The Florida Wrestling Room

Ricky Cheese

Ricky created The Florida Wrestling Room in 2015 as a Facebook group to unite wrestling enthusiasts in Florida. Recognizing its limitations, he launched a website, turning it into the go-to source for wrestling in the state. More than just a website, it's a community, a family. Now, Ricky brings his passion for wrestling to the airwaves, sharing inspiring stories and insightful interviews!

  1. Demetri Kangas: Will of a Warrior

    10/14/2024

    Demetri Kangas: Will of a Warrior

    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.

    1h 24m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Ricky created The Florida Wrestling Room in 2015 as a Facebook group to unite wrestling enthusiasts in Florida. Recognizing its limitations, he launched a website, turning it into the go-to source for wrestling in the state. More than just a website, it's a community, a family. Now, Ricky brings his passion for wrestling to the airwaves, sharing inspiring stories and insightful interviews!