Coach Green's Friday Mailbag (5/29/2026)

Morning kiddos.  Another good crop of questions for a Friday as we prep for Super 23s

What is the future for the smaller D1 wrestling programs? Clearly won’t be able to compete with schools that are getting millions from donors and throwing bags at wrestlers. What does 3 million do for a school like Pitt? - Logan Ausman

Not a great time to be a little guy.  I was talking about this the other day and wondering if an American, or a Bloom or an Edinboro is even possible.  There is no question we will see more programs dropped, or neutered financially ala Campbell soon.

Yes, 3 million for a school is awesome, but the numbers the big dawgs are playing with are astronomical.  Does 3 million get you more scholarships?  Yes - but is that the solution?  It is part of it for sure.  I think it likely positions a program to survive and move up a few spots, but It isn't going to have a lasting impact when you compare it to some of the other war chests being assembled.  It is always an arms race, but never more so.

How are you enjoying your recent career transition? - Rachel Gallardo

Hey there, kiddo.  It has been a whirlwind.  Going from West Point graduation last week, to NYMA next week - still feel like I have my feet in both worlds a little bit.  Things will settle down this summer and I'll have a chance to prep for next year.  Excited to be in the classroom teaching one class next year.   A lot of good things on the horizon.

Which RAF 09 matches are you looking forward to and do you like the old wrestlers/MMA guys competing? Frank D

Lil' secret here - I have never watched RAF.  Not for any particular reason other than over-saturation of wrestling on my end.  I hope that doesn't get me fired.  I do follow the results, though.  I don't mind the novelty matches and personalities - if the metrics show it is putting more eyes on the sport, awesome.  Seeing Steveson back on the mat is appealing. It makes you wonder what is next.  And Bajrang/ Lovett?  That's a lot to think about, too

Who inspire coach become coach? - Hijo

My man, great question.

I've had a lot of great mentors, maybe too many to mention, but I would never have gotten into coaching if it weren't for Joe Rotundo.  That's our guy Tony Rotundo's dad!  He ran a club in my area in the 80s before clubs were really a thing.  I had an awesome HS coach, but Joe had a perspective that I had never seen or heard from any of the coaches I had been around growing up playing every sport imaginable, as 80s kids were wont to do.  I would describe it as Jedi- like.  He was taking kids overseas and wrestling a ton of freestyle and it was just eye opening for me.  I also got to work with the younger kids a lot and that really helped me develop as a coach when I was in HS.  A lot of people added to my style and approach as I grew in the field, but that is really where it started

Grab a couple glizzys and a pop guys, it is one of the best weekends of the year in Geneva.  Super 23s and U20 WTT.  Have a good one