NC State Champ Jacob Hudgins - Wrestling Mindset Success Story

Learn

Published June 30th, 2026 by Wrestling Mindset

NC State Champ Jacob Hudgins - Wrestling Mindset Success Story | Wrestling Mindset Podcast

In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti talks with North Carolina state champion Jacob Hudgins about two confusing midseason losses that pushed him to start mindset training just weeks before the state tournament.

Jacob had started the season undefeated, and the two losses blew his mind. Looking back, he realized that playing it too safe and trying to protect an undefeated record was exactly what cost him those matches. The tools that helped him were simple ones: a consistent routine, chewing gum, and a cross on his shoe.

At the state tournament, staying calm and relaxed while sensing that his opponents were uptight gave him a clear edge. He also talks about working with his mindset coach on getting tired in third periods, the extra conditioning that followed, including getting his mile under six minutes and adding two and a half hours a week, and his decision to continue wrestling at Lander University.

  

Timestamps

  • 1:29 – Started the season undefeated, then lost two matches that blew his mind
  • 2:30 – Realized late in the season he needed mindset training before states
  • 3:29 – Playing it too safe to protect an undefeated record cost him those losses
  • 4:09 – The tools that helped: a consistent routine, chewing gum, and a cross on his shoe
  • 6:19 – State tournament: staying calm and relaxed while noticing opponents were uptight
  • 7:50 – Committing to continue wrestling in college at Lander University
  • 9:23 – Working with his mindset coach to fix getting tired in third periods
  • 10:56 – Extra conditioning work: getting his mile under six minutes and two and a half extra hours a week

Sponsored By

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Support the Wrestling Mindset Podcast

If you enjoy conversations with elite wrestlers about the mental side of competition, subscribe to the Wrestling Mindset Podcast and explore the full archive.

Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with your wrestling community.

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, email mindset@wrestlingmindset.com.

About Wrestling Mindset

Wrestling Mindset helps wrestlers, coaches, and parents master the mental side of competition. Our programs develop confidence, focus, resilience, and composure so athletes can perform at their highest level when it matters most.

Listen to the Wrestling Mindset Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Is Your Wrestler Held Back by Mental Red Flags?

Free Mindset Guide Blog

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


‹ Back

Begin Your Training Journey with a Free Assessment!

Shopping Cart

×

Your cart is empty.