Mat Talk Podcast Network Jason Bryant, Mat Talk Podcast Network

Part 2 of Shane Sparks' discussion with current Wisconsin assistant coach and past NCAA Division I champion Jon Reader on Episode 26 of the Go Earn It Podcast.

E60 features the unique pairing of Billy Sullivan and Justus Scott. The Nevadan duo have been friends since their youth wrestling days and have continued to achieve one milestone after another as adults. Sullivan and Scott both made the U20 World Team in 2021, they joined Army WCAP together the next year, and late last month they both won the U23 World Trials, which means they will be on a second World Team together. 







Sullivan and Scott -- who are also now roommates -- discuss the previous season as they both worked to contend at the Olympic Trials in weight classes outside of their respective comfort zones. An overview of the U23 Trials is explored, as well, and is followed by banter pertaining to numerous topics surrounding the impressive development their careers have undergone since joining the Army. 







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Jonathan Koch, a former wrestler with a 21-7 varsity record at State College Area High School in State College, Pennsylvania, has an incredible story of resilience.







Koch worked as a television producer and co-founded Asylum Entertainment which sold to Legendary Entertainment in 2014.







In 2015 his life took an unexpected turn when he fell seriously ill during a producers conference in Washington, D.C.







To save his life, doctors had to place Koch into a coma. After several harrowing weeks, he miraculously woke up with his mind and spirit intact.







However, he learned that he had survived septic shock, which had severely compromised his body. As a result, he had lost all or part of all four limbs, including his right leg and left hand.







Even in the face of such devastating circumstances, Koch refused to succumb to despair. Rather than accepting a grim prognosis, he made a vow to not only survive but to thrive for the sake of his teenaged daughter and new wife, Jennifer.







Despite being told that his chances of survival were slim, Koch defied the odds. His doctors were astounded by his resilience and determination to live.







One doctor, in particular, admitted that Koch had changed her perspective on being a doctor and what could be achieved when patients were willing to fight back. When asked how he survived against unimaginable odds by a doctor at GW hospital, a depleted Koch whispered the powerful truth, “I’m a wrestler.”







Over the next 18 months, Koch underwent numerous painful surgeries, prosthetic fittings, and endured intensive rehabilitation.

















https://youtu.be/tZLD3TSU3tM?si=yZs8viddUwqRh-Wm









Despite the challenges he faced, he consistently surpassed his doctors' expectations.







Recognizing his mental and physical strength, a pioneering surgeon believed Koch was an ideal candidate for a revolutionary human hand transplant. In a groundbreaking procedure, Koch made medical history by successfully receiving a new hand.







While it typically takes several years to learn how to use a transplanted hand, Koch's determination and tenacity allowed him to succeed in its use within just four months.







Astonishingly, he was back on the tennis court soon thereafter, showcasing his resilience and unwavering spirit.







Today, Koch shares his remarkable journey with people worldwide.







Through coaching, leadership, and motivational speaking engagements, he inspires others to stand up and fight against adversity.







Jonathan Koch's story serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary possibilities that can emerge from even the darkest of situations.

The guys cover a lot of ground this week with Princeton coaching hires, transfers (Amine/Parco), Kueter full-time wrestling, Gable to the NFL, college revenue sharing and more:







Full Video









https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3WPd1JwBGA

This week we revisit the premier match from Beat the Streets. We also get to chat with the Associate Head Coach of The Ohio State University, J Jaggers. He shared his insight from the event, along with his feelings on how the team has performed in their recent freestyle and greco events. He also talks through his career as an athlete, along with the transition to coaching. Rock On!







The views and opinions expressed on this show are those of the individual hosts and not the network or sponsors of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. That being said, they curse a lot, too. 

Shane Sparks needs little reason to get fired up when talking wrestling, but when he's talking with Jon Reader, the fire just burns a bit brighter. Join Sparks on Episode 25 of the Go Earn It Podcast as he talks with the current Wisconsin assistant and 2011 NCAA Division I champion.