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PODCAST

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

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

sports wrestling

All Episodes

00:56:17

Ep. 113 - Grant Leeth

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/04/09

In Episode 113 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Grant Leeth, head club wrestling coach at Tarleton State NCWA and founder of Heilung Shoes, to talk about what it takes to build a college wrestling program from scratch. When Grant arrived in Texas in late 2023, there was no wrestling room, no athletes, and no alumni base—just a vision. He walks us through the challenges of getting administrative buy-in, the role of fundraising, and the foundation working to bring college wrestling to

en

00:54:00

Ep. 112 - Joe Russell

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/04/03

In episode 112 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Joe Russell, Assistant Coach for USA Wrestling, to discuss the evolving landscape of wrestling, from grassroots to international success. Joe shares his thoughts on the importance of RTCs, how USA Wrestling is adapting to the impact of NIL, and what the future of the sport might look like. He also dives into coaching strategies, working with athletes, and the challenges of dealing with officials, along with some personal insights into his

en

00:53:36

Ep. 111 - Vito Arujau

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/03/26

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we chat with Vito Arujau, a 1x World Champion and 2x NCAA Champion, about his journey to success in wrestling. Vito shares his experience growing up in New York after immigrating from Belarus, his early struggles with motivation, and how his mindset shifted as he took ownership of his wrestling development. We also discuss his relationship with Yianni Diakomihalis, the challenges of weight management, and how his focus on sports psychology has shaped his

en

00:52:41

Ep. 110 - Mark Muñoz

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/03/19

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mark Muñoz, Associate Head Coach at Cal Baptist University, as he shares his journey from wrestling to MMA. We discuss his time at Oklahoma State and the surprising connection between California wrestling and Stillwater, Oklahoma. Mark opens up about his transition from wrestling to UFC, recounting a pivotal moment when he was thrown into a sparring session with Randy Couture. He also talks about his coaching philosophy at CBU, emphasizing

en

01:01:17

Ep. 109 - Dave Bell

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/03/12

In episode 109 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Dave Bell, Head Coach at a public school wrestling program, to discuss his journey from coaching at Bergen Catholic to taking over a public school program. Dave shares his insights on building a championship-caliber team, managing resources, and how he navigated the transition from a private school to a public one. We dive into the importance of sustained success, overcoming challenges, and his approach to fundraising, recruiting, and team

en

01:02:36

Ep. 108 - Gabe Arnold

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/03/05

In episode #108 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Gabe Arnold, a standout wrestler with a unique journey. Gabe shares the story of how he first stepped onto the mats at just five years old, following in his brother’s footsteps, and how he got hooked on wrestling despite early struggles. We dive into his high school career, discussing his time at Wyoming Seminary, the transition to living away from home, and the lessons he learned along the way. Gabe opens up about the impact of his father’s

en

00:48:55

Ep. 107 - Keith Gavin

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/02/26

In episode 107 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Malinconico sits down with Keith Gavin, the head coach of Pitt Wrestling, to discuss his approach to building a wrestling program from the ground up. They dive into recruiting strategies, the culture at Pitt, and how NIL is constantly changing the landscape of college sports. Keith also shares how he prepares his athletes for success, offering a unique insight into his own journey and the importance of adaptability, discipline, and passion for the

en

00:57:47

Ep. 106 - Tim Flynn

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/02/19

In episode 106 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Malinconico chats with Tim Flynn, head coach at West Virginia University, about the state of the Mountaineers' wrestling program. Flynn shares insights on their recruiting strategies, including how they identify wrestlers with "Mountaineer potential," and reflects on his past experience at Edinboro. They dive into the challenges and opportunities facing college wrestling today, from roster caps to NIL, and explore what it takes to build a successful

en

00:54:56

Ep. 105 - Trent Hidlay

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/02/12

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Trent Hidlay of NC State Wrestling to explore his journey from collegiate wrestling to his current aspirations in the sport. Trent discusses the challenges of NCAA wrestling, including NIL and roster limits, and shares insights on the current state of the sport. We also dive into his training regimen as he gears up for the 2028 Olympics and how his approach to film study and fundamentals keeps him at the top of his game. Plus, Trent talks

en

01:27:27

Ep. 104 - Jason Bryant

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/02/05

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, Hall of Fame writer, broadcaster, announcer, and podcaster Jason Bryant joins Mike Malinconico to discuss key issues surrounding the sport of wrestling. Jason shares his insights on marketing wrestling and the struggles the sport faces with fan retention, citing historical challenges and the slow adoption of women’s wrestling. He also dives into the need for more fan engagement and explains how rivalries, consistency, and better event presentation could help

