New Jersey Mat Chat

Two years ago, Teddy Sims wasn't placing at tournaments. Today, he's one of South Jersey's top young wrestlers.

In this episode of New Jersey Mat Chat, Teddy talks about his journey from struggling as a beginner to becoming a South Jersey Wrestling League finalist and one of the most dedicated young wrestlers in the region.

We cover:

🔥 Winning the South Jersey Wrestling League

🔥 Competing at Super 32 and Virginia Beach Nationals

🔥 Choosing between Shawnee and Camden Catholic

🔥 Why nutrition completely changed his wrestling

🔥 Training at Immortals, Shore Thing, Creekside & American

🔥 His goal of becoming an NCAA Champion

What makes this episode special is how honest Teddy is about the process. He talks about losing, getting injured, struggling with confidence, and how consistency eventually paid off.

If you're a wrestler, parent, or NJ wrestling fan, this is a great look at the next generation of South Jersey talent.

🤼‍♂️ South Jersey Wrestling

🏆 South Jersey Wrestling League Finalist

📍 Future High School Wrestler to Watch

••Premier Sports Nutrition - Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com

00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment

01:26 – Meet Teddy Sims

01:34 – Starting in Jiu-Jitsu Before Wrestling

02:04 – Getting Into Wrestling Through Football

02:44 – Early Struggles & Getting Injured

03:00 – Discovering a Love for Wrestling

03:23 – Training at Immortals, Shore Thing & Creekside

03:58 – Super 32 Experience & Lessons Learned

04:41 – Advice for Kids Wrestling Big Tournaments

05:00 – Winning the South Jersey Wrestling League

05:16 – Teddy’s Wrestling Style: Funk & Scrambles

05:39 – Looking Ahead to High School

05:54 – Shawnee vs Camden Catholic Decision

07:08 – Homeschooling & Year-Round Training

07:36 – Wrestlers He Looks Up To

07:58 – Why He Loves Watching Nick Suriano

08:08 – High School Goals & State Aspirations

08:49 – Weekly Training Schedule Breakdown

09:26 – Favorite Moves & Hand Fighting Focus

09:48 – Managing Nerves Before Big Matches

10:14 – Getting Pinned vs Getting Choked Out

10:34 – Biggest Influences: Dad, Coaches & Nutrition

11:11 – Big Goals: State Titles & NCAA Champion

11:48 – How High School Choice Impacts Development

12:08 – Wrestling Rules He Would Change

12:18 – Summer Wrestling, Weight Classes & Virginia Beach

13:03 – What Separates Teddy From Other Wrestlers

13:13 – The Nutrition Plan That Changed Everything

13:58 – Growing Stronger Through Better Eating

15:00 – Life Outside Wrestling in Medford Lakes

15:34 – School, Grades & Academic Goals

16:05 – What He Wants to Be Remembered For

16:17 – Advice for Young Wrestlers Struggling Early

16:59 – Summer Nationals & Confidence Breakthrough

17:33 – From Going 0-2 to Winning Big Matches

18:13 – Staying Disciplined With Nutrition

18:47 – South Jersey States Finals Run

19:58 – Virginia Beach Nationals Goals

20:08 – Why Every Wrestler Should Travel & Compete

20:35 – Final Thoughts & Outro

One of South Jersey wrestling’s most respected club coaches joins New Jersey Mat Chat.

John Van Brill sits down to talk about:

• Growing up at Clearview

• Wrestling at Rutgers

• How J-Rob camp changed his life

• Why South Jersey wrestling has fallen behind

• The politics of offseason wrestling in NJ

• Building Seagull Wrestling Club into a powerhouse

• Why mindset, culture & community matter more than anything

This episode dives deep into:

🔥 NJ wrestling culture

🔥 South Jersey vs North Jersey

🔥 Club wrestling growth

🔥 Coaching philosophy

🔥 Wrestling development at the highest level

If you love New Jersey wrestling, this is one of the best behind-the-scenes conversations you’ll hear all year.

