In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mark Muñoz, Associate Head Coach at Cal Baptist University, as he shares his journey from wrestling to MMA. We discuss his time at Oklahoma State and the surprising connection between California wrestling and Stillwater, Oklahoma. Mark opens up about his transition from wrestling to UFC, recounting a pivotal moment when he was thrown into a sparring session with Randy Couture. He also talks about his coaching philosophy at CBU, emphasizing the importance of mentality, community, and culture in building a successful program. Tune in for a deep dive into Mark's unique journey and his thoughts on the future of wrestling and MMA.

In episode 109 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Dave Bell, Head Coach at a public school wrestling program, to discuss his journey from coaching at Bergen Catholic to taking over a public school program. Dave shares his insights on building a championship-caliber team, managing resources, and how he navigated the transition from a private school to a public one. We dive into the importance of sustained success, overcoming challenges, and his approach to fundraising, recruiting, and team culture. Additionally, Dave talks about the coaching staff that helped build his program and how he approaches developing athletes both on and off the mat.

In episode #108 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Gabe Arnold, a standout wrestler with a unique journey. Gabe shares the story of how he first stepped onto the mats at just five years old, following in his brother’s footsteps, and how he got hooked on wrestling despite early struggles. We dive into his high school career, discussing his time at Wyoming Seminary, the transition to living away from home, and the lessons he learned along the way. Gabe opens up about the impact of his father’s philosophy on his approach to the sport, his recruiting process, and the mindset required to reach his goals. Plus, we discuss the upcoming Iowa vs. OSU dual and Gabe’s thoughts on mental health in wrestling. Tune in for insights into the life of an elite wrestler and coach.

In episode 107 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Malinconico sits down with Keith Gavin, the head coach of Pitt Wrestling, to discuss his approach to building a wrestling program from the ground up. They dive into recruiting strategies, the culture at Pitt, and how NIL is constantly changing the landscape of college sports. Keith also shares how he prepares his athletes for success, offering a unique insight into his own journey and the importance of adaptability, discipline, and passion for the sport.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or wrestling fan, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic and evolving world of collegiate wrestling.

In episode 106 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Malinconico chats with Tim Flynn, head coach at West Virginia University, about the state of the Mountaineers' wrestling program. Flynn shares insights on their recruiting strategies, including how they identify wrestlers with "Mountaineer potential," and reflects on his past experience at Edinboro. They dive into the challenges and opportunities facing college wrestling today, from roster caps to NIL, and explore what it takes to build a successful program at a school like WVU. Flynn also discusses his approach to fundraising and how creating a passionate fan base is crucial for supporting a thriving wrestling program.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Trent Hidlay of NC State Wrestling to explore his journey from collegiate wrestling to his current aspirations in the sport. Trent discusses the challenges of NCAA wrestling, including NIL and roster limits, and shares insights on the current state of the sport. We also dive into his training regimen as he gears up for the 2028 Olympics and how his approach to film study and fundamentals keeps him at the top of his game. Plus, Trent talks about his bond with his brother Hayden and their shared wrestling legacy.

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, Hall of Fame writer, broadcaster, announcer, and podcaster Jason Bryant joins Mike Malinconico to discuss key issues surrounding the sport of wrestling. Jason shares his insights on marketing wrestling and the struggles the sport faces with fan retention, citing historical challenges and the slow adoption of women’s wrestling. He also dives into the need for more fan engagement and explains how rivalries, consistency, and better event presentation could help elevate wrestling’s visibility. The conversation also touches on the impact of weight management, recruitment, and the strategies necessary for the sport to evolve moving forward. Don't miss this fascinating discussion about the future of wrestling and the ways we can improve the fan experience.

In episode 103 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Coleman Scott, a key figure in the wrestling world and a passionate advocate for the sport's future. Currently, Coleman is focused on building "The Farm," an ambitious wrestling training facility that promises to revolutionize the development of young athletes. In this episode, Coleman talks about the journey behind the project, his decision to draw inspiration from other successful models, and the process of working with local contractors in the Oklahoma wrestling community. He also reflects on the challenges he faced in the aftermath of his coaching transition and his renewed focus on helping the next generation of wrestlers.

In episode 102, Cyler Sanderson gives us a unique look into growing up in the legendary Sanderson household, where the focus was always on effort, growth, and sportsmanship rather than just winning. He reflects on his father’s influence, their positive wrestling culture, and how it shaped his approach to coaching at the Sanderson Wrestling Academy.

We also explore the challenges facing wrestling at the collegiate level, from NIL to potential program cuts, and how these changes could reshape the sport. Cyler dives into the rise of high school and youth wrestling clubs, explaining why they’re becoming the foundation of the sport. He shares insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of long-term development, competition, and creating a vision for athletes’ growth over the years.

In Episode 101 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with U23 World Champion Sage Mortimer to discuss her journey to the top of the wrestling world. Sage dives into her mindset during her stunning comeback at the U23 World Championships, her approach to overcoming mental and technical barriers, and the philosophy that helped her turn challenges into growth opportunities. From her unique origin story of wrestling boys in Utah to her dominance on the international stage, Sage offers insights into how she has continuously evolved as a competitor.

We also explore Sage’s transition from high school to collegiate wrestling, her focus on refining her technique, and how she balances the intensity of training with the need for personal growth. With her sights set on the 2028 Olympics, Sage shares how she’s preparing to face the best in the world, including her thoughts on the elite competition at 50kg. This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.