We sit down with Chris Pendleton, head coach of Oregon State Wrestling and former NCAA champion, for a deep dive into his inspiring journey from growing up in Lemoore, California, to becoming a wrestling powerhouse at Oklahoma State. Chris shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the mindset that led him to victory, and how he applies these lessons in his coaching and real estate ventures. Whether you’re into wrestling, real estate, or personal development, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!
A Journey from Small Town to National Champion
Chris and I share roots in Lemoore, a small town in California where opportunities were limited. Growing up in a low-income area, he faced many of the same challenges that often deter young people from aspiring to greatness. Yet, Chris found a positive direction through wrestling. Though he dabbled in sports in middle school, it wasn’t until eighth grade that he truly dedicated himself to wrestling. His father, seeing potential and realizing that wrestling suited Chris’s size, nudged him in that direction, helping him discover his life’s passion.
Our high school wrestling coach, Kent Olson, also played a pivotal role in shaping Chris’s mindset. Coach Olson was more than just a coach—he was a mentor who inspired us to aim high and commit to excellence. As Chris put it, “He knew what he wanted—a championship program. And he expected the same level of dedication from us.” Watching Coach Olson’s passion and commitment fueled Chris’s own aspirations, eventually propelling him to become a two-time national champion at Oklahoma State.
Developing the Power of Self-Investment
One of the most impactful lessons Chris learned came from a wrestling camp led by wrestling legend John Smith. Smith shared advice that Chris still remembers: invest one hour daily in yourself, away from coaches, family, and friends. This hour of self-directed training, whether physical or mental, would lay the foundation for a lifetime of discipline and self-improvement.
Chris recalls the transformative effect of this practice. Initially, his “hour a day” was inconsistent. But over time, he became more disciplined, and this investment paid dividends. His performance improved, his grades rose, and his personal life flourished. This habit helped him achieve a fourth-place finish at the California state championships, setting the stage for his eventual national success.
The College Wrestling Experience and the Importance of Grit
At Oklahoma State, Chris found himself training alongside some of the best wrestlers in the country. His teammates included future MMA stars and Olympic champions like Johnny Hendricks, Daniel Cormier, and Jake Rosholt. The level of competition and the culture of excellence in the Oklahoma State wrestling room forced Chris to elevate his own game, reinforcing the importance of surrounding oneself with driven, like-minded individuals.
Chris also credits his college coach, John Smith, for teaching him critical life lessons. Smith emphasized the need for grit and perseverance, particularly when facing injury or adversity. One story that stands out is when Chris fractured his hand shortly before the NCAA championships. He kept the injury a secret, taped his hand, and competed through the pain, going on to win his first national title. For Chris, overcoming adversity became as much a part of the journey as winning titles.
Transitioning from Athlete to Coach
After his wrestling career, Chris transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming the head coach at Oregon State. Coaching, he admits, requires a new level of connection and empathy. His job now involves understanding what drives each of his athletes and helping them build the mindset needed to succeed both on and off the mat. He sees himself as the last line of defense before these young athletes face the “real world,” a responsibility he takes seriously. He strives to ensure that every wrestler leaves his program with valuable life skills, whether they go on to become champions or pursue other paths.
Chris’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the lessons he learned from his mentors, including Coach Olson and John Smith. He focuses on treating each athlete with respect, pushing them to invest in themselves, and fostering a culture of mutual accountability and support. His success as a coach reflects his own dedication, as well as his commitment to building a legacy that goes beyond wins and losses.
Real Estate: A New Passion
Interestingly, Chris has recently ventured into real estate investment, purchasing a nine-bedroom boarding house near Oregon State’s campus. He discovered that many wrestling coaches have diversified their income streams by investing in rental properties, often renting to students and athletes. This unique investment has provided him with a stable income and a long-term asset, helping him plan for his family’s future.
For Chris, real estate is not just about financial gain—it’s a way to provide safe and affordable housing for his athletes and contribute to the local community. This transition into real estate also reflects his commitment to self-improvement and growth. As he continues to educate himself on real estate, he finds it exciting to apply the same discipline and work ethic that made him successful in wrestling to this new endeavor.
Key Takeaways:
Chris Pendleton’s journey from a small-town athlete to a national wrestling champion, accomplished coach, and real estate investor offers valuable lessons for anyone pursuing success:
- Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s wrestling, academics, or real estate, consistent self-investment pays off. As John Smith’s advice underscores, dedicating even one hour a day to personal growth can change the trajectory of your life.
- Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People: Chris’s success is closely tied to the people he chose to surround himself with. By aligning himself with driven, supportive individuals, he was able to push through challenges and maintain his focus.
- Embrace Adversity: Injuries, academic setbacks, and the pressures of competition were part of Chris’s journey. Instead of giving up, he learned to persevere, ultimately becoming stronger and more resilient.
- Diversify and Plan for the Future: Chris’s foray into real estate shows the importance of planning beyond immediate goals. Building assets and investing wisely can provide long-term stability, especially in a profession as demanding as coaching.
Chris Pendleton’s story is a testament to the power of discipline, self-investment, and resilience. For anyone looking to succeed in life, his journey offers both inspiration and practical advice. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or aspiring real estate investor, Chris’s lessons are a reminder that success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and self-improvement.
