Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

Pitt Associate Coach Drew Headlee joins the show to talk about his journey from standout competitor to leading one of the nation’s top wrestling programs. He shares insights on developing athletes, building trust, and adapting to the constantly evolving college wrestling landscape.

We dive into topics like recruiting philosophies, training adjustments, and what it takes to prepare wrestlers for success at the highest level. Drew also reflects on his own competitive career and the lessons that continue to shape his coaching approach today.

On Episode 130 of the Athletor Podcast, we’re joined by Nick Brascetta, Associate Head Coach at the University of Maryland. Brascetta dives into the evolving responsibilities of an associate head coach, how the role shifts from program to program, and what leadership looks like at the Power Five level.

We also cover Maryland’s developmental strategy, building buy-in from athletes, and how Brascetta balances recruiting, coaching, and culture-building. If you're looking for insights into what it really takes to elevate a Big Ten wrestling program, this one’s a must-listen.

In Episode 129 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Ruschell, Head Coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Kyle shares his journey from a standout athlete in Kentucky to leading a D1 program in the heart of the South. He talks about the lessons he’s taken from his time at Wisconsin, how he’s building a strong culture at UTC, and what it takes to recruit and develop talent in a non-traditional wrestling region.

We also get into the importance of authenticity in coaching, the power of consistency, and the challenges that come with growing a program outside the Big Ten spotlight. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or wrestling fan, this conversation offers real insight into what it takes to build something special from the ground up.

Episode #128 of the Athletor Podcast features Kellen Russell, Associate Head Coach at Cornell University. Kellen sits down with Mike Mal to talk through his coaching journey, what it’s like leading one of the top wrestling programs in the country, and how the evolving NCAA landscape is affecting the sport. From navigating recruiting challenges to building culture in a high-performance room, Kellen shares valuable insight into what makes a championship-level program thrive.

They also dig into the details of developing young athletes, coaching philosophies that go beyond the mat, and what sets Cornell apart in the Ivy League and nationally. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers a rare look into the mindset behind one of college wrestling’s sharpest minds.

On this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by two-time NCAA Champion Jordan Oliver, a name that’s echoed across wrestling’s Mount Rushmore conversations. Jordan dives deep into his journey through collegiate and freestyle wrestling, reflecting on the mindset, struggles, and breakthroughs that defined his legendary career. From being immortalized by peers like Mario Mason to discussing what separates the greats from the elite, this conversation is as real and raw as the sport itself.

Whether you're an aspiring wrestler or a fan of greatness, Jordan brings perspective, humility, and intensity that speaks volumes. Tune in for stories you’ve never heard, insights you didn’t expect, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a champion who continues to inspire generations.

In episode 126 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Becker, Head Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota. Becker shares what life looks like during the off-season, including how he balances recruiting, summer training, and catching a few waves behind a boat. From Big Ten battles to bonding with athletes, Becker opens up about his coaching philosophy and the Gophers’ mindset heading into the season.

We also dive into his thoughts on building relationships with athletes, staying grounded through decades of experience in the sport, and why he’s still hungry to help push Minnesota Wrestling forward.

In episode 126 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Becker, Head Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota. Becker shares what life looks like during the off-season, including how he balances recruiting, summer training, and catching a few waves behind a boat. From Big Ten battles to bonding with athletes, Becker opens up about his coaching philosophy and the Gophers’ mindset heading into the season.

We also dive into his thoughts on building relationships with athletes, staying grounded through decades of experience in the sport, and why he’s still hungry to help push Minnesota Wrestling forward.

Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck joins the Athletor Podcast to talk about the challenges and mindset behind building a Division I program from the ground up. From leaving West Point to leading Bellarmine’s young squad, Shuck shares what it’s like to build a culture, navigate NCAA wrestling’s evolving landscape, and fight for relevance in a resource-limited environment.

We also dig into what motivates him, how he’s developed leadership from day one, and why creating belief and identity in a new team matters more than anything else.

Episode 124 of the Athletor Podcast features Zach Tanelli, Associate Head Coach at Virginia Tech. In this conversation, Zach reflects on his transition from head coach at an Ivy League school to joining the Hokies program, and why that move made perfect sense inside the wrestling world. He opens up about his mindset, growth as a coach, and how family, culture, and competitive alignment all played a role.

We also get into how high-level decisions shape a career, what young athletes should look for in a college program, and how building trust and relationships off the mat often matters just as much as winning on it.

In Episode 123 of the Athletor Podcast, Mike Mal sits down with Mario Mason—former wrestling standout and founder of Shot Docs. From dominating on the mat at Fargo to carving out a business in the media space, Mario shares how he transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur. They dive into the lessons wrestling taught him about resilience, branding, and building something that lasts beyond competition.

Whether you're an athlete thinking about life after sports or a creative looking to find your lane, this conversation is packed with insights on staying true to your roots while leveling up.