Dylan Cottrell on Building a D2 Wrestling Powerhouse at Glenville State | Airey Bros Radio Ep. 362
In Episode 362 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly-to-belly with Dylan Cottrell, head coach of Glenville State University Wrestling (@gsu_wrestling). A former Big 12 champion and three-time NCAA qualifier, Coach Cottrell has transformed Glenville into one of the top NCAA Division II wrestling programs in the country. We discuss Glenville’s meteoric rise to a #2 national ranking, his recruiting philosophy, the pros of wrestling in a small-town program, and how the transfer portal shaped their roster. This episode is a must-listen for wrestlers, coaches, parents, and anyone navigating the college recruiting process.
🔥 Topics Include:
🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AireyBros
Show Notes:
0:00 – Intro & mission of Airey Bros
2:20 – Welcoming Coach Dylan Cottrell
3:32 – From Big 12 champ to D2 coaching
5:00 – Glenville State’s rise to national prominence
7:30 – Unique campus culture: gun ranges, farms, outdoors
10:00 – Recruiting through Instagram
12:00 – Training and coaching style at GSU
14:50 – From youth burnout to 4x WV state champ
17:20 – Picking wrestling over college football
20:00 – Coaching roots and the Brown University detour
25:00 – Transfer portal recruiting success
30:00 – Selling Glenville: authenticity vs. hype
36:30 – What kind of wrestler fits Glenville’s culture
41:00 – Small-town focus and fewer distractions
45:00 – 2025-26 roster preview and portal updates
51:00 – Building a culture with respect, not fear
56:00 – Behind-the-scenes staff and wrestling-first support
1:03:00 – Advice to recruits: go where you're truly wanted
1:08:00 – Coach’s favorite guilty pleasures and conspiracies
1:13:00 – Closing: West Virginia pride and D2 firepower
This is a must-watch for every wrestler, coach, and parent looking for real talk on what college wrestling is all about.
🔥 Topics Include:
- How Glenville built a top 5 - D2 program from scratch
- The reality of D1 vs D2 wrestling paths
- Portal power: Why 8 of 10 starters transferred from D1
- Life, grit, and growth in small-town West Virginia
- Unique majors, outdoor life, and rifle ranges on campus
- Recruiting tips for athletes and parents
🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AireyBros
Show Notes:
0:00 – Intro & mission of Airey Bros
2:20 – Welcoming Coach Dylan Cottrell
3:32 – From Big 12 champ to D2 coaching
5:00 – Glenville State’s rise to national prominence
7:30 – Unique campus culture: gun ranges, farms, outdoors
10:00 – Recruiting through Instagram
12:00 – Training and coaching style at GSU
14:50 – From youth burnout to 4x WV state champ
17:20 – Picking wrestling over college football
20:00 – Coaching roots and the Brown University detour
25:00 – Transfer portal recruiting success
30:00 – Selling Glenville: authenticity vs. hype
36:30 – What kind of wrestler fits Glenville’s culture
41:00 – Small-town focus and fewer distractions
45:00 – 2025-26 roster preview and portal updates
51:00 – Building a culture with respect, not fear
56:00 – Behind-the-scenes staff and wrestling-first support
1:03:00 – Advice to recruits: go where you're truly wanted
1:08:00 – Coach’s favorite guilty pleasures and conspiracies
1:13:00 – Closing: West Virginia pride and D2 firepower
This is a must-watch for every wrestler, coach, and parent looking for real talk on what college wrestling is all about.
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