Grinding for Greatness

In this episode of Grinding for Greatness, Ricky Cheese sits down with Ron Lang, the author of Mat Return: The Resurgence of Amateur Wrestling in the United States. Ron shares his personal journey in wrestling and discusses how the sport has shaped his life. They dive deep into the transformative power of wrestling, from building character to fostering leadership and resilience. The conversation also highlights the rapid growth of women’s wrestling, the impact of wrestling on other sports like football, and the importance of making the sport fun and inclusive for everyone. Plus, there’s a special giveaway promotion tied to the book, with exciting opportunities for wrestling clubs and teams! Tune in to learn how wrestling can positively impact lives and communities.

In this episode of GFG's Club Cribs, we head to the Olympic Heights Cowboy Wrestling Club, where dedication knows no bounds. Join host Ricky Cheese as he teams up with Coach Levy "Boomer" Mears for an inside look at one of Florida's top youth wrestling clubs. From intense training sessions to the infamous cold plunge, this behind-the-scenes tour showcases the relentless spirit and commitment that defines these young athletes.Whether you’re a wrestling enthusiast or just curious about what it takes to train like a champion, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. Don’t miss out—hit that subscribe button and stay tuned for more exclusive content!#GFGClubCribs #CowboyWrestlingClub #NeverDoneTraining #FloridaWrestling #YouthWrestling #BehindTheScenes #ColdPlunge #WrestlingLife

In this special episode of Grinding for Greatness, Ricky Cheese dives deep into the incredible journey of the Lowe family—spanning across generations. We explore how Joe Lowe, once a Florida State Champion himself, instilled a winning mentality in his son, Elijah Lowe, who followed in his father's footsteps to claim his own state title. We are also joined by 2x State Champion and Elijah's girlfriend, Gabby Tedesco. Gabby's unwavering belief and strategic insights played an integral role in Elijah’s victory. This episode is a tribute to family, perseverance, and the powerful impact of a strong support system. This Family is Grinding for Greatness!

In this episode of Grinding for Greatness, we sit down with Mario Del Vecchio, a standout wrestler who has made waves in both Florida and New Jersey. Mario shares his journey from defeating state champions to transitioning between different wrestling cultures. He opens up about the influence of his father as his coach, his goals for the next three years, and his ultimate dream of becoming a lawyer. Tune in to hear about Mario's toughest matches, greatest moments, and his thoughts on offseason tournaments. Whether you're a wrestling enthusiast or someone inspired by ambition and hard work, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.

Welcome to the latest episode of 'Grinding for Greatness'! This week, we dive deep into the July 2024 Boys Top 25 Pound-for-Pound rankings. Join us as we break down the top wrestlers from across Florida, highlighting their achievements, strengths, and what makes them stand out in this competitive landscape. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or wrestling enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and analysis you won't want to miss. Tune in to hear about the rising stars and seasoned champions making waves this season

In this episode of "Grinding for Greatness," host Ricky Cheese sits down with Blaine Ison, the renowned head coach of Palmetto Ridge High School's wrestling team. Blaine's journey from high school wrestler to influential coach is filled with inspiring moments and valuable insights. Blaine's Wrestling Journey: Blaine shares his beginnings in wrestling, from being unsure about joining the sport to becoming a pivotal figure in the Palmetto Ridge wrestling program. Coaching Challenges: Blaine talks about the obstacles faced while coaching at a public school, including strict zoning rules and the impact of rezoning on his team. New Beginnings: He discusses his decision to leave Palmetto Ridge and start a new program at St. John Neumann, a private Catholic school in Naples. Building Youth Programs: Blaine emphasizes the importance of strong youth programs and a supportive coaching staff. Rivalries and Duals: Insights into the South Dade dual and the upcoming rivalry with First Baptist Academy. Impact of Other Sports: The influence of other sports on wrestling and the importance of mental health and seeking counseling. Dealing with Tragedy: Blaine opens up about the tragic loss of a wrestler and how he and the wrestling community supported each other through the difficult time. Family Atmosphere: Creating a family-like environment within the team, and how he and his staff are always there for their wrestlers, both on and off the mat.

We are finally here with the Boys "All Class" Rankings for the month of July is finally here! Let us know what you think? Should someone else be on this list? Should someone be higher? Let us hear your thoughts!

