Ohio State Champ Eddie Kessen - Wrestling Mindset Success Story

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Published August 6th, 2026 by Wrestling Mindset

Ohio State Champ Eddie Kessen - Wrestling Mindset Success Story | Wrestling Mindset Podcast

In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti talks with Ohio state champion Eddie Kessen about starting mindset training skeptically at the beginning of his junior year after his parents suggested it, and how the click came roughly four months in when he stopped comparing himself to others and started focusing only on what he could control.

Eddie describes winning the state title that junior year and walking up to the mat with what he calls almost complete nothingness in his head. He also talks about how thoroughly the nerves disappeared, to the point that he sometimes had to manufacture them just to feel ready to compete.

He shares why he committed to Central Michigan, where he plans to continue mindset training with coach Justin while wrestling Division 1, and how he stays motivated through the offseason by always finding something to work toward.

  

Timestamps

  • 1:28 – Started skeptically after his parents brought it up
  • 2:13 – The click came about four months in, stopped comparing himself to others
  • 4:28 – Walked to the state finals mat junior year with almost no thoughts at all
  • 5:52 – Nerves disappeared so completely he had to manufacture them to feel ready
  • 9:16 – Committed to Central Michigan, loved the coaching staff and campus
  • 10:41 – Staying motivated in the offseason by always finding something to work toward

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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.

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