On The Mat

After 17 years bringing Princeton from the bottom of the Division I ranks to a bonafide place where All-Americans can develop and thrive, Chris Ayres is off to a new adventure. Ayres was announced as Stanford's next wrestling coach last month. A Lehigh alum and 1999 Division I All-American, Ayres' drive is both common within the coaching ranks, but his approach is unique at the same time. in Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Andy's big on flash mobs, but Kyle goes on a rant right away about schedules.3:42 - The smaller divisions have better names than Division I.7:25 - The Monday after your career ends in college, you lose relevance. 13:55 - Team USA, men's freestyle world champions again. 16:20 - Kyle's quibble with freestyle scoring. 19:45 - The new king of 97kg. 21:52 - The U.S. women were second, with a mixed bag of results. 23:12 - Cliff Keen Athletic23:51 - Chris Ayres Interview1:11:20 - Cliff Keen headgear1:12:15 - Wrapping up the show and digesting the interview.Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | RSS

For over 50 years, Mike Denney was in and around the sport of wrestling, teaching the next generations of wrestlers and coaches. A seven-time national championship winning coach at the Division II level, Denney announced his retirement this past spring after serving the last 12 years at Maryville University in Missouri. Denney won seven titles at Nebraska-Omaha before the program was dropped the night his program won their third straight title for the second time in school history. “That other place” will honor the 2011 NCAA Division II championship team in October during the Omaha-Niagara hockey game. Coach Denney talks about the healing process the current administration at UNO is offering and some interesting stories about how Maryville got Denney's old mats when they were launching the program. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments0:30 - Andy is extra lean. He's been working out.2:25 - Stopping over at North Central College and Andy doesn't have the cannon he used to.3:30 - Kyle's tempered rant … again.5:45 - Touching on the Nebraska-Omaha drop from 2011. People are still angry.9:40 - Who's #1 recap. 12:45 - Andy's thoughts on participation numbers at the high school level.18:15 - Cliff Keen Athletic18:50 - Mike Denney Interview1:00:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:01:00 - Show Wrap-Up Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Joining the program today is Jody Strittmatter, a four-time college wrestling All-American and founder of the elite Young Guns Wrestling Club in Pennsylvania. Strittmatter was a two-time Division II national champion at Pitt-Johnstown before transferring to Iowa where he finished second and third at the Division I championships. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments0:40 - It takes two to tango with Andy Hamilton. 1:00 - Kyle wastes zero time getting back on his automatic soapbox. 2:20 - Andy sets up what Kyle means about two to tango. 8:40 - Andy looks back at comparing covering Iowa wrestling and Iowa football. 11:00 - Investing in people who invest in you when it comes to coverage. 14:30 - Who's #1 chatter. 16:00 - National Duals potential and what's happening in Division I. 31:10 - Cliff Keen's Sergeant Duffel. 32:00 - Jody Strittmatter Interview1:10:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:11:00 - Wrapping up the show. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Joining the program today is Poway High School head wrestling coach John Meyers. Meyers took over the California powerhouse wrestling program in the spring of 2018 after the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Wayne Branstetter. Meyers was named the CIF coach of the Year in 2022. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:34 - Andy Hamilton isn't like The Ramones, he doesn't want to be sedated.2:40 - Chuck Long was one of Andy's early heroes.5:00 - Back on Kyle's “Future Olympic Champion” pet peeve.13:00 - Looking at the U20 World Championships.16:35 - Different styles of venues for the NCAA Championships.21:00 - Helen Maroulis makes yet another world team.23:15 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen Athletic24:15 - John Meyers Interview1:08:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:09:00 - Show Wrap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

After four days at the NWCA Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Andy Hamilton is back with a report along with a handful of interviews. Some of the topics discussed in Florida were NIL, changing the season, a shift in the recruiting calendar as well as the growth of women's wrestling. Some of the interviews we'll break out in this episode are with Ohio State's Tom Ryan, Iowa's Clarissa Chun and NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Andy was glazed from all that time in Florida. 0:52 - Kyle's Olympic Gold Medal rant.7:25 - Sitting next to the “know it all”8:41 - Kyle remembering the Missouri-Iowa dual in 2015.13:13 - Andy's Hot Topics from the NWCA Convention.19:09 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen.20:00 - Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan.31:00 - Three trophies instead of four at the NCAA championships and looking into Iowa's women's wrestling program.40:15 - Iowa women's head wrestling coach Clarissa Chun. 49:45 - Lots of happenings coming to Iowa in regards to women's wrestling.51:00 - Teeing up Mike Moyer.52:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic52:30 - NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer.1:07:00 - Show Wrap from the Convention. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Eight-time 16U & Junior National Champion Sean Hage of Georgia goes On The Mat Sean Hage of Georgia is a unicorn in American wrestling. He won two 16U (then Cadet) championships and then won six Junior National Championships to become one of two wrestlers to ever become eight time champions in the event we now know as simply Fargo. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Green Eggs and Hamilton.1:24 - Kyle predicted a perfect game, but botched the show himself.8:22 - Cliff Keen Athletic 9:07 - Sean Hage Interview54:45 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen55:48 - Kyle brings up Steve Bartman from the Cubs situation in the show wrap. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Olympian and two-time World silver medalist Kayla Miracle goes On The Mat Indiana native Kayla Miracle has been a steady competitor for Team USA going back to her days at the age-group levels. A two-time Senior world silver medalist, Miracle has represented the USA Wrestling at 12 (soon to be 13) times. That total includes 11 world championships and the 2020 Olympic Team in Tokyo. A four-time WCWA national champion at Campbellsville University, Miracle will be on her fourth Senior world team this coming September in Belgrade. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Andy is thin-sliced. Has he been working out?0:52 - Andy and Kyle go back (rightly) to the cumulative scoring idea. 2:00 - Multi-Divisional National Duals is coming back to Iowa, but Andy and Kyle loved Louisville. 5:20 - Andy looks at going to Fargo. 9:20 - Andy went to some Yankees games. Kyle would have rather been at the library. 12:00 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen12:50 - Kayla Miracle Interview 57:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic57:35 - Show wrap and Kyle's clichés. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Rider University head wrestling coach John Hangey goes On The MatRider University head coach and NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee Chair John Hangey joins the program to discuss some of the recent rule changes coming to college wrestling. He also gives a perspective from a mid-major position on the transfer portal and NIL. Rider University is a Division I program in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and prior to Hangey ascending to the head coaching position, the program was lead by the late Gary Taylor for almost 40 years . Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Andy's into the Black Forest.1:00 - Kyle goes into a baseball rant about perfect games.2:45 - Why would anyone want to officiate?3:45 - Witnessing the moment with Chance Marsteller over Jordan Burroughs.7:15 - Naming the 2010 World Team to put Kyle on the spot.9:50 - It was a good Final X. Breaking down the event.21:40 - Cliff Keen Athletic.22:25 - John Hangey Interview 1:04:30 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen Athletic1:05:30 - Show Recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

