ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast

James Nicholson, a two-time All-American and recent inductee into the ODU Sports Hall of Fame, joins the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast on Episode 71. Nicholson, a Des Moines, Iowa native, came to Old Dominion as one of coach Steve Martin's first major out-of-state recruits. A finalist at the USA Wrestling Junior Freestyle national championships and an Iowa State champion, Nicholson had quite the adjustment to college wrestling. He breaks down his path to ODU, his development and what he's doing now, running the Birmingham Wrestling Complex in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW
 Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own?
 Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Coming off a fifth-place finish at the 40th annual Virginia Duals in the National College Division, Episode 70 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast returns with Associate Head Coach Daryl Thomas. After eight duals in two weeks, the Monarchs come into this weekend's duals with Lock Haven and Rider with a 3-7 dual mark. ODU will host Lock Haven on Friday night at Chartway Arena, while Rider comes in on Sunday afternoon. Coach Thomas will talk about the experience at the South Beach Duals and which Monarchs need to turn it around and who's coming on after the Virginia Duals. Season Tickets Link: Click Here And remember Monarch Fans, like Jamie Kelly said, be your best. Contribute to the Jamie Kelly Memorial Fund at JKMemorialFund.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Steve Bleise is a Michigan native and a four-time NCAA qualifier. He spent his last two years at Minnesota and has joined the Old Dominion wrestling coaching staff as a volunteer assistant for the 2019-20 season. On Episode 69 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, we introduce Bleise (pronounced Bl-ice) to #MonarchNation and talk about his run-ins with ODU wrestlers in the past, his relationship with Daryl Thomas, his kinship with head coach Steve Martin and his season and career goals. There's also plenty of discussion about the weather comparisons between Norfolk and Minnesota. Season Tickets Link: Click Here And remember Monarch Fans, like Jamie Kelly said, be your best. Contribute to the Jamie Kelly Memorial Fund at JKMemorialFund.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Daryl Thomas returns to the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast to look back at the dual loss against No. 9 NC State, a match the Monarch coaching staff believe they could have won. Coach Thomas explains why, as well as going match-by-match on what ODU needs to improve upon. Coach Thomas also briefly talks about Kevin Beazley's freestyle event in New York City as he tries to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials this coming April as well as a look ahead to Season Tickets Link: Click Here And remember Monarch Fans, like Jamie Kelly said, be your best. Contribute to the Jamie Kelly Memorial Fund at JKMemorialFund.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Wrestling season is here and on Episode 67 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, we catch up with ODU head wrestling coach Steve Martin and look at the lineup we expect to see on the mat this year. The entire squad will head down to Charleston, South Carolina and compete at The Battle at The Citadel and compete for starting spots, since not everything was determined at the recent Blue-Silver intrasquad. Coach Martin also talks about the ranked teams on the schedule, as No. 25 Old Dominion will face seven teams currently ranked in the NWCA Division I Coaches Poll. The squad also comes in ranked second in the MAC as the MAC Coaches Rankings were released recently. Season Tickets Link: Click Here And remember Monarch Fans, like Jamie Kelly said, be your best. Contribute to the Jamie Kelly Memorial Fund at JKMemorialFund.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Episode 66 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, today, we visit with associate head coach Daryl Thomas. Practice has started and a new season of Monarch wrestling is here. On today’s show, we’ll break down the opening week of practice and talk about this year’s schedule and the opponents we’ll see coming to The Ted this year and what road trips Monarch Nation can be prepared to see around the country. Before we start, thanks to all the feedback received from #MonarchNation about the previous episode, the tribute to the late Jamie Kelly. Giving Day: Monarchs calling previous donors and contributors. I got a call from Larry Early. We’ll put the link to continue to give in the show notes for this episode. Like right here. Coach Thomas recently spoke at the Chesapeake Sports Club. What’s an event like this mean for a coach? Every starter who wrestled at the conference tournament is back. Coach Martin says there’s a belief on this year’s team that he hasn’t often seen. What do you see? Monarchs are ranked preseason No. 19 by W.I.N. Magazine, No. 20 by Trackwrestling and No. 21 by Flowrestling. Rankings from Amateur Wrestling News, InterMat and the NWCA have not yet been released. Schedule for 2019-20 Blue-Silver Intrasquad, first chance to see most, if not all of the Monarchs wrestle at home at the Jim Jarrett Athletic Administration Building on Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m. November, the season kicks off with a new event hosted by The Citadel on November 3, the Battle at The Citadel. This includes ODU, American, Duke, NC State, Presbyterian, Stanford and the host school, The Citadel. It’s multiple entries and designed for mat time. On the same day, some Monarchs will also head up to the Princeton Open in New Jersey. Who is going where? November 10, the Monarchs will head to the Journeymen Classic, another modified individual tournament where pools of athletes will compete against one another. Follows the Northeast Duals. First dual of the year comes against No. 13 NC State on November 15 in Raleigh. The team will stick around for the Wolfpack Open that following Sunday. November will close out with the Navy Classic in Annapolis on November 23 just after Thanksgiving. December opens with a drive up to Fairfax for the Patriot Open on December 7 before the heading to your old neck of the woods, Edwardsville for a dual with SIUE. The calendar year closes out as the Monarchs will head to Fort Lauderdale to compete at the South Beach Duals for the first time. MAC foe Missouri is on the schedule. Who else will the Monarchs face as the format is two duals each day, then some time on the beach. 2020 Opens with a trip to Amish country as a number of Monarchs will compete at the Franklin & Marshall David Lehman Open in Lancaster. While not officially a home date, the Monarchs first competition locally will be at the 40th annual Virginia Duals in the Hampton Coliseum. The field this year includes ODU, Duke, Fresno State, Kent State, Maryland, Penn, Rider and Virginia. Now the conference slate in the MAC has changed significantly with the absorption of the old Eastern Wrestling League. January 17 sees the Monarchs home opener against No. 26 Lock Haven, a well-coached gritty team from central Pennsylvania. Old CAA rival Rider will get reacquainted with the Monarchs on January 19 at The Ted. The following week, it’s a road trip through the Keystone State and a date with Edinboro on January 24 and a dual with Clarion two days later on the 26th. Virginia Tech will come to town on Sunday for the annual alumni dual on Sunday, February 2. Tech always brings a big crowd. Another former CAA opponent, Drexel, which competes in the EIWA, will come to town on Monday, February 10. A non-conference dual with Navy takes place on Valentine’s day up in Annapolis, before the Monarchs wind through Fairfax on the way home to take on the Patriots of George Mason two days later. So with Rider, Drexel and George Mason on the schedule, that’s three former conference foes set to tangle. The Monarchs close out the home schedule with Bloomsburg on February 23 before heading to Northern Illinois University on March 7-8 for the Mid-American Conference Championships. So no Central Michigan or Ohio, possibility of seeing Kent State, but this is a drastically different conference schedule than previous years. Season Tickets Link: Click Here And remember Monarch Fans, like Jamie Kelly said, be your best. Contribute to the Jamie Kelly Memorial Fund at JKMemorialFund.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

