In episode 121 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Chuck Kearney, Head Coach at the University of Saint Mary, to explore the evolution of wrestling through his unique lens—from his roots in Pendleton, Oregon, to building programs at the NAIA level. Chuck reflects on his time at Oregon State, where the structure of practice was almost academic in its discipline, and contrasts that with the flexibility and challenges of coaching in today’s collegiate landscape.

We dig into the growing concerns around roster limits, shrinking opportunities for athletes, and the shifting value of scholarships vs. NIL. Chuck doesn’t hold back on what he sees as threats to the sport’s future—and how programs like his are adapting. We wrap with rapid-fire takes on wrestling shoes, book recs, and who makes Chuck’s all-time Mount Rushmore.