Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

In Episode 063 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Matt Valenti, the Associate Head Coach at Penn and a 2x NCAA Champion, to explore his dynamic transition from an administrative role back to the hands-on world of coaching. Matt discusses the motivations behind his shift and compares the broad, strategic influence he had in administration to the direct, interpersonal impact he achieves as a coach. This conversation highlights his unique perspective on effecting change in both capacities. Matt explains how his experience in the Penn athletic department enhances his effectiveness as an associate head coach, offering insights into the synergy between administrative acumen and coaching strategies. He also shares practical advice for young coaches on how to build positive relationships with administrative staff, including simple gestures like sharing team gear. The discussion also covers recruiting strategies and the critical role of building a strong team culture, making this episode a valuable listen for aspiring coaches and sports administrators alike.

Mike Van Brill went from 0-2 at States to three-time Big Ten medalist at Rutgers — and built one of college wrestling’s biggest brands along the way. He breaks down his upcoming RAF match against Jordan Oliver in Philly, the blood round mindset shift that saved his career, and why the business world is just another wrestling match.Guest: Mike Van Brill, 3x Big Ten medalist, 3x NCAA qualifier (Rutgers), RAF featherweight competitorTopics: RAF vs Jordan Oliver game plan, weight class management, flow state and gratitude in competition, building a wrestling brand, ClickFunnels and entrepreneurship, push-out rule debate🔗 Championship Fundraising Challenge — Raise $500 in 2 weeks or your money back: athletorlive.com/product/championship-fundraising-challenge

On episode #164 of the Athletor Podcast, James Green joins the show to talk about his return to competition, life after injury, and what fuels his decision to keep wrestling at the highest level. As Assistant Coach at Nebraska and an active athlete, James opens up about balancing coaching responsibilities with his own training cycle, how his body has responded after hip surgery, and why he is still motivated to compete. He shares what this second chapter in his wrestling career means to him and why he is taking it one year at a time.The conversation also dives into the technical side of the sport, with James offering sharp insight into freestyle trends, par terre scoring, edge wrestling, and how the international game continues to evolve. From strategy and data-driven decision-making to the day-to-day realities of coaching in one of the nation’s top rooms, this episode gives listeners a thoughtful look into the mind of one of wrestling’s most respected competitors and coaches.

In this episode, Ryan LeBlanc shares what it takes to lead and build a program at Binghamton. He breaks down the transition from his previous coaching stops and what stood out when stepping into a new environment. He explains how the university’s academic strength shapes recruiting and why bringing in the right student-athletes impacts culture, development, and long-term success.LeBlanc also speaks on the day-to-day realities of running a program. He highlights the balance between competition, academics, and personal growth. He gives insight into how he evaluates talent, builds relationships, and sets expectations for his team. This conversation gives a clear look at how a head coach builds a strong foundation and develops athletes on and off the mat.

In Episode 162 of the Athletor Podcast, wrestling pundit Brock Hite breaks down how data, probability, and decision-making shape the sport. He explains how concepts like expected value and risk apply to wrestling, and why understanding these factors gives athletes and coaches an edge. The conversation builds on earlier discussions and gives a clear look at how strategy goes beyond effort and instinct.Brock also shares how he views wrestling through a different lens, comparing fixed and dynamic variables across sports and competition. You will hear how this mindset applies to match strategy, in-match decisions, and long-term development. This episode gives you a practical way to think about wrestling with more clarity and purpose.

On this week's episode, we sit down with Franklin & Marshall College wrestler James Conway — one of the most compelling upper-weight stories in the country. James opens up about his late start in the sport, getting his footing through a steep learning curve as a freshman, and how a pivotal post-tournament conversation with his coach sparked a total mindset shift that launched him from a .500 record to one of the best in his weight class.James gets real about the difference between chasing outcomes versus chasing growth — and how deliberately "brainwashing" himself to focus on process over results, applying to med school during his redshirt year, and building an ironclad daily routine all came together to fuel a breakout senior season. If you're a wrestler, a coach, or anyone trying to get out of their own way and compete at the next level, this one is for you.

Episode 160 of the Athletor Podcast features Hayden Hidlay, Assistant Coach at Stanford. Hidlay discusses the progress of the Stanford wrestling program and the momentum the team carries into the ACC Championships this season. He breaks down lessons learned from last year’s conference tournament, how preparation and travel adjustments affect performance, and why the ACC tournament brings a unique level of intensity due to frequent rematches and familiarity among competitors.Hidlay also shares insight into building a competitive culture at Stanford, helping athletes handle the mental grind of postseason wrestling, and positioning the program to compete at a higher level nationally. The conversation covers strategy, preparation, and the details that separate a good tournament from a great one.

Episode 159 of the Athletor Podcast features Dom Santoli, Head Coach of Bergen Catholic. In this conversation, Dom shares what changed when he moved from assistant coach to head coach and how the role demands far more than match preparation. He explains the daily operational challenges, from managing parents and assistant coaches to handling school issues, recruiting, and the details behind the scenes that most people never see.Dom also talks about putting kids first. He breaks down why development, accountability, and community matter more than wins alone. From building strong relationships with alumni and families to fostering a year-round wrestling culture, he gives insight into how Bergen Catholic continues to compete at a high level while keeping perspective on what high school sports are truly about.