🤼‍♂️ Seagull Wrestling Club

🎓 Rutgers Wrestling

📍 South Jersey Wrestling Culture

••Premier Sports Nutrition - Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com

00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment

01:27 – Inside Seagull Wrestling Club

01:45 – Meet John Van Brill

02:13 – Growing Up at Clearview Wrestling

03:00 – Wrestling Nerd to State Medalist

03:22 – Getting Away From Wrestling for a While

03:55 – J-Rob Camp Changed His Life

05:05 – Lessons From J-Rob That Still Matter Today

05:38 – Defining Wrestling Success

06:44 – Athlete vs Coach: Which Means More?

08:13 – Balancing Wrestling, Business & Life

09:00 – His Rutgers Wrestling Journey

10:26 – Is South Jersey Wrestling Falling Behind?

11:45 – Why North Jersey Has More Wrestling Resources

13:12 – South Jersey Wrestling Club Discussion

14:25 – South Jersey Used to Dominate NJ Wrestling

15:03 – Fargo, Team NJ & Offseason Politics

16:12 – Why South Jersey Struggles to Keep Up

17:08 – “We’re All One State” Mindset

17:42 – Building Seagull Wrestling Club

18:10 – The Coaching Staff Behind Seagull

18:48 – What Makes Seagull Different

19:20 – Club Fees, Training & Structure

20:12 – Why Seagull Isn’t for Everyone

21:00 – Why Girls Wrestle Free at Seagull

21:36 – Longest-Tenured Seagull Wrestler

22:16 – John Van Brill’s Best Coaching Position

22:47 – Teaching Pins, Tilts & Top Wrestling

23:20 – History of Seagull Wrestling Club

24:08 – The Meaning Behind “Seagull”

25:20 – Why He Doesn’t Coach High School Wrestling

26:12 – Club Coaching vs High School Coaching

27:12 – Has Wrestling Evolved Too Fast?

27:42 – How He Studies Wrestling Film

28:03 – The Coach He Still Learns From

28:52 – What a Seagull Practice Looks Like

29:38 – The Handball GOAT at Seagull

29:53 – Final Thoughts & Outro

One of New Jersey’s top freshman wrestlers just gave a glimpse into the future.

Southern Regional standout Jonas Lusker joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about:

• Wrestling in one of NJ’s toughest rooms

• Winning districts & regions as a freshman

• Placing 4th in New Jersey

• The pressure of wrestling at Southern

• Weight cutting, mindset & mental health

• Southern vs Howell

• Freestyle, Super 32 & national-level goals

Jonas also opens up about anxiety, confidence, discipline, and the mental side of competing at the highest level in New Jersey wrestling.

If you love NJ high school wrestling, this episode is loaded with insight into what it takes to compete in one of the best programs in the state.

