On Episode #143 of the Athletor Podcast, South Dakota State assistant coach Cam Simaz sits down with Mike Malinconico for a candid look at the evolving world of college wrestling—on and off the mat. They kick off with recovery tech and why SDSU invested in tools like a hyperbaric chamber, how athletes actually use it, and why the benefits come from consistency, not one-off sessions . From there, Cam unpacks the bigger picture: the growing tension between amateurism and professionalism, what NIL, transfers, and potential contracts could mean for non-revenue sports, and how programs like SDSU are responding with smart facilities, community buy-in, and efficiency across time and budget .

Simaz also dives into recruiting and culture—why character and multi-sport backgrounds matter, how “performance” is really about daily standards across training, academics, and life, and the small, consistent actions that keep a fan base engaged in a small market. He closes with a practical fix for the spectator experience: time-limited video challenges to keep matches moving and audiences locked in . It’s a sharp, real-time snapshot of where college wrestling is headed—and what it will take to thrive there.

In this episode, Nebraska standout Brock Hardy joins the show to break down the details behind his wrestling style and mindset. He talks about developing his signature snap and how experimentation, repetition, and competition shaped his feel on the mat. Hardy also shares insight into his training philosophy, how he studies elite wrestlers, and the process of turning creativity in practice into confidence in competition.

From high school dominance to competing at the D1 level, Hardy discusses what drives him, how he approaches technical growth, and what separates great wrestlers from good ones — both mentally and physically.

In this episode, Mike Mal sits down with one of the nation’s most respected club coaches, Ian Assael, Head Coach of Legends Wrestling Club. Ian shares his journey from running a powerhouse Pennsylvania program to joining the NC State staff during the Wolfpack’s rise and now building a legacy at Legends. He reflects on coaching elite wrestlers like Trent and Hayden Hidlay, the value of finding the “right kids and families,” and how culture, consistency, and timing can shape championship-caliber athletes.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a successful wrestling environment—from fostering relationships and managing talent to the lessons learned from producing world-level competitors.

In this episode, Coach Dylan Carew joins the Athletor Podcast to share his unique perspective on how the recruiting landscape has evolved with NIL, transfer rules, and the modern athlete mindset. As Head Coach of Big Game Wrestling Club, Carew discusses how today’s coaches must not only recruit athletes but continually re-recruit them to retain top talent — a shift reshaping the sport at every level.

From the challenges of navigating financial conversations and maintaining athlete relationships to developing character and resilience in young wrestlers, Carew offers an honest and insightful look at what it takes to build and sustain a winning program in 2025’s new era of wrestling.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, Head Coach Mark Branch of the University of Wyoming sits down with Mike Mal to talk about the evolving landscape of college wrestling. Branch opens up about the challenges small programs face in the NIL and revenue-sharing era, his belief that success comes from doing things the right way, and how Wyoming’s administration and fans have built a strong foundation that proves “wrestling matters.” He shares how his program continues to thrive through culture, support, and adaptation—both on and off the mat.

Branch also reflects on personal and professional transformation, describing how embracing change reshaped his coaching philosophy. From adjusting old-school habits to prioritizing athlete wellness and mental growth, Branch discusses leadership, loss, and the future of the sport with honesty and perspective. The conversation closes with his vision for wrestling’s future, his take on NIL reform, and why moving the NCAA season to the spring could be a game-changer.

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Bertin, one of Michigan’s all-time greats and a two-time NCAA champion at 157 pounds. From his dominant high school run at St. Edward in Ohio to becoming a four-time All-American for the Wolverines, Ryan shares lessons from a career that cemented him as a Big Ten Wrestler of the Year and Hall of Honor inductee.

We dive into the mindset that fueled his success, the role of coaching and culture at Michigan, and how those experiences carried into his coaching career at Northwestern. Whether you’re a wrestler, coach, or fan of the sport, this conversation offers a rare look at the drive, humility, and leadership behind one of the most decorated athletes in college wrestling history.

On episode #137 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Nate Engle of the Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). Engle shares how his journey as a competitor and coach has shaped his approach to developing elite athletes in one of the most disciplined training environments in the country.

From balancing military demands with international competition to building resilient athletes who can thrive under pressure, Engle opens up about what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He also discusses the culture within WCAP, the challenges of identifying and preparing the next wave of talent, and the lessons that translate beyond the mat.

On this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Frank Beasley, Head Coach at George Mason University, to talk about the state of the Patriots wrestling program. Coach Beasley shares how the team has steadily built momentum, returning five national qualifiers this season while graduating only one starter. He reflects on the culture his staff is shaping, the excitement in the room, and the growth he’s seen from year to year.

We also get into the challenges of competing in a tough conference, what it takes to attract and develop top recruits, and how Mason is carving out its place on the national stage. From preseason training to long-term program vision, Beasley gives an inside look at what’s fueling GMU wrestling right now.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, Utah Valley head coach Adam Hall sits down to discuss his transition into leading the Wolverines and the lessons he’s carrying over from years of competing and coaching. Hall talks about what he expects from his athletes—focusing on effort, discipline, and doing the small things right—as he works to build a strong foundation for Utah Valley Wrestling.

The conversation dives into the challenges of establishing a program identity in the Big 12, how to balance the demands of coaching with developing athletes on and off the mat, and why accountability and culture are at the core of long-term success. Hall also shares insight into recruiting, adapting to the evolving NIL landscape, and what it takes to compete against powerhouse programs.

Episode 134 of the Athletor Podcast features Teyon Ware, Head Coach at Northern Colorado. Ware dives into his transition into the head coaching role, outlining the challenges, responsibilities, and excitement that come with leading a Division I program. He explains what it means to set a standard for his team and how he expects athletes to uphold the brand both on and off the mat.

From culture-building to accountability, Ware stresses the importance of discipline, consistency, and doing the small things right. He shares his vision for Northern Colorado wrestling, his approach to developing athletes, and what it takes to move a program forward in today’s landscape.