W.I.N. Magazine editor Mike Finn goes On The Mat Longtime wrestling writer and W.I.N. Magazine editor Mike Finn joins Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton in-studio to discuss living arrangements, Final X and general wrestling topics. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Andy's gone from butter to honey.0:45 - Mike and Andy were neighbors for a very long time. 2:35 - Discussing the Final X format.4:00 - Looking at Greco-Roman issues. 8:30 - What's cooking with Nittany Lion WC.9:50 - Men's Freestyle thoughts. 14:00 - Impact of moving up weights and opportunities to compete. 17:00 - Teenagers in Final X and Women's Freestyle thoughts. 20:00 - What are we gonna do when the recent greats retire?24:40 - Cliff Keen Athletic 25:18 - Andy digs on some of his data on the American men's freestyle wrestling era.28:00 - Iowa women's wrestling prospectus and can a women's wrestler market like Caitlin Clark?33:50 - Finn's take on the rule changes (pre-announcement). 35:00 - The future of print journalism and wrestling. 37:00 - The Sergeant Duffel and Closing Thoughts. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Hall of Fame Medal of Courage recipient and former U.S. National Team Member Richard Perry Connecticut native Richard Perry has had a trying five years, but before he suffered an accident at Camp Pendleton in California when the U.S. national team was there training, Perry was a member of the national team who had been rapidly improving. A multiple-time NCAA qualifier at Bloomsburg, Perry didn't start wrestling until he was in his later years in high school and eventually turned into a formidable threat on the senior level. His well-documented recovery from that freak accident and his family's faith and support have lifted Perry back up. He will receive the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Medal of Courage this coming weekend in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Andy doesn't look much like a butterball. Why, Kyle? Why?1:00 - Previewing what's coming up with Richard Perry on this episode.2:40 - Fan engagement as Kyle rubs salt into the Yankees' wound.7:45 - Kyle thinks the biggest rivalry in wrestling right now is Virginia Tech vs. NC State.9:00 - Andy finally comes around to asking about Butterball.9:35 - Cliff Keen Athletic10:15 - Richard Perry Interview54:30 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen55:30 - Interview recap with Andy and Kyle. Related Story: Olympic hopeful wrestler injured during Camp Pendleton weapon drill gets record $12 million settlement Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender is next up On The Mat. Bender will discuss the happenings at USA Wrestling heading into Final X. Bender will also be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in early June. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Paddle? Really, Kyle? Maybe it's an “on deck” reference.1:00 - Final X Preparation.3:00 - We've gotta draw in the college fan to being a full wrestling fan. 8:25 - Talking about Cael when he came back in 2011.9:50 - The scoring system at the NCAAs … and what do fans know about it?19:35 - The Sergeant Duffel from Cliff Keen Athletic20:24 - Rich Bender Interview57:25 - Workout Gear from Cliff Keen Athletic58:00 - Show Recap and some takeaways. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSSSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd 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.