🤼‍♂️ Southern Regional Wrestling

🏆 NJ State Placewinner

🔥 Future State Title Contender

00:00 – Intro / NJ Wrestling Officials PSA

00:49 – Jonas Recaps His Freshman Season

01:02 – Entering Southern’s Wrestling Room

01:14 – What Dan Roy Is Really Like

01:34 – Learning From Cade & Anthony

02:00 – Weight Cutting & Super 32

02:40 – Growing During the Season Made Weight Tough

03:00 – Fixing Mistakes & Becoming Better

03:17 – Mental Health & Wrestling Mindset

03:46 – Leaning on the Wrestling Community

04:20 – Southern Wins Another Team State Title

04:36 – The Grind of Team States Week

04:49 – Southern vs Howell Atmosphere

05:26 – Districts, Regions & Postseason Run

05:56 – Winning Regions as a Freshman

06:08 – Wrestling With Self-Belief

06:17 – Virginia Beach & Offseason Goals

06:32 – Small Goals Lead to Big Goals

06:46 – Freestyle vs Folkstyle Wrestling

07:16 – Why Freestyle Helps His Folkstyle

07:40 – The Shock of Southern Practices

08:01 – Spending a Year at Green Island Academy

08:34 – First Time Wrestling in Atlantic City

09:14 – The Hardest Part of States? The Scale

09:29 – Finishing 4th in New Jersey

09:48 – Bouncing Back After a Tough Loss

10:16 – Why Mindset Is EVERYTHING

10:46 – Dealing With Anxiety as a Wrestler

11:06 – Starting Wrestling at 4 Years Old

11:41 – Grinding Through Youth Wrestling

12:03 – When He Realized He Was Really Good

12:27 – Freshman Year Expectations

12:58 – Working With Dan Wernikoff & Nutrition

13:16 – Shoutout to Elite Wrestling

13:35 – Pressure of Wrestling at Southern

14:01 – Practices Became More Technical Over Time

14:14 – Biggest Freshman Year Challenges

14:32 – Advice on Weight Management & Discipline

15:00 – Surviving the Team State Grind

15:37 – Big Goals: Super 32, Powerade & Escape the Rock

15:55 – What He’s Working on Right Now

16:15 – Expectations for Next Season

16:24 – Why He Never Cares About Seeding

16:46 – Confidence Heading Into States

16:59 – Family Support & Final Shoutouts

17:18 – Outro

Become a Wrestling Official at https://www.njwoa.net/

This is one of the deepest wrestling conversations we’ve had yet.

Kingsway head coach Mike Barikian joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about:

• Growing up in South Jersey wrestling

• Finishing 4th in the state

• Wrestling at Navy

• Leadership lessons from the Marine Corps

• Building Kingsway into a powerhouse

• Why culture matters more than talent

• The REAL problems with NJ wrestling today

Coach Barikian also gives one of the most honest breakdowns yet on:

🔥 PowerPoints

🔥 Public vs Private debate

🔥 Team states

🔥 Parenting in wrestling

🔥 Why some kids succeed… and others burn out

This episode is packed with wisdom for wrestlers, coaches, and parents who truly love New Jersey wrestling.

🤼‍♂️ Kingsway Wrestling

🇺🇸 Navy Wrestling / Marine Corps Leadership

📍 South Jersey Wrestling

••Premier Sports Nutrition - Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com

00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment

01:25 – Meet Kingsway Coach Mike Barikian

01:39 – How He First Started Wrestling

02:01 – Growing Up at Sterling & Around Football

03:00 – Finishing 4th in the State

04:19 – Wrestling the Backside at States

04:59 – Football vs Wrestling in High School

05:20 – Choosing Wrestling Over Football

06:06 – Why Navy Was the Right Choice

06:55 – Entering the Naval Academy

07:34 – Coaching Staff Change & Early Struggles at Navy

08:36 – Inside a Division I Wrestling Room

09:13 – Military Discipline & Wrestling Mindset

10:09 – Marine Corps Leadership Lessons

11:45 – Returning to South Jersey & Real Estate

12:36 – Coaching at Navy Before Kingsway

13:46 – Taking Over Kingsway Wrestling

14:18 – Teaching Finance at Kingsway

15:15 – Difference Between D1 & High School Wrestling Rooms

16:18 – Building Kingsway’s Culture

17:05 – Winning a Sectional Title in Year One

18:18 – What Defines a Kingsway Practice

19:05 – Conditioning vs Competing Hard

19:32 – Non-Negotiables in the Wrestling Room

20:20 – Why Commitment Matters More Than Numbers

21:49 – Changing the Culture at Kingsway

22:43 – What He Learned in His First 10 Years Coaching

24:04 – Adjusting as a Head Coach

25:22 – What Makes Him Most Proud as a Coach

26:18 – “Our Kids Still Love Wrestling”

27:28 – Philosophy: Impose Your Will

28:18 – Conditioning Is Relative

29:04 – Why Wrestlers Need to Force Action

30:17 – How the Marines Influenced His Coaching

31:00 – What He Wants Wrestlers to Take From His Program

32:11 – Is New Jersey Wrestling Different?

