Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

In episode 079 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Chael Sonnen, media mogul, UFC superstar, and NCAA All-American. Chael shares his journey into the sport of wrestling, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. We also explore the controversial topic of dropping and starting new wrestling programs, with Chael offering his unique insights. The conversation takes an inter...

In episode 078 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Mal is joined by Brent Metcalf, Assistant Coach at Iowa State and 2X NCAA Champion. They discuss Brent’s approach to preparing David Carr for the 2023/24 season, including the strategies that led to Carr's victory over Keegan O’Toole at the NCAA Tournament. Brent also shares insights into Iowa State University's recruiting approach and how...

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Chris "Chewy" Chionuma, the Associate Head Coach at Cal Poly. We dive into the intricacies of the recruiting process at Cal Poly and explore how the program's fundraising efforts are driving it towards self-sufficiency. Chewy shares invaluable advice for recruits and discusses how becoming a new dad has influenced his coaching...

In episode 076 of the Athletor Podcast host Mike Mal sits down with Cody Brewer, Head Assistant Coach at Princeton, NCAA Champion, and 4x All-American. Cody shares insights into his experiences at various institutions, including Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Northwestern, and now Princeton, highlighting the differences and challenges at each. He dives into weight management strategies for recruits and...

In episode 075 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Mal sits down with Doug Schwab, Head Coach at the University of Northern Iowa. They discuss the historic West Gym and its significance in building a strong emotional connection for recruits. Doug shares his experiences balancing administrative duties with hands-on coaching, providing a unique perspective on managing both aspects effectively. The co...

In episode 074 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Mal chats with Jesse Mendez, a 2x NCAA All-American and NCAA Champion. Jesse shares insights into his mindset and approach to wrestling, giving listeners a glimpse into what drives his success. He recounts his NCAA Championship match against Bo Bartlett and discusses the recruiting process that led him to Ohio State. Jesse also reveals the key chan...

In episode 073 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Mal sits down with Chris Ayres, the Head Coach at Stanford University. Chris shares his experience of moving across the country from Princeton to Stanford and dives into his unique system for recruiting top talent. He discusses whether it's more challenging to recruit athletes from the east coast compared to the west coast and offers valuable insig...

In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Alirez, an NCAA Champion and 2x Big 12 Champion, to discuss his journey and insights into the world of wrestling. Andrew shares his experience with the transfer portal and the factors that ultimately led him to remain at Northern Colorado. He offers a candid look at what he learned about NIL through this process and how it has shaped...

Join us for an insightful episode of the Athletor Podcast featuring Donny Pritzlaff, the Associate Coach at Rutgers, World Medalist, and 2x NCAA Champion. In this episode, Donny shares how Earnie Monaco influenced his approach to wrestling and discusses the balance between baseline technique and innovative "funk" moves. He opens up about the discipline that drove his success as both an a...

In Episode 070 of the Athletor Podcast, we are joined by Mason Parris, the 2024 Olympic Qualifier, NCAA Champion, 3x NCAA All-American, and 2023 World Bronze Medalist. Mason shares insights on his significant progress in wrestling, highlighting the pivotal moments and training methods that propelled his game to the next level. He discusses the coaches who had the most profound impact on his techni...

In Episode 069 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Rob Koll, the esteemed Head Coach at the University of North Carolina and former head coach at Stanford and Cornell. Rob discusses the dynamic 2024 coaching carousel and shares insights on David Taylor's influence. Reflecting on his second year at UNC, he offers a deep dive into his unique business mindset, exploring whether wrestling can achi...

In Episode 068 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mark Hall, Director of Operations at the University of Oklahoma, NCAA Champion, and Cadet and Junior World Champion. Mark shares his journey into wrestling, revealing how an early injury pushed him to develop a unique technique that allows him to score without ever touching a leg. The conversation covers a range of topics including balancing...

In Episode 067 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Terry Steiner, the accomplished USA Wrestling Women’s Head Coach and NCAA Champion. Coach Steiner shares insights into the distinct process of making Team USA for women compared to men, explaining the rationale and origins of these differences. He provides an inside look at the rigorous Team USA training camps as the team prepares for the 2024 Oly...

In Episode 066 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Steve Mytych, Assistant Coach at Rutgers, who brings a wealth of experience from both the competitive and coaching sides of wrestling. This discussion delves into the critical aspects of youth wrestling culture and the influence of parenting on young athletes' careers. Steve shares poignant insights from his time on the camp circuit,...

In Episode 065 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Neil Erisman, the pioneering head coach at the University of Little Rock, Arkansas, who is charting a new course in collegiate wrestling. Neil, an Oklahoma State alum, shares his insights on transitioning from a wrestling powerhouse led by John Smith to building a new program from the ground up. We celebrate a monumental achievement for Litt...

In Episode 064 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Shane Griffith, an NCAA Champion and 4X NCAA All-American, to share his journey through the wrestling world. Shane opens up about his early experiences in New Jersey, discussing how he first got into wrestling and the influence of his family's supportive, non-pressuring approach. He also reflects on the pivotal decision to attend Bergen Cathol...

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...

In Episode 062 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mike Grey, head coach of Cornell University and a 2X NCAA All-American. Mike dives into the strategic nuances of coaching at the NCAAs, revealing his approach to assisting wrestlers with their game plans and the multifaceted considerations involved in preparing for high-stakes competition. The discussion offers a detailed look into Cornell&#...

In Episode 061 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by the dynamic Austin Gomez, a 2X NCAA All-American, NCAA Finalist, and 2024 Olympic Qualifier, to reflect on his thrilling journey through the NCAA tournament. Austin opens up about his and Coach Kevin Jackson's approach to training and match strategy, revealing whether any significant changes were made to secure his spot as one of wres...

In Episode 060 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Scott Goodale, the head coach at Rutgers University and the winningest coach in the program's storied history. This episode delves into the highs and lows of the 2023-24 wrestling season, questioning whether it can be marked as a success and spotlighting the achievements of B1G champion at 133, Dylan Shawver. Coach Goodale shares insightful de...

In Episode 059 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Zach Rey, a celebrated NCAA Champion, 3X NCAA All-American, and the current assistant coach at Lehigh University. Zach delves into the intricacies of recruiting for a prestigious institution like Lehigh, where academic excellence sets a high bar for admissions. He shares his insights on the unique challenges and opportunities that come wi...

In Episode 058 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with John Stutzman, the esteemed Head Coach at the University of Buffalo, to dive into the nuances of collegiate wrestling from the perspective of a smaller school. John shares his insights on the unique challenges and advantages of working within a smaller athletic program compared to larger universities, highlighting his approach to recruiting...

In Episode 057 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with the remarkably versatile Stephen Neal, known not only for his wrestling prowess as a World Champion and 2X NCAA Champion but also for his remarkable career in the NFL as a 3x Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots. Stephen delves into the mindset required to excel in two drastically different sports, sharing his approach to strate...

In Episode 056 of the Athletor Podcast, we welcome Reece Humphrey, a World Medalist, 2X NCAA All-American, and the current Assistant Coach at Princeton. Reece opens up about his multifaceted life, sharing insights into his podcasting ventures and musical interests, revealing a side of him that goes beyond the mat. His approach to learning new skills, dealing with failure, and engaging in adult wre...

In Episode 055 of the Athletor Podcast, we're joined by Brandon Eggum, the esteemed Head Coach of the University of Minnesota's wrestling team and a 3x NCAA All-American. Brandon gives us an inside look at the Gophers' unique approach to practice scheduling, shedding light on how unconventional methods contribute to their success. As the leader of what has been dubbed "Heavyweight...