U.S. Open Champion Chance Marsteller Chance Marsteller is coming off a championship at the U.S. Open at 79kg and he's earned the right to face Jordan Burroughs at Final X. The winner at Final X will represent the U.S. at the World Championships in Belgrade in September. Marsteller, a Pennsylvania native, was a two-time All-American at Lock Haven. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Andy Hamilton picks up another award, the Jay Hammond Memorial Recognition Award. 4:00 - The last three weeks of wrestling have been incredible. 4:55 - First up, proposed rule changes to college wrestling. 20:00 - Differences in rulesets can be confusing between high school and freestyle. 24:00 - Jesse Whitmer storytime as it relates to program loyalty and the transfer portal.33:00 - U.S. Open storylines. 39:00 - Previewing Chance Marsteller Interview 40:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic41:00 - Chance Marsteller Interview1:23:00 - Cliff Keen Sergeant Duffel1:23:50 - Show Recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Two-time NCAA Champion Austin O'Connor of North Carolina North Carolina's Austin O'Connor became just the second multiple-time NCAA wrestling champion in school history with his second championship earlier this March in Tulsa. O'Connor finished the season undefeated and was a Dan Hodge Trophy finalist. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Hoops Hamilton. Is that a reference to One Crazy Summer?1:30 - Andy just instigating the wrestling public on Twitter. How dare he!?3:30 - Kyle left Tulsa energized. But was he focused? Was he strong? 4:30 - What about Andy? He's qualifies some of his concerns.18:30 - From a tournament perspective: Kyle was wowed by Vito Arujau.25:35 - Mason Parris looking fantastic, too. 27:00 - Keegan O'Toole wrestled a masterpiece final. 31:40 - Taking us through the Matt Ramos fall in the semis. 35:00 - Some other cool moments from Kyle and Andy, including Penn State's performance.40:00 - The Iowa performance.41:30 - The Oklahoma State performance. 43:00 - Shifting focus to the U.S. Open.44:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic45:20 - Austin O'Connor Interview1:20:30 - The Sergeant1:21:30 - Show Recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Shane Sparks joins the show to talk about all things Tulsa. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Hambone is the word for Andy.1:22 - There's a TON of stuff to consume in the last few weeks. 2:00 - Andy breaks away from Kyle's question to talk about the guys who were attacked by the bear earlier this year and how one of them did at NJCAAs.3:00 - Big Ten stuff from Andy.7:00 - Kyle was at the ACC Championships. 10:30 - Grand View's dynasty rolls on. 17:00 - We're STILL streaking with the Burgs in D3. Every title since 1995.20:40 - North Central wins the National Women's Collegiate Championship. 24:00 - The first official NAIA women's championship goes to Southern Oregon.25:00 - Andy touches base on Division II with Central Oklahoma's title. 27:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic.28:10 - Shane Sparks time!1:05:08 - Cliff Keen Athletic.1:05:50 - Show recap Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSSSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd 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.

Iowa football and wrestling commit Ben Kueter There's a lot of buzz surrounding the dynamic Ben Kueter. An Iowa recruit for both football and wrestling, Kueter became the state's 32nd four-time state champion on February 18. Kueter won the U20 (formerly known as Junior) World Championship back in August. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Saddle sores for Andy. 1:00 - That first weekend in March is nuts. With a gallon or three of ice cream.3:00 - Scott Beck chimes in. Kyle and Andy notice. 4:32 - Previewing Ben Kueter on the show.4:50 - When you follow wrestling, you can't understand the sport by a box score.9:00 - Going back to Nate Carr vs. Jim Zalesky. Andy was a tike. 13:30 - Did Cael Sanderson almost wrestle Steve Mocco in the dual?15:00 - Dual season is over. What's memorable?20:45 - Cliff Keen's Sergeant duffel21:45 - Ben Kueter Interview53:45 - Cliff Keen Athletic Workout Gear54:30 - Show wrap-up. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS SUPPORT THE SHOWAnd 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.

Michigan native Adam Coon is back! After making a run at trying to hook up with an NFL team, the 2018 World Silver Medalist is coming back to wrestling full-time and training with the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club. The three-time All-American from Michigan joins the show this week. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:30 - Kyle and Andy “The Muckety Muck” Hamilton. 0:50 - Kyle rants about situational comments.3:00 - How dare the NFL come up with a playoff system where every game matters!6:30 - How dare Kyle bring logic to the equation for dual meet scoring!12:30 - Talking the attendance and draws in the sport, like Spencer Lee at Iowa.19:20 - Remembering Cael in 2002 and the TV impact that year. 22:20 - Gable Steveson's standing O at Carver. 23:20 - Looking back at our trips in January. 28:00 - Battle of the Burgs chatter. 31:20 - Cliff Keen Athletic31:45 - Adam Coon Interview1:16:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:17:00 - Show Wrap-Up with Kyle and Andy. Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytimeApple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSS

Seven-time World and Olympic Champion Jordan Burroughs
Seven-time World and Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs is on the program today. You really don't need to know much more than that. Well, he's talking about the upcoming World Cup coming to Coralville, Iowa on December 10-11 with men's and women's freestyle combined at one event for the first time. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Buckshot Hamilton. Andy's dad was rocking CK and Iowa. 1:15 - Scott Beck is one of the great relationships from this show. 4:25 - Comparing the education process of the World Cup and College Wrestling.13:25 - Iowa vs. Iowa State's history with power duals.24:40 - The Beast Backpack from Cliff Keen.25:30 - Jordan Burroughs Interview.1:13:00 - Cliff Keen Headgear. 1:13:51 - Recapping the Burroughs and smoothies. 
Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytime
Apple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSSSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd 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.

Olympic silver medalist and PINnacle Wrestling School's Brandon Paulson
Anoka, Minnesota native Brandon Paulson is a wrestling-lifer. One of the brains behind one of the most successful youth and high school wrestling clubs in the country (PINnacle Wrestling School) along with Jared Lawrence, Paulson hasn't spent much time away from wrestling mats during his life. An All-American at Minnesota and a 1996 Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, Paulson is versed in every aspect of wrestling. He's also watching his own kids excel on the football field and on the college gymnastics world. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:50 - Andy is hungry, like The Wolf, and teed up for the NWCA All-Star Classic.10:45 - Looking at this past week's Division I dual action.20:51 - Cliff Keen Athletic21:36 - Brandon Paulson Interview 1:20:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:21:00 - Wrapping up the show.

U.S. Women's National Team Coach Terry Steiner goes On The Mat
Terry Steiner has led USA Wrestling's women's program since its welcome into the Olympic family. Heading into next month's World Cup in Coralville, Team USA has a shot to take on the juggernaut Japanese on home soil for the first time since the 2003 World Championships. Josh Schamberger of the Iowa City/Coralville Conventions and Visitors Bureau opens up the show as well. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:50 - Josh Schamberger making an appearance to talk World Cup. 13:40 - Andy and Kyle getting ready for the World Cup. 16:28 - Looking back at USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals. 20:47 - Cliff Keen Athletic21:30 - Terry Steiner Interview1:09:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:10:00 - Show Wrap with Kyle and Andy.