On August 27, 2019, former ODU Monarch wrestler and coach Jamie Kelly passed away suddenly. On Episode 65 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, we honor the memory of our friend and fellow Monarch. This episode features a number of stories and interviews about JK, presented in a manner to serve as a memorial episode. This episode features ODU alum and Kelly's first high school coach Wayne Martin, as well as other ODU alums Curt Krazer, Matt Small, Jeff Rusak, and Mark Strickland. ODU head coach and Kelly's high school coach Steve Martin and former ODU coach Gray Simons are also featured, as well as Kelly's fellow coach at Cox High School and Norfolk State alum Corey Williams. Also included are voicemails from local high school product Reid Monaghan and one of Kelly's wrestlers, Nate Owen. Contribute to the Jamie Kelly Memorial Fund at JKMemorialFund.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Episode 64 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast visits with one of the newest members of the wrestling coaching staff, 2017 NCAA Division I All-American Kevin Beazley. The former 197-pounder returns to the area after competing at the University of Michigan for his final year of eligibility and working towards his master's degree. An injury derailed his last run at the NCAA championships in 2018 for Michigan, but now Beazley turns his focus to coaching. Beazley will talk about the outgoing coaches some, specifically former teammate Chris Mecate, and he'll also explain his relationship with the other new member of the staff, Steve Bleise. We also point out the one time former coach Mike Dixon ate an entire trashcan lid of nachos at what used to be O'Sullivan's Wharf. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Episode 63 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast is live with Associate head coach Daryl Thomas. Coach Thomas gives Monarch Nation a recap of the postseason lineup after an All-American finish by Larry Early and a Round of 12 finish by Michael McGee. Sa'Derian Perry also qualified for the NCAA championships. We'll also quickly discuss the ODU wrestling golf outing set for May 3 at Sewell's Point as well as the academic accolades the wrestling program has received over the past few weeks. Coach Thomas will also explain the scheduling component with the MAC-EWL merger. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Old Dominion earned its 19th Division I All-American accolade in Pittsburgh at the 2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Junior 157-pounder Larry Early finished eighth at 157 pounds to become the 16th individual Division I All-American in school history. On Episode 62 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, we talk with Early, an Illinois native who started his career at the University of Minnesota. We'll also provide some info on how the three Monarchs did at the NCAA Division I Championships as well as some conference news in how the MAC will be expanding after absorbing what was the Eastern Wrestling League. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

