Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

On this week's episode, we sit down with Franklin & Marshall College wrestler James Conway — one of the most compelling upper-weight stories in the country. James opens up about his late start in the sport, getting his footing through a steep learning curve as a freshman, and how a pivotal post-tournament conversation with his coach sparked a total mindset shift that launched him from a .500 record to one of the best in his weight class.

James gets real about the difference between chasing outcomes versus chasing growth — and how deliberately "brainwashing" himself to focus on process over results, applying to med school during his redshirt year, and building an ironclad daily routine all came together to fuel a breakout senior season. If you're a wrestler, a coach, or anyone trying to get out of their own way and compete at the next level, this one is for you.

Episode 160 of the Athletor Podcast features Hayden Hidlay, Assistant Coach at Stanford. Hidlay discusses the progress of the Stanford wrestling program and the momentum the team carries into the ACC Championships this season. He breaks down lessons learned from last year’s conference tournament, how preparation and travel adjustments affect performance, and why the ACC tournament brings a unique level of intensity due to frequent rematches and familiarity among competitors.

Hidlay also shares insight into building a competitive culture at Stanford, helping athletes handle the mental grind of postseason wrestling, and positioning the program to compete at a higher level nationally. The conversation covers strategy, preparation, and the details that separate a good tournament from a great one.

Episode 159 of the Athletor Podcast features Dom Santoli, Head Coach of Bergen Catholic. In this conversation, Dom shares what changed when he moved from assistant coach to head coach and how the role demands far more than match preparation. He explains the daily operational challenges, from managing parents and assistant coaches to handling school issues, recruiting, and the details behind the scenes that most people never see.

Dom also talks about putting kids first. He breaks down why development, accountability, and community matter more than wins alone. From building strong relationships with alumni and families to fostering a year-round wrestling culture, he gives insight into how Bergen Catholic continues to compete at a high level while keeping perspective on what high school sports are truly about.

In Episode 158 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Jamil Kelly, Assistant Coach at NC State and Olympic silver medalist, to talk about his evolution from elite athlete to program leader. While his competitive résumé speaks for itself, this conversation centers on his growth as a coach and the mindset shift required when you move from controlling your own performance to guiding the development of others.

Kelly shares insight on building culture in today’s era of NIL and the transfer portal, and how those changes impact recruiting, roster stability, and long-term program vision. He breaks down the challenge of finding athletes who align with a program’s philosophy and why culture still matters inside the Wolfpack room. This episode is a candid look at leadership, development, and what it takes to sustain success in modern college wrestling.

Episode 157 of the Athletor Podcast features a conversation with Luke Stanich of Lehigh University. Luke shares his journey through college wrestling and what daily life looks like inside a demanding program. He talks about preparation, discipline, and the standards required to compete at a high level.

This episode focuses on mindset, consistency, and growth. Luke breaks down lessons learned through training, competition, and team culture. You hear practical insight for wrestlers who want to improve and for fans who want a clear view of what shapes success at the Division I level.

Jason Welch joins Episode 156 of the Athletor Podcast to share a clear look at leadership, culture, and the state of college wrestling. As Head Coach at San Francisco State, Welch talks through building programs with limited resources, leading athletes with purpose, and staying committed to development beyond wins and losses.

The conversation centers on accountability, opportunity, and what coaches owe athletes inside and outside the room. Welch breaks down real challenges facing programs today and explains how wrestling continues to shape discipline, resilience, and long-term growth for those involved.

Episode 155 features Nolan Kistler and the movement behind #KeepCBUWrestling. You hear a clear look at CBU Wrestling during the Division I transition. Nolan explains what the program stands for, why support matters, and how the community plays a role. You get context on funding, visibility, and the work required to sustain a growing program.

This conversation speaks to you as a coach, athlete, parent, or fan. You learn how leadership shows up during change and what commitment looks like off the mat. If you care about college wrestling and program survival, this episode gives you a grounded view from someone inside the fight.

Episode 154 of the Athletor Podcast features Peyton Hall, a 3x NCAA Division I All-American. You hear how elite performance forms through daily habits, discipline, and mindset. Peyton shares lessons from competing at the highest level and what separates consistent winners from the rest.

You gain insight on preparation, pressure, and growth inside and outside competition. Peyton breaks down accountability, training standards, and staying locked in when expectations rise. This episode speaks to athletes, coaches, and anyone who values sustained excellence.

Episode 153 features Scott Moore, Head Coach at Lock Haven. Scott breaks down how he builds competitive teams through consistency, accountability, and daily standards. He shares how culture shows up in practice, preparation, and performance long before match day.

The conversation also covers recruiting the right athletes, developing confidence, and sustaining momentum inside a historic program. Scott explains how leadership, trust, and clear expectations shape long-term success for wrestlers and staff alike.

Episode 152 of the Athletor Podcast features JohnMark Bently, Head Coach at Appalachian State, for an honest conversation about building a program the right way. Bently shares how leadership, culture, and consistency shape long-term success, along with the daily standards required to develop wrestlers on and off the mat.

The episode dives into recruiting with intention, earning buy-in from athletes, and balancing performance with personal growth. Bently also reflects on lessons learned as a head coach, navigating challenges, and what it takes to sustain momentum in a competitive college wrestling environment.