“If the family were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles.”- Letty Cottin Pogrebin

Wrestling, like a lot of sports is really a family venture. It’s long practices throughout the week, followed by even longer weekends at  tournaments. It’s quick dinners, just to get in an extra lift or workout.  It’s sacrifices by not only the athlete but the entire family.  Mac Stout knows all about this. The Pitt Freshman has grown up living this.  He gets it. Mac has been blessed with a support system not like many others have had. He’s lucky to have it but Stout knows to be truly great in this sport, it takes a lot more than luck. Putting in the work doesn’t bother him, he knows it’ll pay off.

Mac Stout grew up in a wrestling family. His older brother, Kellan was a stand out at Mount Lebanon HS. He amassed a record of 138-18 while placing second at PIAA’s his junior year and then capping off an undefeated senior season with a state title. He then took his skills to Penn State and eventually to Pitt where he would graduate. Mac was fortunate to have another older brother as well. Luke Stout, a PIAA state champion as well as a second place finisher. Luke finished high school with a 153-16 record adding a Fargo title to his impressive list of accolades. He’s now wrestling at Princeton. Oh yeah, their father Bryan is a four time All American at Clarion University. He was inducted to the EWL Hall of Fame after amassing a career record of 110-23 in college. Was there pressure on Mac, not even a little. He knew what it took to be great, relentless work, unmatched mindset and resiliency.

“I never felt like I had to live up to my brothers or dad. I used them as motivation, practice partners. They helped to make me into the wrestler I am today.” “ I had a very strong support system.” Mac also credits his mom and younger sister for always being there for him. They keep him grounded. Family matters.

Mac Stout went 133-17 in high school with 63 pins. He was a PIAA finalist and well as a third place finisher. He also missed an entire post season unfortunately due to an injury sustained at the Powerade Tournament. Stout was happy with his high school career but it left him wanting more. He was an elite competitor. He knew that college would be an opportunity to break out, prove to the nation that he was ready. Now where would he choose to go?

As you can imagine, who wouldn’t want an elite level athlete with the work ethic that Mac Stout possesses. More importantly than his athletic achievements, he’s a great person. Mac Stout is one of the more polite, articulate and intelligent wrestlers that I’ve ever come across. He’s special. Credit his upbringing, family matters.

After being recruited by multiple schools, Mac chose to stay close to home. He picked the University of Pittsburgh. It’s safe to say that Coach Keith Gavin got a great one. He recruits the Wpial hard. It’s paying off. When asked how much it helped him growing up in this area, Mac stated, “ it’s all I ever knew. I wrestled at Quest in high school too, having some of the best partners in the country.” He sure did, Stout trained under Coach Jim Akerly, going on a steady basis with guys like Thayne Lawrence, Rune Lawrence, teammate Luca Augustine and All American Peyton Hall. It’s safe to say that Mac has been blessed to have great partners at home but also some that are really close to home. Living in this area is truly a blessing. Having partners is great and an advantage. You also have to be able to capitalize on such a great opportunity. Mac Stout has done that. Mac had a impressive red shirt year, winning four matches at the Midlands Tournament as well as capturing a Clarion Open title. Stout is also quick to praise NCAA Champion, Nino Bonaccorsi for prepping him and getting him ready for college wrestling. That’s a pretty great mentor to have! That Pitt coaching staff is incredible. They will be a perennial powerhouse very soon. Bet the house on it.

Mac Stout just finished up his first full season as a Panther. He ended up with a record of 22-8, qualifying for the NCAA tournament. Did he achieve all his goals this year, no. Do you think that will stop him, hell no. Mac is as mentally strong as he is physically. He will do absolutely whatever it takes to be the best. That’s bad news for the rest of the NCAA. With the resources he has at his disposal and the endless list of partners you’ll hear his name plenty in the next few years. Personally, I can’t wait to see where this journey leads him. This Pitt team is young, they are resilient, they are a family. Family matters. H2P