Jabari Irons, a beach wrestling champion and college national champion, shares his incredible journey in this podcast episode. He discusses his experience with a shooting incident and how it motivated him to achieve greatness in wrestling. Irons talks about his mindset of never quitting and the importance of education. He also shares his training experiences with top wrestlers and the impact it had on his skills. Irons emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and the negative effects of weight cutting. He also discusses his wrestling academy, Irons Elite, and his focus on Greco-Roman and Olympic styles. Jabari Irons discusses the importance of focusing on Olympic-style wrestling and the need for specialized training from a young age. He emphasizes the value of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling over folkstyle, and the benefits of starting gymnastics training at a young age. Irons also talks about the development-focused approach at Iron's Elite Wrestling Club and the interview process for accepting new students. He mentions upcoming clinics and camps, and the availability of booking him for events.

Join us for an exciting episode of Grinding for Greatness as Ricky Cheese sits down with wrestling legend and accomplished coach Conor Beebe! Conor, a four-time state champion from Montini Catholic High School and NCAA qualifier from Central Michigan University, shares his incredible journey from athlete to coach. Coaching Journey: Conor discusses his transition into coaching, including his impactful tenure at Gardner Webb University where he guided four wrestlers to the NCAA tournament. Success of BB Trained: Learn about the standout wrestlers at BB Trained, such as Max Brady and Reed, and the supportive, positive atmosphere at the academy. Youth Development: Discover the Little Ninjas program aimed at making young wrestlers fall in love with the sport while learning high-level techniques. Advanced Training: Insights into BB Trained's advanced program for older athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels. Philosophy on Wrestling: Conor emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport and having fun on the big stage. BB Trained Wrestling Academy in Florida is dedicated to developing athletes of all ages and skill levels, aiming to create amazing people in the process. Florida’s wrestling community is growing stronger thanks to the dedication and support of passionate coaches and parents. Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration and expert insights from Conor Beebe! Tune in and share your thoughts after the show! Episode Highlights

In this conversation, Ricky Cheese and ASU's Lee Pritts discuss various topics related to wrestling, coaching, and recruiting. They share stories about their experiences in wrestling, including memorable matches and coaching moments. Pritts talks about his coaching career and the importance of finding driven and competitive athletes. They also touch on the success and growth of wrestlers, emphasizing the impact coaches can have on their lives. In this part of the conversation, Ricky Cheese and Lee Pritts discuss the influence of coaching styles on Pritts, the importance of learning from different coaches, and the evolution of coaching in wrestling. They also touch on the growth of wrestling in Florida and the impact of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling on folkstyle wrestling. Pritts shares the story of how he helped one of his wrestlers overcome mental and emotional challenges to become a national champion. The conversation ends with a discussion about personal transformations and the importance of taking responsibility for one's health.

On Today's "Morning Grind", we sit down with Scotti Sentes, the head coach of Campbell University Wrestling. Coach Sentes shares his journey from being a top high school wrestler in Florida to leading one of the most promising wrestling programs in the nation. We dive deep into a range of topics including: The significance of mindset and improving as a wrestler beyond just winning medals The role of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in wrestling and its future implications Freestyle and Greco vs. Folkstyle wrestling Coach Sentes' personal experiences and philosophies on coaching 💬 Comment and Win! Anyone who comments on this episode will be entered into a Dunkin' Donuts Gift Card Giveaway! ☕🍩 Let’s keep supporting and growing our wrestling community together. Tune in, stay informed, and as always, keep grinding for greatness! #GrindingForGreatness #WrestlingPodcast #ScottiSentes #CampbellWrestling #WrestlingCommunity #NIL #FreestyleWrestling #GrecoRomanWrestling #FolkstyleWrestling #WrestlingJourney #Inspiration #AthleteLife #SportsPodcast #WrestlingCulture #ChampionMindset

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Dive into the Top 25 Pound-for-Pound Girls Wrestlers in the FHSAA! 🏆🤼‍♀️ We’re breaking down the rankings from rising talents to established champions, we cover the dedication and skill of these incredible young women.

