Episodes
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In Episode 27 of Grinding for Greatness, we sit down with rising Florida wrestling star Julianna Caisse. Known for her remarkable consistency and mental toughness, Julianna talks about her recent transfer from Palm Harbor to Riverdale and how it has shaped her wrestling journey. She shares her advice for young athletes on how to stay focused and enjoy the process, plus an inside look into her training, toughest opponents, and her dream of winning a state title. Join us as we dive into the mindset and drive behind one of Florida’s top wrestlers!
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In the longest episode of Grinding for Greatness to date, Ricky Cheese sits down with Demetri Kangas, a wrestling veteran and founder of the Will of a Warrior Foundation, for a deep dive into his wrestling journey, coaching philosophy, and the impact of his work in youth wrestling.Demetri shares his roots in Pennsylvania wrestling, his collegiate career at Delaware Valley University, and his transition to coaching in Florida. He discusses the importance of mentorship, long-term growth, and community service in shaping young athletes. The conversation also highlights his Will of a Warrior Foundation, which is dedicated to helping youth through education, fitness, and scholarships for community involvement.Throughout this 1 hour and 20-minute conversation, Demetri touches on key topics like nutrition, weight management, and how to guide young wrestlers through proper technique and recovery, drawing from his own experiences of injury. He also sheds light on the rising talent in Florida wrestling, the evolving wrestling culture, and the vital role dual meets play in fostering school spirit and building community.Key Takeaways:Demetri’s Will of a Warrior Foundation supports youth development through education, fitness, and scholarships.Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for healthy weight management in wrestling.Coaching should prioritize positive reinforcement and learning, not just winning.The youth wrestling scene in Florida is thriving, with many athletes showing potential for greatness.Timestamps: 00:00- Introduction & Demetri’s Wrestling Journey05:30 - Mentorship and Coaching Philosophy11:45 - Will of a Warrior Foundation Overview17:00 - Nutrition, Hydration, and Weight Management Tips23:30 - Injury Recovery and Staying Active in Coaching30:15 - Florida Wrestling Culture and Key Techniques40:00 - The Importance of Dual Meets and Community BuildingQuotes:"You are probably the most selfless person I know in wrestling.""There’s always one more person to help.""It’s not just about winning; it’s about helping these kids become better wrestlers and better people."With so much to discuss, this episode goes the distance as the longest yet, and it’s packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice for wrestlers, coaches, and parents alike. Tune in to hear how Demetri’s commitment to helping others is changing the future of Florida wrestling.
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In this special episode of Grinding for Greatness, host Ricky Cheese invites the Ortiz family—Rebecca, Carlos, and their son Gion—into his home for a candid and heartfelt sit-down interview. The Ortiz family shares their personal journey through the world of wrestling, reflecting on the recruitment process, family sacrifices, and Gion’s inspiring battle with Type 1 diabetes. Together, they discuss the challenges of balancing athletics and health, while offering invaluable advice for parents navigating the often complex world of college wrestling. Plus, hear how Coach Nathan Yetser has made an incredible impact on Gion’s journey.
Whether you're a wrestling parent, athlete, or fan, this family-oriented episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the grit, determination, and love behind the sport.
🔗 Watch it now on our YouTube channel! 🎥
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In this special episode of Grinding for Greatness, host Ricky Marcus sits down with National Wrestling Hall of Famer Sal Basile to discuss his incredible journey both on and off the mat. Sal opens up about his wrestling career, his coaching philosophy, and the challenges he’s faced, including the devastating fire that destroyed his home. He shares the overwhelming support he received from the wrestling community and how it helped him rebuild.
Sal also talks about the balance between competition and rest, coaching his sons through their wrestling careers, and his recent induction into the Hall of Fame. From stories of perseverance to leadership tips, this episode offers deep insight into the life of one of Florida’s most respected wrestling coaches.
Tune in as Sal Basile shares wisdom on navigating life’s toughest battles, both on and off the mat.
Key Topics:
Overcoming adversity after a house fire Coaching philosophy and building a successful wrestling program His sons’ wrestling careers at University of Northern Iowa and West Point Lessons in resilience, discipline, and leadershipAvailable on all major podcast platforms!
