Off The Mat

In Episode 8, we chat with Samara Chavez about her journey through the world of wrestling—from starting out with her siblings to aiming for the 2028 Olympics.

Samara shares how her sister Naomi brought home a wrestling flyer that sparked it all. She talks about wrestling in clubs like Wesley and Maverick Elite, her high school success, and her time competing for King University. You'll hear about her wins, losses, and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Now part of the National Guard, Samara is focused on joining WCAP (World Class Athlete Program) to keep training and growing in her sport. She explains the difference between WCAP and the Olympic Training Center (OTC), and why WCAP feels like the right fit for her.

We also talk about her goals for the future—winning an Olympic medal and becoming a coach.

This episode is full of real talk, motivation, and heart. If you’re into wrestling or chasing big dreams, you’ll love hearing Samara’s story.

🎧 In This Episode:

- How Samara got into wrestling

- Her high school and college matches

- Competing at Fargo and international tournaments

- Learning to stay confident and focused

- Her path toward WCAP and the Olympics

- What she hopes to do after wrestling

Sponsor Shoutout:

Thank you to our sponsor Lone Star Mat Club for supporting this episode! Lone Star Mat Club is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the mat.

📌 Watch the full episode now and get inspired by Samara's journey!

#SamaraChavez #WrestlingJourney #WCAP #OlympicDream #WomenInWrestling #CollegeWrestling #FinalX #FargoTournament #WrestlingPodcast #AthleteStory

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n this inspiring episode of Off the Mat with Donny Whitted and special guest, Nasir Bailey, we talk about Nasir's journey of a standout high school wrestler who faced it all—academic setbacks, personal struggles, training obstacles, and moments of self-doubt. From transferring schools and losing eligibility, to building a makeshift training setup with limited resources, his story is a testament to resilience and perseverance.

Hear how Nasir's chance encounter with Coach Mark Duda changed everything, how national tournaments like Fargo and Ironman became proving grounds, and how a heartbreaking loss led to major personal transformation. Learn how nutrition, mindset, and faith played key roles in turning trials into triumphs—all culminating in a dominant state championship run and a surge of college recruiting interest.

This episode is about more than just wrestling—it's about how dedication, support systems, and staying true to your path can lead to incredible outcomes. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone chasing a dream, this is a story you don't want to miss.

Key Highlights:

- Mentorship and Guidance from Coach Mark Duda

- Overcoming Adversity and Limited Resources

- Winning the Fargo National Wrestling Tournament

- Setback at the Ironman Tournament and Lessons Learned

- Senior Year Redemption with a State Championship Win

Sponsor Shoutout:

Thank you to our sponsor Lone Star Mat Club for supporting this episode! Lone Star Mat Club is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the mat.

📌 Watch the full episode now and get inspired by Nasir's journey!

#NasirBailey #WrestlingPodcast #NCAAAllAmerican #PACChampion #IllinoisStateChampion #FargoChampion #IronmanChampion #CollegeWrestling #WrestlingLife #AthleteInterview #WrestlingJourney #ChampionMindset #WrestlingHighlights #GritAndGlory #sportspodcast

In this inspiring episode of “Off the Mat with Donny Whitted,” wrestling standout Gerry Abas shares his unconventional journey into the sport, sparked by a desire to bond with his older brother, All-American wrestler Greg Gascon. Without formal training, Abas’s background in breakdancing gave rise to his signature “funk” style—an innovative, creative approach that challenged traditional wrestling norms and eventually earned respect within the community. His story highlights how passion, family influence, and self-expression can shape an athlete’s identity and path.

Gerry recounts his NCAA wrestling journey, emphasizing mental preparation, resilience, and technical skill. Both narratives underscore how vital a strong support system and self-belief are for success—not just in sports but in life overall. Ultimately, the episode is a tribute to the power of mentorship, creativity, and mental fortitude in pursuing excellence.

Key Highlights:

🔄 Influence of Family

🎨 Creativity in Sports

🏆 Importance of Training

🔍 The Power of Mindset

🤼‍♂️ Rivalry and Respect in Athletics

🏫 Balancing Sports and Education

🔥 Resilience and Learning from Losses

Sponsor Shoutout:

Thank you to our sponsor Lone Star Mat Club for supporting this episode! Lone Star Mat Club is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the mat.

