New Jersey Mat Chat

Peter Normandia
  • 5.0 (5)
  • WRESTLING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The #1 video podcast and content provider for New Jersey high school wrestling. Up close, in depth and uncensored.

  1. 042: Wisdom Wins with Kevin Landolt

    14H AGO

    042: Wisdom Wins with Kevin Landolt

    rom NJ state champion… to Division I football… to the NFL… and back to coaching the next generation. Kevin Landolt joins New Jersey Mat Chat to tell the full story of his journey through wrestling, football, and life after sports. In this episode we cover: • Old-school NJ wrestling before clubs existed • Winning a state title at Holy Cross • Playing football at West Virginia • Getting drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars • Wrestling’s role in building NFL toughness • Coaching today’s wrestlers and raising the next generation Kevin also shares stories about the NFL Combine, the pressure of making a roster, his famous sack against Donovan McNabb, and why mindset still separates good athletes from great ones. This is a must-watch for wrestlers, football players, parents, and coaches. 🤼‍♂️ NJ Wrestling 🏈 West Virginia Football & Jacksonville Jaguars 🧠 Mindset • Toughness • Leadership Check out Champion Athletes - https://champion-athletes.com 00:00 – Champion Athletes Nutrition Sponsor Segment 01:25 – Meet Kevin Landolt 01:38 – Growing Up in Burlington Township 02:03 – Wrestling Family & Early Influence From His Dad 02:35 – Finding the Willingboro Wrestling Program 03:05 – Coaches & Mentors Who Shaped Him 04:07 – Wrestling Before Clubs Existed 04:53 – How Elite Wrestlers Trained Back Then 05:04 – Choosing Holy Cross High School 05:47 – Freshman Year Struggles & Wrestling Up a Weight 06:47 – Building a Winning Program at Holy Cross 07:47 – State Tournament Experience & Mentality Shift 08:28 – The Mindset Difference Between Winning & Losing 09:10 – Wrestling Before YouTube & TrackWrestling 10:09 – Holy Cross Football Success Begins 10:50 – Winning State Titles in Football 11:08 – Choosing Football Over Wrestling in College 12:21 – Why West Virginia Was the Right Choice 13:14 – Life Inside a Division I Football Program 14:41 – Wrestling’s Advantage in Football 15:17 – Why Wrestling Was Harder Than Football 16:05 – Big Sack vs Donovan McNabb & Favorite Memories 17:18 – Realizing the NFL Was Possible 18:17 – NFL Combine & Draft Process 19:46 – Getting Drafted by the Jaguars 21:05 – NFL Training Camp & Mental Pressure 21:29 – First NFL Paycheck Story 23:05 – Making the Jaguars Roster 23:50 – Beating the 49ers & NFL Rookie Season 24:37 – How Wrestling Built NFL Toughness 25:52 – Life After Football & The XFL 27:26 – Returning to Wrestling as a Coach 28:05 – Coaching at Riverside & Developing Wrestlers 29:04 – Coaching His Daughter in Wrestling 30:24 – Biggest Differences in Wrestling Today 31:31 – Advice for Wrestlers Chasing Greatness 32:33 – Final Thoughts & Outro

