2000 Division III National Champion Nick Slack is one of the good guys in wrestling. A personable friend and coach, Slack was a three-time Division III finalist at Augsburg and won the 2000 NCAA Division III championship.

Setbacks in the finals in 2001 and 2002 didn't define him. He overcame. Just over two years ago, Slack had a brain tumor removed that seemed to resolve his decades-long battle with depression.

Then another brain tumor emerged.

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Some might remember Vinny Barber wrestling in New York for coach Duane Ritter at Oneonta State. Others may remember him as a boisterous figure at Flowrestling. However you may remember the old Vinny Barber, things are a lot different now.

After returning to college, finishing his degree and joining the coaching staff at the University of the Ozarks, Barber found himself leading the Division III Arkansas school. Then a new opportunity arose, a chance to start a brand new program at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia.

Hear how Vinny’s progressed in coaching and growing professionally.

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Clete Hanson, newly appointed head coach at Simon Fraser University, talks about his return to the program that shaped much of his wrestling and coaching career. A Washington native and former nationally ranked high school wrestler, Hanson chose SFU for its unique blend of high-level international freestyle influence, academic excellence, and its rare status as a Canadian institution competing in the NCAA.

Now, as only the third head coach in program history, he steps into a role once held by coaching legends Mike Jones and Justin Abdou—both of whom played pivotal roles in Hanson’s development.In the interview, Hanson outlines the complexities of recruiting American athletes to a Canadian school, navigating dual academic and athletic standards, and the constant balancing act between freestyle and collegiate folkstyle wrestling. With about 70% of his roster made up of Canadian athletes—most of whom have never competed in folkstyle before—Hanson speaks candidly about the learning curve and the coaching strategies used to bridge that gap. Still, he emphasizes that “wrestling is wrestling,” and believes the transition can be streamlined with focused training and communication.Looking ahead, Hanson’s vision is to elevate SFU’s presence on both the NCAA and Canadian wrestling landscapes.

While winning a national team title is an ambitious goal, he sees success in building a program that mirrors the developmental excellence of institutions like Cornell and Lehigh. With deep ties to the Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club and a role as one of Canada’s national training centers, SFU is uniquely positioned to continue producing world-class talent—both on the mat and beyond it.

Division I men’s wrestling only has one current HBCU wrestling program and it’s at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Central Michigan alum and three-time All-American Jarod Trice is on staff with head coach Kenny Monday and Trice talks about the growth of himself as a coach under Monday, the growth of the program and the unique place Morgan State holds in wrestling.

Nathaneal Rankin was a nationally ranked wrestler and NCAA Division III qualifier in cross country while an athlete at the University of the Ozarks.

After his competitive career ended, Rankin served as an assistant coach and this summer, was named the new head coach at the Clarksville, Arkansas school.Check out what led Rankin to Ozarks in the first place, what it was like competing in two sports in college and how near misses now drive him as a coach.

Twenty years ago, Jim Beichner served as the host for the 2005 NWCA Convention in Buffalo, New York. The then-UB head coach helped coordinate the event and oversaw numerous logistical things with the annual NWCA gathering.Following his run as the head coach at Buffalo,

Beichner went to work in the racing world. He’s recently returned to the sport as the Director of Coaching Development for the NWCA. Hear what’s up with the past two-time All-American from Clarion.

Dylan Wanagiel is no stranger to wrestling events. As the current Vice President of Sports Properties and Special Events for the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Wanagiel is again bringing a major wrestling event to the tri-state area.

Previously, Wanagiel was one of the driving forces into bringing the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships to Madison Square Garden in New York City, the venue Wanagiel worked at prior to moving back across to the New Jersey side.

Final X is also pairing again with the Beat The Streets benefit (btsny.org) as USA Wrestling will wrestle both men’s and women’s freestyle to determine the world teams.

Fans can watch live on Flowrestling or if they’re in the region, can pick up tickets via Ticketmaster. Action begins at 12:30 p.m. with true-third matches on Saturday, June 14.

Join the conversation with Dylan and host Jason Bryant inside “The Rock” as we prepare for Saturday.
Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news


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Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 787 –Recorded June 12, 2025.

We’ll get a chance to talk with new Army West Point Head Coach Troy Nickerson on Episode 786 of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast.

First up, host Jason Bryant discusses the Hall of Fame Honors Weekend 2025, highlighting the induction of Terry Davis and the 40th anniversary of "Vision Quest." He recounts his experiences in Stillwater, Oklahoma, including interactions with wrestling legends and the local community.
Troy Nickerson, the new head wrestling coach at Army West Point, is introduced. Nickerson expresses his excitement about returning to New York and building on the program's success. He emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities of coaching at West Point, including the strong culture and the potential for national recruiting. Nickerson also discusses his coaching philosophy and the importance of developing well-rounded individuals.

Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news


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Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 786 –Recorded June 10, 2025

Jason Bryant looks through the brackets and highlights wrestlers to watch from the 2025 NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championships coming up March 6-8 in Park City, Kansas.

Cheat Sheet Brackets: https://www.mattalkonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/highlight-2025NAIA.pdf
 
Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news
 
Links to Follow
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Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 785 –Recorded March 4, 2025

Jason Bryant hosts the Short Time Wrestling Podcast, featuring Dr. Bill Welker, a longtime wrestling coach, referee, and journalist. They discuss Welker's career, including his early wrestling days in Pennsylvania, his move to West Virginia, and his contributions to the sport. Welker shares insights on wrestling's evolution, particularly regarding dieting and the growth of girls' wrestling. He also talks about his writing, including wrestling novels and a memoir. They touch on the challenges of maintaining sportsmanship and the importance of academic integrity in athletics. Welker remains active in promoting wrestling and supporting young athletes.

Get the Mat Talk Online D1 Preview Guide: http://www.wrestlingpreviewguide.com - use discount code "podcast" to save $15.

5:18 - Dr. Bill Welker’s Early Wrestling Career and Coaching
12:40 - Wrestling in West Virginia and the Growth of Programs
19:18 - The Evolution of Wrestling Media and Dr. Welker’s Writing
22:37 - Dr. Welker’s Wrestling Novels and Their Themes
39:27 - The Role of Dieting and Weight Management in Wrestling
43:05 - The Impact of Girls’ Wrestling on the Sport
52:10 - Dr. Welker’s Involvement in Wrestling and Future Plans
1:05:26 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world?
Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news

  Links to Follow
Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord 
  Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news
  Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute
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  The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound

  Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime

Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 784 –Recorded February 12, 2025