Short Time Wrestling Podcast

The annual App State wrestling media day came and went on Tuesday, October 27. Featured with this year’s Mountaineer squad is head coach JohnMark Bentley and wrestlers Tomas Brooker, Jerry Price, Kaden Keiser and Stephan Monchery. We’ll chat with each as they look forward to another season of SoCon wrestling with some starters to replace and some new goals to reach. Save $20 on an annual BTN+ subscription! Sign up by going to mattalkonline.com/btnplus and entering promo code MATTALK20 at checkout! Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 793 –Recorded October 27, 2025.

Filmmaker Tony Melanson joins Jason Bryant to discuss his new documentary Iron Maidens: Wrestling for Glory, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film chronicles the rise of girls’ high-school wrestling in Pennsylvania through the stories of North Allegheny’s Leyna Rumpler and Hickory’s Avry Ryhal, two pioneers whose friendship and rivalry unfolded as the state sanctioned girls’ wrestling for the first time. RELATED: Kyle Klingman's interview with Leyna and Avry. Melanson explains how the project began after following Leyna’s journey as a family friend, how he built trust with high-school athletes unaccustomed to cameras, and how he captured both the human and historical sides of this breakthrough season. He discusses the challenges of editing a year’s worth of footage into a tight 55-minute feature, the importance of balancing authenticity with clarity for non-wrestling audiences, and the behind-the-scenes choice to use Jocko Willink as narrator. Bryant and Melanson dive into the film’s emotional moments with coaches Dan Heckert and Eric Mount, the archival work from Tom Elling and Jeff Byers’ recreated championship call, and how former World Team member Erin Tomeo connects the trailblazers of the past with today’s generation. The conversation explores what Iron Maidens means for the continued growth of women’s wrestling in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Save $20 on an annual BTN+ subscription! Sign up by going to mattalkonline.com/btnplus and entering promo code MATTALK20 at checkout! Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 793 –Recorded October 23, 2025.

Join host Jason Bryant as he talks with 2024 National Wrestling Media Association Journalist of the Year Kyle Klingman on the latest episode of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast. On the run-up to the 2025 World Championships, we revisit the early years recording podcasts in Minnesota basements with Wrestling 411, dive into a shared love of historical deep dives and unearth some interesting facts about the most recent lineup release from Iowa State that Kyle shared on Flowrestling last week. We dive into women’s wrestling’s college history and some of the key things about it, including Kyle’s podcast with co-host Scott Beck, Women’s Wrestling Weekly. Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 792 –Recorded September 10, 2025.

2000 Division III National Champion Nick Slack is one of the good guys in wrestling. A personable friend and coach, Slack was a three-time Division III finalist at Augsburg and won the 2000 NCAA Division III championship. Setbacks in the finals in 2001 and 2002 didn't define him. He overcame. Just over two years ago, Slack had a brain tumor removed that seemed to resolve his decades-long battle with depression. Then another brain tumor emerged. Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime

Some might remember Vinny Barber wrestling in New York for coach Duane Ritter at Oneonta State. Others may remember him as a boisterous figure at Flowrestling. However you may remember the old Vinny Barber, things are a lot different now. After returning to college, finishing his degree and joining the coaching staff at the University of the Ozarks, Barber found himself leading the Division III Arkansas school. Then a new opportunity arose, a chance to start a brand new program at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. Hear how Vinny’s progressed in coaching and growing professionally. Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime

