Show notes
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 podcasts02:05 — Blocking out online noise and staying positive04:12 — Origins: grandpa’s idea, NY roots, and early clubs07:18 — High school shuffle: Sem, Collinsville, Plano West, eligibility mess11:30 — Training through COVID with Tegan + Coach Hardy14:42 — US Open win, WTT finals, and freestyle without “freestyle experience”18:55 — Commit to Minnesota, what didn’t fit, and entering the portal22:10 — “Come be a Cowboy”: reconnecting with Dayton Fix25:36 — OSU family culture vs. everywhere else28:40 — Freshman year spark plug: setting the tone at 12531:22 — The crab ride: why it works, reps, and quick back points34:48 — Weird penalties, tight spots, and learning to manage chaos37:05 — Sophomore leap: Gilman’s impact, hand fighting → attacks40:29 — Eight-match heater: flipping the switch after midseason losses43:11 — NCAA run: Steve-O history, the Ramos win, and mindset in big moments47:18 — Finals prep: routine, food, movement, and keeping it simple50:12 — Freestyle plans: RBY camp in Mongolia, training with world champs53:20 — Why he came home to Stillwater—and what’s left to prove56:08 — Closing thoughts: separating this season and chasing the title