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.
On this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Frank Beasley, Head Coach at George Mason University, to talk about the state of the Patriots wrestling program. Coach Beasley shares how the team has steadily built momentum, returning five national qualifiers this season while graduating only one starter. He reflects on the culture his staff is shaping, the excitement in the room, and the growth he’s seen from year to year.We also get into the challenges of competing in a tough conference, what it takes to attract and develop top recruits, and how Mason is carving out its place on the national stage. From preseason training to long-term program vision, Beasley gives an inside look at what’s fueling GMU wrestling right now.
In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, Utah Valley head coach Adam Hall sits down to discuss his transition into leading the Wolverines and the lessons he’s carrying over from years of competing and coaching. Hall talks about what he expects from his athletes—focusing on effort, discipline, and doing the small things right—as he works to build a strong foundation for Utah Valley Wrestling.The conversation dives into the challenges of establishing a program identity in the Big 12, how to balance the demands of coaching with developing athletes on and off the mat, and why accountability and culture are at the core of long-term success. Hall also shares insight into recruiting, adapting to the evolving NIL landscape, and what it takes to compete against powerhouse programs.
Episode 134 of the Athletor Podcast features Teyon Ware, Head Coach at Northern Colorado. Ware dives into his transition into the head coaching role, outlining the challenges, responsibilities, and excitement that come with leading a Division I program. He explains what it means to set a standard for his team and how he expects athletes to uphold the brand both on and off the mat.From culture-building to accountability, Ware stresses the importance of discipline, consistency, and doing the small things right. He shares his vision for Northern Colorado wrestling, his approach to developing athletes, and what it takes to move a program forward in today’s landscape.
On Episode 133 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Lee Pritts, Assistant Coach at Arizona State University. Known for his energy, passion, and relentless work ethic, Pritts shares what it takes to build culture inside a top Division I program while staying connected to the athletes on a personal level.We dive into his journey through coaching, his philosophy on recruiting, and the evolution of the sport with NIL, the transfer portal, and the growing spotlight on wrestling. Pritts also breaks down what makes Arizona State unique, the challenges of staying competitive at the highest level, and why he still thrives on being in the wrestling room every day.
In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Kenny Monday, Head Coach at Morgan State University. Monday shares his coaching journey, the challenges and opportunities of building the Morgan State program, and what it takes to develop athletes both on and off the mat.We also dive into culture, recruiting, and the vision for wrestling at Morgan State as they continue to grow the program and compete at the highest level.
Pitt Associate Coach Drew Headlee joins the show to talk about his journey from standout competitor to leading one of the nation’s top wrestling programs. He shares insights on developing athletes, building trust, and adapting to the constantly evolving college wrestling landscape.We dive into topics like recruiting philosophies, training adjustments, and what it takes to prepare wrestlers for success at the highest level. Drew also reflects on his own competitive career and the lessons that continue to shape his coaching approach today.
In Episode 129 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Ruschell, Head Coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Kyle shares his journey from a standout athlete in Kentucky to leading a D1 program in the heart of the South. He talks about the lessons he’s taken from his time at Wisconsin, how he’s building a strong culture at UTC, and what it takes to recruit and develop talent in a non-traditional wrestling region.We also get into the importance of authenticity in coaching, the power of consistency, and the challenges that come with growing a program outside the Big Ten spotlight. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or wrestling fan, this conversation offers real insight into what it takes to build something special from the ground up.
Episode #128 of the Athletor Podcast features Kellen Russell, Associate Head Coach at Cornell University. Kellen sits down with Mike Mal to talk through his coaching journey, what it’s like leading one of the top wrestling programs in the country, and how the evolving NCAA landscape is affecting the sport. From navigating recruiting challenges to building culture in a high-performance room, Kellen shares valuable insight into what makes a championship-level program thrive.They also dig into the details of developing young athletes, coaching philosophies that go beyond the mat, and what sets Cornell apart in the Ivy League and nationally. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers a rare look into the mindset behind one of college wrestling’s sharpest minds.
On this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by two-time NCAA Champion Jordan Oliver, a name that’s echoed across wrestling’s Mount Rushmore conversations. Jordan dives deep into his journey through collegiate and freestyle wrestling, reflecting on the mindset, struggles, and breakthroughs that defined his legendary career. From being immortalized by peers like Mario Mason to discussing what separates the greats from the elite, this conversation is as real and raw as the sport itself.Whether you're an aspiring wrestler or a fan of greatness, Jordan brings perspective, humility, and intensity that speaks volumes. Tune in for stories you’ve never heard, insights you didn’t expect, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a champion who continues to inspire generations.
In episode 126 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Becker, Head Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota. Becker shares what life looks like during the off-season, including how he balances recruiting, summer training, and catching a few waves behind a boat. From Big Ten battles to bonding with athletes, Becker opens up about his coaching philosophy and the Gophers’ mindset heading into the season.We also dive into his thoughts on building relationships with athletes, staying grounded through decades of experience in the sport, and why he’s still hungry to help push Minnesota Wrestling forward.
