Episode 126: Building Mental Strength Take Mental Tools with Jason Drengwitz

October 27, 2025

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Building Mental Strength: Take Mental Tools with Jason Drengwitz

Mental strength isn’t just something you expect from athletes—it’s something you have to teach and build intentionally. In Episode 126 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Jason Drengwitz, head coach of the Normal Community Ironmen football team, to discuss how he transformed his approach to fostering mental strength in his players.

Several years ago, Jason recognized a gap in how mental strength was addressed. He had been asking his players to be mentally strong, but he wasn’t providing the tools to help them develop that strength. Now, Jason uses intentional practices like breathwork, expressions of love, and other focus-building methods to help his players build the resilience and mindset necessary to thrive on and off the field.

Jason emphasizes that mental strength can be built through daily habits and that only a few minutes each day spent on calming and focus tools can provide players with go-to strategies to manage stress and adversity. His program includes team rituals such as breathing exercises before practice and games, player-led calming techniques during high-pressure moments, and building a culture that reinforces emotional connection and support among teammates.

The impact has been profound: the Normal Community Ironmen have achieved 29 straight playoff appearances and continue to build success by fostering mentally strong, calm, and connected athletes.

For coaches who feel pressed for time, Jason offers a powerful reminder that investing just a few focused minutes daily on mental skills can pay huge dividends in performance and team cohesion.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletes, and leaders who want to build mental resilience in a positive, intentional, and effective way.

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For more information about Mental Mettle Coaching, contact Coach Thomann at coachthomann@gmail.com or visit www.mentalmettlelifecoaching.com. Schedule a free coaching session today and start forging your metal.

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