In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti talks with K.C. Wanamaker, Head Coach of Warren Hills High School Wrestling. The conversation dives deep into why wrestlers must train their minds just as hard as their bodies — and how mindset separates average athletes from great ones. Coach Wanamaker shares insights about building success in public school programs, eliminating excuses, and teaching athletes that success isn’t about where you train, but how you train.

Episode Highlights

• 3:04 – Believe in yourself and train your mind.
• 4:17 – Wishing he had mindset training as an athlete.
• 8:18 – It's less about where you go, more about what you do.
• 9:00 – Building a high-level public school program.
• 11:44 – Stop making excuses and comparing to others.
• 15:03 – Competing against local powerhouse programs.
• 17:16 – Where athletes train and club opportunities.
• 19:29 – Building youth wrestling programs and developing future leaders.

The Power of Training Your Mind

Coach Wanamaker emphasizes what every top wrestler eventually learns — your body can only go as far as your mind allows. Whether you’re battling through a tough practice or facing a higher-ranked opponent, your mindset determines your performance. He reminds athletes that confidence, composure, and focus are skills that can be trained — just like strength or technique.

It’s not about where you wrestle; it’s about how you show up. Too often, athletes believe success depends on being part of a powerhouse program or training at the biggest club. Wanamaker challenges that thinking. “It’s less about where you go,” he says, “and more about what you do when you’re there.”

Building a Winning Culture at Public Schools

At Warren Hills, Coach Wanamaker has built a successful wrestling program on a foundation of accountability, mental preparation, and hard work. Competing against powerhouse private programs hasn’t stopped his team — it’s motivated them. He believes that success at a public school comes from creating a strong culture where athletes buy in, push each other, and take pride in their community.

Mindset training plays a big part in that culture. Teaching athletes to handle pressure, stay focused, and recover from mistakes helps level the playing field. Team mindset training helps programs like Warren Hills strengthen not just their physical conditioning, but their collective belief system.

Eliminating Excuses and Comparing Less

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the need to stop comparing yourself to others. Coach Wanamaker says, “The moment you start making excuses, you give up control.” Too many wrestlers spend time worrying about their competition — who has better facilities, more resources, or fancier gear — instead of controlling what they can.

True growth comes when wrestlers focus inward, work harder, and develop mental toughness. For wrestlers ready to take that next step, 1-on-1 mindset training can help replace excuses with confidence and structure.

Developing the Next Generation

The conversation wraps up with a powerful message about youth development. Building a strong youth program isn’t just about numbers — it’s about creating a positive environment where kids love the sport and learn the right lessons early. Coach Wanamaker credits wrestling with teaching life skills like discipline, perseverance, and resilience — values that last long after an athlete’s final match.

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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About Wrestling Mindset

Wrestling Mindset was founded to bridge the gap between physical preparation and mental preparation. Built by wrestlers for wrestlers, our programs help athletes and coaches develop the mental toughness, confidence, and clarity to perform at their best when it matters most.

• 1-on-1 Mindset Training – Personalized coaching to help wrestlers overcome nerves, build confidence, and perform under pressure.
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