33:15 – Thoughts on the 3-Point Takedown

34:25 – Biggest Changes He Wants in NJ Wrestling

35:04 – Why He Hates Separating Public & Private States

36:07 – His Wildcard Qualifier Idea

36:59 – Why NJ Should Have ONLY 2 Public School Groups

38:02 – Rivalries, Rutgers & Better Team States

39:27 – Southern vs Howell & PowerPoint Controversy

41:38 – His Honest Opinion on PowerPoints

43:08 – Why More State Champs Waters Down Wrestling

44:02 – The Problem With 5 Groups

45:49 – What’s Next for Kingsway Wrestling

48:44 – Advice for Young Wrestlers

50:04 – Why Passion Matters More Than Results

51:17 – Wrestlers He Respects Most

52:15 – Advice for Wrestling Parents

53:36 – Why Kids Need Freedom to Compete

54:12 – Final Thoughts & Outro

“I hated wrestling for two years.”

Lenape standout Owen Boyle joins New Jersey Mat Chat for one of the most honest conversations yet — opening up about burnout, confidence, weight cuts, and eventually learning how to enjoy wrestling again.

In this episode, Owen talks about:

• Feeling unfulfilled despite success

• Why he wishes he trained in tougher rooms earlier

• The mental side of wrestling

• Creekside Wrestling & Immortals

• Choosing Elizabethtown College

• Family support and wrestling culture

• Learning that having fun actually made him better

This episode is a reminder that wrestling isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about growth, mindset, and finding joy in the grind.

🤼‍♂️ Lenape Wrestling

🎓 Elizabethtown College Commit

🧠 Mindset • Burnout • Development

••Premier Sports Nutrition - Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com

00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment

01:25 – Meet Owen Boyle (Lenape Wrestling)

01:49 – Was His Wrestling Career a Success?

03:01 – Realizing What It Takes to Be Great

03:09 – What He’d Tell His 7th Grade Self

03:36 – “I Hated Wrestling for Two Years”

04:15 – Freshman Year Expectations

04:32 – Most Influential Coaches Growing Up

05:18 – Always Smiling on the Mat

06:09 – Self Doubt vs Having Fun Wrestling

06:57 – Why He Wishes He Wrestled Better Rooms Earlier

07:34 – Why Convenience Isn’t Always the Answer

08:34 – Training at Immortals & Lamb Wrestling

09:09 – Balancing Different Wrestling Rooms

09:56 – Giving Up Lacrosse for Wrestling

10:15 – Family Support & Wrestling Parents

11:33 – Which Coach Is Most Like His Dad?

12:20 – Creekside Wrestling Garage Practices

13:02 – Traveling to Michigan for Wrestling

13:43 – Choosing Elizabethtown College

14:14 – Schools He Considered Before Elizabethtown

15:03 – Feeling “At Home” on His Visit

15:41 – Elizabethtown Wrestling Program Breakdown

16:12 – Rooming With Howell’s Will Stapleton

17:35 – Accounting Major & Future Plans

18:10 – GPA, Academics & Choosing a Career

19:02 – Respect, Reputation & Wrestling Brotherhood

19:41 – Thanking Coaches, Parents & Supporters

20:32 – Favorite Atlantic City Memory

20:53 – Outro

Coach Mike Ahern joins New Jersey Mat Chat for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet.

From wrestling under legendary coach Gary Papa at Paul VI… to coaching state champions… to stepping away from wrestling after personal tragedy… Coach Ahern opens up about everything that shaped him. This episode covers:

• Old-school South Jersey wrestling culture

• Coaching legends like Mark Manchio

• Building Audubon into a sectional champion

• Mental health, anxiety & loss

• Wrestling’s evolution over the decades

• The transfer portal mentality hitting high school sports

• Why relationships matter more than wins

This isn’t just a wrestling episode.

It’s a conversation about life, purpose, toughness, and finding your way back.