en

01:04:25

Ep. 103 - Coleman Scott

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/01/29

In episode 103 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Coleman Scott, a key figure in the wrestling world and a passionate advocate for the sport's future. Currently, Coleman is focused on building "The Farm," an ambitious wrestling training facility that promises to revolutionize the development of young athletes. In this episode, Coleman talks about the journey behind the project, his decision to draw inspiration from other successful models, and the process of working with local

en

01:07:11

Ep. 102 - Cyler Sanderson

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/01/22

In episode 102, Cyler Sanderson gives us a unique look into growing up in the legendary Sanderson household, where the focus was always on effort, growth, and sportsmanship rather than just winning. He reflects on his father’s influence, their positive wrestling culture, and how it shaped his approach to coaching at the Sanderson Wrestling Academy.We also explore the challenges facing wrestling at the collegiate level, from NIL to potential program cuts, and how these changes could reshape the

en

00:39:35

Ep. 0101 - Sage Mortimer

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/01/15

In Episode 101 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with U23 World Champion Sage Mortimer to discuss her journey to the top of the wrestling world. Sage dives into her mindset during her stunning comeback at the U23 World Championships, her approach to overcoming mental and technical barriers, and the philosophy that helped her turn challenges into growth opportunities. From her unique origin story of wrestling boys in Utah to her dominance on the international stage, Sage offers insights into how

en

00:54:58

Ep. 100 - Tom Ryan

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/01/08

In Episode 100 of the Athletor Podcast, Ohio State Head Coach Tom Ryan joins us to dive into the evolving landscape of college wrestling. From the challenges of NIL and roster caps to the importance of trust, leadership, and values, Tom provides a unique perspective on what it takes to build a successful program. He also shares his thoughts on the Big Ten’s new commissioner, the critical need for a dual meet championship, and how the sport can navigate its most pressing issues.We also discuss the

en

00:58:26

Brandon Paulson | Athletor Podcast | Ep. 099

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/01/01

In Episode 099 of the Athletor Podcast, Olympic silver medalist and co-owner of Pinnacle Wrestling Club, Brandon Paulson, shares his philosophy on coaching and building a successful wrestling program. From the origins of Pinnacle’s slogan, “Love the Fight,” to balancing basic techniques with non-conventional strategies, Paulson offers insights into how his approach helps athletes thrive both on and off the mat. He also reflects on the challenges of starting and growing a wrestling club, the shifting

en

00:48:54

Ep.. 098 - Patrick Brucki

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2024/12/25

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Brucki, Assistant Coach at Stanford and 2x NCAA All-American. Patrick shares his journey from the south side of Chicago to Princeton, navigating the challenges of balancing an Ivy League education and collegiate wrestling, and eventually finishing his career at Michigan. He opens up about the hard lessons he learned about overtraining, his transition into coaching, and the fulfillment he finds in helping athletes achieve their goals.We explore the broader

en

00:54:52

Ep. 097 - Rich Bender

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2024/12/18

In episode 097 of the Athletor Podcast, Mike Mal sits down with Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling, to explore the past, present, and future of the sport. Rich shares insights from his journey, starting as an intern in 1988 to becoming one of the most influential figures in wrestling. From infrastructure improvements to the role of RTCs and NIL’s impact, Rich breaks down the dynamics shaping wrestling at both collegiate and international levels. This conversation touches on the

en

01:00:31

Ep. 096 - Luka Wick

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2024/12/11

In episode 096 of the Athletor Podcast, Luka Wick, standout wrestler at Cal Poly, joins the show to share his journey from initially disliking the sport to becoming one of wrestling’s top competitors. Luka opens up about his early struggles, the pivotal moments that sparked his passion in middle school, and the lessons learned from wrestling alongside his brothers, Zander and Evan. He reflects on his high school experiences, including intense practices and the pressure of competing in California’s

en

00:48:33

Ep. 095 - Hayden Hidlay

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2024/12/04

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, Hayden Hidlay, 5x NCAA All-American and Assistant Coach at Stanford, shares his journey from growing up in a sports-loving family in central Pennsylvania to becoming one of wrestling's top competitors. Hayden reflects on the pivotal role of his youth coach Ian, the fundamentals that shaped his style, and how a mat in the basement transformed his family into a wrestling powerhouse.We also explore Hayden's college career, including his battles with NCAA blue

en

00:57:22

Ep. 094 - Lori Ayres and Erin Sparrold

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2024/11/27

In episode 94 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Erin Sparrold, a sports nutritionist with over a decade of experience working with wrestlers, and Lori Ayres, a trailblazer in women’s wrestling as co-founder of DI Women’s Wrestling and Executive Director of the California RTC. Together, they dive into the unique nutritional needs and challenges female wrestlers face, from managing energy availability to maintaining bone density and hormonal health.The discussion highlights critical insights

en

153 results

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