    33 min
  2. 041: Its Our Turn with the Ross Twins

    4D AGO

    041: Its Our Turn with the Ross Twins

    Two brothers. One path. And now… it’s their turn. The Ross Twins (Thomas & John) join New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about their journey, their bond, and what’s next as they prepare to enter one of the toughest wrestling rooms in the country at CBA. This episode goes deeper than wrestling: • Growing up as twins • Battling serious health issues early in life • Choosing the right high school program • Competing against each other for a spot • Their mindset heading into high school wrestling From the mat to life outside the sport, this is a real look at two young wrestlers with big goals — and the discipline to back it up. If you follow NJ wrestling… remember the name. 🤼‍♂️ Ross Twins 📍 Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) 🧠 Mindset • Brotherhood • Future 00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA 00:47 – Meet the Ross Twins (Thomas & John) 00:58 – Being Twins: Who’s Older? 01:48 – Growing Up Together (and Apart in the Hospital) 02:05 – 12 Surgeries & Early Health Battle 03:31 – Different Personalities & Interests 05:25 – Choosing CBA Over Other Schools 06:44 – Why They Chose CBA (Academics + Wrestling) 07:02 – First Impressions of Coaches & Training 07:20 – Current Weights & Future Lineup Questions 09:35 – Team Lineup Speculation & Competition 10:15 – Who Starts? Competing With Your Twin 11:29 – Brother Rivalry: Who’s Better? 11:30 – Strengths & Wrestling Styles Compared 12:17 – Training at Triumph Wrestling 12:38 – Freestyle vs Folkstyle Preferences 13:09 – Thoughts on Greco Wrestling 13:52 – Looking Ahead to High School Competition 15:05 – Ironman vs Powerade (Big Tournament Goals) 16:04 – Life Outside Wrestling (Hobbies & Interests) 17:06 – Beach Life & Personality Differences 17:11 – Wrestlers They Look Up To 19:26 – Growing Up as Twins (Life Moments) 20:54 – Injuries & Setbacks 22:26 – Freshman Year Goals (State Titles) 23:14 – Style Breakdown & Readiness for HS 24:06 – Confidence vs Reality at Next Level 25:21 – Wrestling Maturity & Growth 26:22 – Brotherhood of Wrestling 27:28 – Future: College, NIL & Careers 29:02 – Money, Goals & Long-Term Thinking 30:30 – Confidence, Mindset & Expectations 30:34 – Incoming CBA Talent & Team Outlook 31:26 – Calling Out the Shore Conference 31:49 – Final Thoughts & Outro

    33 min
  3. 040: Simplified with Ricky DeLorenzo

    APR 29

    040: Simplified with Ricky DeLorenzo

    Ricky DiLorenzo breaks down his journey from a lightly competing youth wrestler to a New Jersey state placer and one of the toughest competitors in the state. In this episode, we cover: • His rise at Toms River East • The impact of Coach Mark Gray on the program • Why he doesn’t overcomplicate training • Balancing a 4.6 GPA with high-level wrestling • His state tournament run (and tough losses) • The mindset shift needed to go from placer → champion This one is different — no hype, no fluff. Just a wrestler who keeps it simple… and gets results. 🤼‍♂️ NJ Wrestling 📍 Toms River East 🧠 Discipline • Consistency • Development 00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA 00:46 – Meet Ricky DiLorenzo 01:08 – Early Wrestling & Limited Competition 01:53 – Considering Leaving for CBA 02:20 – Coaching Changes at Toms River East 03:04 – Impact of Coach Mark Gray 04:02 – Freshman Year Injury (Fractured Elbow) 04:18 – Sophomore Year Breakout (4th in NJ) 04:50 – Offseason Approach: “Just Keep Working” 05:46 – Team Culture Shift Under Coach Gray 07:20 – Shore Conference & Tough Competition Ahead 07:56 – Leadership Style: Lead by Example 08:16 – Practice Habits & Routine 09:18 – Family Support & Wrestling Background 09:47 – Academics: 4.6 GPA & School Balance 10:15 – College Options: Ivy vs Big Ten 11:03 – Strength Training & Old School Approach 11:49 – Weight Management & Nutrition 12:17 – Offseason Training & Workout Partners 12:54 – Freestyle vs Folkstyle Debate 13:56 – Problems with Rules: Control & Stalling 14:47 – Would He Change Anything About Wrestling? 15:40 – Life Outside Wrestling 16:14 – Personality, Popularity & Staying Grounded 16:54 – Teammates & Training Partners 18:00 – When He Started Wrestling 18:18 – Future in MMA? 19:03 – College Goals: All-American → National Champ 20:06 – Long-Term Plans (Law Enforcement) 21:00 – Shoutouts & Support System 21:57 – Season Recap: District Title → Regions Loss 22:17 – State Tournament Loss to Greyson Pettit 23:00 – Backside Matches & Tough Losses 23:59 – Finishing 7th in NJ 24:59 – Mental Lessons from States 25:38 – Final Reflections & Moving Forward 26:28 – Outro