Women's wrestling pioneer goes On The Mat
One of the early trailblazers for women's wrestling, Afsoon Johnston emigrated from her native Iran and fought for a place in the sport of wrestling in California. The first woman in U.S. history to win a medal at the women's wrestling world championships, Johnston has been an advocate for wrestling and girls wrestling and championing the sport for people from all walks of life. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Keeping it Real … muto.1:00 - Kyle starts with a rant on social media. 10:00 - Testing yourself and development at the high school level.18:00 - Do you have to go to the big tournaments to get recruited by the big programs?20:00 - Kyle fawning over the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 32:00 - Northwest College wrestlers battle a grizzly bear. 35:50 - Cliff Keen Beast Backpack.36:50 - Afsoon Johnston Interview. 1:24:00 - Cliff Keen Headgear1:25:00 - Show wrap.

Newly crowed women's freestyle world champion Dominique Parrish is this week's guest. Parrish was a four-time WCWA All-American at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. Parrish won gold at 53kg in Belgrade, Serbia after making her first Senior world team. She's a native of Scotts Valley, California. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:35 - Ice Ice Hamilton.1:15 - Kyle's first memory of Dom Parrish was meeting her at an ice cream store in Colorado Springs. 2:05 - The Worlds are NINE DAYS LONG.8:30 - What's Andy's experience when previewing college weight classes. 20:50 - Two wrestlers going for a fourth NCAA Division I title. 25:10 - Cliff Keen Athletic. 26:00 - Dom Parrish Interview.1:03:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic. 1:04:00 - Recapping the show.

New Morgan State head wrestling coach Kenny Monday joins the show to talk about his new role as the Baltimore-based HBCU is relaunching its wrestling program in 2023-24. Monday was a three-time All-American and 1984 NCAA champion at Oklahoma State. He climbed the podium at the highest levels with an Olympic gold in 1988 followed by a World title in 1989. Monday won silver medals at the 1991 World Championships and the 1992 Olympic Games. He made his third Olympic appearance in 1996 in Atlanta. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Andy enjoying Aaron Judge's run. 2:15 - Who's #1 recap. 6:00 - The NWCA All-Star Classic is coming back. 8:50 - World Championships recap starting with Jordan Burroughs' impact.34:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic.35:00 - Kenny Monday Interview1:13:00 - Cliff Keen Headgear.1:14:15 - Show Recap.

Israel “Izzy” Martinez was one of the top high school wrestlers coming out of Illinois in the early part of the 2000s. Martinez won an NJCAA championship as a freshman at North Idaho College and then enrolled at Iowa, but his Division I career didn't develop like the expectations that followed his stellar high school career. Martinez re-created a name for himself as a high school coach and a high-level club coach with Izzy Style Wrestling in the Chicago suburbs. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Andy is happy because Nebraska football lost. 1:30 - World Championship Season rolls on as we prepare for Belgrade, Serbia.8:30 - Japan's dominance continues on the women's side of things.12:45 - Tonya Verbeek coming to Iowa's women's program. 17:15 - Cliff Keen Beast Backpack.18:00 - Izzy Martinez Interview.1:05:00 - Cliff Keen's signature headgear.1:06:00 - Show recap.

Doug Brooker has spent decades covering wrestling, but doing it behind a wall of monitors. A longtime producer, Brooker worked for Iowa Public Television for 30 years and was the go-to guy when it came to wrestling on television. Brooker also was on the ground floor with Big Ten Network's wrestling broadcasts and he's worked 10 Olympic Games, with seven of them involving wrestling. He's also an avid baseball fan and has traveled the country seeing ballparks of all shapes and sizes. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments 0:40 - Poor Yankees. At least Andy's sad and full of excuses.2:50 - Kyle digs on the Iowa performances at the NCAA championships. 10:00 - Impact of Pablo Ubasa's club on Iowa high school wrestling.13:00 - The Iowa High School state wrestling tournament is one of the biggest events in the state.15:00 - Rise of the non-Division I programs in Iowa and the developmental pipeline.20:00 - Travel restrictions also hamper Iowa high school wrestling.25:00 - Andy's thoughts before we get to our guest.26:15 - Cliff Keen Athletic.27:00 - Doug Brooker Interview.1:00:00 - Sterilaser.1:01:00 - Show recap.

It's been a while since Kyle and Andy sat down and hit record, but that's just what they'll do as they recap some of the summer happenings - the U17 World Championships, Junior & 16U Nationals and the NWCA Convention. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments
0:30 - Kyle throws out some surfing references for Andy.1:00 - The NWCA Convention.1:41 - Andy looks back at the themes and takeaways from the previous conventions.2:28 - Transformation Committee thoughts with Purdue's Tony Ersland.3:42 - Biggest issues in Division III according to Wartburg's Eric Keller.10:00 - Wartburg vs. Grand View: Will it happen?12:00 - Do the coaches intermingle between divisions?12:50 - How does the leadership academy advance the sport?19:00 - Name-dropping some college coaches we talked to. 21:00 - FARGO! Starting with Iowa wins the 16U women's title. 24:00 - Big, big brackets and the record turnout. 29:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic30:10 - Highlight Fargo Moments and Ben Kueter questions.39:00 - Looking at some of the states that turned some heads. 41:00 - U17 Worlds, starting with Joe Sealey. 52:00 - Sterilaser.

