Kaleb is from Punxsutawney, PA, home of the world-famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. Kaleb is a close second, though. He was a 3x placewinner for the Chucks, placing 5th and 4th before becoming the school’s first-ever state champion. Kaleb went on to become an Iowa Hawkeye and turned in a heck of a career. He was a Big Ten finalist, 4x NCAA qualifier and 3x AA. Still hanging around Iowa City, Kaleb is finishing his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering while also involved with the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Kaleb Young!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Cody is from Graettinger, Iowa, where he placed 2nd as a junior and 4th as a senior. Cody competed at Wartburg College. While there, he lettered 3 times and the Knights claimed a team title in 1999. After successful head coaching stints at his high school alma mater as well as Iowa Lakes Community College, Cody and his wife Teresa have started up The Athlete’s Mentor. The Athlete’s Mentor is the voice for parents, support for coaches, and guide for athletes to set ambitious goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve peak performance, both in sports and in life. They recently announced a huge partnership with the Hawkeye Wrestling Academy. For more information on how you can get involved, visit theathletesmentor.com. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Cody Alesch!

The Athlete's Mentor website: https://www.theathletesmentor.com/

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Nick is from Kearney, NE and was a 4x placewinner for the Bearcats which included a pair of state titles. Nick literally stayed put for college, attending the University of Nebraska-Kearney. He had a storied career as a Loper, becoming a 4x AA and 2x finalist while helping UNK to a 5th team title in 2025. Nick didn’t even plan on wrestling this past season, but joined the team late January and finished as a DII runner-up. Crazy stuff! So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Nick James!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Ryder is from Indianola, IA, where he collected quite the accolades. He was a 4x placewinner, 2x finalist and a state champ his senior year in one of the most memorable matches in recent history. Ryder also got it done in the classroom, as he was valedictorian of his high school class that included 273 students in all. Now at UNI, Ryder is putting his talent on display at the collegiate level. He was a Big 12 champ last year and made the round of 12 at the NCAA tournament. And of course, he was first team academic All-Big 12. Currently in his RS sophomore year, Ryder is rolling into the NCAA tournament in a wide-open 157-pound weight class. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Ryder Downey!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Cody is from Macedonia, OH and wrestled for Bedford St. Chanel. He was a 3 time placewinner, earning 7th and 3rd before capturing a state title as a senior. Cody journeyed about 3 hours south to compete at Ohio University and established himself as a Bobcat great. Cody was a 3x team captain, 3x MAC champion, 4x NCAA qualifier and 2x AA. He amassed 30+ wins in 3 of his 4 seasons and was twice named Ohio University Male Athlete of the Year. Cody began his coaching career as an assistant at Gardner-Webb before stops at West Virginia and Nordonia HS. Fittingly, he is now back at his alma mater as an assistant under his former head coach, Joel Greenlee. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Assistant Coach Cody Walters.

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Sparty is from Wheaton, IL and wrestled for Wheaton Warrenville South HS. He placed 5th as both a sophomore and junior before becoming the school’s first state champion his senior year. Sparty went on to wrestle for Ohio University, where we was a 4x NCAA qualifier, making the bloodround his junior season. For the last 9 years, Sparty has been an assistant coach at Marmion Academy in Aurora, IL. Last month, he helped lead them to their first state team title in school history. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy Assistant Coach Sparty Chino!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Scott is from Clarksville, IA, where he wrestled for coach Ron Peterson. After high school, he went on to wrestle at Central College. While injuries may have hampered his career, it also helped him find a passion for coaching. Scott spent over 30 years coaching, mostly at West Delaware and a small stint at Cedar Rapids Prairie. Alongside Jeff Voss at West Delaware, they built the Hawks into a well-oiled machine. Now along the way, Scott found a passion for helping kids build confidence and excitement for the sport of wrestling. And now he does so on a regular basis as a mindset coach with Z-Winning Mindset. Z-Winning mindset offers world-class mental training for athletes and teams of all sports. If you want more information, head to www.zwinningmindset.com. So with that being said, please sit back, relax and enjoy Scott Litterer.

