In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti reconnects with longtime friend and teammate Matt Stanzione, Head Coach of Mountain Lakes High School Wrestling. The two dive deep into the highs and lows of coaching, the evolution of youth sports, and the life lessons that wrestling teaches beyond the mat. From childhood rivalry stories to the realities of leading a program through challenges, this conversation is a powerful reminder that persistence, relationships, and resilience define true success.

Episode Highlights

• 3:40 – Growing up teammates: football, baseball, wrestling, and more.
• 7:55 – Starting a coaching career while still in college.
• 13:22 – Building the Mountain Lakes program and early struggles.
• 18:48 – Stepping away after a low point and learning perspective.
• 25:10 – Coming back as head coach with renewed purpose.
• 32:14 – Balancing family, teaching, and coaching for 20+ years.
• 40:28 – The importance of multi-sport athletes and avoiding burnout.
• 47:15 – How COVID impacted feeder programs and rebuilding numbers.
• 53:20 – Why wrestling makes everything else in life feel easier.
• 1:05:44 – The power of rivalries, friendships, and lifelong lessons from the sport.

What It Takes to Build a Legacy

Coach Stanzione’s journey is one that many in the wrestling community can relate to — years of dedication, adversity, and growth. His story reminds us that building a wrestling program isn’t just about producing state champions; it’s about building better people. Through hard practices, early mornings, and tough losses, wrestlers learn to show up for their teammates and themselves.

Gene and Matt also touch on how much the landscape of youth sports has changed — and why balance and perspective are more important than ever for coaches, athletes, and parents. From dealing with burnout to navigating the pressures of club sports, the conversation highlights how wrestling’s core values of grit and humility continue to matter most.

Key Takeaways for Coaches and Wrestlers

• Success takes time. There are no shortcuts to building a lasting program or career.
• Relationships matter more than records. The bonds built through wrestling often outlast the medals.
• Perspective creates longevity. Stepping back when needed can reignite passion and purpose.
• Wrestling prepares you for life. The discipline, resilience, and work ethic learned on the mat carry into every aspect of adulthood.

Sponsored By

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

• Eat Clean Bro – eatcleanbro.com
  Use code MINDSET for 15% off your order.
• Champion Athletes Sports Nutrition – champion-athletes.com
  Use code MINDSET25 for a special discount.

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