Brian Fox of the Mississippi Wrestling Foundation is helping to try to get Mississippi to complete that circle on getting the sport of wrestling fully integrated into the last state that doesn't have an official state wrestling tournament. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments
0:40 - Andy likes mostly regional taco chains. 1:00 - Andy's going to FINALLY see the Bronx Bombers in New York. 3:00 - Best non-wrestling memories from wrestling trips with Andy.5:00 - More than disappointed at the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament.6:00 - The format was “a step back.”10:00 - Attendance on the college side is rising and the disconnect between age groups. 17:00 - No one lies about making a World Team. 19:00 - Burroughs was the face USA Wrestling needed. 25:00 - Talking Mississippi - Who is Brian Fox and why he's on the show. 28:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic29:15 - Brian Fox Interview1:01:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:01:45 - Roll'em like a biscuit to close the show.

Think Iowa City President Josh Schamberger goes On The Mat
A new college wrestling tournament will hit the schedule in December as Soldier Salute will kick off just before New Year's at Coralville, Iowa's Xtreme Arena. The event is the brainchild of Josh Schamberger, the President of the Iowa City/Coralville Visitors & Conventions Bureau and a big-time fan of wrestling and wrestling events. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments
0:40 - Andy Hamilton looking for a side of fries0:45 - Kyle LOVES The Trials3:50 - Kasper's Korner FOR YO WHAT?!4:35 - Skill or Will?7:40 - Back to the Trials, here's the process. 10:20 - Wrestling heavy weeks coming and going. 12:41 - Learning how wrestling operates. 19:00 - Making a World Team is impressive. 22:00 - Final Thoughts before the Interview.22:51 - Cliff Keen Athletic23:36 - Josh Schamberger Interview.1:01:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:02:15 - Show Wrap.

Michigan's Sean Bormet Sean Bormet goes On The Mat
Michigan head wrestling coach Sean Bormet is coming off a program-best second-place finish at the NCAA Division I Championships as the school capped it's 100th season on the mats. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments
0:40 - Andy resembles a backpack, a good one, but a backpack nevertheless.1:30 - Shane Sparks is also a Beast. The engine doesn't cool down.3:25 - Twitter is a loaded gun. You can't make a mistake on Twitter.5:50 - It's a new era of wrestling, but we have some sense of normalcy.10:00 - Kids battling one another like their dads did. 11:30 - Great group of superstars heading to Final X. 14:00 - Can Penn State reach the points record at the D1 championships?15:00 - U.S. Open thoughts. 16:15 - Cliff Keen Athletic17:00 - Sean Bormet Interview1:02:20 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:03:05 - Show wrap up with Andy and Kyle.

NC State's five-time All-American Hayden Hidlay finished up his college career a few weeks ago in Detroit at 174 pounds. Now he's taken the shoes off from competitive wrestling and will turn his focus to coaching, starting out with a new role at his alma mater. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments
0:40 - As always, Andy is ready for baseball.1:30 - Kyle needs to shed some light on some things at NHSCAs.7:30 - Wrestling's entry points & tournament evolution. 15:00 - Rules, competitive balance and limiting the drops through COVID.22:00 - It's hard to battle for an extended time in college wrestling.26:00 - Sterilaser & Cliff Keen28:00 - Hayden Hidlay Interview1:10:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:11:00 - Show Wrap Up

Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytime
Apple

Clackamas head coach Josh Rhoden goes On The Mat
Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Oregon won its sixth NJCAA national wrestling championship a couple weeks ago in Council Bluffs, Iowa and head coach Josh Rhoden is on the program to talk about it. The title is the Cougars' fourth in a row and fifth since 2011. The first national title was won back in 1971. Rhoden comes on the show to talk about the program, the performance and more. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments
0:41 - Go Go Power Rangers! Go Go Cliff Keen!1:33 - Any is excited baseball is back. 2:20 - We've got a lot to catch up on, but first Kyle gets on a soap box.10:30 - Kyle and Andy with their thoughts on the Big 12 and Big Ten tournaments. 25:00 - What's Andy most excited about the D1s?29:00 - What if Gable gets beat?32:00 - Sterilaser33:15 - Josh Rhoden Interview1:17:00 - Time for new singlets from Cliff Keen.1:18:00 - Show wrap-up.

Four-time All-American and two-time NCAA Division I Champion Travis Lee joins Andy Hamilton and Kyle Klingman on the latest episode of On The Mat. Lee became the first Hawaiian to become an All-American at the NCAA Division I level when he finished seventh in Albany in 2002. In 2003 in Kansas City, he one-upped himself, becoming the first Hawaiian to win an NCAA Division I title. In high school, Lee made history and prevented history at the same time when he became the first wrestler from his state to win a USA Wrestling Cadet or Junior title in any style and prevented Nick Simmons from becoming the second four-time Junior freestyle national champion as well. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments
0:37 - Andy loves a Mongolian barbecue. 0:40 - Baseball puns for Bout at the Ballpark. 3:50 - Attendance discussion. 8:40 - McLeod Center attendance was woefully undercounted. 12:29 - What other teams are going to be a factor? 
17:00 - What other stars are going to draw eyes? 20:00 - Previewing Travis Lee. 24:00 - What do we do post Jordan Burroughs?
28:00 - Talking Cliff Keen. 30:00 - Travis Lee Interview54:45 - Cliff Keen Athletic55:25 - Post Show

Mark Schwab goes On The Mat
Two-time UNI All-American and longtime coach Mark Schwab goes On The Mat. Schwab had a successful career as an assistant coach at UNI, Purdue and Minnesota before a head coaching stop at Buena Vista. As a wrestler, Schwab's prowess was tough to match. Schwab was a three-time Junior freestyle national champion and won a fourth title in Greco-Roman at the Junior level. Regarded by some as the greatest high school wrestler of all-time from the state of Iowa, the Osage native is in-studio. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports.