Z-Winning Mindset website: https://www.zwinningmindset.com/

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Zach is from Wabasha, MN and went to Wabasha-Kellogg HS. He won 5 Minnesota state titles and cemented himself as one of top recruits in the country. Zach attended the University of Minnesota and was the linchpin on some elite Gopher teams. He finished his career with 134 victories and became the seventh 4x AA in program history. After competing at the senior level, Zach joined his alma mater as an administrative assistant before transitioning into a coaching role and just finished up his second season as an assistant. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Assistant Coach Zach Sanders!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Charles grew up in Philadelphia, PA, but went to high school at Junipero Serra in San Mateo, CA. While there, he was a 3x West Catholic Athletic League champion. He caught the eyes of the Iowa coaching staff while at a wrestling camp and chose to continue his career as a Hawkeye. Charles spent the entirety of his career in the black and gold, compiling a career record of 19-18. He also shined bright as the ultimate teammate, consistently being there for his brothers in more ways than one. Charles will be headed back to Cali, as he was just announced as the new head wrestling coach at San Clemente HS. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Charles Matthews!

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Justin is from Davison, MI and wrestled for Davison High School, which has churned out some elite wrestlers over the years. Justin was a 4x state placewinner and 2x state champ. He chose to attend Central Michigan University located in Mount Pleasant, MI. He was a 3x NCAA qualifier, reaching the podium as a RS freshman. Justin transferred to NC State and qualified for nationals a 4th time to end his career. After college, Justin has spent time coaching at Buffalo, Michigan State and Northern Colorado, having success at each university. He just finished up his first season as an assistant at Northwestern, helping Trevor Chumbley to a 4th place finish. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Assistant Coach Justin Oliver!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Dalton is from Missouri Valley, IA, which is about as far west as you can get in Iowa before you cross the border into Nebraska. At Missouri Valley HS, he was a 3x placewinner and 2x state champ. Dalton started his career at Iowa State, where he was a national qualifier as a sophomore. He then transferred to Nebraska-Kearney, finishing as a 2x finalist and national champ for the Lopers. Dalton hopped on staff as an assistant coach in 2012, moved to associate head coach in 2015 and officially took over the program as head coach in 2016. As head coach, he has lead the Lopers to 2 national team titles, including one this past season. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Head Coach Dalton Jensen!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Matt is from Glenwood, IA. He was a 4x state qualifier for the Rams, placing 5th as a junior and winning a state title as a senior. Matt spent his redshirt year at Iowa before transferring to Nebraska-Kearney and becoming a Loper legend. Matt was a 5x AA, placing 4th and 5th to go along with 2 national titles. In 2022, he helped lead UNK to their first team title since 2013. After spending two years as a teacher and head wrestling coach at Bellevue East HS in Nebraska, Matt is now an assistant wrestling coach at North Dakota State. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Assistant Coach Matt Malcom!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Dave is from Riceville, IA, where he was recently inducted into the Riceville High School Hall of Fame. Dave went on to wrestle at UW-La Crosse and earned AA honors after placing 3rd his senior. Dave just finished up his 29th year as head coach at Luther College and he has built quite the résumé. Along with his tenure, his Train Like A Norseman camps and Luther College Open has become well known across the country. This one is worth the listen, folks. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Head Coach Dave Mitchell!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Nelson is from Iowa City, IA and wrestled for the Iowa City West Trojans. He shocked the wrestling world when he committed to the University of Iowa. As a Hawkeye, Nelson constantly battled, with everything culminating his junior year with a 5th place finish at nationals to earn AA status. Nelson recently accepted the head wrestling position at Iowa City Regina. He’s also turned into a mountain man, having climbed now 47 14ers. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Nelson Brands!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Hunter is from Iowa City, IA and was an Iowa City West Trojan. He was a 4x state finalist and 3x state champion. Hunter took his talents to Palo Alto, CA to attend Stanford University. He’s taken it up a notch, as he’s a 2x AA for the Cardinal at 165 lbs. He’s also won a couple gold medals at the Pan Ams, one in freestyle in 2024 and one in Greco this past April where he also collected bronze in freestyle. Future is bright for this guy, both in wrestling and in life. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Hunter Garvin!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Colton is from Traer, IA, but attended Belle Plaine High School. Gotta show some love for the Traer roots! As a Plainsmen, Colton was a 4x placewinner and state champion his senior year. He wrestled collegiately for Wartburg and also majored in Biology. Colton went on to complete his degree at the University of Iowa and is now working in pediatric orthopedics at Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse, WI. He also helps out at the Boys & Girls Club with their youth wrestling. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Colton Wagner!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Kolby is from DuBois, PA and put together one heck of a career. He was a Fargo champ, a 3x Ironman placewinner, a prep state champion. He also won two college opens as a senior in high school. Kolby chose to attend the University of Iowa. However, after dealing with a series of neck injuries, Kolby decided to medically forfeit from the sport. Although his competing career came to an end, Kolby found a new passion in coaching, as he is now a coach at the Hawkeye Wrestling Academy. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Kolby Franklin!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Jeremiah is from Cambridge, WI and started wrestling as a freshman in high school. By the time he graduated, he put together a real respectable career. He was named team MVP as a junior, team captain as a senior, placed at Fargo in both greco and freestyle while also capturing 3rd at the Wisconsin state tournament. Jeremiah attended the University of Iowa, where he became a four-year letterwinner for the black and gold. In 2018, he won the UWW Junior Nationals and took home gold at the Junior Pan Am Championships. Jeremiah is now a fitness professional, having been ATG certified. If you want more information on his services, you can find him on instagram at moodys.movement. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Jeremiah Moody!