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In this episode of Grinding for Greatness, Ricky Cheese sits down with licensed clinical psychologist and former Stanford wrestler, David Sacks. Together, they dive deep into the intersection of mental health and sports, discussing David's journey from wrestler to psychologist, the psychological challenges faced by athletes, and the concepts from his new book Extreme Balance, co-authored with Ben Askren and Joe DeSena. Learn how mental resilience, balance, and strategy play crucial roles in wrestling and all sports.David shares invaluable insights on:-Handling performance anxiety-The role of coaches in developing mental toughness-Integrating mental training into daily practice-Overcoming learned helplessness and balancing confidence with humility-Don't miss this episode if you're an athlete, coach, or parent who wants to understand the importance of mental health and how it can elevate your performance!
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Ricky Cheese of Grinding for Greatness welcomes Gian Ortiz, a 2023 state finalist from Jensen Beach High School, into his home to talk about his wrestling journey and future at Roanoke College. In this episode, Gian opens up about his experiences at the state tournament, the challenges he faced, and his aspirations to become an NCAA champion despite a recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. We dive into Gian's wrestling journey, his relationship with Coach McMath, and the role discipline plays in achieving success on and off the mat. Tune in for an insightful and personal conversation filled with passion, humor, and valuable lessons for all wrestlers.Key Highlights:Gian's road to the 2023 state finals and his tough match against Derrick Williams.
Overcoming the challenges of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
The transition from high school to NCAA wrestling at Roanoke College.
The vital role of discipline and the lessons learned from Coach McMath.
Fun moments from a (kind of) competitive pool game and Gian’s passion for wrestling.
#Wrestling #GrindingForGreatness #GianOrtiz #JensenBeachWrestling #RoanokeCollege #FloridaWrestling #YouthWrestling #NCAA #Discipline #Type1Diabetes #WrestlingPodcast #FloridaWrestlingRoom
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Special Episode: Super 32 Qualifer Middle School Preview!In this episode, Ricky Cheese provides an in-depth preview of the upcoming Super 32 Qualifier at Kissimmee Osceola High School, focusing on the middle school divisions. He highlights the achievements and potential of various young wrestlers across different weight classes, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these athletes as the future of the sport. Covering competitors in the 70, 75, 80, 85, 95, 100, 105, 120, 128, and 136-pound divisions, Ricky is showcasing their accolades, what to expect from them in the tournament and letting everyone know what Florida has cooking for the future!
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In this episode of Grinding for Greatness, we sit down with Jaime Armando Rodriguez, the visionary behind the New Jersey and Florida Scorpions Wrestling Clubs. 🦂 Jaime takes us on a journey through his experience of building wrestling programs from scratch, his unique coaching philosophy, and the challenges he overcame to help grow wrestling in Florida. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, you’ll gain valuable insights on what it takes to create a winning wrestling culture!
Key Takeaways:
The importance of feeder programs for building wrestling in Florida Developing young, fearless wrestlers through inclusivity and respect The role of live wrestling and Friday Night Live events in preparing youth athletes The significance of consistency, faith, and strong parental support in youth wrestling Jaime's personal journey in mentoring young athletes and guiding their success 🏅Listen now to get inspired and learn how to create a thriving wrestling program!
