061: Evan Tallmadge

From Fargo champion to New Jersey state champion to Division I wrestling at Pitt, Evan Tallmadge's journey has been anything but ordinary. In this episode of New Jersey Mat Chat, former Brick Memorial standout Evan Tallmadge shares his path through New Jersey wrestling, his time at the Naval Academy, his decision to transfer to Pitt, and how his faith has transformed both his wrestling career and his life. In this conversation, Evan discusses: 🏆 Winning a Fargo National Championship 🏆 Capturing two New Jersey State Championships 🏆 Why freestyle wrestling elevated his folkstyle game 🏆 The challenges of competing at the Naval Academy 🏆 Why Pitt was the right fit after transferring 🏆 The reality of Division I wrestling and college recruiting 🏆 NIL, the transfer portal, and the future of college wrestling 🏆 How his relationship with Jesus Christ changed his outlook on competition and life Evan also talks about his goals of becoming an NCAA champion, competing on the world stage, and building a life rooted in faith as he prepares for marriage. Whether you're a New Jersey high school wrestler, a college wrestling fan, or someone looking for perspective on competition, purpose, and perseverance, this episode offers an honest look at one athlete's journey on and off the mat. 🤼 Guest: Evan Tallmadge 🏆 2× New Jersey State Champion (Brick Memorial) 🥇 Fargo National Champion 🟦 University of Pittsburgh Wrestling Subscribe for more conversations with the athletes, coaches, and legends shaping New Jersey wrestling. ••Premier Sports Nutrition - Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com 00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor 01:26 – Meet Evan Tallmadge 01:37 – How Wrestling Found Him at Age 5 03:05 – Brick Township to Brick Memorial 05:22 – Becoming a New Jersey State Contender 06:41 – Winning Fargo Changed Everything 09:00 – Why Freestyle Made Him Better 11:05 – Two NJ State Titles at Brick Memorial 13:14 – Fargo Opens the Door to College Wrestling 14:13 – Why He Chose Navy 15:12 – The Reality of Wrestling at a Service Academy 18:43 – Transferring to Pitt & Starting Over 20:42 – Why Pitt Wrestling Is on the Rise 22:29 – The New Pitt Wrestling Facility 24:31 – Chasing NCAA & World Titles 25:18 – The Jump from NJ Wrestling to Division I 30:15 – NIL, The Transfer Portal & College Wrestling Today 31:22 – Looking Ahead to Next Season at Pitt 32:10 – Finding Faith Through Wrestling & Life 34:51 – How Faith Changed His Wrestling Career 36:19 – Wrestle With Faith & Sharing His Message 39:26 – Life Beyond Wrestling & Getting Married 42:40 – Raising the Next Generation of Wrestlers 45:21 – What He Would Change About His Career 47:21 – Final Thoughts & Wedding Plans