On The Mat

Eight-time 16U & Junior National Champion Sean Hage of Georgia goes On The Mat Sean Hage of Georgia is a unicorn in American wrestling. He won two 16U (then Cadet) championships and then won six Junior National Championships to become one of two wrestlers to ever become eight time champions in the event we now know as simply Fargo. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Green Eggs and Hamilton.1:24 - Kyle predicted a perfect game, but botched the show himself.8:22 - Cliff Keen Athletic 9:07 - Sean Hage Interview54:45 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen55:48 - Kyle brings up Steve Bartman from the Cubs situation in the show wrap. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Olympian and two-time World silver medalist Kayla Miracle goes On The Mat Indiana native Kayla Miracle has been a steady competitor for Team USA going back to her days at the age-group levels. A two-time Senior world silver medalist, Miracle has represented the USA Wrestling at 12 (soon to be 13) times. That total includes 11 world championships and the 2020 Olympic Team in Tokyo. A four-time WCWA national champion at Campbellsville University, Miracle will be on her fourth Senior world team this coming September in Belgrade. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Andy is thin-sliced. Has he been working out?0:52 - Andy and Kyle go back (rightly) to the cumulative scoring idea. 2:00 - Multi-Divisional National Duals is coming back to Iowa, but Andy and Kyle loved Louisville. 5:20 - Andy looks at going to Fargo. 9:20 - Andy went to some Yankees games. Kyle would have rather been at the library. 12:00 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen12:50 - Kayla Miracle Interview 57:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic57:35 - Show wrap and Kyle’s clichés. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Rider University head wrestling coach John Hangey goes On The MatRider University head coach and NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee Chair John Hangey joins the program to discuss some of the recent rule changes coming to college wrestling. He also gives a perspective from a mid-major position on the transfer portal and NIL. Rider University is a Division I program in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and prior to Hangey ascending to the head coaching position, the program was lead by the late Gary Taylor for almost 40 years . Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Andy’s into the Black Forest.1:00 - Kyle goes into a baseball rant about perfect games.2:45 - Why would anyone want to officiate?3:45 - Witnessing the moment with Chance Marsteller over Jordan Burroughs.7:15 - Naming the 2010 World Team to put Kyle on the spot.9:50 - It was a good Final X. Breaking down the event.21:40 - Cliff Keen Athletic.22:25 - John Hangey Interview 1:04:30 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen Athletic1:05:30 - Show Recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

W.I.N. Magazine editor Mike Finn goes On The Mat Longtime wrestling writer and W.I.N. Magazine editor Mike Finn joins Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton in-studio to discuss living arrangements, Final X and general wrestling topics. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Andy’s gone from butter to honey.0:45 - Mike and Andy were neighbors for a very long time. 2:35 - Discussing the Final X format.4:00 - Looking at Greco-Roman issues. 8:30 - What’s cooking with Nittany Lion WC.9:50 - Men’s Freestyle thoughts. 14:00 - Impact of moving up weights and opportunities to compete. 17:00 - Teenagers in Final X and Women’s Freestyle thoughts. 20:00 - What are we gonna do when the recent greats retire?24:40 - Cliff Keen Athletic 25:18 - Andy digs on some of his data on the American men’s freestyle wrestling era.28:00 - Iowa women’s wrestling prospectus and can a women’s wrestler market like Caitlin Clark?33:50 - Finn’s take on the rule changes (pre-announcement). 35:00 - The future of print journalism and wrestling. 37:00 - The Sergeant Duffel and Closing Thoughts. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Hall of Fame Medal of Courage recipient and former U.S. National Team Member Richard Perry Connecticut native Richard Perry has had a trying five years, but before he suffered an accident at Camp Pendleton in California when the U.S. national team was there training, Perry was a member of the national team who had been rapidly improving. A multiple-time NCAA qualifier at Bloomsburg, Perry didn’t start wrestling until he was in his later years in high school and eventually turned into a formidable threat on the senior level. His well-documented recovery from that freak accident and his family’s faith and support have lifted Perry back up. He will receive the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Medal of Courage this coming weekend in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Andy doesn’t look much like a butterball. Why, Kyle? Why?1:00 - Previewing what’s coming up with Richard Perry on this episode.2:40 - Fan engagement as Kyle rubs salt into the Yankees’ wound.7:45 - Kyle thinks the biggest rivalry in wrestling right now is Virginia Tech vs. NC State.9:00 - Andy finally comes around to asking about Butterball.9:35 - Cliff Keen Athletic10:15 - Richard Perry Interview54:30 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen55:30 - Interview recap with Andy and Kyle. Related Story: Olympic hopeful wrestler injured during Camp Pendleton weapon drill gets record $12 million settlement Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender is next up On The Mat. Bender will discuss the happenings at USA Wrestling heading into Final X. Bender will also be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in early June. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Paddle? Really, Kyle? Maybe it’s an “on deck” reference.1:00 - Final X Preparation.3:00 - We’ve gotta draw in the college fan to being a full wrestling fan. 8:25 - Talking about Cael when he came back in 2011.9:50 - The scoring system at the NCAAs … and what do fans know about it?19:35 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen Athletic20:24 - Rich Bender Interview57:25 - Workout Gear from Cliff Keen Athletic58:00 - Show Recap and some takeaways. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSSSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content — scratch that — if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too.