    27 min
  4. 039: Mind Over Matter with Gideon Gonzalez

    APR 22

    039: Mind Over Matter with Gideon Gonzalez

    From getting beat up as a kid… to standing on top of New Jersey. Gideon Gonzalez joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down his journey to becoming a New Jersey State Champion at 138 lbs — and what it really took to get there. We dive into: • Growing up in a wrestling family • The pressure of carrying a name • Fargo & Greco success translating to folkstyle • Bergen Catholic vs St. Joe’s rivalry • Getting sick days before states… and still winning it all • The mindset that separates good from elite This episode is about more than wins — it’s about belief, development, and doing things the hard way. If you’re a wrestler, parent, or coach in NJ… this is one to study. 🤼‍♂️ New Jersey Wrestling 🧠 Mindset • Discipline • Development 📍 Built for NJ wrestlers 00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA 00:45 – Meet Gideon Gonzalez (138 State Champ) 00:58 – What Winning a State Title Felt Like 01:47 – Growing Up in a Wrestling Family 02:47 – Early Influences & Role Models 03:36 – Other Sports & Choosing Wrestling 04:01 – Brother’s State Title & Family Impact 05:20 – Pressure, Legacy & Setting Bigger Goals 05:53 – Choosing Bergen Catholic 06:30 – Adjusting to a National-Level Program 08:34 – Early High School Struggles & Skill Gaps 10:00 – Fargo & Greco Breakthrough 10:47 – Bergen Catholic vs St. Joe’s Rivalry 12:38 – Season Journey & Early Losses 14:33 – Cutting Weight & Lineup Adjustments 15:05 – Close Matches & Learning Limits 16:33 – Getting Sick Right Before States 18:56 – State Tournament Run Begins 19:44 – State Finals Match Breakdown 21:09 – Becoming a State Champion 21:51 – Training Room, Teammates & Culture 22:30 – Mindset: Wrestling Fearless 23:37 – Club Wrestling vs Multiple Rooms 24:49 – Carrying the Gonzalez Name 24:56 – College Plans & Future Goals 26:25 – Legacy: How He Wants to Be Remembered 27:29 – Advice for Young Wrestlers 28:56 – Coaches & Final Shoutouts Become an wrestling official: http://njwoa.net

    30 min
  5. 038: No Issues with Luke Johnston

    APR 15

    038: No Issues with Luke Johnston

    Some wrestlers compete with doubt. Others don’t. Luke Johnston joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down the mindset behind his approach to wrestling — one built on confidence and preparation. And a pace like no other. We talk about what separates good wrestlers from great ones, how he handles pressure in big matches, and the habits that build real consistency on and off the mat. This episode isn’t about hype — it’s about control, discipline, and showing up ready. If you’re serious about wrestling in New Jersey, this is one to watch. 🤼‍♂️ NJ Wrestling 🧠 Mindset • Discipline • Confidence 📍 Built in New Jersey 00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA 00:45 – Meet Luke Johnston 01:05 – Where It All Started (Early Wrestling Days) 01:50 – When He Knew He Was Different 02:40 – Building Confidence Early 03:30 – Training Environment & Coaches Impact 04:20 – What Separates Good vs Great Wrestlers 05:10 – Developing the “No Issues” Mindset 06:00 – Handling Pressure & Expectations 06:50 – Big Matches & Proving Himself 07:40 – Learning From Losses (Without Losing Confidence) 08:30 – In-Match Mindset & Adjustments 09:20 – Wrestling Style & Approach 10:05 – Practice Habits That Actually Matter 10:50 – Strength, Conditioning & Discipline 11:40 – Staying Focused During the Season 12:20 – Biggest Challenges Faced 13:10 – Turning Point in His Career 14:00 – Goals for This Season 14:50 – College Wrestling Aspirations 15:30 – Advice for Younger Wrestlers 16:20 – What “No Issues” Really Means 17:10 – Final Thoughts & Message to NJ Wrestling

