Lehigh head wrestling coach Pat Santoro joined the show to discuss his journey as an athlete and mentor. A two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American at Pitt, Santoro reflected on the mental and physical growth that defined his wrestling career, from early struggles in high school to his breakthrough moments at Blair Academy and Pitt. He emphasized the importance of courage, belief, and embracing challenges, recounting how pivotal mindset shifts fueled his success. Santoro also shared his philosophy on developing athletes, stressing the value of enjoying the sport and continuously learning, both on and off the mat.

In addition to wrestling insights, Santoro delved into personal stories, such as his connection to faith and how it shaped his life during college. He highlighted the influence of mentors like Rande Stottlemyer and celebrated the camaraderie of his Pitt teammates. Santoro’s passion for wrestling extends to his current role at Lehigh, where he inspires his team to “lay it on the line” and embrace every opportunity. With reflections on dual meets, rule changes, and the evolving nature of the sport, the conversation offered a compelling glimpse into Santoro’s impact as a coach and leader.

Kendric Maple, a three-time Big 12 champion and three-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma, discussed his high school and collegiate wrestling career. He highlighted his high school state titles and the impact of his coach. Maple detailed his recruiting process, including visits to Oklahoma and Iowa State, and his decision to attend Oklahoma.

He recounted his national title win in 2014 and the challenges of being a returning champion. Maple emphasized the importance of mental preparation, team support, and the influence of coaches like Mark Cody and Brian Smith. He also shared personal anecdotes and his love for football and wrestling.

Mark Branch, a four-time finalist and two-time national champion, discusses his wrestling journey with Shane Sparks. Branch recalls his first meeting with John Smith, who convinced him to join Oklahoma State over the University of Oklahoma. He describes the initial challenges of transitioning from high school to college wrestling, feeling inadequate and overmatched.
 
Branch emphasizes the importance of perseverance, citing his freshman season where he won the national championship despite entering the tournament with a losing record. He also shares the emotional impact of overcoming a serious knee injury and the support from his mother's cancer battle. Branch highlights the shift in his coaching philosophy to prioritize relationships and emotional support for his athletes.
 
Check out Shane Sparks’ interview with Mark Branch on Episode 38 of the Go Earn It Podcast.

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Current Edinboro assistant coach AJ Schopp joins Shane Sparks on the latest episode of the Go Earn It Podcast. Schopp was a three-time All-American for the Fighting Scots and recently returned after spending a number of years on staff at Purdue. School discusses his wrestling journey, emphasizing the importance of hard work and mental resilience. He recalls his time at Young Guns, highlighting the impact of the club on his development. Schopp shares his decision to attend Edinboro for its low-key environment and strong academic focus.
 
He reflects on his 2015 NCAA Championships experience, where he overcame a first-round loss to place third, and the significance of team success. Schopp also discusses his competitive nature, particularly his pinning techniques and rivalries with wrestlers like Tony Ramos and Chris Dardanes.

Check out Shane Sparks’ interview with A.J. Schopp on Episode 37 of the Go Earn It Podcast.
 
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Darian Cruz, a three-time All-American, NCAA champion and Olympian, reflects on his career, particularly his 2017 NCAA championship win against Thomas Gilman. He recalls the emotional preparation and the pivotal moments in the match, including a crucial takedown in regulation and overtime. Cruz also discusses the impact of his coach, Pat Santoro, and the importance of mental preparation. He shares his Olympic experience, highlighting the excitement and pressure of competing at that level. Cruz emphasizes the significance of representing Puerto Rico and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats.
Check out Shane Sparks’ interview with Darian Cruz on Episode 36 of the Go Earn It Podcast.
 
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Teague Moore, a three-time All-American and national champion at Oklahoma State, discussed his wrestling journey. He recalled losing to Jeremy Hunter in high school and finally winning a high school state championship. Moore highlighted his pivotal meeting with John Smith at Fargo, which led to his commitment to Oklahoma State. He detailed his national championship win in 1998 over David Morgan and the emotional impact of his father's passing. Moore also reflected on his international career, including his silver at the World Cup and the influence of Coach Smith and other mentors. He emphasized the importance of embracing challenges and the potential for rule changes to enhance dual meets.
 
Check out Shane Sparks’ interview with Teague Moore on Episode 35 of the Go Earn It Podcast.


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Cody Brewer, a national champion and four-time All-American wrestler, discussed his wrestling journey and coaching career. He highlighted his mentor, Mike Lightner, and his best wrestling IQs. Brewer shared his early wrestling experiences, including his first state championship and his high school losses. He recounted his 2014 national title win and the 2015 loss to Nahshon Garrett. Brewer emphasized the importance of chasing competition and building relationships with athletes. He also reflected on his transition to coaching and the significance of his Punisher skull tattoo, symbolizing his grandmother's memory.
 
Check out Shane Sparks’ interview with Cody Brewer on Episode 34 of the Go Earn It Podcast.


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Daton Fix, a five-time Big 12 champion, five-time NCAA Division I All-American and Junior World Champion, discussed his wrestling journey. He highlighted his experiences at Gallagher-Iba Arena, including his final match against Iowa, and his high school career, where he won four state titles. Fix recounted his recruitment process, choosing Oklahoma State over other top colleges. 

He reflected on his dedication, mentions of his favorite Cowboy growing up, Steve Mocco, and his first meeting with John Smith. Fix also discussed his faith, the impact of setbacks, and his future goals, including becoming an Olympic gold medalist. 

Check out Shane Sparks’ interview with Daton Fix on Episode 33 of the Go Earn It Podcast. 


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Shane Sparks' discussion with World silver medalist, three-time NCAA All-American, two-time NCAA champion and two-time Olympian Kerry McCoy on Episode 32 of the Go Earn It Podcast.

Shane Sparks talks with Olympic silver medalist, NCAA All-American and respected club coach Brandon Paulson on Episode 31 of the Go Earn It Podcast.