In this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Jerry Boland, head coach of Millersville Wrestling. A New Jersey wrestling legend turned college coach, Coach Boland shares his journey from high school coaching to running a DII powerhouse, the challenges of building a program, recruiting battles between NJ & PA, and the mindset of championship wrestlers.
Topics Covered:
✅ The importance of getting out of your bubble as a student-athlete
✅ Coaching philosophies: balancing competition, academics & life
✅ The intensity of the PSAC wrestling conference
✅ The role of mindset, preparation, and team depth in overcoming adversity
✅ Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham – the definitive answer from a South Jersey guy 🥪
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Show Notes & Timestamps
0:00 – 6:00 | Welcome & Introduction
- The mission behind Airey Bros Radio: Creating conversations for wrestlers, parents & coaches
- The importance of getting exposure to different college programs
6:00 – 14:00 | The Journey of Coach Jerry Boland- From high school standout to NCAA DIII All-American
- How coaching at Camden Catholic, Cinnaminson & Shawnee shaped his career
- Transitioning from principal to college head coach
14:00 – 22:00 | Building a College Wrestling Program from Scratch- The challenges of starting Davis & Elkins’ wrestling program
- Recruiting DII wrestlers and competing with powerhouse programs
22:00 – 35:00 | Taking Over Millersville Wrestling & PSAC Battles- The history of Millersville Wrestling & its transition from DI to DII
- Recruiting PA vs. NJ wrestlers – is there a rivalry in the room?
- Why PSAC wrestling is one of the toughest DII conferences
35:00 – 50:00 | Coaching Philosophies & Developing Champions- Four pillars of success: Family, Faith, School, Wrestling
- Balancing academics, athletics, and social life in college
- The importance of building relationships with athletes
50:00 – 1:05:00 | The Current Season & Millersville Wrestlers to Watch- Millersville’s depth and rising stars 🔥
- Injuries, overcoming adversity & stepping up when it matters most
- Key Jersey wrestlers & PSAC contenders to keep an eye on
1:05:00 – 1:20:00 | Fun Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts- Is Millersville bringing back the legendary wrestling robes? 🏆
- Coffee, music, and guilty pleasures – what fuels Coach Boland?
- The importance of loving the sport & advice for wrestling parents
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