🤼‍♂️ South Jersey Wrestling

🏆 Audubon Wrestling

🧠 Legacy • Leadership • Perspective

••Premier Sports Nutrition - Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com

00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment

01:26 – Meet Coach Mike Ahern

01:46 – Growing Up in a Family of 12 Kids

02:26 – Starting Wrestling Late (7th Grade)

03:05 – Gary Papa & Old School Wrestling Culture

04:38 – Why He Ended Up at Paul VI

05:24 – Tiny Freshman Wrestling Varsity

06:25 – State Medals, Tough Losses & Expectations

07:20 – Region Finals Battle With Che Santo

08:11 – Wrestling Left-Handed & Match Strategy

09:20 – Learning From State Tournament Failure

10:05 – Paul VI Robes & Wrestling Traditions

11:09 – Choosing Elizabethtown Over Rider

12:23 – Wrestling in College & Brotherhood

13:15 – Wanting to Join the Marines After 9/11

14:09 – Coaching With Legendary Coach John Sanders

15:20 – Early Coaching Years & Penns Grove

16:18 – Taking Over Sterling Wrestling

17:20 – Coaching State Champ Mark Manchio

18:15 – Mark Manchio’s Competitive Edge

19:05 – Other State Champs & Loaded Teams

20:05 – Taking Over Audubon Wrestling

20:33 – Personal Tragedy, Anxiety & Mental Health

22:42 – Returning to Coaching After 5 Years Away

24:10 – Building the Audubon Wrestling Culture

25:24 – Learning the Modern Version of Wrestling

26:18 – Creating a Family Atmosphere

27:15 – Leadership, Staff & Team Buy-In

28:08 – Winning Audubon’s First Sectional Title

29:09 – Why Relationships Matter More Than Wins

30:24 – Building Wrestling Programs the Right Way

31:20 – Paulsboro, Toughness & Team Culture

32:53 – The Pressure of the State Tournament Run

34:05 – Tough Losses Before the Playoffs

35:05 – Turning the Team Around Mentally

36:05 – Community Support & Booster Club Impact

37:06 – Winning South Jersey Coach of the Year

38:00 – Still Coaching at 54 Years Old

39:00 – Wrestling’s Evolution & Modern Scrambling

40:00 – Coaching Girls Wrestling & Growing the Sport

41:20 – Why JV Wrestling Is Dying

42:05 – Why He Hates the Current PowerPoint System

44:03 – Public vs Private School Wrestling Debate

46:05 – Recruiting, Transfers & Loyalty in Sports

47:25 – Parents, Clubs & The Future of Wrestling

49:05 – Financial Challenges in High School Sports

50:05 – Becoming a Wrestling Official

51:20 – Understanding Referees From the Other Side

52:14 – Learning Positioning & Making Calls

53:22 – Youth Wrestling Parents & Crazy Pressure

54:15 – Final Thoughts & Wrestling Perspective

55:01 – Outro00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment

From 95 pounds as a freshman… to standing on top of New Jersey.

Middletown North state champion Tommy Blewett joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down his journey to becoming one of the best wrestlers in the state at 106 pounds.

In this episode, Tommy talks about:

• Growing up undersized

• Finally putting on weight

• Cutting weight for the first time

• Wrestling alongside his brother

• Going 50-1 and winning a state title

• Beating nationally ranked opponents

• Recruiting interest from Harvard, Brown & UVA

• Shore Conference rivalries and trash talk

This episode is about patience, growth, confidence, and trusting the process.

🤼‍♂️ Middletown North Wrestling

🏆 NJ State Champion

📍 Shore Conference Wrestling

00:00 – NJ Wrestling Officials PSA

00:46 – Meet Tommy Blewett (106 State Champion)

00:58 – Growing Up Undersized in Wrestling

01:35 – “I Thought I Was Never Going to Grow”

02:20 – Eating Everything to Gain Weight

02:55 – Cutting Weight for the First Time

03:23 – Wrestling the Same Weight as His Brother

04:02 – Team Goals vs Individual Goals

04:40 – Winning 50 Matches in a Season

05:58 – Realizing a State Title Was Possible

07:00 – Tough Matches at 106 & Ranked Opponents

07:44 – The Only Loss of the Season

08:54 – State Tournament Mindset & Preparation

10:11 – Semifinal Match vs Bogosius

11:04 – State Finals vs Will Cruz

11:59 – Realizing He Won a State Title

12:40 – Celebrating With McDonald’s in Atlantic City

13:57 – Family Support & His Dad’s Sacrifices

15:00 – College Recruiting Begins

15:44 – Harvard, Brown & Virginia Recruiting Interest

16:44 – School, SATs & Future Plans

17:10 – Virginia Beach & Triumph Wrestling Trips

17:40 – Working at Proving Ground Restaurant

18:14 – What Tommy Wants to Do in Life

18:48 – Coaching Wrestling Someday?