Jeremiah Moody's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moodys.movement/

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Ty is from Glenwood, IA, where he describes himself as a “late bloomer”. He was a 3x state qualifier, 2x state finalist and a state champ his senior year. Ty’s upward trajectory continued at Augustana University, as he became just the third 4x AA in Vikings history. He was recently inducted into the Augustana Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Ty Copsey!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Brett is from Bennington, NE and was a 4x state champ for the Badgers, finishing with a career record of 171-4. Brett went on to wrestle at St. Cloud State, where he was a 4x DII AA. He won a national title as a freshman before finishing 3rd and 4th twice. After graduating, Brett went to the University of Iowa, received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and currently works at Rock Valley Physical Therapy. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Dr. Brett Velasquez!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Jake is from Battle Creek, IA and went to OABCIG HS. He was a 2x state qualifier, finishing 5th as a senior. Jake went to UNI, where he got his foot in the coaching door. He helped out at Waterloo West with Steve Farrell and Independence with Mike Doyle. He also did some work with the Iron Sharpens Iron camps throughout the summer. Jake is now a teacher at Bellevue East in Nebraska and is gearing up for his second season as head coach of the Chieftains. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Head Coach Jake Nieman!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Frank is from Odin, IL and wrestled at Centralia HS, where he was inducted into the Centralia Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Frank competed at Lincoln College, where he was an NJCAA AA, before finishing his career at Bloomsburg University. After competing, Frank entered the coaching ranks, with stints at Bloomsburg, Buffalo, Binghamton and NC State before being hired as head coach at George Mason. Over the past 7 seasons, Frank has built the Patriots into a well-respectable program. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Head Coach Frank Beasley!

