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 tracks.

But we don't just stop there. The conversation takes a deeper dive as we explore the strategies that could catapult VT from a top 4 team to a national leader. Jared doesn't shy away from discussing the ramifications of introducing a 3-point takedown in college wrestling and shares his candid thoughts on the burgeoning issue of NIL in the sport.

As VT stands on the brink of becoming a household name in wrestling, we dissect what's needed to cross this threshold. Furthermore, if given the wand to change the trajectory of the sport, Jared voices his aspiration for fostering growth in SEC schools, with a special mention of nurturing a robust program at the University of Texas.

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 wrestle shouldn't come with a price tag. As we delve into the operational aspects of running a club, Matt reveals his top considerations when interviewing and hiring coaches, a process driven by a clear vision and philosophy.

The conversation takes a more nuanced turn as Matt discusses how he navigates the challenges of overzealous parents whose values might conflict with the broader goals of the club. Emphasizing the importance of development over winning, Matt also speaks to the delicate balance that must be struck to ensure both personal growth and competitive success. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of wrestling at the club level.

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 timely and complex topic of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), delving into the challenges regarding resources and money, the adjustments required, and some innovative solutions to fix the economics of the sport.

Closing with Lee's personal "Mount Rushmore of Wrestling," this episode not only offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of a successful collegiate wrestling program but also explores the broader challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of the sport.

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 including a Super32 break. He discusses the school's expansion plans, adding new sports to participate in sanctioned Arizona high school events, and reveals the challenges and rewards of running such an avant-garde institution.

Furthermore, Eric shares insights into guiding students to college, be it D1, D2, or NAIA, and speaks passionately about his desire to shift the focus of the sport from weight-cutting and dehydration to nutrition and healthy eating. Whether you are a student-athlete, parent, or educator, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a new paradigm of education that prioritizes both athletic and academic excellence.

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 examples to demonstrate how proper mindset training can drastically improve your approach to matches. He also reveals the top 3 often-overlooked aspects of mindset that can make or break performance.

Lastly, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion on what Gene would change about the sport of wrestling if he had a magic wand. Whether you're a wrestler, coach, or fan, this episode is packed with insights and actionable tips that can help you develop a winning mindset.

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 also delve into his thoughts on becoming a 4x NCAA champion, handling pressure, and identifying wrestling styles. From discussing the top athletes at the senior level to sharing his personal practices and aspirations, Yianni's episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration that can benefit anyone interested in the world of wrestling.

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 the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into bulking and moving up weight classes - a fascinating journey for any aspiring wrestler. The episode concludes on a thought-provoking note as Wick voices his hot take on potential changes to the sport of wrestling.

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 power of building relationships, where Coach Hahn emphasizes the significance of not only coaching but also forging genuine friendships with his athletes and supporters. Listen closely as we explore the art of developing talent. Coach Hahn shares valuable insights into his coaching philosophy and the strategies he employs to nurture and guide his wrestlers towards reaching their full potential.

Last but not least, we dive into the intriguing world of recruiting. Damion Hahn spills the beans on his recruiting strategies, revealing the secrets behind assembling a strong and competitive team.

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 Mike's club in New Jersey, where he honed his skills and faced the unique challenges of wrestling with visual impairment. His stories of wrestling for Mike are sure to captivate and inspire listeners.

We also have the privilege of discussing Anthony's current endeavors, where he continues to make an impact in the wrestling community. He shares insights into his ongoing projects, including his compelling documentary, "A Shot in The Dark," which sheds light on his remarkable journey and showcases the power of determination.

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 valuable lessons for athletes and fans alike.