On Episode 61 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, we meet Ragean Hill, Associate Athletic Director for Student Athlete Academic Services and the Senior Women's Administrator. Hill will talk about her background, the influence of academic advising and the shifts over the years. She'll also break down how things work in regards to APR with revenue and non-revenue sports and outline her responsibilities with the MAC Wrestling Championships and her relationship with the ODU wrestling program. The Mid-American Conference will be hosting its conference wrestling championship at Old Dominion University's Ted Constant Convocation Center on March 8-9. On the second portion of the show, I'll give a quick breakdown of which Monarchs have the best chance at making the 2019 NCAA Division I National Championships in Pittsburgh. Fans can get their tickets to the MAC Championships at The Ted online at YNotTix.com.br SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

The Mid-American Conference will be hosting its conference wrestling championship at Old Dominion University's Ted Constant Convocation Center on March 8-9 and to talk about the impact on the school and revenue is Associate A.D. of Revenue and Marketing, Dr. Jason Chandler. Chandler talks about his course through sports, starting in his native North Carolina and how he's pursued degrees in higher education before landing in Norfolk in 2012. Chandler breaks down how busy seasons work for him and what the added element of a conference championships impacts the department. Fans can get their tickets to the MAC Championships at The Ted online at YNotTix.com.br SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App SUPPORT THE SHOW And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Associate head coach Daryl Thomas gives Monarch Wrestling fans a mid-season breakdown as the wrestling squad heads into a pair of weekend dual meets with SIU Edwardsville and Duke. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

