In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Alirez, an NCAA Champion and 2x Big 12 Champion, to discuss his journey and insights into the world of wrestling. Andrew shares his experience with the transfer portal and the factors that ultimately led him to remain at Northern Colorado. He offers a candid look at what he learned about NIL through this process and how it has shaped his perspective.

We also discuss the challenges Andrew faced with his weight cut to 65kg and its impact on his performance at the Olympic trials. He talks about his approach to taking an Olympic redshirt and his plans for the upcoming World Team Trials. Tune in to hear about the resilience, strategy, and dedication that drive one of wrestling's top athletes.

Join us for an insightful episode of the Athletor Podcast featuring Donny Pritzlaff, the Associate Coach at Rutgers, World Medalist, and 2x NCAA Champion. In this episode, Donny shares how Earnie Monaco influenced his approach to wrestling and discusses the balance between baseline technique and innovative "funk" moves. He opens up about the discipline that drove his success as both an athlete and coach, and how he manages expectations at the Jersey Mike's Arena. Plus, Donny reveals his surprising picks for the Mount Rushmore of wrestling and delves into the processes that have led to his remarkable career achievements.

Tune in for a deep dive into the mind of one of wrestling's most respected figures, and learn about the strategies and mindset that have made Donny Pritzlaff a standout in the sport.

In Episode 070 of the Athletor Podcast, we are joined by Mason Parris, the 2024 Olympic Qualifier, NCAA Champion, 3x NCAA All-American, and 2023 World Bronze Medalist. Mason shares insights on his significant progress in wrestling, highlighting the pivotal moments and training methods that propelled his game to the next level. He discusses the coaches who had the most profound impact on his technique, particularly emphasizing how Coach Josh Churella and Kevin Jackson refined his methodical approach to wrestling.

Mason recounts his most memorable victory, noting that winning the B1G title this past year cemented his belief in his ability to claim an NCAA title. He also shares his thoughts on the ideal traits for modern-day heavyweights and talks about the diverse, international atmosphere in the Michigan wrestling room, where the exchange of ideas and techniques enriches their training environment. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and experiences from one of wrestling's rising stars.

In Episode 069 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Rob Koll, the esteemed Head Coach at the University of North Carolina and former head coach at Stanford and Cornell. Rob discusses the dynamic 2024 coaching carousel and shares insights on David Taylor's influence. Reflecting on his second year at UNC, he offers a deep dive into his unique business mindset, exploring whether wrestling can achieve financial stability.

Rob also reveals his strategy for engaging young wrestlers to create lifelong fans and explains his business-like approach to running a wrestling program, detailing how this philosophy has evolved throughout his career. We discuss the importance of event-driven fundraising, common pitfalls for young coaches, and the impact of NIL on the sport and his daily operations. This episode is packed with valuable insights for coaches and wrestling enthusiasts alike.

In Episode 068 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mark Hall, Director of Operations at the University of Oklahoma, NCAA Champion, and Cadet and Junior World Champion. Mark shares his journey into wrestling, revealing how an early injury pushed him to develop a unique technique that allows him to score without ever touching a leg.

The conversation covers a range of topics including balancing the drive to win with personal growth, understanding and preventing burnout in wrestlers, and strategies to help kids fall in love with wrestling. Mark also shares entertaining stories from his time in the Penn State wrestling room, including their Call of Duty-inspired training games. We discuss building competitiveness in the wrestling room, advice for young wrestlers struggling with competitiveness, and insights into Mark’s coaching career and how he connects with his athletes. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights and inspiring stories.

In Episode 067 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Terry Steiner, the accomplished USA Wrestling Women’s Head Coach and NCAA Champion. Coach Steiner shares insights into the distinct process of making Team USA for women compared to men, explaining the rationale and origins of these differences. He provides an inside look at the rigorous Team USA training camps as the team prepares for the 2024 Olympics and discusses the heightened pressures athletes face during Olympic years.

