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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

01:15:20

Ep. 143 - Cam Simaz

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/11/05

On Episode #143 of the Athletor Podcast, South Dakota State assistant coach Cam Simaz sits down with Mike Malinconico for a candid look at the evolving world of college wrestling—on and off the mat. They kick off with recovery tech and why SDSU invested in tools like a hyperbaric chamber, how athletes actually use it, and why the benefits come from consistency, not one-off sessions . From there, Cam unpacks the bigger picture: the growing tension between amateurism and professionalism, what NIL,

en

01:00:12

Ep. 142 - Brock Hardy

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/10/29

In this episode, Nebraska standout Brock Hardy joins the show to break down the details behind his wrestling style and mindset. He talks about developing his signature snap and how experimentation, repetition, and competition shaped his feel on the mat. Hardy also shares insight into his training philosophy, how he studies elite wrestlers, and the process of turning creativity in practice into confidence in competition.From high school dominance to competing at the D1 level, Hardy discusses what

en

01:00:52

Ep. 141 - Ian Assael

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/10/22

In this episode, Mike Mal sits down with one of the nation’s most respected club coaches, Ian Assael, Head Coach of Legends Wrestling Club. Ian shares his journey from running a powerhouse Pennsylvania program to joining the NC State staff during the Wolfpack’s rise and now building a legacy at Legends. He reflects on coaching elite wrestlers like Trent and Hayden Hidlay, the value of finding the “right kids and families,” and how culture, consistency, and timing can shape championship-caliber

en

00:41:45

Ep. 140 - Dylan Carew

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/10/15

In this episode, Coach Dylan Carew joins the Athletor Podcast to share his unique perspective on how the recruiting landscape has evolved with NIL, transfer rules, and the modern athlete mindset. As Head Coach of Big Game Wrestling Club, Carew discusses how today’s coaches must not only recruit athletes but continually re-recruit them to retain top talent — a shift reshaping the sport at every level.From the challenges of navigating financial conversations and maintaining athlete relationships to

en

00:58:52

Ep. 139 - Mark Branch

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/10/08

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, Head Coach Mark Branch of the University of Wyoming sits down with Mike Mal to talk about the evolving landscape of college wrestling. Branch opens up about the challenges small programs face in the NIL and revenue-sharing era, his belief that success comes from doing things the right way, and how Wyoming’s administration and fans have built a strong foundation that proves “wrestling matters.” He shares how his program continues to thrive through culture,

en

00:44:31

Ep. 138 - Ryan Bertin

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/10/01

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Bertin, one of Michigan’s all-time greats and a two-time NCAA champion at 157 pounds. From his dominant high school run at St. Edward in Ohio to becoming a four-time All-American for the Wolverines, Ryan shares lessons from a career that cemented him as a Big Ten Wrestler of the Year and Hall of Honor inductee.We dive into the mindset that fueled his success, the role of coaching and culture at Michigan, and how those experiences carried into his coaching

en

00:43:12

Ep. 137 - Nate Engle

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/09/24

On episode #137 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Nate Engle of the Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). Engle shares how his journey as a competitor and coach has shaped his approach to developing elite athletes in one of the most disciplined training environments in the country.From balancing military demands with international competition to building resilient athletes who can thrive under pressure, Engle opens up about what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He also discusses

en

01:00:11

Ep. 136 - Frank Beasley

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/09/17

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,

en

00:44:00

Ep. 135 - Adam Hall

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/09/10

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

en

00:48:50

Ep. 134 - Teyon Ware

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/09/03

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

en

00:48:44

Ep. 133 - Lee Pritts

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/08/27

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

en

01:02:20

Ep. 132 - Kenny Monday

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/08/20

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.

en

00:48:01

Ep. 131 - Drew Headlee

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/08/13

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

en

01:01:14

Ep. 130 - Nick Brascetta

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/08/06

On Episode 130 of the Athletor Podcast, we’re joined by Nick Brascetta, Associate Head Coach at the University of Maryland. Brascetta dives into the evolving responsibilities of an associate head coach, how the role shifts from program to program, and what leadership looks like at the Power Five level.We also cover Maryland’s developmental strategy, building buy-in from athletes, and how Brascetta balances recruiting, coaching, and culture-building. If you're looking for insights into what it

en

01:02:32

Ep. 129 - Kyle Ruschell

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/07/30

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

en

00:52:52

Ep. 128 - Kellen Russell

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/07/23

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

en

01:02:22

Ep. 127 - Jordan Oliver

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/07/16

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

en

00:57:49

Ep. 126 - Luke Becker

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/07/10

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

en

00:57:49

Ep. 126 - Luke Becker

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/07/09

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

en

01:01:02

Ep. 125 - Ned Shuck

Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal ·

2025/07/02

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

en

144 results

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