🎧 Listen on: [Spotify], [Apple Podcasts], [Google Podcasts]
Timestamps:00:00 – Jaime’s Journey from New Jersey to Florida Wrestling03:33 – Building a Culture of Inclusivity and Respect10:59 – How Scorpions Practice Prepares Young Wrestlers17:02 – Developing Talent and Fostering Fearless Wrestlers
#WrestlingPodcast #FloridaWrestling #YouthWrestling #GrindingForGreatness #WrestlingCoaching #WrestlingClubs #NewEpisode #JaimeRodriguez #SportsPodcast #ScorpionsWrestling #WrestlingCommunity
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🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨We're excited to drop our latest episode featuring Grant Leeth, the inaugural head coach of Tarleton State University's first-ever Division I Wrestling Program! 🏆🤼♂️🎙️ In this episode:Grant shares his journey from being a standout wrestler to pioneering the first D1 wrestling program in Texas!Learn about the challenges and triumphs of building a Division I program from the ground up.Get a behind-the-scenes look at the $1.5 million facility that will shape the future of Texas wrestling.Discover Grant's unique coaching philosophy focused on loving the sport and the process of improvement.A sneak peek into Grant's latest venture: a recovery-focused dress shoe company that's making waves!🔥 Key Takeaways:The historic significance of bringing D1 wrestling to Texas.How Tarleton State is setting a new blueprint for college wrestling.Grant's vision for building a winning culture focused on passion and hard work.🎧 Tune in now and be part of this monumental moment in Texas wrestling history! Don’t forget to like, share, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 🤔👇
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Join Ricky Cheese as he sits down with John Hosegood, a seasoned wrestling official and proud father, to discuss the intricate world of wrestling officiating, the challenges faced on the mat, and the life lessons learned along the way. From the importance of consistency in calls to the political undertones in selecting state tournament officials, this conversation offers a deep dive into the sport. Plus, hear about John’s transition from a long career in the phosphate industry to a new chapter in life, and the influence of faith and family on his journey. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode where wrestling, life, and officiating intersect. #WrestlingOfficiating #LifeAfterWrestling #FaithInSports #WrestlingCommunity
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In this episode of Grinding for Greatness, Ricky Cheese sits down with Ron Lang, the author of Mat Return: The Resurgence of Amateur Wrestling in the United States. Ron shares his personal journey in wrestling and discusses how the sport has shaped his life. They dive deep into the transformative power of wrestling, from building character to fostering leadership and resilience. The conversation also highlights the rapid growth of women’s wrestling, the impact of wrestling on other sports like football, and the importance of making the sport fun and inclusive for everyone. Plus, there’s a special giveaway promotion tied to the book, with exciting opportunities for wrestling clubs and teams! Tune in to learn how wrestling can positively impact lives and communities.
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In this episode of GFG's Club Cribs, we head to the Olympic Heights Cowboy Wrestling Club, where dedication knows no bounds. Join host Ricky Cheese as he teams up with Coach Levy "Boomer" Mears for an inside look at one of Florida's top youth wrestling clubs. From intense training sessions to the infamous cold plunge, this behind-the-scenes tour showcases the relentless spirit and commitment that defines these young athletes.Whether you’re a wrestling enthusiast or just curious about what it takes to train like a champion, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. Don’t miss out—hit that subscribe button and stay tuned for more exclusive content!#GFGClubCribs #CowboyWrestlingClub #NeverDoneTraining #FloridaWrestling #YouthWrestling #BehindTheScenes #ColdPlunge #WrestlingLife
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In this special episode of Grinding for Greatness, Ricky Cheese dives deep into the incredible journey of the Lowe family—spanning across generations. We explore how Joe Lowe, once a Florida State Champion himself, instilled a winning mentality in his son, Elijah Lowe, who followed in his father's footsteps to claim his own state title.
We are also joined by 2x State Champion and Elijah's girlfriend, Gabby Tedesco. Gabby's unwavering belief and strategic insights played an integral role in Elijah’s victory.
This episode is a tribute to family, perseverance, and the powerful impact of a strong support system.
This Family is Grinding for Greatness! -
In this episode of Grinding for Greatness, we sit down with Mario Del Vecchio, a standout wrestler who has made waves in both Florida and New Jersey. Mario shares his journey from defeating state champions to transitioning between different wrestling cultures. He opens up about the influence of his father as his coach, his goals for the next three years, and his ultimate dream of becoming a lawyer. Tune in to hear about Mario's toughest matches, greatest moments, and his thoughts on offseason tournaments. Whether you're a wrestling enthusiast or someone inspired by ambition and hard work, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.
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Welcome to the latest episode of 'Grinding for Greatness'! This week, we dive deep into the July 2024 Boys Top 25 Pound-for-Pound rankings. Join us as we break down the top wrestlers from across Florida, highlighting their achievements, strengths, and what makes them stand out in this competitive landscape. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or wrestling enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and analysis you won't want to miss. Tune in to hear about the rising stars and seasoned champions making waves this season
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In this episode of "Grinding for Greatness," host Ricky Cheese sits down with Blaine Ison, the renowned head coach of Palmetto Ridge High School's wrestling team. Blaine's journey from high school wrestler to influential coach is filled with inspiring moments and valuable insights.
