Learn

In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti talks with Virginia state champion Emmons Tewalt about starting Wrestling Mindset the week before Super 32 his sophomore year, after years of collapsing in matches he was dominating in practice.
Emmons says results came almost immediately after the first call, even in a season that still included 11 losses. He describes the climb from fourth as a sophomore to third as a junior to champion as a senior, and how a set pre-match warm-up plus a headgear reset button became the tools that cut through finals-day nerves at every level.
He also walks through the state final itself, where his opponent was his own club practice partner and future college roommate. After pinning his semifinal opponent, Emmons got taken down first in the final, got back up, and built a 6-3 lead. He closes on his goals heading to Lynchburg University.
Timestamps
- 1:44 – Great in practice, collapsed in matches
- 3:38 – Fourth as a sophomore, third as a junior, champ as a senior
- 6:15 – Set warm-up and headgear reset cut through finals nerves
- 8:56 – Routine blocks everything out, only focus is what's in front of him
- 9:51 – State finals opponent was his own practice partner and future roommate
- 11:23 – Got taken down first, got back up, built a 6-3 lead
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.
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.
‹ Back