GMU Wrestling Donation Link:

https://securemason.gmu.edu/s/1564/GID2/16/19-giving.aspx?sid=1564&gid=2&pgid=651&cid=1709&sort=1&bledit=1&dids=43.869&appealcode=26ATMW

PEWC (Patriot Elite Wrestling Club) RTC Donation Link:

https://patriotelitewrestlingclub.totalcamps.com/shop/product/17258

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Mark is from Eagle Grove, IA and is one of the best to ever don the purple and gold. He placed 6th as a freshman before ripping off 3 straight state titles for the Eagles. Mark started his college career at Iowa State before transferring to Wartburg. He went on to become a 2x AA and was a part of 2 national team titles. Mark has spent the last 12 years as a volunteer assistant coach for the Knights. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Mark Kist!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Brandon is from Shenandoah, IA and attended Lewis Central HS, where the 01 team he was on is arguably the best in state history. He would go on to place 4 times and win 3 state titles. Brandon went to Oklahoma State and was an AA for the Cowboys, finishing 5th as a sophomore. He went on to secure his doctorate and is now a radiologist while still hanging around the wrestling program as their team doctor. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Dr. Brandon Mason!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Garrett is from Murrysville, PA and attended Franklin Regional HS. His high school career ended in some disappointment, as he never qualified for the state tournament. However, as we’ve found many times throughout this podcast, high school accolades don’t mean squat when it comes to college success. Garrett, now at Ohio University, is a 2x NCAA qualifier and a MAC champion. With one year left, he has sights set on becoming an AA and more. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Garrett Thompson!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Blake is from Decorah, IA and was a 2x placer for the Vikings. He went to Wartburg and finished 5th as a junior, helping the Knights to their first-ever national championship. After graduating, Blake entered the coaching scene with a stint at Center Point-Urbana before spending over 20 years as head coach between Solon and Cedar Rapids Prairie. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Blake Williams!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Joel is from Pleasant Hill, IA and wrestled for the Southeast Polk Rams. He was a 3x placewinner, winning a state title as a junior. Joel began his career at the University of Iowa and had a successful couple years there. Prior to this past season, he decided to transfer to St. Cloud State, where he finished 2nd at the DII national tournament. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Joel Jesuroga!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Nate is from Pleasant Hill, IA and was a 3x placewinner and 2x state champ for SE Polk. In 2021, Nate represented Team USA at Cadet Worlds in Budapest, Hungary and came away with a bronze medal. However, prior to his senior year, Nate decided to step away from the sport. He turned his attention to the Navy and is currently stationed in Norfolk, VA. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Nate Jesuroga!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Dylan is from Tiffin, IA and went on to become a 4x state placewinner and 2x state champion for Iowa City West. He was on some of the toughest teams the Trojans have ever produced. Dylan wrestled at the University of Iowa, but unfortunately injuries cut his career short. After competing, Dylan entered the coaching space. With the support of his staff and parents, he’s built one of the top wrestling clubs in the nation: Big Game Wrestling Club. He also does landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, etc. So hit up Carew Landscaping if you’re in the North Liberty area and he’ll get you taken care of! So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Dylan Carew!

