In Episode 41 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Pat Popolizio, the esteemed head coach at NC State and a celebrated figure in the wrestling community. Awarded the 2018 Dan Gable co-NCAA Coach of the Year, and recognized three times as the ACC Coach of the Year, Popolizio brings a wealth of experience and success to the table. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of dual meets in college wrestling, the careful process of selecting wrestlers who embody the ethos of the NC State program, and the delicate art of balancing recovery with competition.
Pat also shares his insights on the evolution of training methodologies, comparing new school approaches with traditional tactics. We explore the challenges and strategies involved in not just building a wrestling program but elevating it to compete at the highest levels. Highlighting a standout from the NC State lineup, Pat discusses who exemplifies the ideal athlete in his program and what makes this wrestler a model for others. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of leading a top-tier collegiate wrestling program.

Ep. 041 - Pat Popolizio

Welcome to "The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal" where we delve into the world of college and youth wrestling. Join Mike, the head coach of Poway RTC, as he sits down with guests from all levels of the sport, including high school, club, college, and senior-level coaches and athletes.

Each week, Mike will bring you insightful discussions on the latest in college and youth wrestling, including training techniques, strategy, and everything in between. You'll hear from some of the biggest names in the sport, who will share their stories and offer their unique perspectives.

Sports

Wrestling

In Episode 068 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mark Hall, Director of Operations at the University of Oklahoma, NCAA Champion, and Cadet and Junior World Champion. Mark shares his journey into wrestling, revealing how an early injury pushed him to develop a unique technique that allows him to score without ever touching a leg.
The conversation covers a range of topics including balancing the drive to win with personal growth, understanding and preventing burnout in wrestlers, and strategies to help kids fall in love with wrestling. Mark also shares entertaining stories from his time in the Penn State wrestling room, including their Call of Duty-inspired training games. We discuss building competitiveness in the wrestling room, advice for young wrestlers struggling with competitiveness, and insights into Mark’s coaching career and how he connects with his athletes. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights and inspiring stories.

Ep. 068 - Mark Hall

In Episode 067 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Terry Steiner, the accomplished USA Wrestling Women’s Head Coach and NCAA Champion. Coach Steiner shares insights into the distinct process of making Team USA for women compared to men, explaining the rationale and origins of these differences. He provides an inside look at the rigorous Team USA training camps as the team prepares for the 2024 Olympics and discusses the heightened pressures athletes face during Olympic years.
We also cover how Team USA helps athletes stay focused on competition amid numerous media requests, the role of Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in the US's decentralized athlete development approach, and the impact of NIL on RTCs. Additionally, Coach Steiner talks about the growth and challenges of women’s college wrestling at the NCAA level. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in elite wrestling and athlete preparation.

Ep. 067 - Terry Steiner

In Episode 066 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Steve Mytych, Assistant Coach at Rutgers, who brings a wealth of experience from both the competitive and coaching sides of wrestling. This discussion delves into the critical aspects of youth wrestling culture and the influence of parenting on young athletes' careers. Steve shares poignant insights from his time on the camp circuit, illustrating common mistakes he observes in wrestling parents and the often overlooked emotional toll of "the car ride home" discussions post-practice.
Steve offers invaluable advice to wrestling parents, emphasizing the importance of stability by committing to a single wrestling club and fostering a supportive home environment aligned with shared goals. He also recounts some eye-opening stories of parenting mishaps he's encountered, providing lessons on what not to do. Additionally, Steve discusses the logistical and emotional challenges of juggling a demanding Division I coaching schedule with managing youth national competitions, shedding light on how he successfully maintains balance between high-level coaching responsibilities and personal commitment to youth development in the sport. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports, particularly wrestling, offering guidance on nurturing young athletes while avoiding the pitfalls of high-intensity sports parenting.

Ep. 066 - Steve Mytych

In Episode 065 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Neil Erisman, the pioneering head coach at the University of Little Rock, Arkansas, who is charting a new course in collegiate wrestling. Neil, an Oklahoma State alum, shares his insights on transitioning from a wrestling powerhouse led by John Smith to building a new program from the ground up. We celebrate a monumental achievement for Little Rock wrestling as the team secured their first All-American at the NCAAs this year, marking a significant milestone in the program's young history.
Neil dives into the identity and culture he's cultivating at Little Rock, focusing on building consistency and a strong team ethos. He discusses the challenges and rewards of recruiting athletes who align with the vision of a burgeoning program, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic decisions that shape a competitive team. Neil also paints a vivid picture of Little Rock, Arkansas, highlighting the state's beauty, the loyalty of its fans, and the exciting potential for many more "firsts" as the program continues to grow. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into what it takes to build a wrestling program from scratch, and the unique opportunity athletes have to leave a lasting legacy in Little Rock.

Ep. 065 - Neil Erisman

In Episode 064 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Shane Griffith, an NCAA Champion and 4X NCAA All-American, to share his journey through the wrestling world. Shane opens up about his early experiences in New Jersey, discussing how he first got into wrestling and the influence of his family's supportive, non-pressuring approach. He also reflects on the pivotal decision to attend Bergen Catholic High School and the thought process behind his choice of Stanford for college, exploring the stark contrasts between East Coast and West Coast wrestling cultures.
Throughout the episode, Shane offers insights into his transition to the University of Michigan, how he manages the relentless demands of college wrestling, and the critical role of taking breaks to foster personal and athletic growth. As he closes this chapter of his collegiate career, Shane discusses his future aspirations and how he plans to leverage his experiences and successes into his next endeavors. This episode is a deep dive into the life of a top-tier wrestler, providing valuable lessons on adaptability, perseverance, and planning for life beyond the mat.

Ep. 041 - Pat Popolizio

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