Eric Juergens goes On The Mat

Eric Juergens was a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA champion for the University of Iowa from 1998-2001. Juergens is the co-owner of Young Guns, which has locations in Pennsylvania and Iowa. Juergens handles the Midwest location while former teammate John Strittmatter coordinates things in Pennsylvania. Juergens tells some stories about his time in Iowa as well. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. 0:40 - Andy Hamilton has some famous friends you've never heard of.1:00 - Kyle is still buzzing from the NWCA Multi-Duals. 3:30 - How would one describe Life's Omi Acosta? 5:15 - How do you follow this event? It's too good. 6:30 - Spencer Lee out, Drake Ayala in. 11:30 - Could Lee have score 75, 100 points in a match?15:00 - Iowa wrestling is outdrawing the basketball program. 18:00- Luke Eustice hand-counted 52,000 heads with a magnifying glass.18:50 - Brady Berge is back in State College. 20:50 - Michigan will be in contention. 23:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic.24:00 - Eric Juergens Interview. 1:35:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:36:00 - Show Wrap

Jim Miller goes On The Mat

Jim Miller won 10 NCAA Division III titles as the head coach at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Jim is in studio on Episode 639 of On The Mat. Miller is now the Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. Coach Miller talks about the time when the Division II, Division III and NAIA teams got invites to compete at the National Duals. Now we have the NWCA Multi-Divisional National Duals with all divisions and Miller opens up with his experiences coaching one of the top wrestling programs in the country as well as his path to success and his knack for winning. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports.

Khash Saghafi goes On The Mat

Khash Saghafi joins Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as On The Mat returns now that the college wrestling season is here. Saghafi is currently the President of Liberty Home Mortgage in Ohio, but he was a former wrestler at Oklahoma State. Kyle's been wanting to get Khash on the show for a while. Listen and find out why Saghafi insists on refusing to settle. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com from FloSports. Show Segments0:35 - Turkey Gobbler Andy Hamilton and Kyle return1:00 - Clarissa Chun tabbed as first Iowa head women's coach7:12 - More on Iowa sanctioning, or dragging its feet, on sanctioning girls wrestling11:00 - What's Iowa's women's wrestling program going to look like? 12:32 - Hey, let's talk Nick Suriano!19:00 - Klingman's getting negative again. Referencing Minnesota28:00 - National champs getting beat in November33:00 - NIL chatter37:00 - Kyle: “I love On The Mat”38:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic39:00 - Khash Saghafi Interview1:30:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:31:00 - Show Recap and Wrap-up.

Indiana native Leroy Vega as an animal on the mat as a four-time NCAA Division I qualifier and three-time All-American at the University of Minnesota. Vega had a couple of short coaching stops before landing at Purdue a couple seasons ago as the volunteer assistant for coach Tony Ersland. 
Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com, part of FloSports.Show Segments
0:38 - Pride of the Yankees, Andy Hamilton.1:00 - Previewing the guest, Leroy Vega and what that Minnesota move to the top did for college wrestling.3:30 - J Robinson deserves a lot more credit than he gets.
6:00 - What Andy recalls about Vega. 7:05 - Cliff Keen Athletic.7:45 - Leroy Vega Interview40:00 - Show wrap-up.

Terry Steiner, the current U.S. National Women's Freestyle Coach, will come On The Mat to talk about the Olympic Games and the upcoming U.S. World Team Trials, which are set for Lincoln, Nebraska on September 11-12, 2021.
Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com, part of FloSports.Show Segments
0:54 - Cross Country Runners gotta eat.1:20 - Why do you like Terry Steiner?2:11 - Andy's tweet and medal performances.9:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic10:12 - Terry Steiner interview1:07:36 - Sterilaser1:09:00 - Show Wrap

U.S. National Men's Freestyle Coach Bill Zadick
Bill Zadick, recent inductee into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the current U.S. National Men's Freestyle Coach, will come On The Mat to talk about the Olympic Games and the upcoming U.S. World Team Trials, which are set for Lincoln, Nebraska on September 11-12, 2021.
Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com, part of FloSports.Show Segments
0:36 - The Green Machine!1:33 - Kyle's top event live was the 2017 World Team Trials in Lincoln. What about Andy?6:40 - Kyle looking at the resources now with FloSports from the content side?13:00 - Sterilazer14:40 - Bill Zadick Interview1:05:35 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:06:00 - Show wrapSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd 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.https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute

Andy Hamilton is back from Tokyo
The only guest that matters this week is co-host Andy Hamilton. It'll be a full Tokyo breakdown as Andy's back from Japan and the Olympic Games. 
Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com, part of FloSports.Show Segments
0:34 - The Samurai Warrior1:10 - Kyle Klingman breaks down how Cliff Keen, the coach, had a vision for RTCs back in 1948.2:40 - Kyle Klingman was catching the action from Stillwater on assignment.3:50 - How Kyle Dake lost 11-0?7:50 - Unpacking the tournament. Starting things out with the venue.12:30 - How to cover this in-venue. 17:10 - The humidity in Tokyo is unreal. 18:30 - Let's jump through those hoops.22:50 - Cliff Keen Athletic23:40 - Interacting in the press area and trying to eat. 25:20 - Gable Steveson.37:36 - The moment you knew wrestling changed.40:22 - David Taylor vs. Hassan Yazdani. 44:18 - Tamyra Mensah-Stock is the star of the Olympics. 49:30 - Sadulaev's draw - come on dude. 52:00 - Helen Maroulis & Thomas Gilman59:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic with Sterilazer.1:00:00 - Sarah Hildebrandt wins bronze. 1:03:00 - Adeline Gray takes silver. 1:05:00 - Kyle and Ken Klingman talk wrestling. 1:07:00 - Final thoughts on the Games: Meltdowns and more. 