In episode 126 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Luke Becker, Head Assistant Coach at the University of Minnesota. Becker shares what life looks like during the off-season, including how he balances recruiting, summer training, and catching a few waves behind a boat. From Big Ten battles to bonding with athletes, Becker opens up about his coaching philosophy and the Gophers’ mindset heading into the season.We also dive into his thoughts on building relationships with athletes, staying grounded through decades of experience in the sport, and why he’s still hungry to help push Minnesota Wrestling forward.
Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck joins the Athletor Podcast to talk about the challenges and mindset behind building a Division I program from the ground up. From leaving West Point to leading Bellarmine’s young squad, Shuck shares what it’s like to build a culture, navigate NCAA wrestling’s evolving landscape, and fight for relevance in a resource-limited environment.We also dig into what motivates him, how he’s developed leadership from day one, and why creating belief and identity in a new team matters more than anything else.
Episode 124 of the Athletor Podcast features Zach Tanelli, Associate Head Coach at Virginia Tech. In this conversation, Zach reflects on his transition from head coach at an Ivy League school to joining the Hokies program, and why that move made perfect sense inside the wrestling world. He opens up about his mindset, growth as a coach, and how family, culture, and competitive alignment all played a role.We also get into how high-level decisions shape a career, what young athletes should look for in a college program, and how building trust and relationships off the mat often matters just as much as winning on it.
In Episode 123 of the Athletor Podcast, Mike Mal sits down with Mario Mason—former wrestling standout and founder of Shot Docs. From dominating on the mat at Fargo to carving out a business in the media space, Mario shares how he transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur. They dive into the lessons wrestling taught him about resilience, branding, and building something that lasts beyond competition.Whether you're an athlete thinking about life after sports or a creative looking to find your lane, this conversation is packed with insights on staying true to your roots while leveling up.
In episode 122 of the Athletor Podcast, Cal Poly Head Coach Joe Sioredas returns to talk about the current landscape of NCAA wrestling and what it takes to survive in it. Joe breaks down how the same powerhouse programs still dominate, but the rules of engagement have shifted. From NIL to transfer culture, he shares why “you adapt or you die” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s the reality of staying competitive.Joe also dives into the emotional toll of developing overlooked athletes into All-Americans, only to lose them late in their careers. He talks about the importance of having conversations with athletes, why honor still matters, and how resources dictate results. From fundraising to roster integrity, this episode is a real look at the behind-the-scenes battles college coaches are facing today.
In episode 121 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Chuck Kearney, Head Coach at the University of Saint Mary, to explore the evolution of wrestling through his unique lens—from his roots in Pendleton, Oregon, to building programs at the NAIA level. Chuck reflects on his time at Oregon State, where the structure of practice was almost academic in its discipline, and contrasts that with the flexibility and challenges of coaching in today’s collegiate landscape.We dig into the growing concerns around roster limits, shrinking opportunities for athletes, and the shifting value of scholarships vs. NIL. Chuck doesn’t hold back on what he sees as threats to the sport’s future—and how programs like his are adapting. We wrap with rapid-fire takes on wrestling shoes, book recs, and who makes Chuck’s all-time Mount Rushmore.
In Episode 120 of the Athletor Podcast, Nebraska Associate Head Coach Bryan Snyder joins us to break down how the Huskers are navigating NIL, the transfer portal, and athlete development on their own terms. From building a system that rewards growth to defining what “the right guy” really looks like, Bryan gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Nebraska is setting a new standard.We talk about what makes a recruit stand out, the structure behind individual athlete plans, and why rest might be one of the toughest decisions in high-level wrestling. This one’s all about building sustainable success—from the ground up.
On episode 118 of the Athletor Podcast, comedian and former wrestler Greg Warren joins Mike Mal to break down the surprising connection between wrestling and stand-up comedy. Greg shares how the discipline and repetition of learning a wrestling move—like the cheap tilt—mirrors the process of building a joke from scratch. He also talks about how his new comedy special The Champ came together over two years, how he digs into old material to spark new ideas, and why he still trusts the early laughs—even if they’re just one person in the back of the room.This one’s a deep dive into mindset, performance, and how wrestling continues to shape Greg’s approach to creativity, persistence, and storytelling.
Parker Keckeisen joins the Athletor Podcast fresh off the US Open to talk about what it’s like competing against the best in the world. He breaks down key moments from his match with Kyle Dake, explains why he prefers the pace of the US Open over the NCAA Tournament, and reflects on how loyalty and values shaped his decision to stay at UNI despite big NIL offers.We also dive into the current state of NCAA wrestling, NIL's impact, and the challenges of staying grounded in a system that’s rapidly evolving. Parker shares his mindset as he transitions to the senior level, why this past season was uniquely difficult, and how he stays focused on growth over hype.