Pat Lugo sits down with Steve “The Bear” Mocco for a wide-ranging conversation after Mocco’s return to competition at RAF. They talk about what it’s like to compete again after years away, how it feels having his sons in his corner, and why Michael chose Iowa.In this episode:Mocco’s RAF comeback and how it felt returning to the matThe “role reversal” of getting coached by his sonsCompeting nerves, preparation, and watching film after the matchMichael Mocco’s decision to commit to IowaBuilding Mocco Wrestling Club and coaching without overstepping school programsAdvice to coaches thinking about competing again

Recorded live at the Miami Hawks Thanksgiving Wrestling Camp, we sit down with Zach Sherman for a camp-side podcast conversation on wrestling development, mindset, and what it takes to level up.In this episode:Zach’s wrestling start and the Florida Heatwave dual team daysHow judo shaped his style and respect on the matMatch mindset: preparation, performance, and competing freeFinding your “why” when wrestling gets hardPat’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena experience and handling pressureCOVID season cancellation and the mental falloutTransitioning from college wrestling into professional league competitionSubscribe for more camp podcasts and Miami Hawks content

Nick Purler built one of the most respected wrestling systems in America — and in this episode of The Lugo Show, he sits down with Pat Lugo to break down how.🔥 From his days at Oklahoma State to running a 50-acre wrestling compound in Missouri, Purler reveals what it really takes to build champions — in wrestling and in life.💪 Watch this if you want to:Learn how “position over talent” wins titlesUnderstand the mental side of wrestling most coaches missHear the truth about parents, NIL, and the future of college wrestlingSee what “Tiger Style” and “Purler Style” have in common🎙 Hosted by: Pat Lugo🏟 Guest: Nick Purler — Founder of Purler Wrestling Academy, Missouri👇 Timestamps00:00 – The Mindset Behind Purler Wrestling03:00 – How to Build Mentally Tough Athletes07:30 – Why Top Game Changes Everything10:45 – The Truth About Youth Results17:20 – College Pressure & Identity Reset25:40 – Building the Purler Compound35:00 – NIL, NCAA & Modern Wrestling Culture42:30 – Tiger Style & Purler Style Connection51:00 – Pat’s Take on Leadership in Wrestling1:03:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice for Parents📲 Connect with Purler Wrestling: purlerwrestling.com📲 Follow Miami Hawks Wrestling: miamihawkswc.com#NickPurler #PatLugo #TheLugoShow #WrestlingPodcast #PurlerWrestling #IowaWrestling #OklahomaState #YouthWrestling #CollegeWrestling #TigerStyle #Mindset #Motivation #WrestlingLife

Pat Lugo welcomes Brian Smith, head coach of the Missouri Tigers, for a powerful conversation about his rise from a Florida kid chasing football dreams to one of the most respected leaders in NCAA wrestling. Coach Smith breaks down how “Tiger Style” was born, what it represents, and how it’s fueled Mizzou’s rise into a perennial powerhouse.

In this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Ricky Cheese, the founder and voice behind The Florida Wrestling Room — the state’s largest and most passionate wrestling community. Ricky shares how a simple idea turned into a 25,000-strong movement uniting wrestlers, coaches, and fans across the Sunshine State.They dive into the origins of Grinding for Greatness, building a brand around wrestling culture, and why storytelling matters just as much as stats.Watch this if you love:🔥 Florida wrestling history🎙️ Grassroots media done right💪 Building community through the grind#TheLugoShow #RickyCheese #FloridaWrestlingRoom #GrindingForGreatness #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingCommunity #MiamiHawks

On this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Pat (Patrick) Gould, former Life University standout wrestler turned coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School. They unpack Gould’s journey on the mat, his transition into coaching, and how he’s shaping the next generation in Florida wrestling.What you’ll hear in this conversation: • Gould’s competitive years at Life University and standout matches • How he made the shift from athlete to mentor • His vision and approach coaching at Flagler Palm Coast • Advice for high school wrestlers and those curious about life beyond competition • Why building culture matters more than just winningWhether you’re into coaching, collegiate wrestling, or career transitions in athletics, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and real talk.👉 Tune in, like, and share with anyone chasing a life in wrestling.#PatGould #TheLugoShow #LifeUniversity #FlaglerPalmCoast #WrestlingCoach #WrestlingJourney