    26 min
  6. 037: The Climb with Will Cruz

    APR 8

    037: The Climb with Will Cruz

    He didn’t grow up wrestling. He didn’t start early. And he still made the state finals. Paulsboro standout Will Cruz joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down his journey from starting the sport in 7th grade to becoming one of the top wrestlers in New Jersey. We talk about wrestling up for the team, dealing with losses at districts and regions, earning the #1 seed at states, and making a run to the state finals — all while learning how to handle pressure, setbacks, and expectations. This episode is about growth, mindset, and what it really takes to climb in NJ wrestling. If you’re a wrestler, parent, or coach — this is one you need to hear. 🤼‍♂️ Paulsboro Wrestling 🎯 State Finals Run 📍 Built in New Jersey 00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA 00:46 – Meet Will Cruz | Paulsboro Wrestling 01:00 – From Brooklyn to Paulsboro (No Wrestling Background) 01:40 – Starting Wrestling Late (7th Grade Story) 02:30 – First Coach Impact & Learning the Hard Way 03:20 – Life at Paulsboro HS (Small School Culture) 04:20 – Why He Chose Wrestling Over Soccer 05:00 – Freshman Year Struggles & Getting Tougher 06:10 – Building a Name Early in NJ Wrestling 07:00 – Fargo, Freestyle & Rapid Improvement 07:50 – “I Told Myself I Had to Win a State Title” 08:40 – Wrestling Up a Weight for the Team 09:30 – Fighting Through Injury & Being Sick at States 10:30 – District Loss → Reset Mindset 11:10 – Region Loss → “Next Week Is a New Tournament” 12:00 – Adjusting Training Before States 12:50 – Getting the #1 Seed (Unexpected Reaction) 13:40 – Why He Doesn’t Look at Brackets 14:20 – Mindset Shift: “You’re Will Cruz” 15:00 – State Semifinal Pin (Breakthrough Moment) 16:00 – Night Before Finals (No Weight Cut Stress) 16:50 – Sister Also Makes State Finals (Family Moment) 17:30 – State Finals Match Breakdown 18:20 – The Moment He Felt Overwhelmed 19:00 – Post-Match Emotion & Disappointment 20:00 – The Ride Home From Atlantic City 21:00 – Coaches’ Message: “You Got Next Year” 22:00 – Goals for Next Season (State Title Mindset) 22:40 – Wrestling Style Inspiration (Japan & Burroughs) 23:30 – College Goals & Virginia Tech Interest 24:10 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next

