Wilkes Wrestling ColonelCast
Wilkes Wrestling ColonelCast
Podcast Description
Over 70 years of wrestling excellence, and over 900 dual meet wins includes countless stories and pieces of history. The ethos of Wilkes University Wrestling was coined by longtime coach and National Wrestling Hall of Famer, John G. Reese and it goes like this, “Victory Goes To Those Who Are Willing To Pay The Price”. Associate Head Men’s Coach, Pankil Chander welcomes guests of the past and present that have paid the price and left an indelible impact on the Colonel’s storied wrestling program and the Wilkes University community alike.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes of wrestling excellence, personal transformation, and program legacy, with specific episodes highlighting the journeys of prominent alumni such as 2x All-American Anthony Dattolo discussing his career and coaching transition, as well as conversations about the influence of past coaches and the evolution of the Wilkes wrestling program.
Over 70 years of wrestling excellence, and over 900 dual meet wins includes countless stories and pieces of history. The ethos of Wilkes University Wrestling was coined by longtime coach and National Wrestling Hall of Famer, John G. Reese and it goes like this, “Victory Goes To Those Who Are Willing To Pay The Price”. Associate Head Men’s Coach, Pankil Chander welcomes guests of the past and present that have paid the price and left an indelible impact on the Colonel’s storied wrestling program and the Wilkes University community alike.
Wilkes Wrestling ColonelCast – Episode 6: Ally Sleiman '96
In this episode of the Wilkes Wrestling ColonelCast is proud to feature alumnus Ally Sleiman ’96, whose journey from Wilkes to a national level Greco-Roman wrestler, to decorated U.S. Army Officer and now in public service as a nationally recognized emergency management and homeland security leader embodies the enduring spirit of Wilkes Wrestling. Sleiman serves as an alumni mentor for the Colonels as well.
During the episode, Sleiman reflects on his time at Wilkes competing at the Division 1 level under legendary Coach John Reese, his success in the classroom as a student-athlete, and his continued academic achievements at some of the nation’s top institutions. He also discusses his accomplishments as a post-collegiate Greco-Roman wrestler, competing at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in 2000 and 2004.
Beyond athletics and academics, Sleiman shares insights from his military career in Special Operations units and his current role as the Emergency Management Director for the City of Quincy, Massachusetts.
The conversation also highlights the Sleiman Award, a program honor presented annually to a Colonel wrestler who demonstrates qualities like competitive spirit, leadership, academic excellence, and service beyond self.
The episode reinforces the message that Wilkes Wrestling produces not just champions on the mat, but leaders who carry their values into every aspect of life
Host, Associate Head Men's Wrestling Coach, Pankil Chander digs into Sleiman's career, discussing his growth as an athlete, his dedication to his craft as a military officer.
#ColonelPride
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