Let's Talk Wrestling

Clayton Rush put together one heck of a wrestling career. He was a 4x state finalist and 2x state champ for Aledo HS in Illinois. He had immediate success at Coe College, finishing as a DIII national runner-up his freshman year. After a 5th place finish as a sophomore, Clayton won back-to-back titles to cement himself as an all-time great. He’s since been inducted into the Coe College Athletics Hall of Fame, a feat he shares with his wife. It was also recently announced that Clayton will be inducted into the 2026 NCAA DIII Men’s Hall of Fame class. To top it off, he’ll be joined by his college coach, John Oostendorp. Clayton is a now head coach himself, currently at the helm of Alburnett HS.

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Tomas did one year of wrestling when he was younger before he was persuaded to go back out in 9th grade. He ended his high school career as a 2x state finalist and state champ for Hickory Ridge in Harrisburg, NC. He’s currently a RS Sophomore at App. State, where he wrestles 184 lbs. and qualified for the NCAA tournament as a true freshman after winning a SoCon title. Not bad for a kid who started wrestling in 2019.

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Ben Clymer won a PA state title for Northwestern Lehigh in 2008. He qualified for the NCAA tournament 3 times representing Hofstra University, but failed to ultimately reach his goals. That failure has fueled his success as a coach, turning Faith Christian Academy into one of the best high school teams in the nation.

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An Iowa City, IA native, Alex Kanellis was a 2x placewinner while collecting a state title for Iowa City West on the mat and was a part of one the Hawkeyes highest-rated football recruiting classes in the Ferentz era. He’s the founder of Landmine University, a strength training company focused on providing continuing education to strength coaches and athletes. If you want more information on how to get involved and push yourself to the max, head to www.landmineuniversity.com or find him on instagram at landmineuniversity.

The third annual Landmine University Games are taking place January 24-25 in San Diego, CA. There will be multiple divisions, so whether you’re a beginner or expert, big or small, sign up and put yourself to the test. The registration link can be found in the show notes.

2026 Landmine University Games Registration Link: https://www.landmineuniversity.com/service-page/the-landmine-games-2?referral=service_list_widget

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John Erneste is every coach's dream athlete. He works hard. Puts the team above himself. Is always prepared whenever his number is called. I guess that’s why he ended up placing 4 times at Park Hill HS and finishing as an AA for Mizzou. Back in Kansas City, MO., John is a wrestling coach at his alma mater of Park Hill HS.

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Bradley starred for the Bettendorf Bulldogs in high school, placing 3 times and collecting a state title. He would travel 3 and a half hours to practice at Sebolt Wrestling Academy. But if Bradley wanted to reach his goals, he knew he had to make the trip. After spending two years as a Hawkeye, Bradley made the decision to head to Oklahoma, where he’s ready to show the wrestling world (and himself) what sort of damage he can do.

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Christian was the #1 pound-for-pound wrestler in the class of 2023. He was a U20 World Team Member, a 2x Super 32 champ and a junior freestyle national champ. But what does that guarantee you? As Christian came to find out: absolutely nothing. Originating from Elkhart, IN, Christian spent a year at both Oklahoma State and Iowa State. Things seemed to be going a little sideways for him. But with the support of his inner-circle, Christian has found a home in Laramie at the University of Wyoming and seems to be the best version of himself.

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The name “Killian” is tied to Celtic roots meaning “bright-headed” and “little warrior”. This name perfectly depicts our next guest, Killian Cardinale. A 2x AA at West Virginia, his achievements didn’t come without overcoming adversity. He started his college career at Old Dominion before they cut their program. He found a home at West Virginia, but injuries threatened his ability to compete. True to his name, Killian battled like the warrior he is.

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Carl really didn’t go all-in on wrestling until his freshman year of high school. And even then, he was JV. But each year after that, he saw major gains. Carl ended up a 2x state placewinner and state champ for West Delaware. His success carried over to Upper Iowa, where he was 3x AA. Carl ended his college career with the most wins in Peacock history. He now owns a construction business near Manchester, IA and is also in his 11th year as an assistant coach at Upper Iowa.

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Matt Hoover won state titles. He won The Biggest Loser. But, as he learned, those victories didn’t guarantee him a lifetime of success. He’s battled adversity, regret, his weight. However, with the help of a strong support system and some tough self-reflection, Matt has found peace within himself. He lives in Washington state with his wife and kids and coaches at Cascade Christian High School. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Matt Hoover!

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