The Hard Truth About Wrestling at the Highest Level in America.
Greco-Roman wrestling is not just a style—it can rebuild your confidence, conditioning, and entire mindset.In this episode of the Grapplezilla Podcast, Santonio Antoine Thompson Jr.—a four-time Greco-Roman All-American, 4-A state champion, world team qualifier, and Coach of Champions—breaks down how elite upper-body wrestling shaped him as an athlete, coach, and leader.
From starting wrestling in seventh grade to catching up in Greco-Roman wrestling later than most, Santonio shares the hard-earned lesson that changed everything: you do not have to be the most experienced person in the room to become dangerous.
You have to believe you belong there, stay consistent, and keep showing up when the work gets brutal.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why Greco-Roman wrestling made Santonio a better folkstyle wrestler and coach
- The hand-fighting, pressure, and footwork details most fans never notice
- How training with national- and world-level competitors changes your mentality
- Why the financial reality of wrestling is far from glamorous
- How Santonio balances being a full-time coach with competing at a high level
- The mindset shift that helps wrestlers recover from losses without losing themselves
- Why building an identity outside of wrestling is essential for long-term success
Santonio also gets honest about the grind behind the medal chase, including the long gaps between matches, the pressure of qualifying, self-funded travel, and the challenges elite wrestlers face while trying to continue competing.But the deeper message goes beyond the mat.
Santonio explains how he teaches athletes to compete against the best, develop confidence, and understand that their real legacy is not just their record—it is the person they become.
This conversation is perfect for wrestlers, coaches, parents, athletes, and anyone pursuing excellence while staying grounded in who they are.
Santonio Antoine Thompson Jr. is a full-time wrestling coach and active competitor known as Coach of Champions. A four-time Greco-Roman All-American, he travels, runs clinics, competes in grappling, and mentors the next generation of wrestlers in North Carolina.
Here are Santonio Thompson Jr.’s social media accounts as well as where you can find him online:
Instagram: @coachofchampions_
Facebook: @santonio.j.thompson
YouTube: @CoachOfChampionz
TikTok: @coachofchampions_
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