Illinois Wrestler Podcast

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, we break down the 2026 Illinois Freestyle State results for the Junior division.We go weight-by-weight through the action, highlight the champions, top placers, standout performances, and key takeaways from one of the biggest freestyle events of the spring. The Junior division always gives a strong look at some of the best high school wrestlers in Illinois, and this year’s results gave us plenty to talk about.We discuss what stood out, which wrestlers made a statement, and what these results could mean as athletes continue through the freestyle season.Whether you were at the event, following from home, or catching up on the results, this episode gives you a full breakdown of the Junior division at the 2026 Illinois Freestyle State Championships.Topics include:2026 Illinois Freestyle State resultsJunior division champions and placersWeight-by-weight breakdownsStandout performancesIllinois high school wrestling freestyle coveragePresented by 815Digital.com

Dalton and Dustin sit down with University of Illinois Assistant Coach Eric Schultz for a conversation that hits close to home for Illinois wrestling fans. A native of the state and a Tinley Park High School graduate, Schultz shares his journey from IHSA State Champion to competing at the highest level in college wrestling.Schultz takes us through his career at the University of Nebraska, where he became a five-time NCAA qualifier, Big Ten finalist, and 2022 All-American at 197 pounds. He reflects on that All-American run, including tight battles with top competition and what it took to finish on the podium.Now back in Illinois after being hired in July 2025, Schultz talks about what it means to coach in his home state, his perspective on developing athletes at the college level, and how Illinois Wrestling can continue to grow moving forward.

On this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Mark, and Jim preview the NCAA D1 & D3 Nationals. The crew starts by going through the 18 wrestlers from Illinois who qualified for the 2026 Division 1 National Championships, breaking down the brackets and where everyone stands heading into the tournament. After that, the conversation shifts to Division 3 Nationals, with a full preview of this weekend’s tournament and the top contenders to watch.

Iowa State assistant coach Chris Perry joins the podcast to talk about the Cyclones’ season, the upcoming Big 12 Championships, and what lies ahead as the final month of the Division I wrestling season begins. The crew also recaps the IHSA Team State Tournament and discusses the recent coaching change at the University of Illinois.

In this episode, the crew finishes breaking down the 2026 IHSA State Tournament, going class by class through 1A, 2A, and 3A from 175 to 285. From tight semifinal battles to dominant championship performances, the guys unpack the moments that defined the upper weights and reshaped the podium. If you want the full picture of how the tournament closed out in Champaign, this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast delivers it.

The crew is back to break down the 2026 IHSA State Tournament in detail. In this episode, we go class by class through 1A, 2A, and 3A from 106 to 165, analyzing the brackets, the upsets, the statement wins, and the performances that defined the weekend. If you want a true deep dive into how the lower and middle weights shook out in Champaign, this full recap on the Illinois Wrestler Podcast has you covered.

The full crew is back to break down sectional results from across the state and turn their focus to Champaign. In this episode, the guys go weight class by weight class, analyzing matchups, debating contenders, and making their official picks for the 2026 IHSA State Tournament. If you want insight, bold predictions, and a complete preview heading into the biggest weekend of the year, this is a must-listen on the Illinois Wrestler Podcast.

On today’s episode, the crew is joined by Wes Hand, All-American and national finalist for the University of Iowa. Wes shares insights from his time competing at the highest level of college wrestling and reflects on the transition into coaching at Pleasant Valley High School, where he’s now in his second season. The conversation also dives into the differences between Illinois and Iowa wrestling, from culture and training styles to the overall competitive landscape.

Big news across Illinois wrestling, Liam Kelly has won his court case and is officially back in the IHSA State Series. The podcast crew breaks down what led to this moment, what the ruling means for Kelly, and how it immediately reshapes the bracket and the postseason landscape. This episode dives into the implications, the reactions around the state, and what to expect next as the road to State just took a major turn.

The Illinois Wrestler podcast crew is back to recap team sectional results from around the state, share the latest updates on the Liam Kelly situation, and break down what to watch for in the upcoming weekend. With the postseason moving fast, the guys focus on key takeaways, emerging storylines, and where things stand as Illinois wrestling pushes deeper into February.

Dalton, Jim, Dustin, Mark, and Aaron are back to break down a busy week across Illinois high school wrestling. The crew recaps regional results from around the state, discusses the impact of Liam Kelly being out of the state series, previews key team sectional matchups, and looks ahead to what’s coming at the state tournament. It’s a full postseason check-in on the Illinois Wrestler Podcast as the stakes continue to rise.