Clete Hanson, newly appointed head coach at Simon Fraser University, talks about his return to the program that shaped much of his wrestling and coaching career. A Washington native and former nationally ranked high school wrestler, Hanson chose SFU for its unique blend of high-level international freestyle influence, academic excellence, and its rare status as a Canadian institution competing in the NCAA. Now, as only the third head coach in program history, he steps into a role once held by coaching legends Mike Jones and Justin Abdou—both of whom played pivotal roles in Hanson’s development.In the interview, Hanson outlines the complexities of recruiting American athletes to a Canadian school, navigating dual academic and athletic standards, and the constant balancing act between freestyle and collegiate folkstyle wrestling. With about 70% of his roster made up of Canadian athletes—most of whom have never competed in folkstyle before—Hanson speaks candidly about the learning curve and the coaching strategies used to bridge that gap. Still, he emphasizes that “wrestling is wrestling,” and believes the transition can be streamlined with focused training and communication.Looking ahead, Hanson’s vision is to elevate SFU’s presence on both the NCAA and Canadian wrestling landscapes. While winning a national team title is an ambitious goal, he sees success in building a program that mirrors the developmental excellence of institutions like Cornell and Lehigh. With deep ties to the Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club and a role as one of Canada’s national training centers, SFU is uniquely positioned to continue producing world-class talent—both on the mat and beyond it.

Division I men’s wrestling only has one current HBCU wrestling program and it’s at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Central Michigan alum and three-time All-American Jarod Trice is on staff with head coach Kenny Monday and Trice talks about the growth of himself as a coach under Monday, the growth of the program and the unique place Morgan State holds in wrestling.

Nathaneal Rankin was a nationally ranked wrestler and NCAA Division III qualifier in cross country while an athlete at the University of the Ozarks. After his competitive career ended, Rankin served as an assistant coach and this summer, was named the new head coach at the Clarksville, Arkansas school.Check out what led Rankin to Ozarks in the first place, what it was like competing in two sports in college and how near misses now drive him as a coach.

Twenty years ago, Jim Beichner served as the host for the 2005 NWCA Convention in Buffalo, New York. The then-UB head coach helped coordinate the event and oversaw numerous logistical things with the annual NWCA gathering.Following his run as the head coach at Buffalo, Beichner went to work in the racing world. He’s recently returned to the sport as the Director of Coaching Development for the NWCA. Hear what’s up with the past two-time All-American from Clarion.

Dylan Wanagiel is no stranger to wrestling events. As the current Vice President of Sports Properties and Special Events for the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Wanagiel is again bringing a major wrestling event to the tri-state area. Previously, Wanagiel was one of the driving forces into bringing the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships to Madison Square Garden in New York City, the venue Wanagiel worked at prior to moving back across to the New Jersey side. Final X is also pairing again with the Beat The Streets benefit (btsny.org) as USA Wrestling will wrestle both men’s and women’s freestyle to determine the world teams. Fans can watch live on Flowrestling or if they’re in the region, can pick up tickets via Ticketmaster. Action begins at 12:30 p.m. with true-third matches on Saturday, June 14. Join the conversation with Dylan and host Jason Bryant inside “The Rock” as we prepare for Saturday. Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 787 –Recorded June 12, 2025.

We’ll get a chance to talk with new Army West Point Head Coach Troy Nickerson on Episode 786 of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast. First up, host Jason Bryant discusses the Hall of Fame Honors Weekend 2025, highlighting the induction of Terry Davis and the 40th anniversary of "Vision Quest." He recounts his experiences in Stillwater, Oklahoma, including interactions with wrestling legends and the local community. Troy Nickerson, the new head wrestling coach at Army West Point, is introduced. Nickerson expresses his excitement about returning to New York and building on the program's success. He emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities of coaching at West Point, including the strong culture and the potential for national recruiting. Nickerson also discusses his coaching philosophy and the importance of developing well-rounded individuals. Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 786 –Recorded June 10, 2025

Jason Bryant looks through the brackets and highlights wrestlers to watch from the 2025 NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championships coming up March 6-8 in Park City, Kansas. Cheat Sheet Brackets: https://www.mattalkonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/highlight-2025NAIA.pdf Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 785 –Recorded March 4, 2025