Carew Landscaping: https://www.carew-landscaping.com/

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Victor is from Brecksville, OH and was a 2x state champ for Brecksville HS. He spent two years in Stillwater and was a national qualifier as a RS freshman for Oklahoma State. Victor made the decision to transfer to Iowa, where he’s spent the last two years. After missing last year due to injury, Victor is ripe and ready to compete. He recently went 1-1 at his first Senior World Championships while competing for Serbia at 70kg. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Victor Voinovich III!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Jon is from Riceville, IA, where he was a 4x state qualifier and 3x placewinner. He went on to wrestle at Central College and was a 3x AA and 2x national champ. Jon made the U.S. national team in 1998, finished 3rd at the 98 WTT and also placed 4th at the 2000 Olympic Trials. He’s been the head coach at the University of Dubuque since 2002 and has only added to his elite résumé. In 2024, Jon was inducted into the Riceville HOF. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Head Coach Jon McGovern!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Noah is from Epworth, IA and was a 2x state qualifier for the Bobcats. After placing 6th as a senior, Noah went to the University of Dubuque for a stint. He later enlisted in the marines and served 6 years. Nowadays, Noah is out west as a firefighter in LA County. Noah has a great perspective on life and that is what makes this episode so valuable. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Noah Southworth!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Jared is from Clearwater, FL and was a 3x state champ for Clearwater Countryside HS. He went on to wrestle at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a 2x AA and national finalist. He competed for years at the senior level, consistently making the US national team. Finally, in 2012, Jared made his first Olympic Team at the ripe age of 33. He now enters his ninth year at Virginia Tech (and fourth as Associate Head Coach) with the arrow pointing way up for the Hokies. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Associate Head Coach Jared Frayer!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Matt Hoover won state titles. He won The Biggest Loser. But, as he learned, those victories didn’t guarantee him a lifetime of success. He’s battled adversity, regret, his weight. However, with the help of a strong support system and some tough self-reflection, Matt has found peace within himself. He lives in Washington state with his wife and kids and coaches at Cascade Christian High School. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Matt Hoover!

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Eric Schultz joins me for the 5th time. Last we met with Eric, he was training at the NWTC in Lincoln, NE and coaching at Nebraska Wesleyan University. He has recently moved to Champaign, IL and is an assistant coach at the University of Illinois. Oh, and he still helps out with Clare's photography business. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Assistant Coach Eric Schultz!

Clare's Photography Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/clare.ellerbee.photo/

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Tanner is from Humboldt, IA where he was a 3x state qualifier and 2x placewinner for the Wildcats, finishing 3rd as a junior and winning it all as a senior. He spent the next two years at Iowa Central, finishing 5th as a sophomore to claim AA status. The 2009 team he was on was recently inducted into the IC Athletics HOF. Life after Iowa Central got rocky for Tanner. But he’s found a way to grind through it all and become the best version of himself. Tanner now lives in Fort Dodge, IA with his 3 kids and he recently completed an IRONMAN. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy, Tanner Kampen!

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

The name “Killian” is tied to Celtic roots meaning “bright-headed” and “little warrior”. This name perfectly depicts our next guest, Killian Cardinale. A 2x AA at West Virginia, his achievements didn’t come without overcoming adversity. He started his college career at Old Dominion before they cut their program. He found a home at West Virginia, but injuries threatened his ability to compete. True to his name, Killian battled like the warrior he is.

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Carl really didn’t go all-in on wrestling until his freshman year of high school. And even then, he was JV. But each year after that, he saw major gains. Carl ended up a 2x state placewinner and state champ for West Delaware. His success carried over to Upper Iowa, where he was 3x AA. Carl ended his college career with the most wins in Peacock history. He now owns a construction business near Manchester, IA and is also in his 11th year as an assistant coach at Upper Iowa.

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

There’s a famous saying out there that states: “Behind every great man there’s a great woman.” Meet Kristen Metcalf. You may know her as the wife of Iowa State Assistant Wrestling Coach Brent Metcalf. But by the end of this episode, you’ll know her as a professor at Iowa State University who has a PhD in Health and Human Physiology. Kristen has been by Brent every step of the way. And while he chased his dreams, she never gave up on hers.

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

If you grew up wrestling in Iowa during the early to mid-2000s, you knew the name Marshall Koethe. He was a 3x state finalist and 2x state champion for Akron-Westfield before ending his senior campaign in 3rd place for Twin River Valley. Marshall has used his experiences, both good and bad, to help shape his own athletes as he helps out at Iowa City West. A father of five, his oldest son, Owin, will be competing this week at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament in class 3A at 144 lbs.

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Ryan Deakin is a product of Legacy HS located in Broomfield, CO. He was a 3x state finalist and 2x state champion. He put together one of the best wrestling careers in Northwestern history, becoming a 4x AA and ending his career in style as a national champ. Ryan has now partnered with another DI AA in Max Wessell to start Iron Summit, a fitness and performance organization that offers personalized training, nutrition guidance, mindset coaching, and sport-specific strength programs to help individuals improve their health, build strength, and reach their performance goals. You can find more information on their website at ironsummittraining.com. You can also check out their podcast: Iron Summit. Both of these can be found in the show notes.

