Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article originally appeared in WIN’s Volume 32 Issue 8, which printed on May 5, 2026.
By Wes Littlefield
“Built to Last is the philosophy. Train to Win is the system.”
Train to Win Camps are designed to build champions on the mat and leaders in life. Through elite wrestling instruction, recovery, mindset training, faith, discipline, and leadership development, athletes learn how to build a championship lifestyle that lasts far beyond competition.
RMN Train to Win Camps begin in early June this year, and camp enrollment has continued to grow rapidly since launching in 2021.
“We want our wrestlers to realize that wrestling isn’t the entire picture,” says Jon McGovern, Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Dubuque.
That may sound surprising coming from someone whose life has been defined by elite success in the sport.
McGovern brings decades of high-level experience to the camp system. A 2X NCAA Champion, Olympic Festival Gold Medalist, USA National Team member, Hawkeye Wrestling Club athlete under Dan Gable, and current University of Dubuque Head Coach, McGovern was recently inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame — becoming the first NCAA Division III wrestler to receive the honor.
But McGovern believes wrestling is ultimately a vehicle for something bigger.
“Train to Win is about developing meaningful relationships, building leaders on and off the mat, creating a love for hard work, and helping athletes discover purpose, discipline, and confidence that carries into every area of life.”
At Train to Win Camps, McGovern and his staff combine old-school discipline with modern training, recovery, leadership development, and championship mindset systems inside an elite collegiate training environment.
Athletes train alongside NCAA wrestlers while learning from Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, national championship coaches, and world-level clinicians.
The camp system includes 5-day, 10-day, and 28-day training experiences designed to help wrestlers maximize their potential both on and off the mat.
A typical day at Train to Win includes:
- Technical development and drilling
- Situational live wrestling
- Strength and conditioning
- Recovery and mobility work
- Mindset and leadership training
- FCA Bible study and personal growth sessions
- Evening reflection and accountability
Each day is structured to help athletes build positive habits, discipline, confidence, and consistency that extend far beyond wrestling.
The coaching staff features some of the most respected names in wrestling, including:
- Dennis Hall – World Champion & 3X Olympian
- Jim Miller – 10X NCAA Team Champion Coach at Wartburg
- Nick Mitchell – Winningest Coach in NAIA History
- Doug Schwab – NCAA Champion & UNI Head Coach
- Ben Peterson – Olympic Gold Medalist
- Joe Warren – World Champion & Bellator Champion
- Barry Davis – Olympic Medalist & NCAA Champion
- Randy Lewis – Olympic Medalist & NCAA Champion
- Mike Eierman – USA Wrestling World Team Coach
- Will Kelly – NCAA Champion & Greco Specialist
Train to Win Camps are open to both boys and girls. Athletes train seven days a week inside air-conditioned wrestling rooms, strength-training facilities, and recovery spaces on the University of Dubuque campus. Campers stay in supervised dormitories with boys and girls housed separately.
Parents appreciate the camp’s structure, accountability, mentorship, and positive environment — all while athletes receive elite wrestling instruction and leadership development.
“I want wrestlers to maximize their God-given gifts and add value everywhere they go,” McGovern says. “We teach mental toughness, humility, confidence, leadership, and the ability to handle adversity without losing belief in yourself.”
By the end of camp, the goal is for athletes to leave with more than improved wrestling skills.
Train to Win is designed to help young people develop habits, discipline, resilience, leadership, and confidence that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Built to Last. Train to Win. Lead for Life.
For more information on RMN Train to Win Camps, visit: www.TrainToWinCamps.com.