On Episode 442 of Airey Bros Radio, we went belly-to-belly with Washington State University Wrestling Head Coach Phil Burnett, the leader behind one of the fastest-rising programs in the NCWA.<br /><br />Coach Burnett shares his unconventional path into wrestling and coaching, how he helped build WSU Wrestling into a Varsity Club national contender, and why the program’s foundation is built on the ABCs: Attitude, Belief, and Commitment. From living hours away from campus and coaching out of a camper, to raising major travel and operating funds, Burnett gives an honest look at what it takes to build a sustainable college wrestling program from the ground up.<br /><br />This episode also dives into the reality of NCWA wrestling, the value it offers recruits and families, the importance of academics at Washington State, and how WSU is producing not just wrestlers, but future leaders, teachers, coaches, and professionals.<br /><br />Whether you’re a wrestling recruit, parent, coach, or fan of college wrestling, this conversation offers a powerful look into the opportunities available outside the traditional NCAA path.Topics covered in this episode:<br /><ul><li>Washington State Wrestling and the rise of WSU as an NCWA powerhouse<br /><br /></li><li>Coach Phil Burnett’s wrestling and coaching origin story<br /><br /></li><li>Building a Varsity Club program at a major university<br /><br /></li><li>The ABCs of WSU Wrestling: Attitude, Belief, Commitment<br /><br /></li><li>Recruiting for NCWA wrestling and educating families on the opportunity<br /><br /></li><li>Academic success, leadership development, and life after wrestling<br /><br /></li><li>The reality of fundraising, travel budgets, and program building<br /><br /></li><li>Women’s wrestling in the NCWA and folkstyle opportunities<br /><br /></li><li>The future of Cougar Wrestling and the Northwest Conference<br /><br /></li></ul>If you enjoy episodes spotlighting college wrestling, NCWA wrestling, recruiting, student-athlete development, and under-the-radar programs doing big things, this is one you don’t want to miss.Subscribe to Airey Bros Radio on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more interviews with coaches and programs across wrestling, cross country, and track &amp; field.<br /><br />Show Notes / Timestamps<br />0:00 Intro setup and Washington State wrestling preview<br />0:26 ABR live show intro<br />1:15 Introducing Coach Phil Burnett and Washington State’s 2025 success<br />2:19 Coach Burnett plugs WSU Wrestling, academics, and program support<br />3:41 Where to follow Washington State Wrestling<br />4:25 How Phil Burnett came onto ABR’s radar through the NCWA network<br />6:05 The stigma around “club” wrestling and what Varsity Club really means at WSU<br />7:24 Raising $150K–$200K annually and building the program through camps, alumni, and community<br />8:37 Student leadership structure within WSU Wrestling<br />10:08 Coach Burnett’s ninth season and how the program has evolved since 2016<br />11:21 Why major universities need wrestling opportunities<br />12:34 Academic excellence at Washington State Wrestling<br />13:23 Phil Burnett’s wrestling origin story<br />13:46 Starting wrestling to become a better football player<br />14:33 Baseball dreams, semi-pro ball, and getting into coaching at 22 years old<br />16:10 Returning to wrestling through youth development and mentoring<br />17:29 The value of being a multi-sport athlete<br />18:29 Living five hours from campus and coaching out of a motor home<br />19:58 The sacrifices and realities of building a program from the ground up<br />21:19 Why stories like this matter in college sports<br />22:35 Family involvement and coaching support system<br />23:38 High school wrestling culture in Washington State<br />24:30 Recruiting momentum and the young talent entering WSU Wrestling<br />25:08 The Northwest Conference and the growth of NCWA wrestling in the region<br />26:54 Season update: injuries, postseason outlook, and athletes to watch<br />28:04 Returning national champion Erin Kramer and WSU’s All-American tradition<br />29:28 Why NCWA wrestling keeps getting more competitive<br />29:49 Tough scheduling, national competition, and building a postseason-ready team<br />30:44 Educating recruits and families about the value of NCWA wrestling<br />31:24 Academics first: engineering, nursing, business, and more at WSU<br />32:25 Helping athletes leave as better people, not just better wrestlers<br />33:11 Coach Burnett’s recruiting process and why families are reaching out<br />34:16 Selling families on staying close to home while still getting elite competition<br />35:48 Legacy recruits and why the NCWA experience is the real deal<br />36:19 The travel demands of qualifying and competing at nationals<br />37:01 Hosting the conference championships at Beasley Coliseum<br />37:30 Building a conference and seeing other programs rise<br />38:10 Internships, resumes, and career preparation beyond wrestling<br />39:32 “All in and friends forever” — the relationship side of coaching<br />39:53 Watching athletes succeed in careers after wrestling<br />40:20 Fundraising, alumni support, and keeping the program moving<br />42:16 Does the pressure of raising money weigh on a coach?<br />43:08 Shoutout to Susan Burnett and the support staff behind the scenes<br />43:39 Andrea Yamamoto’s impact on the women’s side<br />44:22 Growth of women’s wrestling in the NCWA and top-eight All-American status<br />44:46 Why women’s folkstyle wrestling in the NCWA matters<br />46:06 The WSU golf outing fundraiser and community support<br />47:44 ABR talks sponsoring a hole at the golf tournament<br />48:52 Could WSU Wrestling ever become NCAA Division I?<br />49:21 Why Varsity Club works and why WSU supports the model<br />50:30 Giving high-level wrestlers a place to keep competing without sacrificing academics<br />51:46 “They still love the sport, but they can’t afford to be married to it anymore”<br />52:56 Producing future wrestling coaches, teachers, and leaders<br />55:20 Final Four begins<br />55:27 Coffee habits and favorite local stop<br />56:11 Daily rituals, practice habits, and the ABCs of WSU Wrestling<br />57:19 Phil Burnett’s music taste: Led Zeppelin, Styx, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac<br />57:51 Fishing, family, and his favorite offseason escape<br />58:58 Coach Burnett’s rack of ribs and life outside wrestling<br />59:52 Exploring Washington by RV<br />1:00:30 Sasquatch question to close things out<br />1:01:02 Final thank-yous and where to watch the interview<br />1:02:11 Closing remarks and postseason well wishes for WSU Wrestling