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Former University of Oregon head wrestling coach Chuck Kearney shares his journey from the heartbreak of a cut program to building a player-led, athlete-owned wrestling culture at St. Mary’s University in Leavenworth, Kansas.

In this episode, Coach Kearney dives into:
 • How losing Oregon wrestling reshaped his coaching philosophy
 • Lessons from his own wrestling days at Oklahoma State
 • Shifting from a win-based, transactional program to an athlete-centered, transformational experience
 • Why accountability, ownership, and leadership drive long-term athlete success

If you’re a coach, athlete, or parent looking to understand how wrestling—and sports in general—can transform young athletes into leaders, this is a must-listen.

Coach Kearney is starting his 7th year as the Head Wrestling Coach for St. Mary’s University in Leavenworth Kansas. Prior to that Coach Kearney was the Head Wrestling Coach for the University of Oregon from 1998-2008 along with being the Director of Athletic Alumni Development. Kearney has A
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oregon in
Recreation Administration and Management. Kearney also attended Oklahoma State University where he competed with some of the greatest athletes in the wrestling world and was an All-American for the Cowboys. In 2020 Kearney was named the KCAC Conference Coach of the Year leading St. Mary’s to a Conference Championship. In 2024 Coach
Kearney repeated the honor of being selected KCAC Coach of the Year and the Spires were the 2025 Conference Champions. In his tenure with St. Mary’s Kearney has had 3 Wrestlers of the Year with the last 2 in a row. They have also produced 36 NWCA Academic All-Americans, 8 NAIA All-Americans, 2 NAIA Finalists and, 1 NAIA National Champion.
Coach Kearney currently ranks 4th in dual meet victories amongst active NAIA Coaches.



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