U.S. Open Champion Chance Marsteller Chance Marsteller is coming off a championship at the U.S. Open at 79kg and he’s earned the right to face Jordan Burroughs at Final X. The winner at Final X will represent the U.S. at the World Championships in Belgrade in September. Marsteller, a Pennsylvania native, was a two-time All-American at Lock Haven. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Andy Hamilton picks up another award, the Jay Hammond Memorial Recognition Award. 4:00 - The last three weeks of wrestling have been incredible. 4:55 - First up, proposed rule changes to college wrestling. 20:00 - Differences in rulesets can be confusing between high school and freestyle. 24:00 - Jesse Whitmer storytime as it relates to program loyalty and the transfer portal.33:00 - U.S. Open storylines. 39:00 - Previewing Chance Marsteller Interview 40:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic41:00 - Chance Marsteller Interview1:23:00 - Cliff Keen Sergeant Duffel1:23:50 - Show Recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Two-time NCAA Champion Austin O’Connor of North Carolina North Carolina’s Austin O’Connor became just the second multiple-time NCAA wrestling champion in school history with his second championship earlier this March in Tulsa. O’Connor finished the season undefeated and was a Dan Hodge Trophy finalist. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Hoops Hamilton. Is that a reference to One Crazy Summer?1:30 - Andy just instigating the wrestling public on Twitter. How dare he!?3:30 - Kyle left Tulsa energized. But was he focused? Was he strong? 4:30 - What about Andy? He’s qualifies some of his concerns.18:30 - From a tournament perspective: Kyle was wowed by Vito Arujau.25:35 - Mason Parris looking fantastic, too. 27:00 - Keegan O’Toole wrestled a masterpiece final. 31:40 - Taking us through the Matt Ramos fall in the semis. 35:00 - Some other cool moments from Kyle and Andy, including Penn State’s performance.40:00 - The Iowa performance.41:30 - The Oklahoma State performance. 43:00 - Shifting focus to the U.S. Open.44:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic45:20 - Austin O’Connor Interview1:20:30 - The Sergeant1:21:30 - Show Recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Shane Sparks joins the show to talk about all things Tulsa. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Hambone is the word for Andy.1:22 - There’s a TON of stuff to consume in the last few weeks. 2:00 - Andy breaks away from Kyle’s question to talk about the guys who were attacked by the bear earlier this year and how one of them did at NJCAAs.3:00 - Big Ten stuff from Andy.7:00 - Kyle was at the ACC Championships. 10:30 - Grand View’s dynasty rolls on. 17:00 - We’re STILL streaking with the Burgs in D3. Every title since 1995.20:40 - North Central wins the National Women’s Collegiate Championship. 24:00 - The first official NAIA women’s championship goes to Southern Oregon.25:00 - Andy touches base on Division II with Central Oklahoma’s title. 27:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic.28:10 - Shane Sparks time!1:05:08 - Cliff Keen Athletic.1:05:50 - Show recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSSSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content — scratch that — if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too.

Iowa football and wrestling commit Ben Kueter There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the dynamic Ben Kueter. An Iowa recruit for both football and wrestling, Kueter became the state’s 32nd four-time state champion on February 18. Kueter won the U20 (formerly known as Junior) World Championship back in August. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Saddle sores for Andy. 1:00 - That first weekend in March is nuts. With a gallon or three of ice cream.3:00 - Scott Beck chimes in. Kyle and Andy notice. 4:32 - Previewing Ben Kueter on the show.4:50 - When you follow wrestling, you can’t understand the sport by a box score.9:00 - Going back to Nate Carr vs. Jim Zalesky. Andy was a tike. 13:30 - Did Cael Sanderson almost wrestle Steve Mocco in the dual?15:00 - Dual season is over. What’s memorable?20:45 - Cliff Keen’s Sergeant duffel21:45 - Ben Kueter Interview53:45 - Cliff Keen Athletic Workout Gear54:30 - Show wrap-up. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS SUPPORT THE SHOWAnd if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content — scratch that — if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too.