Subscribe to On The Mat and listen anytime
Apple Podcasts | Stitcher Radio | Spreaker | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Google Podcasts | RSSSUPPORT THE SHOWAnd 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.

Ned Shuck goes On The Mat
The newest head coach to be hired in Division I is Ned Shuck at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Shuck was most recently at Army West Point as an assistant coach under Kevin Ward. Prior to that, Shuck was a Division III head coach at UW-Whitewater and Heidelberg after a wrestling career at Iowa. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com, part of FloSports.Show Segments
0:45 - We're back with the singular, possessive one, Andy Hamilton.
1:25 - We've been everywhere, man. 
4:30 - Is there a better visionary in the sport than Brian Smith of Missouri?
9:30 - The Olympics and all the stuff that goes with it?
15:00 - Why can't we get half the golds in men's freestyle?
17:44 - It's easy to get excited about the women's team!
20:15 - Greco trends. 
21:30 - Andy's storylines upcoming. 
22:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic
24:00 - Ned Shuck Interview1:04:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:05:00 - Postshow.

Joey McKenna goes On The MatJoey McKenna’s had an up-and-down path through senior-level wrestling. From reaching Final X to not qualifying for the World Team Trials to reaching the Olympic Trials finals, he’s got an interesting path. A three-time NCAA All-American at Stanford and Ohio State, McKenna now represents the Pennsylvania RTC. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:32 - 232 Andy Hamilton, what does that ACTUALLY mean?1:00 - Quick preview of Joey McKenna on the suggestion of Michaela Beck.2:17 - It’s imperative that Jordan Oliver qualifies the weight, and the weight is deep.4:00 - The 232 is actually 2.32 and it was Andy’s GPA. 8:40 - Andy insists he wasn’t an idiot. 11:00 - You can’t teach hustle. 13:10 - Kyle’s Rant: “If I had his talent, I could coach his team to a national title.”26:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic Beast Backpack26:45 - Joey McKenna Interview52:36 - Cliff Keen Athletic Headgear.53:10 - Show Recap

North Carolina head coach Coleman Scott goes On The Mat
Coleman Scott was a four-time All-American at Oklahoma State and a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in London. In 2021, he coached his first individual champion at North Carolina as Austin O’Connor won the 149-pound title, becoming the Tar Heels first NCAA champion since 1995. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:35 - Andy rocks a Costanza (not Costanzo) wallet. 0:51 - Kyle literally got choked up - and you WILL hear about it later (hint hint)
1:18 - Division I championship recap - Iowa got it done.
3:08 - Mr. Fasttwitch chatter.
8:00 - Next up, Gable Steveson.
12:54 - Finishing up the NCAA tournament takeaways - Edge Rules!
16:48 - Shane Griffith wins an NCAA title, Family Legacies.
17:25 - We weren’t there!
19:25 - Andy was actually at the Olympic Team Trials. 
21:10 - Talking men’s freestyle.
30:22 - Talking women’s freestyle - all those sitting out made the team.
35:52 - Talking Greco-Roman.
38:15 - Cliff Keen Athletic.
39:11 - Coleman Scott Interview.
1:21:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic.
1:21:30 - Show Recap.
1:25:11 - Kyle getting choked up.

Mike Denney goes On The Mat
Maryville head wrestling coach Mike Denney reflects on the UNO series on Trackwrestling and the 10-year anniversary of the program being dropped after winning a third straight NCAA Division II championship. Denney shares some stories about the process before, during and after.Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:35 - Andy is the Maverick. Let’s talk UNO. 2:30 - The steps of why leadership failed at UNO.4:30 - The school changed the locks before they even got home.6:30 - Trev Alberts couldn’t even deliver the bad news face-to-face.11:54 - Championship Season Update - D3 and NAIA.24:50 - Women’s Championships Updates & D2 Update.28:00 - High medal at the Olympics?
28:54 - Cliff Keen Athletic29:34 - Mike Denney Interview1:21:24 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:22:00 - Show Wrap

Missouri head coach Brian Smith goes On The Mat

Brian Smith and his Missouri Tigers are fresh off their 10th straight conference championship and ninth Mid-American Conference title. Coach Smith joins the show to talk about Missouri qualifying all 10 wrestlers to the Division I Championships the third weekend in March as well as setting a new MAC record and losing just six matches as a team the entire tournament. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:35 - Autobots, ROLL OUT!0:46 - How we got here.4:42 - When it shut down, being there, where were we?8:00 - Where are college sports without college football?11:40 - Necessity is the mother of invention. 14:00 - Let’s not lose the personal quality of the sport.15:30 - Looking ahead, what do we think? 19:00 - Remember complaining about the layout at U.S. Bank Stadium?21:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic22:00 - Brian Smith Interview1:06:50 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:07:30 - Show Wrap

