The Florida Wrestling Room

Coach Anthony Cerullo joins Ricky Cheese on the Grinding for Greatness Podcast to talk about his incredible wrestling journey, building programs at Tenoroc and George Jenkins, and why wrestling is more than just a sport.Anthony opens up about how wrestling helped change the direction of his life, the challenges of coaching in low-income communities, and the “24/7 mentality” that has helped shape the culture at George Jenkins Wrestling. The conversation also dives into girls wrestling growth in Florida, coaching Team Florida, Fargo, mentorship, faith, leadership, and what it really takes to build a championship wrestling family.This episode is packed with coaching wisdom, real stories, and insight into what makes wrestling one of the toughest and most rewarding sports in the world.

Florida college wrestling is growing faster than most people realize, and USF is putting a stamp on it.On this episode of The Florida Wrestling Room, Jordan (North Florida Wrestling Show) sits down with USF Wrestling Head Coach James Lawless, who took over the program this year and immediately raised the standard.Coach Lawless breaks down:How the USF program was rebuilt from the ground upWhy it’s time to stop calling it “just club” and start saying NCWAUSF’s early season results, including five nationally ranked wrestlersWhy USF is a strong landing spot for athletes chasing elite academics, especially medical pathwaysHow wrestlers are finding the team simply by seeing USF Wrestling gear on campusThe next big event: the USF Duals featuring top NCWA programs from Florida and beyond📍 USF Duals🗓️ February 22🏫 5A High School (Pasco County, north of Tampa)🧾 Results tracked on Trackwrestling📲 Updates via the USF Wrestling Facebook/Instagram pagesIf you care about keeping Florida talent in Florida, this one’s for you.

Host Ricky Cheese brings together Joe Lowe, Jared Reber, and Brennon Chambers for a powerful Sober October conversation—wrestling, fatherhood, faith, and the real work of breaking addiction.What you’ll hear:Joe’s path from daily drinking to 620+ days sober, UNC Greensboro HOF, and competing at the U.S. OpenJared on giving up alcohol for his son, running 100+ mile months, and the mindset of a championBrennon Chambers’ 10 years sober, teaching chemistry & GED, and mentoring teens through the opioid/fentanyl crisisWhy “champions don’t cut corners,” building discipline, and planting seeds in youth wrestling roomsThe role of family, faith, and community in staying sober—beyond just OctoberGuestsJoe Lowe — Coach & former D1 wrestlerJared Reber — Coach, runner, dadCoach Chambers — Chemistry teacher & coachNeed help?If you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs, gambling, porn, or any addiction—reach out. You’re not alone. If you’re in the wrestling community, message The Florida Wrestling Room or Ricky Cheese and we’ll point you to support.Support the show👍 Like, 🔔 subscribe, and share this episode to help someone who needs to hear it.Sober October, wrestling, addiction recovery, fatherhood, discipline, fentanyl, Florida Wrestling Room, TFWR, mindset, coaching

Join Alex Wisdom in this special collaboration with The Florida Wrestling Room as we unveil the Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Boys Wrestlers and Teams across the Sunshine State! 🏆 Discover the standout athletes, thrilling matchups, and powerhouse programs shaping the Florida wrestling scene. From Draven McCal's pursuit of another title to South Dade's domination, this episode dives deep into the performances and rivalries making waves this season. 👥 Featured Highlights: 🥇 Michael Mocco: Florida’s #1 Pound-for-Pound Wrestler 🏅 Maximus Brady: On the hunt for his 4th state title 🤼 Sebastian DiGenerro: Nationally ranked and relentless 📈 Mater Lakes Academy & South Dade: Powerhouse teams to watch 🌟 Don't miss our insights on top wrestlers like Jiovanni Solis, Christian Fretwell, and Elvis Solis, along with the rising programs shaking up the rankings. 🔔 Hit Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on Florida wrestling's top athletes and teams. Check out TheFloridaWrestlingRoom.com for exclusive content and rankings! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Wrestlers 07:53 - Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Teams 16:07 - Wrap-Up and Upcoming Girls Rankings

Welcome back to TFWR, your #1 source for all things Florida Wrestling! In this episode, Ricky Cheese dives into the explosive growth of girls wrestling in Florida and how it's setting a national standard. 🏆 From top-ranked high school wrestlers to rising stars, we cover all the biggest names, including Rylee Lancaster, Maya Bethel, Ailey Briggs, and Gracie Leota. 💪 Key Highlights: Why Florida is a top 10 state for girls wrestling. A breakdown of the toughest weight classes and standout athletes. Shout-outs to programs and coaches shaping the future of wrestling. Stay tuned as we rank the best wrestlers in the state and celebrate the incredible depth and talent of Florida’s girls wrestling scene. 🌟 Subscribe for More:Head over to thefloridawrestlingroom.com and subscribe for exclusive rankings, news, and more for just $6.99/month (or get 2 months FREE with an annual plan)! 📢 Follow Us:👉 YouTube: Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!👉 Facebook: Stay updated with everything Florida Wrestling. #GirlsWrestling #FloridaWrestling #RickyCheese #TFWR #WrestlingRankings #SupportWrestling #WrestlingSpotlight

