Listen Now

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


Blair Academy coach Brian Antonelli and St. Edward senior Paddy Gallagher On The Mat

Brian Antonelli, the head coach at one of the nation’s premiere high school wrestling programs, Blair Academy, joins the show, as does Trackwrestling’s Cliff Keen Preseason Wrestler of the Year, Paddy Gallagher from St. Edward in Ohio. 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 “Golden Arches” Hamilton is doing superbly.
1:00 - Talking H.S. wrestling with Paddy Gallagher and Brian Antonelli today
1:45 - What’s it like taking over for a legend? 
5:15 - Remembering Jim Keen, who recently passed away.
6:25 - Talking Sacred Heart. 
8:54 - My takes on your takes.
25:00 - A Word From Cliff Keen Athletic
25:50 - Brian Antonelli Interview
1:00:55 - Paddy Gallagher Interview

Stanford head wrestling coach Jason Borrelli goes On The MatJason Borrelli, the head wrestling coach at Stanford and an alum of Central Michigan, is the latest guest On The Mat. Borrelli will give us a breakdown on what’s going on to keep the program, as well as what they want to bring to The Farm. On The Mat. Presented by Cliff Keen Athletic, join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com.Show Segments0:45 - Herbal Essences isn’t the title sponsor, Cliff Keen now is!2:50 - Exploring the possibilities of preserving Stanford wrestling.5:15 - Kyle’s segment idea: My Take on Your Takes5:20 - What’s more impressive, winning one match at the Division I championships or winning an NAIA, D2 or D3 national championship?10:50 - Wrestling is like no other in the anguish you take with you. 14:50 - What can we do to explain the sport more to the casual fan, especially in freestyle and Greco-Roman.24:00 - On The Mat Partner Cliff Keen Athletic25:00 - Jason Borrelli Interview1:05:00 - Show Wrap

Ashley Sword, the head women’s wrestling coach at Life University in Georgia and Chris Pendleton, head wrestling coach at Oregon State University are the latest guests On The Mat. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:45 - The Snapping Turtle
0:55 - Recapping the HWC Showdown Open
5:45 - Sarah Hildebrandt didn’t compete, but Tom and Terry wanted women’s bouts on the card.9:00 - Devyn Gomez getting thrown to the wolves
10:00 - Bryce Meredith sounds off.14:50 - Tom Brands on paying the athletes
17:30 - There's big plans for Xtream Arena19:00 - Back to the snapping turtle line
21:00 - Ashley Sword interview
38:00 - Previewing Chris Pendleton
40:00 - Chris Pendleton Interview


Four-time All-American Matt Kolodzik goes On The Mat 

Princeton’s first four-time wrestling All-American, Matthew Kolodzik, will go On The Mat to talk about his upcoming battle with Pat Lugo at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open on November 1. An Ohio native, Kolodzik wrestled at prep powerhouse Blair Academy in New Jersey before enrolling at Princeton. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:45 - Kentucky Derby vagrancy questions and Andy’s at a loss for words
1:50 - Kyle loves hypotheticals. Comparing eras. 9:40 - Evolution of sports and access. 
14:00 - Fresno State dropping wrestling. 
17:00 - Team USA isn’t going to Worlds.
19:22 - Chatting about the HWC Showdown Open.
20:55 - Andy showed up on Stalemates. 
24:00 - Andy recalls the time Tom Brands found out about Twitter.
30:00 - Looking back at Iowa in 2011. 
34:00 - Andy looks up Vagrant on Wikipedia. 
35:00 - Matthew Kolodzik interview.


Longtime editor of Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine Mike Finn comes back On The Mat. Finn’s covered the sport for decades and provides one of the sharpest beards in all of wrestling. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:45 - Still with the horses - Wrestling’s Seabiscuit Andy Hamilton.
1:33 - Will Burroughs compete through 2024?
9:40 - Talking about the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open.
14:00 - Andy covered Iowa forever, now he’s helping put on an event.
16:00 - Got some events coming up on Trackwrestling
17:45 - Happy Birthday to Gary Abbott!
18:44 - Before we get to Mike Finn, what’s up with the horses, Kyle?
20:00 - Mike Finn Interview.