There were a number of Old Dominion wrestling alumni coaching at the 2019 Virginia Duals at the Hampton Coliseum over the weekend. Four teams in the Southeastern District - Great Bridge, Grassfield, Hickory and Oscar Smith - are all led by ODU wrestling alums. The most recent episode of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast talks with Jesse Pearce from Grassfield, Matt Small from Great Bridge and Donald Motley from Oscar Smith to talk about the dynamic of coaching against your former teammates and what it's like to beat them during competition and be friends afterwards. Also coaching at the Virginia Duals were alums Ben Summerlin at Hickory, Eric Decker at Poquoson and Cam Watkins at St. John's College Prep in Washington, D.C.  SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Old Dominion head wrestling coach Steve Martin breaks down the loss to NC State on Friday and prepares for an upcoming battle with former pupil Matt Storniolo as the Monarchs head to Evanston, Illinois to take on Northwestern on December 7. All that and some anecdotes from Coach Martin on how he still hassles high school officials on the latest edition of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Josh Tyler was part of the ODU Monarch wrestling program during Gray Simons last year as the head coach and bridged the gap of athletes who were in the program when current coach Steve Martin took over the program. Tyler, who has spent time fighting in Mixed Martial Arts and creating his own company called Savage Gentleman, recaps what got him into wrestling, how he ended up at ODU and what it was like to endure his first season of college wrestling and then the toughness that was needed to survive Coach Martin's first year as he started to put his stamp on the program. Tyler also is providing 20 percent off purchases for listeners of the show from the SavageGentleman website by using the promo code MATTALK on checkout! We'll also see if anyone knows where the picture of Zuck is. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Associate head coach Daryl Thomas kicks off the fifth season of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast as we recap the Princeton Open and preview the lineup coming up on November 11 against Missouri. There's still questions as to who is going to be wrestling at which weights this year, but we also talk depth and what to expect with the WHITEOUT at The Ted on Sunday. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Coach Steve Martin talks about the recent departure of his longtime assistant Mike Dixon as we introduce a new school year in Norfolk for Episode 53 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast. Coach Martin talks about how Dixon found his way to Norfolk and some of the stories that go with it, as well as the promotion of Daryl Thomas and hiring of Steven Rodrigues. We'll also dive into some of the scheduling, events and the layout of the MAC with Eastern Michigan dropping the sport and SIU Edwardsville coming into the conference as well as the impact EMU transfer Sa'Derian Perry might have on the program. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Daryl Thomas returns to the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast just days before he's getting married. It's been a hectic schedule for Thomas, who is entering his second year on staff and first as the Associate Head Coach, a promotion he received over the summer. On Episode 52, Thomas talks about how the transition has been and what he learned from outgoing assistant Mike Dixon, who took a job at his alma mater at Indiana, and the process of how he helped bring a former teammate, Steven Rodrigues, on staff in Norfolk. Thomas will also talk about the Illinois performance in Fargo at the Cadet & Junior Nationals and how that pipeline to Norfolk is an easier transition for some since Thomas is also an Illinois native. We get some insight on who's set to break out in 2018-19 and some thoughts on one of the newest Monarchs, All-American transfer Sa'Derian Perry. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Episode 51 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast visits with the newest member of Monarch Nation, assistant coach Steven Rodrigues. The New York native and All-American from the University of Illinois is reunited with former teammate Daryl Thomas and Rodrigues is already hitting the ground running with his new post in Norfolk. We get to meet Rodrigues, find out how he was introduced to wrestling, his move up three weight classes during his senior year at Illinois and his jump into coaching. We'll also get right to his goals for the program and what it's like to be on a staff with three young guys - and Steve Martin. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Illinois native and MAC Freshman of the Year Michael McGree joins the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast to talk about the success during his true freshman season on the mats in Norfolk. McGee was a conference champion and NCAA qualifier at 125 pounds and was also an NWCA Division I All-Academic selection. He'll talk about the unique pronunciation of his first name and its origins, why he chose Old Dominion and what it's been like jumping right into the lineup. We'll also give Monarch Nation some info about the Takedown Golf Tournament coming up May 4 at Sewell's Point Golf Course. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Associate head coach Mike Dixon returns to the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast with a recap of the MAC Championships and the 2018 NCAA Division I Championships. The four-year streak of All-Americans came to an end, but all four Monarchs who competed at the NCAA championships will be back next season as the team graduates just one starter. We'll dive into the recruiting chatter as the NHSCA nationals are coming to Virginia Beach at the end of March and what the dropping of Eastern Michigan's wrestling program (among other sports) means for ODU and the landscape of wrestling around the country. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Old Dominion University played its first competitive football game in over 50 years in August of 2009. In 10 seasons, coach Bobby Wilder's team became an instant force in FCS competition before a call from Conference USA and FBS football became a reality. Part of that reality is Monarch football players now competing in the NFL. Rick Lovato was Monarch to play in an NFL game as he got his first snap as a member of the Green Bay Packers. Now with the Philadelphia Eagles, Lovato is the first Monarch to play in the Super Bowl. On Opening Night of Super Bowl 52 Media Week, Jason Bryant of Mat Talk Online and Andy Hamilton of Trackwrestling got a chance to talk with Rick about being a long snapper, his career as a wrestler growing up, what he loved about ODU and his relations to the ODU wrestling program. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

On Episode 47 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, we'll catch up with head wrestling coach Steve Martin about the action over the holiday break, the win over Eastern Michigan and the forecast for the upcoming Virginia Duals. We'll then have a chance to meet and introduce Monarch Nation to assistant wrestling coach Daryl Thomas, who joined the staff in the offseason. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Episode 46 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast reviews the first month of the season with Associate Head Coach Mike Dixon. The Monarch wrestling program is off to a 2-3 start with wins over Gardner-Webb and Northern Illinois, the most recent win coming on December 19 at The Ted. Coach Dixon talks about the start of the season and the decision to wrestle two of the nation's top programs -- Missouri and NC State -- on the road on the same weekend and what the team learned from the experience. We head toward the Midlands and Lock Haven Classic and Dixon will explain who's going to wrestle where over the holiday break. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