19:03 – Shore Conference Rivalries & Trash Talk

20:00 – Middletown North vs South Rivalry

20:53 – Team Outlook for Next Season

21:32 – Final Thoughts & Outro

rom NJ state champion… to Division I football… to the NFL… and back to coaching the next generation.

Kevin Landolt joins New Jersey Mat Chat to tell the full story of his journey through wrestling, football, and life after sports.

In this episode we cover:

• Old-school NJ wrestling before clubs existed

• Winning a state title at Holy Cross

• Playing football at West Virginia

• Getting drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars

• Wrestling’s role in building NFL toughness

• Coaching today’s wrestlers and raising the next generation

Kevin also shares stories about the NFL Combine, the pressure of making a roster, his famous sack against Donovan McNabb, and why mindset still separates good athletes from great ones.

This is a must-watch for wrestlers, football players, parents, and coaches.

🤼‍♂️ NJ Wrestling

🏈 West Virginia Football & Jacksonville Jaguars

🧠 Mindset • Toughness • Leadership

Check out Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com

00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment

01:25 – Meet Kevin Landolt

01:38 – Growing Up in Burlington Township

02:03 – Wrestling Family & Early Influence From His Dad

02:35 – Finding the Willingboro Wrestling Program

03:05 – Coaches & Mentors Who Shaped Him

04:07 – Wrestling Before Clubs Existed

04:53 – How Elite Wrestlers Trained Back Then

05:04 – Choosing Holy Cross High School

05:47 – Freshman Year Struggles & Wrestling Up a Weight

06:47 – Building a Winning Program at Holy Cross

07:47 – State Tournament Experience & Mentality Shift

08:28 – The Mindset Difference Between Winning & Losing

09:10 – Wrestling Before YouTube & TrackWrestling

10:09 – Holy Cross Football Success Begins

10:50 – Winning State Titles in Football

11:08 – Choosing Football Over Wrestling in College

12:21 – Why West Virginia Was the Right Choice

13:14 – Life Inside a Division I Football Program

14:41 – Wrestling’s Advantage in Football

15:17 – Why Wrestling Was Harder Than Football

16:05 – Big Sack vs Donovan McNabb & Favorite Memories

17:18 – Realizing the NFL Was Possible

18:17 – NFL Combine & Draft Process

19:46 – Getting Drafted by the Jaguars

21:05 – NFL Training Camp & Mental Pressure

21:29 – First NFL Paycheck Story

23:05 – Making the Jaguars Roster

23:50 – Beating the 49ers & NFL Rookie Season

24:37 – How Wrestling Built NFL Toughness

25:52 – Life After Football & The XFL

27:26 – Returning to Wrestling as a Coach

28:05 – Coaching at Riverside & Developing Wrestlers

29:04 – Coaching His Daughter in Wrestling

30:24 – Biggest Differences in Wrestling Today

31:31 – Advice for Wrestlers Chasing Greatness

32:33 – Final Thoughts & Outro

Two brothers. One path. And now… it’s their turn.

The Ross Twins (Thomas & John) join New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about their journey, their bond, and what’s next as they prepare to enter one of the toughest wrestling rooms in the country at CBA.

This episode goes deeper than wrestling:

• Growing up as twins

• Battling serious health issues early in life

• Choosing the right high school program

• Competing against each other for a spot

• Their mindset heading into high school wrestling

From the mat to life outside the sport, this is a real look at two young wrestlers with big goals — and the discipline to back it up.

If you follow NJ wrestling… remember the name.

🤼‍♂️ Ross Twins

📍 Christian Brothers Academy (CBA)

🧠 Mindset • Brotherhood • Future

00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA

00:47 – Meet the Ross Twins (Thomas & John)

00:58 – Being Twins: Who’s Older?