Jason Bryant hosts the Short Time Wrestling Podcast, featuring Dr. Bill Welker, a longtime wrestling coach, referee, and journalist. They discuss Welker's career, including his early wrestling days in Pennsylvania, his move to West Virginia, and his contributions to the sport. Welker shares insights on wrestling's evolution, particularly regarding dieting and the growth of girls' wrestling. He also talks about his writing, including wrestling novels and a memoir. They touch on the challenges of maintaining sportsmanship and the importance of academic integrity in athletics. Welker remains active in promoting wrestling and supporting young athletes. Get the Mat Talk Online D1 Preview Guide: http://www.wrestlingpreviewguide.com - use discount code "podcast" to save $15. 5:18 - Dr. Bill Welker’s Early Wrestling Career and Coaching 12:40 - Wrestling in West Virginia and the Growth of Programs 19:18 - The Evolution of Wrestling Media and Dr. Welker’s Writing 22:37 - Dr. Welker’s Wrestling Novels and Their Themes 39:27 - The Role of Dieting and Weight Management in Wrestling 43:05 - The Impact of Girls’ Wrestling on the Sport 52:10 - Dr. Welker’s Involvement in Wrestling and Future Plans 1:05:26 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 784 –Recorded February 12, 2025

Ron Lang, author of "Mat Return," discusses his book's focus on the transformative power of wrestling across the United States. He highlights the sport's resurgence, emphasizing its benefits in personal growth and athletic development. Lang, a former football and wrestling coach, shares his passion for wrestling, which he believes is the most transformative sport. He recounts his journey in starting wrestling programs in Texas and the challenges faced, including convincing football-dominated states like Texas to embrace wrestling. Lang also touches on the importance of showcasing wrestling's strong community in all 50 states and the emotional and inspirational stories within the sport

For the past 20-something years that I’ve covered the world of college wrestling, one system has always been extremely unique and interesting to me, the California Community College Athletic Association. Now branded as the 3C2A, the organization has sponsored a men’s wrestling collegiate championship since 1959. In 1982, the strangest thing about the league came into being - it became a fall sport. So for over 40 years, the first wrestling to kick off each season isn’t the NWCA All-Star Classic or an open somewhere in Michigan, it’s in September in California. So what and who is actually competing out there? I went to find out, seeing some familiar faces along the way to tell some stories about what the athletes and coaches get out of competing in wrestling’s fall season. On this episode, you’ll hear from: 7:40 - John Sachs from Tech-Fall.com 10:50 - Mt. San Antonio head coach David Rivera 13:00 - Fresno City College head coach Paul Keysaw 16:00 - Palomar College head coach Timmy Box 20:45 - Lassen College head coach Lonnie Nalls 25:30 - Mt. San Antonio assistant coach Chris Mecate 32:20 - Cal Poly Humboldt (D2) assistant coach Jim Zalesky 35:30 - Cuesta College head coach Joe Dansby 41:20 - Sacramento City College head coach Marques Gales Want an ad-free version of the show AND the best in wrestling news from around the world? Sign up for the Daily Wrestling Newsletter presented by Resilite on Substack at https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 782 –Recorded December 13-14, 2024

One of the dynamics of small college wrestling is finding mat time for your large rostered teams. At Augsburg University, the Auggies host the Auggie Invitational, which has multiple divisions to help larger programs get mat time and keep their starters and non-starters engaged in their respective programs. On Saturday, November 16, Jason Bryant of Mat Talk Online skipped over to Si Melby Hall on Augsburg’s campus to talk to a handful of coaches from around the region, country and Division II and III. What does each coach like to get out of these trips. On this episode, you’ll hear from: 8:10 - Concordia-Moorhead (Minn.) head coach Quincy Osborn. 12:36 - TCNJ head coach Joe Galante 19:15 - Lakeland head coach Mike DeRoehn 27:40 - Central head coach Landon Williams 33:50 - Sioux Falls head coach Matt Meuleners 40:18 - Stevens Institute head coach Anthony Bonaventura Want an ad-free version of the show? Hit up the Patreon link at patreon.com/mattalkonline to contribute and get your own ad-free RSS feed for (most of) the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network. Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 781 –Recorded November 19, 2024