Jeff Rusak was recently induced into the Old Dominion Sports Hall of Fame. The Pennsylvania native and now Virginia Beach firefighter was a four-time NCAA qualifier, a two-time conference champion and one of the most prolific pinners in ODU wrestling history. On Episode 45 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, Rusak talks about his career, his journey to Old Dominion, some of the wacky roommates over the years and meeting his wife, former ODU women's soccer player Melissa Futrell Rusak. While never an All-American, Rusak was one of former coach Gray Simons' top wrestlers. He finished third at the Midlands as a senior and was the No. 5 seed at the 2002 NCAA Division I Championships. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires.

The Old Dominion wrestling program announced its 2017-18 schedule earlier this week and on Episode 44 of the ODU Monarch Matcast, we'll talk with Associate Head Coach Mike Dixon about it. The Monarch wrestling program will first have a Monarch Day of Giving on October 6 where the staff and team is looking for 200 gifts of any denomination to contribute towards the program. Coach Dixon breaks down the schedule as a slew of events around the region and in Norfolk highlight what will be a young and exciting team this coming season. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Associate Head Coach Mike Dixon joins the Monarch Matcast on the floor of the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota at the USA Wrestling Cadet and Junior Nationals. Fargo, as the tournament has simply been known, is one of the most fertile recruiting grounds and coaches from all divisions are flocking to the Fargodome to recruit. We'll talk with coach Dixon about recruiting, the staff change over and what to expect from Monarch wrestling in 2017-2018. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Associate Head Coach Mike Dixon recaps the MAC Championships and NCAA Division I Championships on Episode 42 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast. Redshirt junior Kevin Beazley earned the program's 18th Division I All-American honor by placing eighth at 197 pounds. The placement gave the Monarchs an All-American for the fourth straight year and ties a school record for consecutive years producing at least one All-American. Coach Dixon looks at the individual performances of the five Monarchs who competed in St. Louis and also gives us an update on the ODU Wrestling Takedown Club golf tournament set for May 5 at Sewell's Point Golf Course in Norfolk. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 41 of the ODU Monarch Matcast previews the upcoming Mid-American Conference championships to be held at the University of Northern Iowa on March 4-5. Jason Bryant breaks down the weight-by-weight prospectus on the chances of each Monarch wrestler in making the 2017 NCAA Division I Championships. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Mike Dixon catches back up with us on Episode 40 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast from the road as he's out recruiting for the incoming class. The Monarchs close out the regular season with a February 19 dual at the Ted Constant Convocation Center with a 1 p.m. dual with Kent State. The wrestling program will honor three seniors -- Kevin Johnson, Mikey Hayes and Jack Dechow. Coach Dixon talks about what each person has meant to the program and how the Monarch wrestling program as a whole is better for their representation in the program. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 39 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast visits with Stafford native and Monarch senior Mikey Hayes. A graduate of powerful Colonial Forge High School, Hayes came to ODU as a walk-on after placing three times at the Group AAA state championships, but failing to win a state championship. A career that started spanning multiple weight classes, Hayes moved up to 149 pounds and has found himself in a position at the NCAA championships this season. While there's still a lot of wrestling to go this year, Hayes has registered a handful of wins over nationally ranked wrestlers. What's been the key to his improvement? And what does he know about Life cereal and the Fabulous Freebirds? SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

From the Virginia Duals in Hampton, Virginia, Episode 38 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast features former Monarch wrestler and current booster Bill Calley. Calley has been a longtime supporter of the program since his career ended in the early 1980s. He's a local official and has seen a number of coaches come through and the impact the program has had on high school wrestling locally. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