#WrestlingJourney #GerryAbbas #OffTheMatPodcast #WrestlingMotivation #FunkStyleWrestling #WrestlingLife #BreakdancerToWrestler #NCAAWrestling

📌 Watch the full episode now and get inspired by Gerry's journey!

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In this episode of Off the Mat with Donny Witted, decorated wrestler Isaiah White shares his journey from youth wrestling in Harvey, Illinois, to competing at Notre Dame and Nebraska. He discusses the challenges of recruitment, the pressures of the Big Ten Conference, and the mental toughness needed to overcome setbacks. His passion for wrestling shines through as he highlights the role of coaches and teammates and enjoys the sport without pressure.

🔥 Highlights include:

✅ Isaiah White, a five-time IKWF state champion, honed his wrestling skills from a young age.

✅ Transitioning to college wrestling challenged him to balance academics and athletics.

✅ A standout experience at Fargo significantly shaped his wrestling journey.

✅ He highlights mental toughness and confidence as keys to success on the mat.

✅ Despite competitive pressures, he stresses the importance of enjoying the sport.

✅ Coaches and teammates played a crucial role in his development as a wrestler.

✅ He sees great potential in Texas wrestling and advocates for nurturing young talent.

Sponsor Shoutout:

Thank you to our sponsor Lone Star Mat Club for supporting this episode! Lone Star Mat Club is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the mat.

📌 Watch the full episode now and get inspired by Isaiah's journey!

#WrestlingJourney #OffTheMatPodcast #IsaiahWhite #MentorshipMatters #WrestlingCommunity #LoneStarMatClub

In this episode of the Off the Mat Podcast, host Donnie Whitted sits down with rising wrestling star Izayiah Chavez to discuss his inspiring journey from childhood struggles to becoming a state champion. Izayiah opens up about overcoming self-doubt, the pressure of living up to his siblings' legacy, and how wrestling transformed his life.

🔥 Highlights include:

✅ The turning point that helped Izayiah take wrestling seriously

✅ How mentorship played a key role in his journey

✅ The importance of discipline and mental toughness in wrestling

✅ Behind-the-scenes stories of tournaments and victories

💪 This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and hard work.

Sponsor Shoutout:

Thank you to our sponsor Lone Star Mat Club for supporting this episode! Lone Star Mat Club is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the mat.

📌 Watch the full episode now and get inspired by Izayiah's journey!

#WrestlingJourney #OffTheMatPodcast #IzayiahChavez #MentorshipMatters #WrestlingCommunity

Join Donny Whitted on Off the Mat as he interviews Coach Travis Clark, a Marine veteran, wrestling coach, and grappling world champion.

Hear Coach Clark's inspiring journey from high school football star to Marine enlistment right before 9/11, and his transition from the battlefield to the wrestling mat.

Now a leader in women's wrestling, with over 80 female All-Americans and a history of coaching champions, Coach Clark shares his insights on building a winning mindset, the importance of structure in coaching, and the future of women's wrestling.

Tune in for this powerful episode, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more!

This episode of "Off The Mat with Donny Witted" features former wrestler and current coach, Allan Hart. He discusses his journey from signing up for wrestling thinking it was WWE wrestling to becoming a successful high school and college wrestler. Allan shares how his father's influence, key decisions, and hard work contributed to his achievements at St. Edward High School, the University of Missouri, and beyond.

Allan also talks about his coaching philosophy, building a strong team culture at Allen High School, and his future vision. This conversation explores overcoming adversity, staying motivated, and making a lasting impact on wrestling.

Get ready for an electrifying first episode of the "Off the Mat with Donny Whitted" podcast! Donny kicks things off with none other than Illinois's own, Tony Davis – one of the most accomplished Harvey Twisters in history. Tony’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a 5x Illinois State Champion and a D1 National Champion is nothing short of inspiring.

Buckle up as Tony shares his most unforgettable wrestling moments, his take on today's wrestling scene, and much more. You won't want to miss this deep dive into the mind and experiences of a true champion!