"Takedown Talk" with Bob Matthews

Bo Bassett has already won a World freestyle title, a Super 32 championship, and so many more honors, including a PIAA championship as a high school sophomore. The sky is the limit for this young man who gets the fuel for his fire from his family, teammates, and God!

Here's a young man whose career I got to follow on the elementary, high school, college, and now world levels. Darian Cruz is as great off the mat as he is on the mat. Listen to this podcast that I did a little over a year ago, and dairy and fulfilled several of his goals in his resting career. Valley Elementary wrestling league title multiple high school state championships, an NCAA championship, and possibly an Olympic championship !!!

Andi has great examples at home and in the wrestling room. That, along with her tireless work ethic, propelled Andi Bibeau to first ever PIAA sanctioned District Xl and Southeast Regional Championships. Andi is driven to continue to get to the PIAA Championship Finals in 2025, after placing 5th this year.

Savannah Witt is tough as nails, with the strength of a 190-pounder in the 118-pound weight class. Witt was 31-0 this season and 59-2 in wrestling high school girls and 23-24 against boys. She loves to lift, eat carrot cake with sprinkles, and support her teammates. Savannah gives a lot of credit to Pirates Head Coach, Nick LaFevre, for challenging her to be the best she can be...

High school wrestling phenom, Bo Bassett, is one of the best young wrestlers in the USA, and in the world. However, despite his success in the Square Circle, he doesn't let his talent go to his head. He is very well-rounded as a Young Man, filled with respect for others in a deep humility. He finds what he needs the most through God, his family, teammates, and his wrestling community. This is one of my favorite podcast interviews to date !

Three outstanding young wrestlers, Savannah Witt of Palisades, Andi Bibeau of East Stroudsburg North, and Bo Bassett of Bishop McCort, talk about their journeys to the 2024 PIAA Wrestling Championships in Hershey, along with their goals, support systems and making history !

Meet a young man who as a sophomore for Faith Christian Academy, won a Pennsylvania state championship. Following knee surgery earlier this season, he is on a quest for a second state title. Please listen to hear about the development of this young man, where he is planning to go, and where he wants to end up -- as a multiple PIAA Champ, an NCAA Champ, and ultimately, an Olympic Champion !!!

Mason Ziegler, Quakertown's 127 pounder, is an extremely talented and hardworking young man. He is pushed by his teammates, coaches and family to be the best he can be...and his efforts are paying off in a big way. I caught up with this energetic dynamo after his big semi-final win in Hershey. We'll be seeing him strive for gold next season and an NCAA Championship at the next level 👍

Nate Desmond turned on the jets at the end of the 2021-22 season to win a state championship as a Freshman. This season, Nate the Great didn't feel any pressure as he put together another stellar season, and cruised to his second State Championship in as many years. I caught up with him before he majored Trey Wagner of Northampton in the state final. Nate seems to care deeply about his teammates, which is the sign of a leader. Plus, he's a character. After his win, he was craving a Shamrock Shake and a Big Bundle Family Meal from McDonald's 😆

This young Crusader wrestler told me after last years state tournament, he had a lot of work to do...and he made sure he did it ! His goal is to repeat as a State Champ next season as well. Ayden has a quiet demeanor, but when he hits the mat, he's all business. Please give a listen to this outstanding young man's post-match podcast interview with me in Chocolate Town, USA.