like Penn State and secure a national championship. This episode is a masterclass in wrestling coaching, strategy, and the pursuit of excellence at the collegiate level.