In this episode, we sit down with two Olympians and leaders in American Greco-Roman wrestling: Kamal Bey and Alex Sancho. Both represent not just Team USA, but also the WCAP (World Class Athlete Program) of the U.S. Army — a unique path that allows elite athletes to serve their country while pursuing greatness on the mat.What you’ll hear in this conversation:✅ The mindset it takes to reach the Olympic level in Greco-Roman wrestling✅ Insights on the WCAP program and how it’s shaping the future of USA Wrestling✅ Stories from their journeys — from training halls to the world stage✅ Why Greco deserves more recognition in the U.S. wrestling communityThis is more than a wrestling talk — it’s about discipline, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence.💬 Drop your questions for Kamal & Alex in the comments!📲 Don’t forget to FOLLOW and SHARE to support Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling.#KamalBey #AlexSancho #GrecoRoman #TeamUSA #WCAP #ArmyWrestling #OlympicWrestling

From the mats to the cage. 🥋🥊In the latest episode of The Lugo Show (Ep. 12), Pat Lugo sits down with NCAA standout and undefeated MMA fighter Mitch McKee (9-0) at the 5-Day Getaway Wrestling Camp held at Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami, Florida.What you’ll hear:✅ Mitch’s transition from NCAA wrestling to professional MMA✅ The challenges of moving across the country and starting fresh✅ Why coaching can be harder than competing✅ The rapid growth of South Florida wrestling and girls wrestling✅ What keeps him motivated to learn every single dayThis is wrestling knowledge meeting MMA mindset — straight from a rising star.👉 LIKE if you believe wrestling builds champions beyond the mat💬 COMMENT your favorite takeaway from Mitch’s story📲 SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Lugo Show#PatLugo #TheLugoShow #MitchMcKee #MiamiHawks #WrestlingPodcast #MMA #SouthFloridaWrestling #5DayGetaway #IowaWrestling

High school records don’t guarantee college glory. 🏆In this Lugo Show Extra, Pat Lugo pulls from his own journey — from Edinboro to the Iowa Hawkeyes under Tom & Terry Brands — to reveal why being 142-0 in high school means nothing at the D1 level.👉 Inside this episode:The wake-up call that humbled Lugo in the Iowa roomWhy mentality and training habits matter more than your recordLearning to rebuild confidence after setbacksThe difference between winning in high school vs. winning in collegeLessons for athletes, parents, and coaches on handling pressureThis is a must-watch for any wrestler (or parent) chasing the next level.👍 LIKE if you’ve ever had to reset your mindset💬 COMMENT your biggest wake-up call in wrestling📲 SUBSCRIBE for more Lugo’s Lessons and The Lugo Show extras#PatLugo #LugosLessons #IowaWrestling #TomBrands #TerryBrands #WrestlingMindset #HawkeyeWrestling #Edinboro

In this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Coach Mitch Kennedy of Decatur Wrestling. From building one of the top wrestling programs in Michigan to balancing parent expectations and teaching kids to love the sport, this conversation goes deep into the culture of wrestling and life lessons that come with it.What you’ll hear in this episode:✅ Coach Kennedy’s journey from Luther College back to Decatur✅ The challenges of coaching parents as well as kids✅ Why emotional stability is a secret weapon in wrestling and in life✅ Stories about idols like Brett Metcalf and Kellen Russell shaping his vision✅ The mission to grow girls’ wrestling and strengthen Decatur’s programWrestling is more than wins and losses—it’s about building character, resilience, and community.👍 Like if you value wrestling culture💬 Comment your favorite takeaway from this episode📲 Subscribe for more interviews with athletes, coaches, and leaders#PatLugo #TheLugoShow #WrestlingCulture #DecaturWrestling #IowaWrestling #SouthDadeWrestling #YouthWrestling #BuildingChampions