Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

In Episode 093 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Cary Kolat, Head Coach at the United States Naval Academy, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of coaching at a service academy compared to a traditional college program. Kolat shares his insights on recruiting high-caliber student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, and leadership, while navigating the realities of modern NCAA wrestling, including NIL, the transfer portal, and the sustainability of funding in college athletics.

Kolat also dives into the evolution of U.S. wrestling, reflecting on how RTCs, high-level youth clubs, and changes in the Ivy League have elevated the sport’s competitiveness. From his experiences with legends like Dave Schultz to the value of Navy’s unparalleled post-graduation opportunities, this episode provides a comprehensive look at wrestling’s past, present, and future. Don’t miss this thoughtful and candid conversation with one of the sport’s most respected coaches.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Alex Marinelli, head coach at Hawkeye Wrestling Academy and 4x All-American. Alex shares his journey from competing at the senior level to coaching the next generation, discussing the unique challenges and joys of working with youth wrestlers. He talks about transitioning from the competitive environment of Iowa to building a sustainable and high-level youth program, instilling the basics in young athletes, and the importance of patience in teaching foundational skills.

We also dive into the realities of youth wrestling in 2024, including the pressures young athletes face, burnout, and the delicate balance of managing over-enthusiastic parents. Alex reflects on how his own influences shaped his coaching philosophy and offers insights on fostering a lifelong passion for the sport. If you’re a coach, parent, or wrestling enthusiast, this episode provides a fresh perspective on youth development in wrestling.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Steve Garland, head coach of the University of Virginia wrestling program, as he shares his journey from athlete to coach and reflects on the evolving challenges in college athletics. Steve opens up about how wrestling shaped his life, teaching him discipline and purpose, and how he aims to instill those same values in his athletes at UVA. He also tackles complex issues like the addictive nature of competitive sports, balancing a strong work ethic with a healthy mindset, and the importance of finding athletes who are driven by the right “why.”

Steve provides a candid look at the realities of recruiting and developing wrestlers who fit UVA’s demanding academic and athletic culture. He shares his thoughts on the changing landscape of college athletics, the financial challenges wrestling programs face, and the crucial role of community support and engagement in sustaining the sport. This episode offers invaluable insights for athletes, coaches, and anyone invested in the future of college wrestling.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we talk with Sean Gray, assistant coach at Stanford University and former assistant coach at Princeton, about the exciting momentum behind Stanford Wrestling. Sean dives into the team’s mission to compete for a national championship, navigating a major transition from the East Coast to the Bay Area, and the unique talent mix in Stanford’s wrestling room. We explore how he balances creativity with discipline, helping athletes like Hunter Garvin control the chaos in their wrestling styles.

Sean also shares his passion for youth wrestling, the importance of building a community-driven league in the Bay Area, and the lessons learned from Stanford’s fight to preserve its wrestling program. Whether it’s developing athletes or thinking like a startup, Sean emphasizes the need for long-term vision, community engagement, and innovative fundraising to sustain success in an evolving college athletics landscape.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Frank Popolizio, founder and head coach at Journeymen Wrestling. Frank shares the origin story of the Journeymen events, from his early inspirations under John and Pat Smith at Oklahoma State to building one of the most influential wrestling event series in the U.S. We dive into how he grew from knowing little about recruiting and competition to developing innovative tournaments like the Northeast Duals and Journeymen Fall Classic.

Frank also opens up about the challenges of leadership—balancing vision with execution, the mental toll of entrepreneurship, and why fostering meaningful competition is essential at every level. Tune in as we explore the future of wrestling events, non-conference dual meets, and the impact of wrestling programs that run like businesses.

In episode 088 of the Athletor Podcast, Ty Walz, Assistant Coach at Brown University, shares his experiences transitioning from coaching at a large university to a smaller one like Brown. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities that come with coaching in the Ivy League, including the pros and cons of recruiting and developing athletes in a highly academic environment.

Ty also highlights how his approach to identifying recruits with untapped potential has evolved, and what it’s like working alongside head coach Jordan Leen to elevate Brown’s wrestling program. If you're curious about the balance between athletics and academics at the Ivy League level, this episode offers valuable insights.

Join us in episode 087 of the Athletor Podcast as we sit down with wrestling influencer Hayden Ancheta, who has built a dedicated following of over 39,000 on Instagram and 10,000 on YouTube while wrestling at San Francisco State University. In this episode, Hayden shares his origin story and what ignited his passion for wrestling. He reflects on the influence of his high school coach, Erik Duus, and the unique relationship Duus had with the legendary Dave Schultz. We also explore Japan’s impressive performance on the world stage and their distinctive approach to wrestling. Hayden opens up about his journey into content creation and discusses the challenges of balancing life as a student-athlete with his passion for producing engaging wrestling content.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Bryan Medlin, Director of Ops at the University of Illinois and Head Coach of the Illinois RTC. Bryan shares his insights on the vibrant wrestling culture in Ossetia. He discusses the common misconceptions surrounding wrestling and the challenges of navigating the current landscape of the sport. Additionally, Bryan provides valuable advice for coaches and parents on fostering a love for wrestling in young athletes, emphasizing the importance of hard work and setting attainable goals. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of wrestling and the unique perspectives Bryan brings from his experiences.

In episode 085 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Alex Clemsen, head coach of the University of Maryland wrestling program. Coach Clemsen shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a college wrestling program, including the critical role of fundraising and how he manages his team alongside assistant coach Nick Brascetta.

We also discuss the impact of recent scoring rule changes on Maryland's season, as well as the age-old topic of weight cutting—how it's handled in his program and its effect on performance.

Join us for episode 084 of the Athletor Podcast with Michael Kemerer, now Assistant Coach at Minnesota and a 5x NCAA All American.

Michael dives into his recent career transition to coaching at Minnesota, reflecting on his coaching experience at Brown University. He dispels common misconceptions about wrestling at Iowa and shares insights from his formative years at Young Guns Wrestling Club under the mentorship of Jody Strittmatter. Don’t miss Michael’s perspectives on how his coaching journey has shaped his approach to wrestling.