

In this episode, we have the honor of sitting down with the incredible Zahid Valencia, a dominant force in the wrestling world. Join us as we dive deep into Zahid's recent endeavors, exploring his decision to move up a weight class and compete at Final X. We dissect his matchup against Aaron Brooks at the US Open Finals, delving into the strategy and technical prowess displayed by both athletes.
Beyond the competitions, Zahid takes us behind the scenes of his journey at the senior-level. We delve into the challenges of weight management, discussing the intricacies of cutting and gaining weight while maintaining optimal performance. Zahid shares valuable insights into his training practices, giving us a glimpse into the rigorous workouts, drills, and mindset that fuel his success on the mat.






Ep. 017 - Zahid Valencia

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 070 of the Athletor Podcast, we are joined by Mason Parris, the 2024 Olympic Qualifier, NCAA Champion, 3x NCAA All-American, and 2023 World Bronze Medalist. Mason shares insights on his significant progress in wrestling, highlighting the pivotal moments and training methods that propelled his game to the next level. He discusses the coaches who had the most profound impact on his technique, particularly emphasizing how Coach Josh Churella and Kevin Jackson refined his methodical approach to wrestling.
Mason recounts his most memorable victory, noting that winning the B1G title this past year cemented his belief in his ability to claim an NCAA title. He also shares his thoughts on the ideal traits for modern-day heavyweights and talks about the diverse, international atmosphere in the Michigan wrestling room, where the exchange of ideas and techniques enriches their training environment. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and experiences from one of wrestling's rising stars.

Ep. 070 - Mason Parris

In Episode 069 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Rob Koll, the esteemed Head Coach at the University of North Carolina and former head coach at Stanford and Cornell. Rob discusses the dynamic 2024 coaching carousel and shares insights on David Taylor's influence. Reflecting on his second year at UNC, he offers a deep dive into his unique business mindset, exploring whether wrestling can achieve financial stability.
Rob also reveals his strategy for engaging young wrestlers to create lifelong fans and explains his business-like approach to running a wrestling program, detailing how this philosophy has evolved throughout his career. We discuss the importance of event-driven fundraising, common pitfalls for young coaches, and the impact of NIL on the sport and his daily operations. This episode is packed with valuable insights for coaches and wrestling enthusiasts alike.

Ep. 069 - Rob Koll

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. 017 - Zahid Valencia

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