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.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Mocco, Head Coach of Mocco Wrestling Academy, Olympian, 2x NCAA Champion, and 4x NCAA All-American. Steve shares insights into his transition from being a competitive wrestler to becoming a coach and what that journey has taught him. We delve into the origins of the famous “Mocco Footsweep” and how it became a signature move. Steve also discusses the structure of his practice sessions, reflecting on his time with the legendary Blair wrestling teams and how those experiences shaped his approach to coaching.

You’ll will also hear about Steve’s remarkable college career, his experiences at the Olympic Games, and the mindset required to compete at the highest levels. Whether you’re a wrestling enthusiast or a coach looking for inspiration, this episode offers valuable lessons from one of the sport’s greats.

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Robie, Head Coach of Virginia Tech Wrestling, to explore the ever-changing landscape of college wrestling. Tony provides insight into the recent changes in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and how they impact programs like Virginia Tech. He also discusses strategies for mid-major programs to secure their future and avoid the risk of being dropped.

We dive into the passionate wrestling culture in Blacksburg, VA, and the unwavering support of Virginia Tech wrestling fans. Tony also shares his experiences coaching standout wrestlers Mekhi Lewis and Caleb Henson, highlighting their contrasting styles and the unique approaches needed to coach each athlete effectively. Plus, Tony reveals key recruiting red flags that coaches should watch for. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone involved in or passionate about the sport of wrestling.

In episode 081 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mike Palazzo, the head coach at Lake Highland Prep and recipient of the 2017 NHSCA Coach of the Year and 2016 Flo Wrestling Coach of the Year awards. Mike shares his insights on freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, discussing how his focus on these styles has evolved in recent years and the reasons behind this shift.

We also delve into the impact of new scoring rules on his coaching tactics and strategies for his wrestlers. Mike explains how his goals have expanded beyond just winning state titles, emphasizing the broader objectives for his team. Additionally, he sheds light on the resources and fundraising efforts necessary to support the extensive travel requirements of the Lake Highland Prep wrestling program during their season. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the strategies and philosophies of a highly successful high school wrestling coach.

In episode 080 of the Athletor Podcast, we feature Zach Even-Esh, the OG strength coach and founder of Underground Strength Gym. Zach shares his origin story, revealing how his passion for sports performance training began and evolved over the years.

We dive into the principles of training to build strength and power, discussing the differences between functional training and bodybuilding, and why functional training often yields better results. Zach also emphasizes the importance of customizing training to solve specific goals, such as building the confidence to execute a high-paced offense rather than just conserving energy. He highlights how effective training can be achieved without relying on advanced technology, focusing on practical and impactful methods. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their training regimen and athletic performance.