The Illinois Wrestler podcast crew—Dalton, Mark, Jim, and Dustin—are back together after a few weeks off to catch up on everything that’s happened across the state. With the Illinois high school wrestling regular season officially wrapped up, the guys break down key results, late-season storylines, and what stood out heading into the postseason.

Mark Jolcover, head wrestling coach at Grant High School, joins the Illinois Wrestler Podcast to recap the season to date. We hit on standout performances, team progress, and what’s ahead as Grant prepares for key upcoming competitions.

Lincoln-Way Central head coach Tyrone Byrd joins the Illinois Wrestler Podcast to share his journey in the sport, break down the Knights’ program and team culture, and preview the upcoming Illini Classic. We dive into what makes this tournament a key stop on the Illinois wrestling calendar, what fans should watch for this weekend, and how Lincoln-Way Central is preparing for the final stretch of the season.

Dalton, Jim, Dustin, and Aaron break down a busy weekend on the mats, recapping key performances and storylines from the PIT and the Cheesehead tournaments. We cover standout results, team trends, and what these tournaments tell us heading into the next stretch of the season.

St. Charles East assistant coach Joe Barczak joins the Illinois Wrestler Podcast to break down the 2025–2026 wrestling season. We dive into the Saints’ varsity lineup, early-season results, and what lies ahead over the next few weeks as the season ramps up. A must-listen for fans tracking Class 3A contenders and one of Illinois’ most competitive programs.

On the latest episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton Bullard and Dustin Ehler dive into the Class 1A landscape with a full rankings show. They break down recent results, key performances, and notable movement across the state as they adjust the 1A rankings.The full, updated Class 1A rankings are now live on Illinois Wrestler — head to IllinoisWrestler.com to see the complete list and stay locked in as the postseason approaches.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, we break down a busy stretch of the high school wrestling season with recaps from three major tournaments: the Dvorak Invitational, Abe’s Rumble, and The Flavin.We discuss standout performances, emerging contenders, team results, and what these tournaments reveal about the current landscape of Illinois high school wrestling. As the season continues to take shape, these events give us a clearer picture of who’s separating themselves—and who still has work to do.

The Illinois Wrestler Podcast crew — Dalton, Jim, Mark, Aidan, and Dustin — break down a loaded slate of topics shaping the Illinois wrestling scene. This episode recaps Ironman results, dives into recent IHSA rule changes, and opens up an honest discussion on officiating and how it impacts matches at every level.From national-level tournaments to state policy changes, this episode delivers insight, perspective, and real conversation for anyone invested in Illinois wrestling.

In Part 2 of our Illinois Wrestler High School Ranking Show for Class 1A, we cover the upper weights from 150 through 285 lbs. We analyze returning state placers, state qualifiers, offseason momentum, and key early-season results to reveal how the top wrestlers in each weight class stack up. This episode wraps up our full Class 1A breakdown and sets the tone for the rankings moving forward.

In Part 1 of our Illinois Wrestler High School Ranking Show for Class 1A, we dive deep into the 106 through 144 weight classes. We review returning state placers, state qualifiers, breakout performers, and the most impactful early-season results to see where the top wrestlers in Class 1A stack up. This episode sets the stage for a huge year in 1A wrestling—and Part 2 is right around the corner.Rankings: https://illinoiswrestler.com/1a-individual-rankings/

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, Mark, Aidan, and Dustin break down the upcoming Dan Gable Donnybrook, one of the toughest early-season tournaments in the country. The crew goes weight by weight, highlighting which Illinois athletes are competing, who’s primed for a breakout performance, and the matchups fans should keep an eye on this weekend.If you want to know where Illinois stacks up on a national stage, this is your preview.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, Dustin, and Mark are joined by two-time NCAA champion Chris Perry for a deep, wide-ranging conversation on wrestling, family legacy, and the state of the sport. Perry, an Oklahoma State legend with a 122-11 career record, four Big 12 titles, and three All-American finishes, shares what it was like growing up in Stillwater, the impact of having John Smith as both uncle and coach, and how being the younger brother of Mark Perry shaped his mindset from an early age.The crew also dives into Iowa State wrestling, breaking down the program’s direction, culture, and competitive edge, before getting into a full discussion of the Iowa vs. Iowa State dual from this past weekend.If you love high-level insight, great storytelling, and honest wrestling talk, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, Dustin, and Mark sit down with Washington High School head coach Nick Miller for a deep dive into one of the state’s powerhouse programs. Coach Miller walks us through the history of Washington wrestling, the culture that fuels their success, and what fans can expect from this year’s roster.The crew also previews the upcoming tournament hosted at Washington High School on Saturday, December 6th, breaking down key teams, potential matchups, and the talent set to hit the mats.A great listen for anyone who loves Illinois wrestling, program-building insight, and a look inside one of the state’s most consistent contenders.