In Episode 158 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Jamil Kelly, Assistant Coach at NC State and Olympic silver medalist, to talk about his evolution from elite athlete to program leader. While his competitive résumé speaks for itself, this conversation centers on his growth as a coach and the mindset shift required when you move from controlling your own performance to guiding the development of others.Kelly shares insight on building culture in today’s era of NIL and the transfer portal, and how those changes impact recruiting, roster stability, and long-term program vision. He breaks down the challenge of finding athletes who align with a program’s philosophy and why culture still matters inside the Wolfpack room. This episode is a candid look at leadership, development, and what it takes to sustain success in modern college wrestling.

Episode 157 of the Athletor Podcast features a conversation with Luke Stanich of Lehigh University. Luke shares his journey through college wrestling and what daily life looks like inside a demanding program. He talks about preparation, discipline, and the standards required to compete at a high level.This episode focuses on mindset, consistency, and growth. Luke breaks down lessons learned through training, competition, and team culture. You hear practical insight for wrestlers who want to improve and for fans who want a clear view of what shapes success at the Division I level.

Jason Welch joins Episode 156 of the Athletor Podcast to share a clear look at leadership, culture, and the state of college wrestling. As Head Coach at San Francisco State, Welch talks through building programs with limited resources, leading athletes with purpose, and staying committed to development beyond wins and losses.The conversation centers on accountability, opportunity, and what coaches owe athletes inside and outside the room. Welch breaks down real challenges facing programs today and explains how wrestling continues to shape discipline, resilience, and long-term growth for those involved.

Episode 155 features Nolan Kistler and the movement behind #KeepCBUWrestling. You hear a clear look at CBU Wrestling during the Division I transition. Nolan explains what the program stands for, why support matters, and how the community plays a role. You get context on funding, visibility, and the work required to sustain a growing program.This conversation speaks to you as a coach, athlete, parent, or fan. You learn how leadership shows up during change and what commitment looks like off the mat. If you care about college wrestling and program survival, this episode gives you a grounded view from someone inside the fight.

Episode 154 of the Athletor Podcast features Peyton Hall, a 3x NCAA Division I All-American. You hear how elite performance forms through daily habits, discipline, and mindset. Peyton shares lessons from competing at the highest level and what separates consistent winners from the rest.You gain insight on preparation, pressure, and growth inside and outside competition. Peyton breaks down accountability, training standards, and staying locked in when expectations rise. This episode speaks to athletes, coaches, and anyone who values sustained excellence.

Episode 153 features Scott Moore, Head Coach at Lock Haven. Scott breaks down how he builds competitive teams through consistency, accountability, and daily standards. He shares how culture shows up in practice, preparation, and performance long before match day.The conversation also covers recruiting the right athletes, developing confidence, and sustaining momentum inside a historic program. Scott explains how leadership, trust, and clear expectations shape long-term success for wrestlers and staff alike.

Episode 152 of the Athletor Podcast features JohnMark Bently, Head Coach at Appalachian State, for an honest conversation about building a program the right way. Bently shares how leadership, culture, and consistency shape long-term success, along with the daily standards required to develop wrestlers on and off the mat.The episode dives into recruiting with intention, earning buy-in from athletes, and balancing performance with personal growth. Bently also reflects on lessons learned as a head coach, navigating challenges, and what it takes to sustain momentum in a competitive college wrestling environment.

Episode 151 of the Athletor Podcast features Bryan Hazard, wrestling broadcast announcer and coach. Bryan breaks down the sport from the booth and the mat, sharing how he prepares to call matches, study athletes, and tell the story of wrestling in a way fans and families understand. He talks about the responsibility of commentary and how strong broadcasting adds value to the sport.The conversation also covers coaching, athlete development, and how perspective shifts when you see wrestling through multiple lenses. Bryan shares insight on growth in the sport, connecting with audiences, and why clear communication matters for athletes, coaches, and fans. This episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how wrestling is presented, taught, and experienced at every level.

Episode 150 features Matty Singleton from NC State. You hear a clear breakdown of how his staff evaluates recruits, builds trust with athletes, and sets daily standards inside the room. He shares how consistency in culture drives performance over a full season. He also explains how staff communication shapes development from day one.You gain insight into what coaches track beyond wins and losses. Matty walks through practice habits, accountability systems, and mindset work used at NC State. This conversation gives you takeaways for coaching, leadership, and growth at any level.

Episode 149 of the Athletor Podcast features a conversation with Chris Chionuma, Associate Head Coach at Cal Poly. Chris shares insight into his coaching journey, the standards inside the Cal Poly wrestling room, and how he approaches athlete development at the Division I level. He speaks on building trust, staying consistent as a coach, and setting clear expectations for growth on and off the mat.The episode also dives into leadership, program culture, and what matters most when preparing athletes for long-term success. Chris explains how daily habits, accountability, and communication shape competitive teams and resilient wrestlers. This episode gives coaches, athletes, and parents a clear look at how strong programs think and operate behind the scenes.

Episode 148 brings Eric Morrill to the Athletor Podcast. He shares lessons from his coaching journey and the standards he sets inside the California Baptist room. He breaks down how he approaches development, preparation, and daily habits that shape strong performers.He also talks about building trust with athletes, adjusting training to support growth, and the mindset he pushes during tough moments. His insight gives listeners a clear look at how he guides wrestlers toward consistent progress and higher expectations.

Episode 147 features a direct look into coaching, development, and performance with J Jaggers, Associate Head Coach at Ohio State. He shares how he evaluates athletes, how he approaches growth, and what he expects from wrestlers who want to rise in a tough room. You hear clear points on discipline, habits, and the standard he sets for his program.The conversation covers recruiting, daily structure, and the mindset needed to stay consistent under pressure. You get insight into how he pushes athletes to improve, how he builds trust, and how he supports long-term progress inside a Big Ten environment.