In Episode 387 of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach John Stout, the legendary former head coach of Southern Regional High School Wrestling. Over 18 seasons, Coach Stout led the Rams to 3 NJSIAA Group Championships, 12 Sectional Titles, 17 District Team Titles, and developed state champions including Frank Molinaro (NCAA Champion & Olympian) and Glenn Carson (Penn State All-American).We dive deep into:
- The rise of Southern Wrestling and its dominance in New Jersey
- The epic Jackson vs. Southern rivalries that packed gyms across the Shore Conference
- How building strong rec and middle school programs created lasting success
- Why public school rivalries may never be the same
- Stories of state champions, underdogs, and coaching philosophy
- His proudest moments as a coach and father, including raising Ivy League student-athletes
If you’re a New Jersey wrestling fan, coach, or athlete, this episode is a must-listen.👉 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, & Apple Podcasts
👉
Follow us on Instagram
👉 Full YouTube Episode- 0:00 – Intro: Why Airey Bros Radio highlights NJ wrestling culture
- 1:42 – Introducing Coach John Stout: Southern Regional legacy
- 2:07 – Southern’s Group Championships & coaching state champs like Frank Molinaro & Glenn Carson
- 5:09 – Raising Ivy League sons and the decision to step away from coaching
- 9:04 – Coach Stout’s wrestling origin story & rivalry with his brother
- 13:11 – Transition from assistant to head coach & the growing pains of leadership
- 17:54 – Importance of rec & middle school programs for building dynasties
- 23:33 – The decline of public school rivalries in NJ wrestling
- 24:33 – Southern vs. Jackson: legendary battles & coin flip heartbreaks
- 27:05 – Heated seeding meetings & the intensity of NJ wrestling culture
- 29:59 – Why Southern scheduled a “murderers’ row” of opponents
- 32:28 – Short Conference Tournament: why Coach Stout pulled Southern out
- 36:00 – District/Region realignments & sending 4th place to states
- 38:48 – NJ State Tournament vs. PA States
- 40:43 – Watching his nephews wrestle each other at NCAA Championships
- 41:38 – The Southern wrestling room: hot, intense, and legendary
- 43:09 – Thanksgiving sleepover practices & old-school toughness
- 45:04 – Biggest successes & regrets from his coaching career
- 48:18 – Underrated Southern wrestlers who overachieved
- 50:01 – Stories of Kevin Hoy, Air Force legend & NCAA All-American
- 54:07 – What’s next for Coach Stout as an empty nester
- 58:36 – Teaching history: Civil War lessons & modern parallels
- 1:00:04 – Final Four: coffee, daily rituals, Rush Radio, and wings with blue cheese