Back on May 8, 2009, the Wrestling 411 podcast with Kyle Klingman and Jason Bryant was running through its first (And only) season. A senior from Graham High School in Ohio named David Taylor would win the 2009 Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Taylor had signed with Iowa State, but Cael Sanderson had a few week prior left Iowa State to take over at Penn State. At the time, Taylor didn’t yet know where he was publicly going to go, although most assumed he would follow Sanderson to Penn State. This interview is from during Taylor’s senior year in high school. Taylor recently finished with a bronze medal at the non-Olympic world championships in Tirana, Albania, which most believe was his last competitive tournament. Taylor now takes over as the head coach at Oklahoma State. Enjoy this throwback from 2009. Want an ad-free version of the show? Hit up the Patreon link at patreon.com/mattalkonline to contribute and get your own ad-free RSS feed for (most of) the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network. Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 780 – Originally recorded May 8, 2009

It’s Men’s Wrestling Media Day at the University of Iowa, so there’s a lot of stuff to take in here. Special thanks to the University of Iowa media relations for sending this along. Timestamps 0:10 - Greetings and Salutations - and some housekeeping Iowa Men’s Wrestling Media Day 3:30 - Head coach Tom Brands 22:00 - Jacori Teemer 24:00 - Nelson Brands 26:00 - Ben Kueter 31:15 - Mikey Caliendo 33:00 - Stephen Buchanan 34:00 - Ryder Block 36:10 - Drake Ayala 37:30 - Gabe Arnold Want an ad-free version of the show? Hit up the Patreon link at patreon.com/mattalkonline to contribute and get your own ad-free RSS feed for (most of) the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network. Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 759 – Recorded October 31, 2024

It’s time for the annual KCAC women’s Wrestling Media Day, where the eight teams in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference will give their previews of the upcoming women’s wrestling season as well as hear questions from the media and fans who were watching live via the conference’s Facebook page. Nate Naasz of the NWCA serves as your moderator for media day. Timestamps 0:10 - Greetings and Salutations - and some housekeeping KCAC Media Day 2:30 - Introduction 3:20 - IMA’s Josh Miller 5:00 - Avila head coach Sara Hilliard 10:00 - Friends head coach Boo Dryden 12:30 - Ottawa (Kan.) head coach Dalton Weidl 18:20 - Jamestown head coach Amy Golding 22:50 - Saint Mary (Kan.) head coach Chuck Kearney 31:10 - York (Neb.) head coach Jeff Albers Want an ad-free version of the show? Hit up the Patreon link at patreon.com/mattalkonline to contribute and get your own ad-free RSS feed for (most of) the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network. Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 758 – Recorded October 23, 2024

It’s time for the annual KCAC Men’s Wrestling Media Day, where the eight teams in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference will give their previews of the upcoming men’s wrestling season as well as hear questions from the media and fans who were watching live via the conference’s Facebook page. Nate Naasz of the NWCA serves as your moderator for media day. Timestamps 0:00 - Housekeeping and news about the Daily Wrestling Newsletter KCAC Media Day 8:00 - IMA’s Josh Miller 10:00 - KCAC Commissioner Ed Breidenthal 13:20 - Avila head coach Eric Mateo 19:45 - Bethany (Kan.) head coach Mitch Houghton 23:00 - Friends head coach Tyler Mies 26:24 - Oklahoma Wesleyan head coach Tom Carr 34:33 - Ottawa (Kan.) head coach Dalton Weidl 40:30 - Saint Mary (Kan.) head coach Chuck Kearney 49:50 - York (Neb.) head coach Tyler Bell. Want an ad-free version of the show? Hit up the Patreon link at patreon.com/mattalkonline to contribute and get your own ad-free RSS feed for (most of) the shows on the Mat Talk Podcast Network. Links to Follow Join the Discord: https://www.mattalkonline.com/discord Daily Wrestling Newsletter: https://www.mattalkonline.com/news Contribute: https://www.mattalkonline.com/contribute Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattalkonline The Short Time Time Wrestling Podcast is proudly supported by Compound Sportswear: https://www.mattalkonline.com/compound Quick Subscribe: https://www.Podfollow.com/shorttime Short Time Wrestling Podcast: Episode 757 – Recorded October 22, 2024