The Illinois Wrestler Podcast returns with a full recap of the Marmion Academy Cadet Classic, breaking down every weight class and highlighting the athletes who made the biggest statements. Dalton, Jim, Dustin, and Aidan walk through the results, standout performances, upsets, and storylines that shaped one of the most competitive early-season events in Illinois.If you want to know who impressed, who broke through, and how each bracket played out, this episode gives you the complete picture. Stay locked in — stay Illinois Wrestler.

The Illinois Wrestler Podcast is back with another action-packed episode, keeping you plugged into the athletes, coaches, meets, and moments shaping wrestling across the state. This week, Dalton, Jim, Dustin, Aidan, Mark, and Buddy team up to preview one of the most anticipated events of the early season — the Marmion Academy Cadet Classic.We break down every weight class, dive into potential seeds, and explore the matchups fans should have on their radar. If you want an inside look at who’s poised to make noise this weekend, this episode has you covered.Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay Illinois Wrestler.

In this episode, we sit down with Marmion Academy coach Sparty Chino for an in-depth look at one of Illinois’ premier wrestling programs. Sparty shares his own journey through high school and college wrestling, how he found his way into coaching at Marmion, and the evolution of the program’s culture and expectations. We also preview the upcoming Cadet Classic — including why it’s become such a tough, nationally respected event — and break down Marmion’s lineup for the season. A great conversation that offers insight into the athletes, the coaching philosophy, and what to watch for at this year’s tournament.

In this episode, the crew dives into the latest college wrestling action, breaking down key results from the past week and unpacking the biggest stories coming out of the National Duals. We also look ahead to March with an early preview of the NCAA Championships — discussing team races, potential matchups, and athletes trending in the right direction. A packed show with analysis, insight, and plenty to watch as the season heats up.

Introducing the 2025–26 Top Incoming Freshman All-Class List — our first look at the next wave of talent entering Illinois high school wrestling. This list highlights the state’s most promising new athletes as they transition into the high school scene, based on past performance, trajectory, and competitive potential. These freshmen represent the future of Illinois wrestling, and we’ll be tracking their development closely all season long.https://illinoiswrestler.com/2025-26-top-incoming-freshman-all-class-list/

In this episode of the College Wrestling Show, we sit down with Daryl Thomas, Associate Head Coach at SIUE — and the program’s next Head Coach, set to take over in April. An Illinois native and former University of Illinois wrestler, Daryl shares insight into the Cougars’ preseason, recent competitions, and what’s ahead for the SIUE wrestling program.We talk about his coaching journey, the culture being built at SIUE, and what fans can expect as the team continues to grow and compete at the Division I level.Follow Illinois Wrestler and the College Wrestling Show on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for more interviews, results, and updates throughout the season.

In the debut episode of Yak Sessions, we introduce a new space for honest, thoughtful, and drama-free wrestling conversations. We break down what Yak Sessions is all about, why we created it, and the principles guiding every discussion—debate ideas, not people; avoid gossip; and always aim to offer constructive solutions that strengthen the sport. Whether it’s coaching philosophy, rules, culture, development, or the evolving landscape of wrestling, this series is designed to challenge assumptions and spark healthier dialogue across Illinois and beyond. Welcome to a new kind of wrestling conversation.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast we dive into a wide range of topics, from how the top high school wrestlers are reaching new levels of skill, to catching up on the latest college results we missed last episode. We also look ahead to the official start of the high school wrestling season and what fans can expect in the weeks to come.This episode is brought to you by Combat Soap. Combat Soap is all-natural, made to protect the skin of athletes who train hard and compete often. Formulated with coconut oil, olive oil, and eucalyptus oil, it helps fight bacteria and fungi while keeping your skin clean, healthy, and irritation-free. No sulfates, no parabens, no artificial junk, just powerful, natural protection for combat athletes. Shop now at combatsoap.store !Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for more rankings, results, and in-depth coverage all season long.

