At Wrestling Mindset, we believe some of the most powerful lessons come straight from the heart of those living the sport every day. This summer, we had the opportunity to go and hang out with the Bassett family. They were running a camp in their hometown and wrestlers from across the country were in attendance. We got to see what they are doing to achieve success on the National and World level. Since then, we've been sharing ideas and brainstorming together on some things. This was gold, and people need to learn from it. 

Keep in mind the Bassett family had a pretty remarkable summer: Keegan won a World championship in Athens, Greece, Bo & Melvin both dominated & won Fargo Championships and Bo recently won a Pan Am Championship at the Games in Asunción, Paraguay. Not to mention what the whole McCort crew was able to accomplish with Jax Forrest, Jordyn Fouse and Jayden O’Farrill. They had a World Team Member on every age level team: U17,U20,U23 and Seniors. 

Recently, Bill Bassett was traveling back from the Pan Am Games in Paraguay with his son Bo. Bo competed for Team USA.  Bill shared with us, a season reflection he sent to his family during a long travel day back. It was a wrap up of the summer and freestyle season. With his permission, we’re honored to share it here in his own words. This reflection could help so many wrestlers and families. The Bassett family obviously work extremely hard on their own craft but always take the time to help others and empower the next generation. 

Family—

As I reflect on this long travel day and the freestyle season, I can’t help but feel grateful. This year was amazing for our family: a world champion, two Fargo champions, and a Pan Am Games champion. We also dealt with injuries, adversity, and setbacks—but we overcame them together. I’m proud of all the things we do right, and the hard work we put in as a family. But I also want to share some areas where we can keep growing, because there’s always room for improvement.

Nutrition

Eat to fuel your body. Get stronger and bigger. Be smart and understand the importance and power of protein. The food you eat is fuel for greatness.

Sleep

Sleep matters more than you realize. Phones will be turned in, because rest is that important. By the time you head off to college, I hope you’ll value sleep as one of your biggest training tools.

Evolving

Keep improving in key areas. This preseason and season, I want a focus on:

• Top wrestling: Work hard on turning opponents. Against average kids, I want a ton of turns and less cutting—unless we need to open them up.
• Sweep singles: Develop setups and get reps on this attack. This needs to be a weapon.
• Upper-body offense: Identify what you’re working on and put in the time to develop it.

Goals and Visualization

Take this seriously. Write your goals every morning—no one should have to tell you to. If your goal is a world title, put the belt as your screen saver. I’ll make papers for you to hang around the house. Visualize your goals on the way to school and before bed. See it. Think it. Speak it. Achieve it.

Supplements

This is a game changer. Our family invests heavily in supplements—pills, shakes, powders. Please take them seriously. Don’t wait for us to tell you—be proactive because you understand how important they are to your performance.

Breaking Down Video

We’ve all seen how much this helped Keegan. His dedication and focus, combined with video review, have jumped him levels. Bo and Keegan—one session a day when not in school, three a week during school. Melvin—1–2 a week. Video is a powerful tool for growth—use it.

One Extra

Every day, choose one thing you weren’t told to do by me or another coach. This could be extra drills, lifting, or conditioning. Do it for yourself and your development. This is your career—go all in.

Gratitude

Every day, take 2–3 minutes to think about all the blessings in your life. Give thanks to God. Give thanks to your parents, coaches, teachers, and everyone helping you. Gratitude changes perspective and keeps you grounded.

Pray

Take a few minutes daily to pray, read, and understand how God is moving in our lives. The Bible app is a great tool to help you grow in your faith and stay connected spiritually.

Video Reflections

I’ll continue sharing 2–3 videos a day. Please take a minute to watch them and reflect. Wrestling isn’t just about physical work—it’s about studying, thinking, and growing mentally as well.

Be a Leader

Always do what’s right, even when it isn’t popular. Don’t let yourself be peer pressured. Remember, many eyes are on you. Build your character and pride yourself on raising the level of the room and being the hardest worker. If you aren’t ready to lead, then at least follow the right people.

Photo of Bill Bassett Courtesy Tony Rotundo

Pride

Have pride in our family and what we stand for. Always represent the right way. Give 100% in everything you do because you know your parents give you 100% every day.

—Bill Bassett

Final Thoughts

Bill’s words highlight what it really takes to succeed—not just in wrestling, but in life. Nutrition, sleep, technical evolution, visualization, gratitude, leadership, and faith are the cornerstones of building champions. His reflection is a reminder that while medals and titles are incredible, the daily habits and values we live by are what truly define greatness.

If you want to apply these same principles and build the mindset of a champion, now is the time to take action. Unlock your free mindset assessment or learn more about our one-on-one coaching program. Wrestling success begins in the mind—train it with the same intensity you bring to the mat.