In this segment of "The Morning Grind", Ricky, Joe and Jordan explore the dynamic world of wrestling tournaments, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments that define the sport. Join us as we delve into the evolving landscape of events like the Disney Duels, the AAU Duel's relocation, the Gator Cup Championships, and the potential rise of the Big Bend Brawl. We also discuss the dominance of a young wrestler from Wakulla and the importance of location convenience for these events. 00:00 - The Changing Landscape of the Disney Duels Tournament Discussion about the transition of the Disney Duels and its impact on the wrestling community. 07:41 - The Evolution of the Gator Cup Championships How the Gator Cup has successfully motivated young wrestlers through a unique scoring system. 10:44 - Fair Competition and Sportsmanship at the Gator Cup Championships Emphasizing the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in wrestling tournaments. 14:29 - The Importance of Local Wrestling Tournaments Highlighting the significance of local tournaments for community engagement and development. 27:00 - Stomp Knocker: A Dominant Wrestler A young wrestler from Wakulla showcases exceptional talent and potential. 31:06 - Expanding the Big Ben Brawl Tournament The Big Ben Brawl's potential to become a premier wrestling event with proper organization and promotion. 35:43 - The Potential for Growth and Improvement Exploring opportunities for enhancing wrestling tournaments and the sport as a whole. 38:41 - Humorous Anecdotes: Atlanta and New York City Entertaining stories from past wrestling events in major cities. 39:30 - The Love for Swanny and the Simple Life Nostalgic memories of simpler times in wrestling. 43:23 - Reminiscing about Wrestling Days Reflecting on past experiences and the evolution of the sport. 47:44 - Unique Hairstyles and Uniforms Fun discussion about the diverse styles and uniforms in wrestling. 51:50 - Building a Wrestling Facility with a Large Budget Imagining the possibilities of a state-of-the-art wrestling facility with full-time coaching staff.

Join Ricky Cheese as he interviews Brian Smith in an engaging conversation that spans various topics including their wrestling backgrounds, the influential role of coaches in their careers, the potential for a D1 wrestling program in Florida, and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on college athletics. Brian Smith shares his coaching experiences and the qualities he seeks in recruits, highlighting the significance of academic excellence, a passion for competition, a growth mindset, and being a great teammate. He discusses the importance of family support and alignment with the Tiger Style culture. Smith recounts stories of athletes who overcame challenges and achieved success both on and off the mat. He emphasizes the close-knit bond among teammates at Mizzou, the culture of Tiger Style that goes beyond wrestling, and the focus on developing great people and leaders in the community. Smith also discusses the program's consistent success with 21 consecutive seasons of a dual record at or above 500, consistent NCAA qualifications, and top 20 finishes. He shares his coaching philosophy of consistency, maintaining the Tiger Style culture, and developing a winning mindset through actions. Additionally, Smith talks about the challenges of competing against powerhouse programs like Penn State and the goals of winning the NCAA tournament and attracting top recruits. 00:00 - Introduction and Background 09:42 - The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) 13:23 - The Potential for a D1 Wrestling Program in Florida 21:47 - Attending a UFC Fight with Former Wrestlers 24:25 - Qualities Brian Smith Looks for in Recruits 29:08 - Success in Wrestling Goes Beyond State Championships 41:24 - The Value of Hardworking Athletes 50:09 - Consistency and Lifestyle: Keys to Success 53:04 - Success at the NCAA Championships 56:34 - The Challenges of Competing Against Powerhouse Programs 01:01:22 - The Importance of Recruiting and Success in the NCAA Tournamen

Summary Jason Custer, head coach at Viera High School, shares his background in wrestling and how he got into coaching. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where student-athletes can learn, grow, and achieve, with success being different for each individual. Custer discusses the core values of his program, including hard work, having fun, and respecting each other. He also talks about the significance of a year-round wrestling program and the importance of building a feeder program. Custer mentions coaches Aaron Parr, Gerald Stout, and Jeff Degganser as mentors who have been instrumental in his coaching journey. Coach Jason Custer discusses the training schedule for his wrestling team, which includes a break during Christmas and a focus on intensity leading up to competitions. He also talks about coaching girls and the challenges of balancing being a single dad and a head coach. He shares his plans for the upcoming season, including establishing a new group of freshmen and evolving his coaching style. The team goals include repeating as district and conference champions, and individual goals for the wrestlers include placing higher on the podium. Coach Custer also mentions the importance of community support and the impact of the girls' wrestling program.