Matt Mcdonough - Built to Grind :: Ep 33

Newly elected Iowa Wrestling Hall of Famer Matt McDonough joins Full Tilt at Mission Athletics in Cedar Rapids for a wide-ranging conversation about the people and experiences that shaped his career. Matt looks back on growing up around wrestling, learning from coaches and training partners who pushed him, winning two NCAA titles, and facing the setbacks of his senior season. He also reflects on Anthony Robles, the lessons he’s carried into coaching, and how Mission Athletics came together.

Timed highlights:

00:30 Matt reacts to being inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame

02:22 The mindset behind his success—and why he never thought of himself as an especially talented wrestler

03:16 His father’s influence and the family’s wrestling history

05:07 How young wrestlers learn techniques from social media

07:04 Matt’s early years in wrestling and finding his “wrestling bug” 10:37 The impact of coach Pablo Bassa

15:29 Seeking out training partners and challenges who push you

17:00 The Mark Ironside practice that changed how Matt viewed tough training

20:46 Moving to 125 pounds and learning not to cut weight just for the sake of it

23:43 Winning his first NCAA title after an early-season loss 26:54 Wrestling Anthony Robles and the story behind their famous championship match

35:16 Recovering from the Robles loss and returning to win another national title