After five years with the Old Dominion wrestling team as a competitor, Tristan Warner has stayed close to the program, but in a more official capacity. As ODU football is set to play in its first bowl game, Warner visits the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast to talk about his time in the school's Sports Information Office, working as a graduate assistant. The world of the SID is typically fraught with long hours, little appreciation and even less pay, but for Warner, it's been a great opportunity for him to get experience in a number of sports prior to moving into the "real world." Recently, Warner served as a sideline reporter for the American Sports Network during Old Dominion's win over Southern Miss in football. Warner will explain that experience, how he's leaning on retired SID Carol Hudson for advice and how he's trying to work the PA at The Ted for wrestling duals. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 36 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast circles back with redshirt junior Kevin Beazley. The Michigan native is back on the mats at ODU after taking an Olympic redshirt to train in Greco-Roman wrestling. An injury cut short his journey towards Rio, but he's back in Norfolk looking to earn All-American honors for the first time. Beazley explains the process of redshirting (again) for an Olympic year, what life was like at the Olympic Training Center and what the experience was like for him during his rehab. He'll also share what the relationship is like with All-American Jack Dechow and what the more seasoned members of the team are looking towards with the youth in the program. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Alumni weekend is coming as Old Dominion will host fifth-ranked Missouri on November 13 at 1 p.m at The Ted. The Monarchs are building this weekend around the dual and the football team's home game against Southern Miss. The football Monarchs are bowl-eligible for the first time in school history and the excitement around the game along with the wrestling program should make for a great weekend. On our second episode of Season 3, the Monarch Matcast talks to Mike Dixon, Associate Head Coach, about the weekend at the Southeast Open, the matchup with Missouri and his beloved Chicago Cubs. We also welcome a new staff member to the program, Josh Demas. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 34 of the Old Dominion Wrestling Monarch Matcast visits with one of the true legends in wrestling, former coach Gray Simons. As a wrestler, Simons was one of the greatest. A four-time NAIA champion and three-time NCAA champion at Lock Haven, he also made two Olympic teams. A Norfolk native who wrestled at Granby High School under legendary coach Billy Martin, Simons was recently inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. Simons, an inductee into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, coached college wrestling for 36 years with the last 17 coming closer to home at Old Dominion. Coach Simons talks about getting into wrestling, going to Lock Haven, the demise of wrestling in the SEC as he coached at Tennessee and finishing his career at ODU. At 77, he still teaches a class or two and recently celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary with his wife Mary. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | iHeartRadio | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

We kick off the third season of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast with head wrestling coach Steve Martin. Coach Martin runs down some of the summer time activities and already starts to eye the first official home date of the season, the November 13 dual against national powerhouse and MAC champion Missouri. The Monarchs return NCAA qualifiers Brandon Jeske and Jack Dechow as well as get the services of Kevin Beazley, who was an NCAA qualifier two years ago and redshirted last season training in Greco-Roman in preparation to try to make the U.S. Olympic Team. Alumni weekend is coming up on November 13 as the Monarchs host Missouri, but it's also packaged around the November 12 home football game against Southern Miss. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 32 of the Old Dominion Wrestling Monarch Matcast catches up with 2009 NCAA finalist Ryan Williams. Currently employed by wrestling-friendly Mythics in Virginia Beach, Williams recaps the rise to the NCAA finals his senior season after coming out of Cumberland Valley High School in Pennsylvania with some unfinished business. Williams recalls the chance meeting from a friend's father and ODU coach Steve Martin in Hershey, Pa., that led to his recruitment and improving rapidly during his four seasons. Williams became just the second Division I finalist in school history, following Jody Staylor in 1994. He chronicles his career, the ups, the downs, the key wins and how the pieces fell together and being part of the foundation of what Old Dominion wrestling is today. Battles with Chad Mendes, Drew Lashaway, J Jaggers and 2016 Olympian Frank Molinaro are all discussed. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 31 of the Old Dominion Wrestling Monarch Matcast talks with two-time All-American Chris Mecate, the 2016 Old Dominion Alumni Association Male Athlete of the Year. The California native became the first wrestler in Old Dominion's Division I history to become a back-to-back All-American and just the third wrestler in the program's history at the Division I level to be a two-time All-American. Mecate recently graduated and was also named the NWCA's All-Academic team earlier this week. What's next for Chris? What's his favorite funny Steve Martin story? Find out on the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | Google Play Music | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 30 of the Old Dominion Wrestling Monarch Matcast revisits the NCAA Division I Championships with head wrestling coach Steve Martin. Senior Chris Mecate ended his career as a two-time All-American, while ODU's two other qualifiers, Brandon Jeske at 125 and Jack Dechow at 184, each won multiple-bouts before being eliminated. Coach Martin will talk about the end of the season, incoming recruits, the upcoming golf tournament on April 29 and eye what the lineup could look like next season. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

