Airey Bros.'s Radio

Author: Airey Bros. Radio

Airey Bros Radio is the #1 podcast for Wrestling, Cross Country & Track & Field athletes chasing opportunities at the HS, NAIA, JUCO, NCAA DII, DIII & D1 levels. Hosted by brothers Rich & Jimi Airey, we do the legwork so you dont have to. Our mission: spotlight programs, coaches & stories overlooked by the mainstream. From high school dynasties to national championship programs, we bring you recruiting insights, culture deep-dives, underdog journeys & the knowledge we wish we had growing up. Weekly live shows & highlights IG @aireybrosradio Spotify & Apple Podcasts Airey Bros Radio
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450: Building a Wrestling Program from Scratch at Andrew College | Coach Billy Gordy on JUCO to NAIA, Recruiting & Southern Wrestling Growth
Episode 430
Friday, 17 April, 2026

Today on Airey Bros Radio Episode 450, we step back on the mat with Coach Billy Gordy, Head Wrestling Coach at Andrew College, one of the fastest-rising programs in the NJCAA and NAIA wrestling landscape.In just TWO seasons, Coach Gordy has:Built a program from the ground upProduced NJCAA All-AmericansAchieved a Top 15 national finishQualified all 10 weight classes for nationalsWon a district championship in year oneNow, Andrew College is making a major move—transitioning from NJCAA to NAIA competition, positioning itself as a rising force in Southern collegiate wrestling.We dive into:What it takes to build a college wrestling program from scratchThe realities of JUCO wrestling vs NAIA vs NCAARecruiting in Georgia, Florida, and the SoutheastThe impact of opportunity, culture, and belief in athlete developmentWhy “scared money don’t make money” is the mindset behind successCreating meaningful college experiences beyond wins and lossesThis episode is packed with insight for:Wrestlers looking for the right college fitParents navigating the recruiting processCoaches building programs at any levelAthletes overlooked by the D1 spotlight🎧 If you're looking for opportunity, growth, and real pathways in college wrestling—this is the episode you need.☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching🏃‍♂️ Helping athletes push beyond limits:https://www.blacksheependurance.com/🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the bell, and join the conversation in the live chat. Let’s go!🌟 Follow & Support Airey Bros Radio! 🌟👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros 🎥🔥👉 Follow us on Instagram: @aireybrosradio 📸💬👉 Explore Rich's Ultra Marathon Coaching: Black Sheep Endurance 🏃‍♂️https://www.blacksheependurance.com/💪☕ Feeling Generous? Buy Us a Coffee!Support the show and help keep us caffeinated:https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros⏱️ SHOW NOTES / TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – ABR mission: spotlighting overlooked programs 2:06 – Show intro + Coach Billy Gordy introductionAndrew College’s rapid rise + national success 3:05 – Building a program from scratchTop 20 → Top 15 national finish in two years 5:07 – Origin story: how Coach Gordy found wrestlingFrom 92 lbs freshman → lifelong wrestler 7:18 – When coaching became the pathFrom high school dream → college coaching career 9:00 – Academic journey & leadership development 9:42 – Year 2 as a head coach: expectations vs reality 11:46 – Wrestling growth in the South (Georgia focus) 12:07 – Only JUCO program in the Southeast17-hour travel for conference tournaments 12:48 – Transition from NJCAA → NAIA explained 14:24 – New NAIA conference + competition level 15:26 – Recruiting impact of moving to NAIA 17:02 – “Scared money don’t make money” mindset 17:22 – Geography: Southwest Georgia recruiting base 18:00 – High school wrestling hotbeds in Georgia 20:59 – What Andrew College offers student-athletesFacilities, academics, and admin support 22:46 – 98% athlete campus culture 23:27 – Retention & building relationships with athletes 25:12 – Recruiting philosophy: one-on-one relationships 27:32 – Transition from assistant → head coach 30:38 – Experience wrestling in NCWA 32:07 – Why NCWA is underrated 35:35 – NAIA advantages (roster depth & opportunities) 37:16 – Building depth and competition within roster 38:45 – Future vision: expanding program opportunities 40:28 – Program growth: enrollment & expansion 41:03 – Core philosophy: building men firstFather, husband, education, then wrestling 43:00 – Measuring success beyond wins 45:18 – Why Andrew College is a unique opportunity 47:17 – Wrestling events outside the box (brewery duel) 49:24 – Future: wrestling at Atlanta Braves stadium 🎤 FINAL FOUR (ABR SIGNATURE) 49:44 – Coffee habit: black coffee “built different” 50:37 – Daily ritual: confidence mindset routine 51:18 – Books: “Know Yourself as a Coach” + habits 52:10 – Music: NBA YoungBoy in the wrestling room 53:08 – Guilty pleasure: chicken biscuits + Baja Blast