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.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.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.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:Washington State Wrestling and the rise of WSU as an NCWA powerhouseCoach Phil Burnett’s wrestling and coaching origin storyBuilding a Varsity Club program at a major universityThe ABCs of WSU Wrestling: Attitude, Belief, CommitmentRecruiting for NCWA wrestling and educating families on the opportunityAcademic success, leadership development, and life after wrestlingThe reality of fundraising, travel budgets, and program buildingWomen’s wrestling in the NCWA and folkstyle opportunitiesThe future of Cougar Wrestling and the Northwest ConferenceIf 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 & field.Show Notes / Timestamps0:00 Intro setup and Washington State wrestling preview0:26 ABR live show intro1:15 Introducing Coach Phil Burnett and Washington State’s 2025 success2:19 Coach Burnett plugs WSU Wrestling, academics, and program support3:41 Where to follow Washington State Wrestling4:25 How Phil Burnett came onto ABR’s radar through the NCWA network6:05 The stigma around “club” wrestling and what Varsity Club really means at WSU7:24 Raising $150K–$200K annually and building the program through camps, alumni, and community8:37 Student leadership structure within WSU Wrestling10:08 Coach Burnett’s ninth season and how the program has evolved since 201611:21 Why major universities need wrestling opportunities12:34 Academic excellence at Washington State Wrestling13:23 Phil Burnett’s wrestling origin story13:46 Starting wrestling to become a better football player14:33 Baseball dreams, semi-pro ball, and getting into coaching at 22 years old16:10 Returning to wrestling through youth development and mentoring17:29 The value of being a multi-sport athlete18:29 Living five hours from campus and coaching out of a motor home19:58 The sacrifices and realities of building a program from the ground up21:19 Why stories like this matter in college sports22:35 Family involvement and coaching support system23:38 High school wrestling culture in Washington State24:30 Recruiting momentum and the young talent entering WSU Wrestling25:08 The Northwest Conference and the growth of NCWA wrestling in the region26:54 Season update: injuries, postseas