2016 Olympian and new Beat The Streets Chicago women’s coach Haley Augello goes On The Mat 
On The Mat returns as Kyle and Andy talk with Haley Augello, an Illinois native who represented the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in women’s freestyle wrestling. Augello was also a 2017 World Team member and was a 2011 Cadet world champion. She’s the new women’s coach at Beat The Streets Chicago. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments0:45 - Secretariat of Wrestling. We’re on to horses now? 
1:15 - The anniversary of Gary Abbott’s epic display of resilience.
5:40 - Previewing Haley Augello.
7:10 - Sally Roberts gets brought up a lot.
10:15 - Freestyle for women in high school?15:00 - #HowSheWrestles movement
17:30 - Are we journalists or are we storytellers?20:00 - Back to women’s wrestling 25:00 - Haley Augello Interview47:25 - Show wrap-up 


On The Mat returns as Kyle and Andy talk with Northern Colorado head wrestling coach Troy Nickerson. A New York native, Nickerson was an NCAA champion and a four-time Division I All-American at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He’s entering his sixth season at the helm in Greeley. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:45 - Andy is THE COMMISH
2:00 - Hamilton Highlight Reel
3:30 - Bell cow is the theme for the year
4:00 - Who are wrestling’s celebrities? How do we plug in our fans?
13:40 - What if Ray Brinzer wrestled in the social media era? 
15:00 - Coverage has evolved for college wrestling
25:00 - We need more All The Way NASCAR-type fans in wrestling
28:00 - Looking at the rules and what’s that do for fans of all styles?
35:00 - We can’t be afraid to try stuff
38:20 - Who do people think they are? 46:20 - Troy Nickerson Interview

NASCAR Trucks Series driver and high school wrestler Derek Kraus goes On The Mat 

Sitting 11th in NASCAR’s Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series, Stratford, Wisconsin native Derek Kraus is on the playoff bubble this season. A recent high school graduate, Kraus wrestled and trained with age-group world champion Macey Kilty and has deep wrestling roots. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:48 - Andy “The Deer Jerky” Hamilton
1:03 - Who is Derek Kraus?
1:56 - What is the NASCAR culture like?
9:30 - Kyle’s perceived interest in press releases from Andy
10:15 - Power of the headline, the picture and the art.14:50 - Kyle crashes a wedding with Jim Miller
20:10 - Andy/Adam/Whoever. 
23:30 - Derek Kraus Interview

With wrestling’s start date looking more and more like January 1, the NCAA’s Director of Championships, Anthony Holman, rejoins the show to talk about what is going to happen with wrestling at the college level, specifically NCAA Division I amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments
0:30 - Andy “Air” Hamilton and why Kyle’s feeling great.
4:40 - Kyle actually wanted Gable and Iowa to lose and his affinity for John Smith.
8:40 - The What I Learned From series on Trackwrestling. 
10:40 - Looking back at National Duals on the women’s side. 
15:00 - Previewing Anthony Holman.

Longtime Cobra Wrestling coach Marc Sprague of Oregon goes On The Mat

Longtime Oregon wrestling coach Marc Sprague joins the show to talk about the wild success of the Cobra Wrestling system in Oregon along with the rivalries and battles that went along with the great wrestling stars of the Pacific Northwest. Join Kyle Klingman and Andy Hamilton On The Mat, the flagship podcast of Trackwrestling.com. Show Segments0:32 - Murder Hornets!
1:40 - Learning about our great guest today, Marc Sprague.
5:00 - Talking about the club scene nationally.12:50 - The energy of Jake Deitchler
19:15 - Shane Sparks is the king of energy22:00 - Marc Sprague interview


