NCAA Champion. Two-time Olympian. Rookie Coach of the Year. In this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Matt Gentry — Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Chicago — to explore how he’s blending world-class wrestling experience with elite academics to build something special in NCAA Division III.From his journey at Stanford to competing for Canada in two Olympic Games, Coach Gentry shares why he believes Division III is a hidden gem for driven student-athletes. We cover his recruiting philosophy, creating a high-performance culture, the D1 vs. D3 conversation, and why UChicago might be the best-kept secret in college wrestling.

🔗 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple & all major podcast platforms.



⏱ Timestamps & Show Notes:

• 0:00 – Show intro & guest welcome
  
  
• 5:00 – Matt Gentry's coaching journey & connection to UChicago
  
  
• 9:00 – Transition from assistant to head coach
  
  
• 12:00 – Building a DIII contender: recruiting, goals, and vision
  
  
• 17:00 – Balancing elite academics and wrestling
  
  
• 21:00 – Team culture, accountability, and scheduling with academics
  
  
• 27:00 – Financial aid at UChicago & the DIII value proposition
  
  
• 34:00 – Quarter system, training adaptations, and pre-season timing
  
  
• 40:00 – Individualized training & recovery strategies
  
  
• 44:00 – Advice for PTs and professionals looking to return to wrestling
  
  
• 46:00 – Legacy moment: The Matt Gentry Head Coach Chair at Stanford
  
  
• 49:00 – Why UChicago? Team bonds, academic excellence, and culture
  
  
• 51:00 – Coach Gentry’s morning routine, coffee rituals & health habits
  
  
• 56:00 – Favorite reads, workout groups, and Chicago eats