Iron Summit Training website: https://www.ironsummittraining.com/

Iron Summit Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CtBtCBAJAVebAEEMyFXhH?si=b70e90bf642f495f

Euphoria Coffee website: https://www.drinkeuphoriacoffee2go.com/

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Clayton Rush put together one heck of a wrestling career. He was a 4x state finalist and 2x state champ for Aledo HS in Illinois. He had immediate success at Coe College, finishing as a DIII national runner-up his freshman year. After a 5th place finish as a sophomore, Clayton won back-to-back titles to cement himself as an all-time great. He’s since been inducted into the Coe College Athletics Hall of Fame, a feat he shares with his wife. It was also recently announced that Clayton will be inducted into the 2026 NCAA DIII Men’s Hall of Fame class. To top it off, he’ll be joined by his college coach, John Oostendorp. Clayton is a now head coach himself, currently at the helm of Alburnett HS.

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Tomas did one year of wrestling when he was younger before he was persuaded to go back out in 9th grade. He ended his high school career as a 2x state finalist and state champ for Hickory Ridge in Harrisburg, NC. He’s currently a RS Sophomore at App. State, where he wrestles 184 lbs. and qualified for the NCAA tournament as a true freshman after winning a SoCon title. Not bad for a kid who started wrestling in 2019.

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Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Ben Clymer won a PA state title for Northwestern Lehigh in 2008. He qualified for the NCAA tournament 3 times representing Hofstra University, but failed to ultimately reach his goals. That failure has fueled his success as a coach, turning Faith Christian Academy into one of the best high school teams in the nation.

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An Iowa City, IA native, Alex Kanellis was a 2x placewinner while collecting a state title for Iowa City West on the mat and was a part of one the Hawkeyes highest-rated football recruiting classes in the Ferentz era. He’s the founder of Landmine University, a strength training company focused on providing continuing education to strength coaches and athletes. If you want more information on how to get involved and push yourself to the max, head to www.landmineuniversity.com or find him on instagram at landmineuniversity.

The third annual Landmine University Games are taking place January 24-25 in San Diego, CA. There will be multiple divisions, so whether you’re a beginner or expert, big or small, sign up and put yourself to the test. The registration link can be found in the show notes.

2026 Landmine University Games Registration Link: https://www.landmineuniversity.com/service-page/the-landmine-games-2?referral=service_list_widget

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John Erneste is every coach's dream athlete. He works hard. Puts the team above himself. Is always prepared whenever his number is called. I guess that’s why he ended up placing 4 times at Park Hill HS and finishing as an AA for Mizzou. Back in Kansas City, MO., John is a wrestling coach at his alma mater of Park Hill HS.

Let's Talk Wrestling website: https://letstalkwrestlingpodcast.my.canva.site/

Bradley starred for the Bettendorf Bulldogs in high school, placing 3 times and collecting a state title. He would travel 3 and a half hours to practice at Sebolt Wrestling Academy. But if Bradley wanted to reach his goals, he knew he had to make the trip. After spending two years as a Hawkeye, Bradley made the decision to head to Oklahoma, where he’s ready to show the wrestling world (and himself) what sort of damage he can do.

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Christian was the #1 pound-for-pound wrestler in the class of 2023. He was a U20 World Team Member, a 2x Super 32 champ and a junior freestyle national champ. But what does that guarantee you? As Christian came to find out: absolutely nothing. Originating from Elkhart, IN, Christian spent a year at both Oklahoma State and Iowa State. Things seemed to be going a little sideways for him. But with the support of his inner-circle, Christian has found a home in Laramie at the University of Wyoming and seems to be the best version of himself.

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