Join Ricky along with Coaches Kurt Montanye and Jamie Harrison as they reflect on the incredible road to victory for the RPA Headhunters Wrestling Club at the Disney Duals. From their strategic planning to the clutch moments that defined their success, this episode takes you behind the scenes of their historic 1st Place Gold finish. 💥 Key Moments Remembered: Match Highlights: A rollercoaster of victories, capped by a dramatic 34-33 finals win against Team STL Green. Unforgettable Performances: Strategic Brilliance: Coaches Montanye and Harrison share how lineup adjustments and bonus points shaped their path to victory. Looking back, it’s clear this wasn’t just about wrestling—it was about resilience, unity, and passion. The Headhunters didn’t just win—they inspired. 🎙️ Relive the highs and lows, the clutch performances, and the defining moments that made this championship season one to remember.

In Episode 27 of Grinding for Greatness, we sit down with rising Florida wrestling star Julianna Caisse. Known for her remarkable consistency and mental toughness, Julianna talks about her recent transfer from Palm Harbor to Riverdale and how it has shaped her wrestling journey. She shares her advice for young athletes on how to stay focused and enjoy the process, plus an inside look into her training, toughest opponents, and her dream of winning a state title. Join us as we dive into the mindset and drive behind one of Florida’s top wrestlers!

In the longest episode of Grinding for Greatness to date, Ricky Cheese sits down with Demetri Kangas, a wrestling veteran and founder of the Will of a Warrior Foundation, for a deep dive into his wrestling journey, coaching philosophy, and the impact of his work in youth wrestling. Demetri shares his roots in Pennsylvania wrestling, his collegiate career at Delaware Valley University, and his transition to coaching in Florida. He discusses the importance of mentorship, long-term growth, and community service in shaping young athletes. The conversation also highlights his Will of a Warrior Foundation, which is dedicated to helping youth through education, fitness, and scholarships for community involvement. Throughout this 1 hour and 20-minute conversation, Demetri touches on key topics like nutrition, weight management, and how to guide young wrestlers through proper technique and recovery, drawing from his own experiences of injury. He also sheds light on the rising talent in Florida wrestling, the evolving wrestling culture, and the vital role dual meets play in fostering school spirit and building community. Key Takeaways: Demetri’s Will of a Warrior Foundation supports youth development through education, fitness, and scholarships. Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for healthy weight management in wrestling. Coaching should prioritize positive reinforcement and learning, not just winning. The youth wrestling scene in Florida is thriving, with many athletes showing potential for greatness. Timestamps: 00:00- Introduction & Demetri’s Wrestling Journey 05:30 - Mentorship and Coaching Philosophy 11:45 - Will of a Warrior Foundation Overview 17:00 - Nutrition, Hydration, and Weight Management Tips 23:30 - Injury Recovery and Staying Active in Coaching 30:15 - Florida Wrestling Culture and Key Techniques 40:00 - The Importance of Dual Meets and Community Building Quotes: "You are probably the most selfless person I know in wrestling." "There’s always one more person to help." "It’s not just about winning; it’s about helping these kids become better wrestlers and better people." With so much to discuss, this episode goes the distance as the longest yet, and it’s packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice for wrestlers, coaches, and parents alike. Tune in to hear how Demetri’s commitment to helping others is changing the future of Florida wrestling.

In this special episode of Grinding for Greatness, host Ricky Cheese invites the Ortiz family—Rebecca, Carlos, and their son Gion—into his home for a candid and heartfelt sit-down interview. The Ortiz family shares their personal journey through the world of wrestling, reflecting on the recruitment process, family sacrifices, and Gion’s inspiring battle with Type 1 diabetes. Together, they discuss the challenges of balancing athletics and health, while offering invaluable advice for parents navigating the often complex world of college wrestling. Plus, hear how Coach Nathan Yetser has made an incredible impact on Gion’s journey. Whether you're a wrestling parent, athlete, or fan, this family-oriented episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the grit, determination, and love behind the sport. 🔗 Watch it now on our YouTube channel! 🎥

In this special episode of Grinding for Greatness, host Ricky Marcus sits down with National Wrestling Hall of Famer Sal Basile to discuss his incredible journey both on and off the mat. Sal opens up about his wrestling career, his coaching philosophy, and the challenges he’s faced, including the devastating fire that destroyed his home. He shares the overwhelming support he received from the wrestling community and how it helped him rebuild. Sal also talks about the balance between competition and rest, coaching his sons through their wrestling careers, and his recent induction into the Hall of Fame. From stories of perseverance to leadership tips, this episode offers deep insight into the life of one of Florida’s most respected wrestling coaches. Tune in as Sal Basile shares wisdom on navigating life’s toughest battles, both on and off the mat. Key Topics: Overcoming adversity after a house fire Coaching philosophy and building a successful wrestling program His sons’ wrestling careers at University of Northern Iowa and West Point Lessons in resilience, discipline, and leadership Available on all major podcast platforms!