The regular season is over and Associate Head Coach Mike Dixon will join Episode 29 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast to recap the dual meet portion of the schedule and give a preview of the upcoming MAC championships set for Ypsilanti, Michigan on March 5-6. With a 6-13 record and a 1-7 mark in the MAC, it was a disappointing season in dual competition for the Monarchs, but with three returning All-Americans poised for another run at the podium, the MAC tournament is the last hurdle to clear prior to the NCAA Championships in Madison Square Garden March 17-19. Coach Dixon will go weight-by-weight and analyze the Monarchs' individual chances at qualifying for the national championships. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

One of the more entertaining personalities on the Old Dominion wrestling team is senior Austin Coburn. A native of the Richmond, Va., area, Coburn was a state champion in 2011 at Cosby High School and opted to enroll at ODU. On Episode 28 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, Coburn talks about his move up through four different weight classes, his general demeanor and why he chose Old Dominion. Coburn has wrestled most the year at 197 pounds, but in the past three duals, he's 3-0 bumping up to heavyweight. The Monarchs go for program victory No. 500 on Sunday, February 14 at the Ted against Eastern Michigan and American. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

With the Midlands and the Virginia Duals in the rearview, the focus for the Old Dominion University wrestling team is on the conference schedule. On Episode 27 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast, Associate Head Coach Mike Dixon talks about a few individual performances from the Midlands and the Virginia Duals and then we look into Alumni Weekend and the January 17 dual at The Ted against Northern Iowa. There will be an alumni social on Saturday, January 16 and then a pre-match social on Sunday before the 1 p.m. dual with coach Doug Schwab's UNI Panthers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Doug Ripley is living the dream when it comes to being an Old Dominion Monarch fan. One of the main voices for ODU athletics with public address and women's basketball, Ripley visits Episode 26 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast to chat about the wrestling program. A graduate of Cox High School in Virginia Beach, Ripley has been the voice for numerous sporting events at Old Dominion and all over the country. He's been doing PA for wrestling at ODU home matches, the Virginia Duals and the ACC Championships. He recently finished up announcing the NCAA Division III football championships in Salem, Va. Ripley and host Jason Bryant talk all things ODU wrestling. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App JOIN THE TEAM And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a TEAM MEMBER today. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of team membership. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a team member. You'll get some cool stuff too. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 25 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast visits with head wrestling coach Steve Martin. The Monarchs are coming off a trip to California where they picked up wins over Cal Poly and San Francisco State. The win over Cal Poly was the Monarchs' first over the Mustangs as the schools met for the first time in 33 years in a dual. ODU has two big duals coming up, one at The Ted and another on the road. On December 13, the Monarchs host No. 16 North Carolina, which brings in All-Americans Evan Henderson and Ethan Ramos. On December 17, ODU heads down to Raleigh, N.C., to take on No. 5 N.C. State. The Wolfpack are fresh off a win over Oklahoma State. Chris Mecate, ODU's senior All-American 141 pounder, will face Henderson and All-American Kevin Jack, the N.C. State wrestler who defeated Mecate for fifth place at the 2015 NCAA Division I Championships. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App Contribute And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a contributor today.. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of patronage. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a contributor. How much you give is solely up to how much you believe it's worth to you. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 24 of the Old Dominion Wrestling Monarch Matcast recaps the opening weekends of the season with head wrestling coach Steve Martin. The Monarchs had several wrestlers in action at the Hokie Open in Blacksburg and the Jonathan Kaloust Open in Binghamton, N.Y. Coach Martin will give a breakdown of the performances he was pleased about and then we head into our discussion with the dual against Virginia. Virginia is fresh off a win at then-No. 25 North Dakota State and coach Steve Garland's team has gotten the better of the Monarchs in duals in recent years. We'll go weight-by-weight previewing the dual with Virginia, which is at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 in Charlottesville. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App Contribute And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a contributor today.. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of patronage. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a contributor. How much you give is solely up to how much you believe it's worth to you. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