In this week’s episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, we recap an action-packed weekend of college open tournaments featuring dozens of former Illinois high school wrestlers now competing at programs across the country. The crew breaks down standout performances, early-season results, and how Illinois alumni are making an impact at the college level.We also look ahead to the start of the Illinois high school wrestling season, which kicks off this week, previewing what fans can expect as teams and athletes return to the mat.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to covering the sport of wrestling across the state — from youth and high school to college and beyond. Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for the latest coverage, rankings, and stories all season long.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler High School Ranking Show, Dalton, Jim, Mark, Aiden, and Dustin Ehler reveal and discuss the top 5 wrestlers at each weight class across all divisions in the state of Illinois. The crew breaks down the state’s most talented athletes, debates close calls, and offers insight into who might rise or fall as the season unfolds.It’s the ultimate showcase of Illinois’ best — from returning state champions to rising stars making their mark early in the season.Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for more rankings, results, and in-depth coverage all season long.This episode is brought to you by Combat Soap. Combat Soap is all-natural, made to protect the skin of athletes who train hard and compete often. Formulated with coconut oil, olive oil, and eucalyptus oil, it helps fight bacteria and fungi while keeping your skin clean, healthy, and irritation-free. No sulfates, no parabens, no artificial junk, just powerful, natural protection for combat athletes. Shop now at combatsoap.store !

In this week’s episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, Mark, Aiden, and special guest Dustin Ehler cover a packed lineup of topics from across the Illinois wrestling scene. The crew discusses the latest college commitments, Midwest Preseason Nationals results, and highlights from Relentless Fright Night. They dive into the impressive skill level emerging at the youth level, recap the PNL results and the Clarion Open, and get an update from Ehler on what’s happening in Central Illinois wrestling.To wrap things up, the group looks ahead to the upcoming Marmion Tournament, one of the toughest events on the high school calendar, and what fans can expect from this year’s field.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to covering the sport of wrestling across the state through news, analysis, event coverage, interviews, and podcasts. Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for all the latest updates and in-depth coverage throughout the season.This episode is brought to you by Combat Soap. Combat Soap is all-natural, made to protect the skin of athletes who train hard and compete often. Formulated with coconut oil, olive oil, and eucalyptus oil, it helps fight bacteria and fungi while keeping your skin clean, healthy, and irritation-free. No sulfates, no parabens, no artificial junk, just powerful, natural protection for combat athletes. Shop now at combatsoap.store !

In this week’s episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, and Mark cover a full slate of topics as the high school wrestling season approaches. The crew breaks down results from this past weekend’s Preseason Nationals, looks ahead to the next big events, and dives into early individual and team rankings across Illinois.They also discuss the weekend camp with Jimmy Mastny, share thoughts on how skilled today’s young wrestlers have become, and talk about Fright Night at Relentless Training Center. To wrap things up, they dig into the latest high school rule changes and the state of officiating in wrestling.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to covering the sport of wrestling across the state of Illinois through news, analysis, event coverage, interviews, and podcasts. Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for full coverage and updates all season long.

In this week’s episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, and Mark recap all the action from the Super 32 National Tournament — one of the toughest high school wrestling events in the country. The crew breaks down how Illinois wrestlers performed across all weight classes, highlighting standout matches, top finishes, and key takeaways from the weekend.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to covering the sport of wrestling across the state of Illinois through news, analysis, interviews, and podcasts. Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for the latest updates, event coverage, and athlete stories all season long.

In this episode, Dalton, Jim, and Aiden dive into all the latest wrestling action, previewing Super 32 weekend, looking ahead to Preseason Nationals, and breaking down some of the newest high school commitments to college programs.

In this week’s episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, and newcomer Aiden Nardin break down which wrestlers from the state of Illinois will be competing at next weekend’s Super 32. The crew discusses where each athlete is seeded, which weight class they’ll be competing in, and some of the potential matchups fans should be excited about.Super 32 is one of the toughest folkstyle wrestling tournaments in the country, drawing elite competitors from coast to coast. Many of its champions and top finishers go on to successful NCAA Division I careers, making it a major proving ground for the nation’s best high school wrestlers.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to covering the sport of wrestling across the state through news, analysis, event coverage, interviews, and podcasts. Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay updated with all the latest Illinois wrestling coverage.

In this week’s episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, and Mark cover a wide range of topics as they preview the upcoming high school wrestling season. The crew starts by highlighting top-ranked juniors and seniors that were missed in last week’s episode, then dives into the college recruiting process, NCAA D1 National Duals, and the ongoing evolution of college NIL.They also break down the top incoming freshmen and sophomores in Illinois, make early predictions for the 2025 state tournament, and discuss the team and individual matchups they’re most excited to see this season. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on what can be done to make wrestling events even better for athletes, fans, and programs across the state.This is a can’t-miss episode for anyone getting ready for the 2025 high school wrestling season.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to highlighting the sport of wrestling across the state through news, analysis, event coverage, interviews, and podcasts. Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay connected and up to date all season long.