    26 min
  7. 036: Unthinkable with Greyson Pettit

    APR 1

    036: Unthinkable with Greyson Pettit

    This one is different. Greyson Pettit joins New Jersey Mat Chat to share a story no athlete ever expects to tell — the moment everything changed, and how he’s fought back from it. We talk about the mental side of wrestling that doesn’t get seen… dealing with setbacks, staying connected to the sport, and what it really takes to keep going when things don’t go your way. This isn’t just about wrestling — it’s about perspective, resilience, and the mindset behind a comeback. If you’re a wrestler, parent, or coach in New Jersey, this is one you need to hear. 🤼‍♂️ New Jersey Wrestling 🧠 Mindset • Adversity • Comeback 📍 Built in New Jersey 00:00 Show Open & NJ Officials PSA 00:46 Meet Greyson Pettit 01:00 The 21-Seed Run That Shocked Everyone 01:38 Junior Year Injury and ACL Tear 02:54 Sophomore Year Injury and Bad Weight Cut 03:24 Losing Love for Wrestling 04:08 Bad Habits, Snacking, and the Weight Cut Spiral 04:59 Summer Reset: “I’m Not Cutting Weight” 06:12 Fargo and Feeling Good Again 07:08 Discipline vs. Cutting Weight 07:55 Choosing the Right Weight for the Team 08:34 JV Freshman Year and Early Doubts 09:57 Season Goals: Just Place on the Podium 10:52 Escape the Rock and the Spaulding Match 12:45 Districts and Regions Momentum 13:42 Expecting a Top-10 Seed… Then Seeing #21 14:31 Doubts Return Before States 15:07 Coach Maxwell’s Message: “You’re Going to Win” 15:32 Beating Haggerty 16:04 Revenge Over DeLorenzo 17:04 Upset Over Returning State Champ Spalding 17:37 Managing Pain, Weight, and Recovery 18:56 Night Before Finals Mindset 20:13 Locked In for the Finals 20:54 State Champion 21:09 College Coaches Start Reaching Out 22:23 Rutgers, Iowa, and the Recruiting Process 24:07 Celebrating With a Johnny Rockets Milkshake 24:31 Family Emotions and Sacrifices 26:34 Coaching, Mentors, and Uncle Dion 27:53 Basement Boys, Garage Work, and Training Roots 28:54 From JV Freshman to State Champion 29:49 Advice for Young Wrestlers 30:59 Belief, Dreams, and Visualization 31:21 Fate, Destiny, and the Meaning of the Run 32:19 Dark Horse Talk and Proving People Wrong 32:55 “Nobody Believed But Me” 33:44 Back to School, Disney Trip, and What a Week 35:09 Final Thoughts

    36 min
  8. 035: Under Control with Amari Vann

    FEB 10

    035: Under Control with Amari Vann

    Delsea standout Amari Vann joins New Jersey Mat Chat for an honest, unfiltered conversation about wrestling, leadership, nutrition, and big goals. Amari talks openly about missing last year’s postseason, learning from weight cutting mistakes, and how he’s turned things around this season. He breaks down his role as a team captain, his college wrestling ambitions, freestyle dreams, and what it will take to reach Atlantic City and compete for a state title. From mindset to match prep, this episode is packed with insight for NJ wrestlers, parents, and coaches. 🤼‍♂️ Delsea Wrestling 🎯 138 Pounds 📍 Built in New Jersey 00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA 01:40 – Meet Amari Vann | Delsea Wrestling Star 02:00 – Season Check-In: How Things Are Going 02:30 – Is Delsea Where They Want to Be Yet? 03:10 – Being a Team Captain and Leading by Example 03:50 – Academics and Favorite Subject (Math Guy!) 04:15 – College Plans and Wanting to Leave NJ 05:00 – Big Goals: Wrestling in Warm Weather 05:40 – Why He Missed Last Year’s Postseason 06:30 – Weight Cutting Struggles and Lessons Learned 07:20 – Fixing Nutrition and Taking Accountability 08:15 – Freshman Success and Returning to Form 09:00 – Postseason Goals for 138 Pounds 09:40 – Freestyle vs Folkstyle: Which Is Better? 10:25 – International Wrestling Dreams 11:00 – Jordan Burroughs Inspiration 11:30 – One Wrestling Rule He Would Change 12:15 – Training Partners in the Delsea Room 13:05 – Advice to His 11-Year-Old Brother 13:40 – First Meal After the Season Ends 14:10 – Previewing the Big Delsea vs Delsea Dual 15:10 – Match Predictions and Team Confidence 16:00 – Guaranteeing Another State Title 16:30 – Final Thoughts & Send-Off Become a wrestling official - http://njwoa.net

    14 min
See All (42)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The #1 video podcast and content provider for New Jersey high school wrestling. Up close, in depth and uncensored.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Normandia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2025 Edit Cellar LLC All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    New Jersey Mat Chat

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