John Strittmatter: Building Foundational Personal Skills through Wrestling

Description

Jeff Bellomo and his long-time friend, John Strittmatter, talk about growing up in Ebensburg and learning foundational skills through wrestling and other sports and activities. John and his brother, Jody, went on to become champion wrestlers and now help develop young people through their Young Guns Wrestling Camps.

Key Takeaways

01:06 – Finding a passion for wrestling

John and his brother, Jody, found a passion for the competitiveness, goal setting, and hard work required to be a successful wrestler
They were part of a two-time national championship wrestling team at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Jody wrestled for Iowa also and was a national champion there as well

03:26 – Training the next generation of wrestlers

Young Guns Wrestling Camps is one of the premier programs in the nation
Operates in Pittsburgh, Altoona, Johnstown, and Ebensburg
Coaches emphasize fundamental personal skills, including hard work and character development

06:02 – Fundamental skills learned early carry over into adulthood

Consistency, discipline, goal setting, calendaring, and doing the right thing combine for success in business
This type of foundation, when instilled at a young age, translates to adult work of all types

08:25 – What successful wrestlers have in common

Success follows when you love what you're doing
Passion enables you to embrace the hard work needed to be great
Jeff feels that type of passion for his work

12:33 – Finding intrinsic motivation

Participating in many sports or activities at a young age develops a more well-rounded individual
A person who "specializes," but lacks passion, might experience short-term success until they come up against someone who loves what they are doing and has put in the work over time
Intrinsic motivation is the most powerful thing in the world

16:08 – Doing it for the right reasons

Jeff gave up football for band in high school, then went back to football for his senior year
He worked hard and broke records, but he didn't love it
He was playing for the wrong reasons and the decision shaped who he is
Now he knows you must find something that you love in whatever it is that you're doing, then construct your day to suit your strengths and passion

20:46 – The Young Guns approach to coaching

Young Guns is known for turning out good, respectful competitors
The program is unique in that it welcomes wrestlers of all abilities
The coaches meet the young wrestlers where they are and work to make them the best version of themselves