Wartburg All-American and Gilbertville (Iowa) Don Bosco High School head wrestling coach Tom Hogan is next On The Mat. Hogan recently led Don Bosco to yet another 1A Iowa high school state championship, but now Hogan will step away from coaching at the respected Gilbertville school. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:35 - Ishtar reference. Such is the year we’re in. 2:00 - Coverage has been interesting in the COVID era. Who’s having championships?4:00 - How are states executing their tournaments? 6:30 - How do you explain this era of wrestling?10:30 - When will packed houses return to wrestling?14:00 - What happens when things get canceled? 16:00 - What about the Olympic Trials?19:30 - Division III talking points yet again, this time with a football example. 30:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic31:30 - Tom Hogan Interview
1:04:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:05:00 - Show wrap

Frank Popolizio goes On The Mat

Successful New York high school and club coach Frank Popolizio has had great success in building teams, programs and events New York’s Capital Region. You’ve seen the Northeast Duals, Journeymen Fall Classic just to name a couple. What’s next on the horizon for the progressive wrestling leader? Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:37 - Andy “Go with the Flo” Hamilton0:58 - Impressive Category: Wrestle D1 as a starter or D3 All-American?4:40 - Trackwrestling/Flowrestling details.10:00 - Previewing Frank Popolizio11:05 - Cliff Keen Athletic11:52 - Frank Popolizio Interview 1:00:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic1:00:41 - Show Wrap Up


Mark Fong and Mack Reiter will go On The Mat. Fong is a high school coach in Connecticut and is starting the Overcomer Training Center in Middletown. The connection there is Fong was Richard Perry’s high school coach. Perry suffered a life-altering injury while training in the run up to the 2018 World Championships. Don Bosco graduate and Minnesota three-time All-American Mack Reiter also joins the show. He talks a lot, so he’ll be entertaining. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:45 - The Magnifying Glass and Quick Show Introductions1:15 - Kyle tells a Cliff Keen story about Andy Hamilton4:20 - Question for the day: What is more impressive - placing 8th at D3 or wrestling a handful of varsity matches at Iowa or Oklahoma State?6:45 - Cliff Keen Athletic 7:40 - Mark Fong Interview30:42 - Mark Fong Recap34:47 - Cliff Keen Athletic35:28 - Mack Reiter Interview1:26:00 - Mack Reiter Recap

Mark Manning, head coach at the University of Nebraska, will go On The Mat for January 12, 2021. Manning is in his 20th season at the helm in Lincoln after previous coaching stops at Northern Iowa and Oklahoma. Manning is a South Dakota native who won two Division II championships at Nebraska-Omaha under coach Mike Denney. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments0:34 - Scott Beck returns for the mailbag right off the bat with a risky proposition.
2:00 - Tamyra Mensah-Stock over Adeline Gray
7:00 - Going back with the time machine
10:55 - Watching footage in a unique way
17:00 - Age gaps and competing by comparing levels. 
25:00 - Smoking heaters as an elite athlete?
28:00 - Georgia (the state) wrestling and a Southern shift in focus.
32:30 - Cliff Keen Athletic
33:35 - Mark Manning Interview


After a history of injuries and concussions, Iowa State’s Austin Gomez announced last month he was stepping away from the sport of wrestling after a short lifetime competing within it. Gomez was a 2019 NCAA qualifier, finishing a match away from placing in Pittsburgh. A four-time champion in Fargo and a three-time Illinois high school state champion, he was one of the top recruits in the nation. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:45 - Houndstooth coat, but previewing Austin Gomez coming on the show.
2:12 - What makes a wrestler exciting? Let’s go down the rabbit hole. 
16:40 - Kyle still learns about high school wrestling. 
23:00 - Dan Hodge and going back in time with how the schedule works. 
28:30 - A word from Cliff Keen.
29:40 - Austin Gomez Interview
49:55 - Cliff Keen Athletic
50:32 - Recapping the show.

Kansas native and four-time NCAA Division I All-American Tyler Caldwell is next up On The Mat. A two-time All-American at both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Caldwell serves as the Recruiting Coordinator for the Oklahoma State wrestling program. He was also a 2014 World University champion in freestyle wrestling. On The Mat is presented by Cliff Keen Athletic. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:50 - What type is Andy? Bowl or Plate? 
3:30 - Matt Krumrie’s High School Insider discussion. 
5:15 - Legacies are going to look differently moving forward.
12:00 - How many true freshmen will we see on the mats? 15:00 - We get to find out who the top wrestlers are with wrestling, not like football.
19:15 - Trackwrestling College Rankings
23:00 - Grand View broke the college wrestling dual meet win streak record.
24:00 - Why is a recruiting coordinator on the show? 
27:12 - Cliff Keen Athletic
27:40 - Tyler Caldwell interview
1:15:00 - Show Wrap


Michigan head wrestling coach Sean Bormet goes On The Mat

Sean Bormet, the head wrestling coach at the University of Michigan, is the latest guest On The Mat. Bormet will talk about his ascension to the head coaching ranks, the success of the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club and more on this episode. On The Mat is presented by Cliff Keen Athletic. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton as they talk about the world of wrestling on the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:50 - Andy’s nickname is overblown. 
1:00 - Kyle is still obsessed with Sacred Heart. 
3:00 - Clearing up Kyle’s vent about Kennedy Blades. 
4:55 - D1 and non-D1 prestigiousness. 
10:48 - Andy has the right to change his goalposts, too!
13:00 - Les Sigman sucker bets. 
15:00 - Jim Miller has gotten himself into a pickle with Dan Gable stuff. 
22:00 - Previewing Sean Bormet
24:00 - Cliff Keen Athletic
24:30 - Sean Bormet Interview
59:00 - More from Cliff Keen
1:00:00 - Show wrap