On Episode 23 of the Old Dominion Wrestling Monarch Matcast, head coach Steve Martin will give some insight into the upcoming season with a look into the Blue-Silver intrasquad match on October 28 and the upcoming open season before heading to Virginia for the first dual of the season against the Cavaliers on November 15. With 15 fresh faces in the wrestling room, coach Martin breaks down the philosophy of how hard practices are at this point in the season, and who's starting to emerge as being match ready. Coach Martin also talks about Lenny Richardson's upcoming appearance at the NWCA All-Star Classic and what it's like to see his longtime friend Rob Larmore, lead the charge with that event. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App Contribute And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a contributor today.. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of patronage. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a contributor. How much you give is solely up to how much you believe it's worth to you. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Alexander "Lenny" Richardson finally broke through during his junior year at Old Dominion. On Episode 22 of the Old Dominion Wrestling Monarch Matcast, Richardson finally lets us know what name he'd like to be called, his decision to come to Old Dominion and what goals he's reaching for this season. A senior from Jersey City, N.J., Richardson has the opportunity to qualify and compete at the NCAA Division I Championships this winter at Madison Square Garden, just a stone's throw from where he grew up. For him, he's looking forward to the homecoming. But before we get ahead of ourselves, Richardson also touches on his upcoming appearance at the 50th annual NWCA All-Star Classic on November 1 in Atlanta. Richardson becomes the fourth Monarch wrestler to earn an invitation to the event. Wayne Bright competed back in 1970, then James Nicholson wrestled in the event twice in 2008 and 2009. Jack Dechow wrestled in the event last year. Richardson will try to become the first Monarch to win a match in the event as he faces longtime rival B.J. Clagon of Rider. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS | Android App | iOS App Contribute And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a contributor today.. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of patronage. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a contributor. How much you give is solely up to how much you believe it's worth to you. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Season 2 of the Monarch Matcast is live with Episode 21 with Old Dominion University head wrestling coach Steve Martin. Coach Martin recaps the summer with ODU alumni and coaches present at the World Championships in Las Vegas and also looks towards a big 2015-16 season that sees the Monarchs bring three returning All-Americans to the mat. Season tickets are available and the home schedule will provide the fans around the state plenty of great action. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW iTunes | Stitcher | Spreaker | Soundcloud | TuneIn | RSS Contribute And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, become a contributor today.. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of patronage. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a contributor. How much you give is solely up to how much you believe it's worth to you. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.

Episode 20 of the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast features Associate Head Coach Mike Dixon as we recap the summer of wrestling at Old Dominion. Dixon was recently at the National Wrestling Coaches Association Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and we'll discuss some of the topics relevant to Old Dominion that came out of the convention. Some of those topics include wrestling's overall push for greater APR scores, a potential shift in the season and how the National Duals discussion impacts the program. Dixon will also recap some of the academic success the program has had in recent years, how the program has changed its focus on recruiting and we'll wrap with some discussion about the schedule, home duals, alumni events and of course, the incoming class of freshmen and transfers. Contribute And if you're a fan of the extensive and broad-based reach of the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network, consider becoming a contributor by going to www.patreon.com/mattalkonline. There are various levels of perks for the different levels of patronage. If you like wrestling content -- scratch that -- if you LOVE great wrestling content, consider becoming a contributor. How much you give is solely up to how much you believe it's worth to you. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a free month with Libsyn.com by using the promo code MTO when you sign up. You'll get the remainder of the month from when you sign up as well as the next month free. It'll be enough time to kick the tires and lights some fires. Keep an eye on www.monarchmatcast.com for updates and various formats of how you can listen to the show and subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Spreaker and TuneIn. Android and iOS apps here! Go to www.monarchmatcast.com/apps to get the FREE app for your iOS or Android device. Check the HOW TO LISTEN menu and you'll see links right to the specific apps and programs. It's also available on the sidebar of the homepage. Follow @mattalkonline on Twitter for updates and nuggets of information about the ODU Wrestling Monarch Matcast and all the other shows that are part of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. You can also check out our network home page at www.mattalkonline.com.