Michigan native Adam Coon is back! After making a run at trying to hook up with an NFL team, the 2018 World Silver Medalist is coming back to wrestling full-time and training with the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club. The three-time All-American from Michigan joins the show this week. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Kyle and Andy “The Muckety Muck” Hamilton. 0:50 - Kyle rants about situational comments.3:00 - How dare the NFL come up with a playoff system where every game matters!6:30 - How dare Kyle bring logic to the equation for dual meet scoring!12:30 - Talking the attendance and draws in the sport, like Spencer Lee at Iowa.19:20 - Remembering Cael in 2002 and the TV impact that year. 22:20 - Gable Steveson’s standing O at Carver. 23:20 - Looking back at our trips in January. 28:00 - Battle of the Burgs chatter. 31:20 - Cliff Keen Athletic31:45 - Adam Coon Interview1:16:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:17:00 - Show Wrap-Up with Kyle and Andy. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Seven-time World and Olympic Champion Jordan Burroughs
Seven-time World and Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs is on the program today. You really don’t need to know much more than that. Well, he’s talking about the upcoming World Cup coming to Coralville, Iowa on December 10-11 with men’s and women’s freestyle combined at one event for the first time. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Buckshot Hamilton. Andy’s dad was rocking CK and Iowa. 1:15 - Scott Beck is one of the great relationships from this show. 4:25 - Comparing the education process of the World Cup and College Wrestling.13:25 - Iowa vs. Iowa State’s history with power duals.24:40 - The Beast Backpack from Cliff Keen.25:30 - Jordan Burroughs Interview.1:13:00 - Cliff Keen Headgear. 1:13:51 - Recapping the Burroughs and smoothies. 
Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytime
Apple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSSSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content — scratch that — if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too.

Olympic silver medalist and PINnacle Wrestling School’s Brandon Paulson
Anoka, Minnesota native Brandon Paulson is a wrestling-lifer. One of the brains behind one of the most successful youth and high school wrestling clubs in the country (PINnacle Wrestling School) along with Jared Lawrence, Paulson hasn’t spent much time away from wrestling mats during his life. An All-American at Minnesota and a 1996 Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, Paulson is versed in every aspect of wrestling. He’s also watching his own kids excel on the football field and on the college gymnastics world. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:50 - Andy is hungry, like The Wolf, and teed up for the NWCA All-Star Classic.10:45 - Looking at this past week’s Division I dual action.20:51 - Cliff Keen Athletic21:36 - Brandon Paulson Interview 1:20:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:21:00 - Wrapping up the show.

U.S. Women’s National Team Coach Terry Steiner goes On The Mat
Terry Steiner has led USA Wrestling’s women’s program since its welcome into the Olympic family. Heading into next month’s World Cup in Coralville, Team USA has a shot to take on the juggernaut Japanese on home soil for the first time since the 2003 World Championships. Josh Schamberger of the Iowa City/Coralville Conventions and Visitors Bureau opens up the show as well. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:50 - Josh Schamberger making an appearance to talk World Cup. 13:40 - Andy and Kyle getting ready for the World Cup. 16:28 - Looking back at USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals. 20:47 - Cliff Keen Athletic21:30 - Terry Steiner Interview1:09:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:10:00 - Show Wrap with Kyle and Andy.

Women’s wrestling pioneer goes On The Mat
One of the early trailblazers for women’s wrestling, Afsoon Johnston emigrated from her native Iran and fought for a place in the sport of wrestling in California. The first woman in U.S. history to win a medal at the women’s wrestling world championships, Johnston has been an advocate for wrestling and girls wrestling and championing the sport for people from all walks of life. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Keeping it Real … muto.1:00 - Kyle starts with a rant on social media. 10:00 - Testing yourself and development at the high school level.18:00 - Do you have to go to the big tournaments to get recruited by the big programs?20:00 - Kyle fawning over the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 32:00 - Northwest College wrestlers battle a grizzly bear. 35:50 - Cliff Keen Beast Backpack.36:50 - Afsoon Johnston Interview. 1:24:00 - Cliff Keen Headgear1:25:00 - Show wrap.