NCAA finalist Troy Spratley joins Dynasty Defined for a candid look at his path from upstate New York to Stillwater, why he left Minnesota, and how OSU’s culture—and training with Dayton Fix and Thomas Gilman—shaped a breakthrough year at 125. We dig into hand fighting, the crab ride, blocking out online noise, and what it will take to finish the job this season.
Chapters:
00:00 — Welcome + why Troy rarely does podcasts
02:05 — Blocking out online noise and staying positive
04:12 — Origins: grandpa’s idea, NY roots, and early clubs
07:18 — High school shuffle: Sem, Collinsville, Plano West, eligibility mess
11:30 — Training through COVID with Tegan + Coach Hardy
14:42 — US Open win, WTT finals, and freestyle without “freestyle experience”
18:55 — Commit to Minnesota, what didn’t fit, and entering the portal
22:10 — “Come be a Cowboy”: reconnecting with Dayton Fix
25:36 — OSU family culture vs. everywhere else
28:40 — Freshman year spark plug: setting the tone at 125
31:22 — The crab ride: why it works, reps, and quick back points
34:48 — Weird penalties, tight spots, and learning to manage chaos
37:05 — Sophomore leap: Gilman’s impact, hand fighting → attacks
40:29 — Eight-match heater: flipping the switch after midseason losses
43:11 — NCAA run: Steve-O history, the Ramos win, and mindset in big moments
47:18 — Finals prep: routine, food, movement, and keeping it simple
50:12 — Freestyle plans: RBY camp in Mongolia, training with world champs
53:20 — Why he came home to Stillwater—and what’s left to prove
56:08 — Closing thoughts: separating this season and chasing the title