Indiana alum and New York native Ryan LeBlanc was recently named the new head coach at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. Most recently an assistant within the Southern Conference at Appalachian State, LeBlanc joins On The Mat to talk about his new perch.Show Segments0:32 - Andy Hamilton, our own bell cow. Wait, what is an actual bell cow?
4:10 - Andy wants Cattle Congress to match up with his wrestling schedule again.
6:50 - Talking about the My Wrestling Hero series.
18:40 - NWCA Women’s Media Panel from the virtual convention.
24:00 - Previewing Ryan LeBlanc
25:00 - Ryan LeBlanc interview
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.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.

Olympic champion and Pennsylvania RTC head coach Brandon Slay goes On The Mat

Brandon Slay, the head coach of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center and a 2000 Olympic champion in men’s freestyle wrestling joins the show. It’s been 20 years since Slay competed in Sydney, but the big news also centers around the landing of Jordan Burroughs who will be coming to the area after this Olympic cycle ends. Show Segments
0:35 - Andy Hamilton is always going green.
1:35 - Previewing Brandon Slay’s interview and the Jordan Burroughs movement. 
5:00 - What actually is happening in wrestling. Let’s make sense of it. 
10:40 - Looking back at My Wrestling Hero on Trackwrestling.
15:50 - What’s Kyle’s quarantine project?
18:20 - Brandon Slay Interview.

World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist Clarissa Chun goes On The Mat

Clarissa Chun, a 2008 world champion and 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Clarissa Chun comes on the show to break the silence from On The Mat. Chun is on the coaching staff for Team USA and has a distinguished career on the mat. The Hawaii native has been an icon in American women’s wrestling.Show Segments
0:25 - Andy Hamilton and his junior college masterpiece 
1:30 - Strange times for wrestling, and everyone wants to know.
3:30 - Deciphering the information about COVID-19
6:00- Previewing Clarissa Chun and the turning point of women’s wrestling
10:45 - Objective journalist compared to the emotional parent perspective
12:00 - Hawaii sponsored girls high school wrestling in 1998. Iowa still hasn’t. 
17:00 - Emerging Sports Status for all three NCAA divisions. 
19:00 - Clarissa Chun interview

World and Olympic champion Kevin Jackson goes On The Mat
An open dialogue with Kevin Jackson on race and wrestling and the current events going on in the world.

NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer and Trackwrestling founder Justin Tritz go On The MatMike Moyer, the Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association, will kick off Episode 606 of On The Mat with Kyle and Andy. The second guest is Trackwrestling founder Justin Tritz, who recently announced he was leaving the main part of the company to focus on some new technology avenues tied to wrestling. Join Andy Hamilton and Kyle Klingman as they talk to our guest and topics related to the recent happenings in and around wrestling.Show Segments0:25 - Ice Cream Cone Hamilton0:55 - Previewing the show with guest Justin Tritz & Mike Moyer1:05 - Dynasty Duals breakdowns6:30 - How the history shakes out and what would have happened with social media8:14 - Andy finds a few things interesting11:10 - Hawkeye Wrestling Club news21:20 - Mike Moyer Interview1:03:00 - Justin Tritz Interview

Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan and McKendree women’s head coach Sam Schmitz go On The MatOhio State head wrestling coach Tom Ryan and McKendree women’s head wrestling coach Sam Schmitz will double up on the 605th installment of On The Mat. Join Andy Hamilton and Kyle Klingman as they talk to our guest and topics related to the recent happenings in and around wrestling.Show Segments0:30 - The Splendid Splinter Andy Hamilton.1:00 - Resurrecting a women’s wrestling discussion.4:26 - Scott Beck, on the wrestling bucket list of listeners. 11:00 - Successful coaches are successful leaders11:30 - Sam Schmitz Interview35:14 - Tom Ryan Interview1:15:00 - Closing show comments