From Setbacks to State Champion: Nasir Bailey's Journey of Grit, Faith and Growth | Off the Mat EP07
- 1:28:16
- May 8th 2025
n this inspiring episode of Off the Mat with Donny Whitted and special guest, Nasir Bailey, we talk about Nasir's journey of a standout high school wrestler who faced it all—academic setbacks, personal struggles, training obstacles, and moments of self-doubt. From transferring schools and losing eligibility, to building a makeshift training setup with limited resources, his story is a testament to resilience and perseverance.
Hear how Nasir's chance encounter with Coach Mark Duda changed everything, how national tournaments like Fargo and Ironman became proving grounds, and how a heartbreaking loss led to major personal transformation. Learn how nutrition, mindset, and faith played key roles in turning trials into triumphs—all culminating in a dominant state championship run and a surge of college recruiting interest.
This episode is about more than just wrestling—it's about how dedication, support systems, and staying true to your path can lead to incredible outcomes. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone chasing a dream, this is a story you don't want to miss.
Key Highlights:
- Mentorship and Guidance from Coach Mark Duda
- Overcoming Adversity and Limited Resources
- Winning the Fargo National Wrestling Tournament
- Setback at the Ironman Tournament and Lessons Learned
- Senior Year Redemption with a State Championship Win
Sponsor Shoutout:
Thank you to our sponsor Lone Star Mat Club for supporting this episode! Lone Star Mat Club is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the mat.
📌 Watch the full episode now and get inspired by Nasir's journey!
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Off The Mat
Donny Whitted, our Director of Wrestling, is a total wrestling legend! He's been coaching and wrestling for over 20 years and spent the last decade leading his own super successful club. He's amazing at developing young wrestlers and getting them ready to crush it on and off the mat.
Donny is originally from Illinois, where he was trained by his dad, Donald Whitted, who founded the Harvey Twisters—one of the best wrestling clubs in the country! Donny brought their unique, offensive-focused wrestling style to Texas in 2012, and it's been a game-changer!
Coach Whitted's resume is seriously impressive:
- Over 20 years of wrestling and coaching experience
- Head Coach at Whitted Trained Wrestling Club (2014-2021)
- Coached an NHSCA champion
- Developed multiple state and national champion wrestlers and dozens of All Americans.
Donny's also a pro at managing and coaching awesome dual teams, taking super competitive Texas teams to some of the biggest dual tournaments around. He's a huge asset to the Lone Star Mat Club!
Now, he is launching “Off the Mat with Donny Whitted”, a podcast that will bring wrestling fans the compelling stories of the champion wrestlers you see on the mat. Get ready to dive into the lives and incredible journeys of these remarkable athletes with Coach Donny’s unique insights and firsthand experiences delivered in a way only Donny can!