01:48 – Growing Up Together (and Apart in the Hospital)

02:05 – 12 Surgeries & Early Health Battle

03:31 – Different Personalities & Interests

05:25 – Choosing CBA Over Other Schools

06:44 – Why They Chose CBA (Academics + Wrestling)

07:02 – First Impressions of Coaches & Training

07:20 – Current Weights & Future Lineup Questions

09:35 – Team Lineup Speculation & Competition

10:15 – Who Starts? Competing With Your Twin

11:29 – Brother Rivalry: Who’s Better?

11:30 – Strengths & Wrestling Styles Compared

12:17 – Training at Triumph Wrestling

12:38 – Freestyle vs Folkstyle Preferences

13:09 – Thoughts on Greco Wrestling

13:52 – Looking Ahead to High School Competition

15:05 – Ironman vs Powerade (Big Tournament Goals)

16:04 – Life Outside Wrestling (Hobbies & Interests)

17:06 – Beach Life & Personality Differences

17:11 – Wrestlers They Look Up To

19:26 – Growing Up as Twins (Life Moments)

20:54 – Injuries & Setbacks

22:26 – Freshman Year Goals (State Titles)

23:14 – Style Breakdown & Readiness for HS

24:06 – Confidence vs Reality at Next Level

25:21 – Wrestling Maturity & Growth

26:22 – Brotherhood of Wrestling

27:28 – Future: College, NIL & Careers

29:02 – Money, Goals & Long-Term Thinking

30:30 – Confidence, Mindset & Expectations

30:34 – Incoming CBA Talent & Team Outlook

31:26 – Calling Out the Shore Conference

31:49 – Final Thoughts & Outro

Ricky DiLorenzo breaks down his journey from a lightly competing youth wrestler to a New Jersey state placer and one of the toughest competitors in the state.

In this episode, we cover:

• His rise at Toms River East

• The impact of Coach Mark Gray on the program

• Why he doesn’t overcomplicate training

• Balancing a 4.6 GPA with high-level wrestling

• His state tournament run (and tough losses)

• The mindset shift needed to go from placer → champion

This one is different — no hype, no fluff. Just a wrestler who keeps it simple… and gets results.

🤼‍♂️ NJ Wrestling

📍 Toms River East

🧠 Discipline • Consistency • Development

00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA

00:46 – Meet Ricky DiLorenzo

01:08 – Early Wrestling & Limited Competition

01:53 – Considering Leaving for CBA

02:20 – Coaching Changes at Toms River East

03:04 – Impact of Coach Mark Gray

04:02 – Freshman Year Injury (Fractured Elbow)

04:18 – Sophomore Year Breakout (4th in NJ)

04:50 – Offseason Approach: “Just Keep Working”

05:46 – Team Culture Shift Under Coach Gray

07:20 – Shore Conference & Tough Competition Ahead

07:56 – Leadership Style: Lead by Example

08:16 – Practice Habits & Routine

09:18 – Family Support & Wrestling Background

09:47 – Academics: 4.6 GPA & School Balance

10:15 – College Options: Ivy vs Big Ten

11:03 – Strength Training & Old School Approach

11:49 – Weight Management & Nutrition

12:17 – Offseason Training & Workout Partners

12:54 – Freestyle vs Folkstyle Debate

13:56 – Problems with Rules: Control & Stalling

14:47 – Would He Change Anything About Wrestling?

15:40 – Life Outside Wrestling

16:14 – Personality, Popularity & Staying Grounded

16:54 – Teammates & Training Partners

18:00 – When He Started Wrestling

18:18 – Future in MMA?

19:03 – College Goals: All-American → National Champ

20:06 – Long-Term Plans (Law Enforcement)

21:00 – Shoutouts & Support System

21:57 – Season Recap: District Title → Regions Loss

22:17 – State Tournament Loss to Greyson Pettit

23:00 – Backside Matches & Tough Losses

23:59 – Finishing 7th in NJ

24:59 – Mental Lessons from States

25:38 – Final Reflections & Moving Forward

26:28 – Outro