We also cover how Team USA helps athletes stay focused on competition amid numerous media requests, the role of Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in the US's decentralized athlete development approach, and the impact of NIL on RTCs. Additionally, Coach Steiner talks about the growth and challenges of women’s college wrestling at the NCAA level. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in elite wrestling and athlete preparation.

In Episode 066 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Steve Mytych, Assistant Coach at Rutgers, who brings a wealth of experience from both the competitive and coaching sides of wrestling. This discussion delves into the critical aspects of youth wrestling culture and the influence of parenting on young athletes' careers. Steve shares poignant insights from his time on the camp circuit, illustrating common mistakes he observes in wrestling parents and the often overlooked emotional toll of "the car ride home" discussions post-practice.

Steve offers invaluable advice to wrestling parents, emphasizing the importance of stability by committing to a single wrestling club and fostering a supportive home environment aligned with shared goals. He also recounts some eye-opening stories of parenting mishaps he's encountered, providing lessons on what not to do. Additionally, Steve discusses the logistical and emotional challenges of juggling a demanding Division I coaching schedule with managing youth national competitions, shedding light on how he successfully maintains balance between high-level coaching responsibilities and personal commitment to youth development in the sport. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports, particularly wrestling, offering guidance on nurturing young athletes while avoiding the pitfalls of high-intensity sports parenting.

In Episode 065 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Neil Erisman, the pioneering head coach at the University of Little Rock, Arkansas, who is charting a new course in collegiate wrestling. Neil, an Oklahoma State alum, shares his insights on transitioning from a wrestling powerhouse led by John Smith to building a new program from the ground up. We celebrate a monumental achievement for Little Rock wrestling as the team secured their first All-American at the NCAAs this year, marking a significant milestone in the program's young history.

Neil dives into the identity and culture he's cultivating at Little Rock, focusing on building consistency and a strong team ethos. He discusses the challenges and rewards of recruiting athletes who align with the vision of a burgeoning program, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic decisions that shape a competitive team. Neil also paints a vivid picture of Little Rock, Arkansas, highlighting the state's beauty, the loyalty of its fans, and the exciting potential for many more "firsts" as the program continues to grow. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into what it takes to build a wrestling program from scratch, and the unique opportunity athletes have to leave a lasting legacy in Little Rock.

In Episode 064 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Shane Griffith, an NCAA Champion and 4X NCAA All-American, to share his journey through the wrestling world. Shane opens up about his early experiences in New Jersey, discussing how he first got into wrestling and the influence of his family's supportive, non-pressuring approach. He also reflects on the pivotal decision to attend Bergen Catholic High School and the thought process behind his choice of Stanford for college, exploring the stark contrasts between East Coast and West Coast wrestling cultures.

Throughout the episode, Shane offers insights into his transition to the University of Michigan, how he manages the relentless demands of college wrestling, and the critical role of taking breaks to foster personal and athletic growth. As he closes this chapter of his collegiate career, Shane discusses his future aspirations and how he plans to leverage his experiences and successes into his next endeavors. This episode is a deep dive into the life of a top-tier wrestler, providing valuable lessons on adaptability, perseverance, and planning for life beyond the mat.

In Episode 063 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Matt Valenti, the Associate Head Coach at Penn and a 2x NCAA Champion, to explore his dynamic transition from an administrative role back to the hands-on world of coaching. Matt discusses the motivations behind his shift and compares the broad, strategic influence he had in administration to the direct, interpersonal impact he achieves as a coach. This conversation highlights his unique perspective on effecting change in both capacities.

Matt explains how his experience in the Penn athletic department enhances his effectiveness as an associate head coach, offering insights into the synergy between administrative acumen and coaching strategies. He also shares practical advice for young coaches on how to build positive relationships with administrative staff, including simple gestures like sharing team gear. The discussion also covers recruiting strategies and the critical role of building a strong team culture, making this episode a valuable listen for aspiring coaches and sports administrators alike.