In this week’s episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, and Mark take a deep dive into the top Illinois high school wrestlers returning for the 2025 season. With more than a dozen wrestlers ranked in the top 20 nationally, Illinois continues to prove itself as one of the strongest wrestling states in the country. We break down the athletes to watch, their impact on the national scene, and what it means for the upcoming season.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to highlighting the sport of wrestling across the state of Illinois through news, analysis, event coverage, interviews, and podcasts. Follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube to stay up to date with the latest stories and standout performances from athletes across the state.

In this episode, we break down the latest action from the Elite 8 Duals, highlighting standout performances and key results that set the tone for the fall season. We also preview the upcoming Super 32 Challenge, one of the toughest high school wrestling tournaments in the country, and discuss which Illinois athletes to keep an eye on as they test themselves against the nation’s best.Illinois Wrestler is dedicated to covering the sport of wrestling across the state of Illinois. From in-depth analysis and event coverage to podcasts, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content, our mission is to highlight athletes, programs, and stories that grow the sport and showcase the talent in our state. You can follow Illinois Wrestler on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube for consistent coverage, updates, and exclusive content.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler College Wrestling Show, Dalton and Brian are joined by 2025 NCAA Champion Lucas Byrd of the University of Illinois. Fresh off his national title at 133 lbs., Lucas reflects on his championship season, the mindset that fueled his run, and what lies ahead in his wrestling journey. Don’t miss this candid conversation with one of the top competitors in the country and a proud representative of Illinois wrestling.

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler College Wrestling Show, Dalton and Brian are joined by Daryl Thomas, Associate Head Coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Daryl shares his journey through the sport—from growing up in Edwardsville to wrestling at the University of Illinois, and now making an impact as a coach at the college level. We talk about the lessons he’s learned along the way, his transition from athlete to coach, and his passion for growing the sport. Don’t miss this conversation with one of Illinois’ homegrown leaders in college wrestling. A great listen for athletes, coaches, and fans alike!

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler College Wrestling Show, Dalton and Brian are joined by Jacob Warner, former Washington High School standout and University of Iowa All-American. Jacob shares his journey from being one of Illinois’ top high school wrestlers to competing at the highest level in college. The conversation dives into the current landscape of NCAA wrestling, including the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and the evolving challenges for athletes and programs. Don’t miss this insightful discussion with one of Illinois’ best!

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler College Wrestling Show, Dalton Bullard and Brian Swaw break down all the action from the 2025 NCAA Championships! From thrilling upsets to dominant performances, they recap the biggest moments, standout wrestlers, and how Illinois athletes fared on the national stage. Tune in for expert analysis and a deep dive into the toughest tournament of the year!

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Jim, and Mark catch up on recent events before diving into a deep discussion on high school wrestling schedules. They break down the importance of strength of schedule, how coaches can get creative with their team’s competition lineup, and what tournament directors should consider when building elite events throughout the season.

In the first-ever Illinois Wrestler College Wrestling Show, Dalton is joined by Brian Swaw, the voice of Illini Wrestling on the Big Ten Network, and Jordan Blanton, a 3x All-American for the Illini. Together, they break down the 2025 Big Ten Championships, where Illinois finished 5th with one individual champion, and dive into the brackets for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. From top contenders to Illinois natives making their mark at the next level, we analyze key matchups and predict who will emerge victorious in the toughest tournament of the year!Like & Subscribe!https://www.facebook.com/illinoiswrestlerhttps://www.instagram.com/illinoiswrestlerhttps://www.youtube.com/@UCxP7xiD4ygyp1Ere_iohYGA https://x.com/ilwrestler

In this episode Dalton Bullard, Mark Stewart, and Jim Mastny dive into the action from the 2025 IHSA State Finals! We break down the individual state tournament in Champaign and the team state tournament in Bloomington, covering standout performances, key matchups, and team dual results. Don’t miss this in-depth analysis of the biggest weekends in Illinois wrestling!

In this episode of the Illinois Wrestler Podcast, Dalton, Mark, and Jim dive into the Class 1A IHSA State Brackets, breaking down the most exciting matchups and potential finals showdowns. From opening round battles to key semifinal clashes, the crew offers their insights on who’s poised to make a deep run and who could surprise the field.With expert analysis and a deep knowledge of Illinois wrestling, they highlight the storylines to watch, the wrestlers to keep an eye on, and the possible championship contenders in each weight class. As the state series heats up, this bracket preview is a must-listen for fans, coaches, and athletes gearing up for the biggest weekend of the season.Don’t miss this in-depth look at the road to Champaign—tune in now and get ready for all the action at the IHSA State Tournament!