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This week on Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with national champion wrestler Stephen Buchanan for an honest and powerful conversation about grit, growth, and going all-in.
From a small town in Wisconsin to the Hawkeye Wrestling Room, Stephen’s path has been anything but ordinary. He opens up about:
🟡 Growing up as one of 11 siblings and learning discipline early
🟡 His transition from football dreams to wrestling reality
🟡 Training “Cowboy Tough” at Wyoming and why it pushed him to the limit
🟡 Making a leap of faith to transfer to Iowa for his final year of eligibility
🟡 How misconceptions about the Brands brothers and Iowa wrestling fueled his decision—and what the culture is really like behind the scenes
🟡 The intense grind of freestyle wrestling and his Olympic aspirations
This is more than just a wrestling story—it’s about faith, family, and taking risks when the outcome is uncertain. Whether you're a wrestling fanatic or someone chasing your own goals, Stephen’s journey will leave you inspired.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more raw and real conversations with Iowa’s top athletes.
By Presented by Hills Bank5
4646 ratings
This week on Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with national champion wrestler Stephen Buchanan for an honest and powerful conversation about grit, growth, and going all-in.
From a small town in Wisconsin to the Hawkeye Wrestling Room, Stephen’s path has been anything but ordinary. He opens up about:
🟡 Growing up as one of 11 siblings and learning discipline early
🟡 His transition from football dreams to wrestling reality
🟡 Training “Cowboy Tough” at Wyoming and why it pushed him to the limit
🟡 Making a leap of faith to transfer to Iowa for his final year of eligibility
🟡 How misconceptions about the Brands brothers and Iowa wrestling fueled his decision—and what the culture is really like behind the scenes
🟡 The intense grind of freestyle wrestling and his Olympic aspirations
This is more than just a wrestling story—it’s about faith, family, and taking risks when the outcome is uncertain. Whether you're a wrestling fanatic or someone chasing your own goals, Stephen’s journey will leave you inspired.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more raw and real conversations with Iowa’s top athletes.

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