Blaine's Wrestling Journey: Blaine shares his beginnings in wrestling, from being unsure about joining the sport to becoming a pivotal figure in the Palmetto Ridge wrestling program. Coaching Challenges: Blaine talks about the obstacles faced while coaching at a public school, including strict zoning rules and the impact of rezoning on his team. New Beginnings: He discusses his decision to leave Palmetto Ridge and start a new program at St. John Neumann, a private Catholic school in Naples. Building Youth Programs: Blaine emphasizes the importance of strong youth programs and a supportive coaching staff. Rivalries and Duals: Insights into the South Dade dual and the upcoming rivalry with First Baptist Academy. Impact of Other Sports: The influence of other sports on wrestling and the importance of mental health and seeking counseling. Dealing with Tragedy: Blaine opens up about the tragic loss of a wrestler and how he and the wrestling community supported each other through the difficult time. Family Atmosphere: Creating a family-like environment within the team, and how he and his staff are always there for their wrestlers, both on and off the mat. -
We are finally here with the Boys "All Class" Rankings for the month of July is finally here!
Let us know what you think? Should someone else be on this list? Should someone be higher?
Let us hear your thoughts!
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Jabari Irons, a beach wrestling champion and college national champion, shares his incredible journey in this podcast episode. He discusses his experience with a shooting incident and how it motivated him to achieve greatness in wrestling. Irons talks about his mindset of never quitting and the importance of education. He also shares his training experiences with top wrestlers and the impact it had on his skills. Irons emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and the negative effects of weight cutting. He also discusses his wrestling academy, Irons Elite, and his focus on Greco-Roman and Olympic styles. Jabari Irons discusses the importance of focusing on Olympic-style wrestling and the need for specialized training from a young age. He emphasizes the value of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling over folkstyle, and the benefits of starting gymnastics training at a young age. Irons also talks about the development-focused approach at Iron's Elite Wrestling Club and the interview process for accepting new students. He mentions upcoming clinics and camps, and the availability of booking him for events.
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Join us for an exciting episode of Grinding for Greatness as Ricky Cheese sits down with wrestling legend and accomplished coach Conor Beebe! Conor, a four-time state champion from Montini Catholic High School and NCAA qualifier from Central Michigan University, shares his incredible journey from athlete to coach.
Coaching Journey: Conor discusses his transition into coaching, including his impactful tenure at Gardner Webb University where he guided four wrestlers to the NCAA tournament. Success of BB Trained: Learn about the standout wrestlers at BB Trained, such as Max Brady and Reed, and the supportive, positive atmosphere at the academy. Youth Development: Discover the Little Ninjas program aimed at making young wrestlers fall in love with the sport while learning high-level techniques. Advanced Training: Insights into BB Trained's advanced program for older athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels. Philosophy on Wrestling: Conor emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport and having fun on the big stage.BB Trained Wrestling Academy in Florida is dedicated to developing athletes of all ages and skill levels, aiming to create amazing people in the process. Florida’s wrestling community is growing stronger thanks to the dedication and support of passionate coaches and parents.
Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration and expert insights from Conor Beebe!
Tune in and share your thoughts after the show!
Episode Highlights
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In this conversation, Ricky Cheese and ASU's Lee Pritts discuss various topics related to wrestling, coaching, and recruiting. They share stories about their experiences in wrestling, including memorable matches and coaching moments. Pritts talks about his coaching career and the importance of finding driven and competitive athletes. They also touch on the success and growth of wrestlers, emphasizing the impact coaches can have on their lives. In this part of the conversation, Ricky Cheese and Lee Pritts discuss the influence of coaching styles on Pritts, the importance of learning from different coaches, and the evolution of coaching in wrestling. They also touch on the growth of wrestling in Florida and the impact of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling on folkstyle wrestling. Pritts shares the story of how he helped one of his wrestlers overcome mental and emotional challenges to become a national champion. The conversation ends with a discussion about personal transformations and the importance of taking responsibility for one's health.
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