The Movement Behind the Minutes

35 to First was built to honor the mindset, the grind, and the legacy that define college wrestling.

Two wrestlers on a mat, one in blue uniform on top, pinning the other in a black uniform. They are wearing headgear for protection.
Two wrestlers competing in a match at a wrestling tournament, with spectators watching in the background.

The Story Behind the Movement

35 to First was built on the mindset that defines college wrestling.

Five seven-minute battles. Thirty-five minutes to earn the top of the podium. That idea has lived inside wrestling rooms for generations, and it represents something bigger than the match itself — grit, discipline, and the drive to leave a mark through hard work, not attention.

Most wrestling apparel companies focus on selling shirts. We’re here to build something deeper. Wrestlers chase legacy, not limelight, and this movement exists to honor that belief by lifting the sport to the stage it deserves.

Apparel is only the beginning.

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Meet the Founder

Shawn Kalvelage is a lifelong fan and supporter of wrestling, shaped by a blue-collar mindset that mirrors the values of the sport itself: work hard, stay humble, and stand behind the people who give everything to the grind. Born and raised in a small Midwestern town, Shawn learned early the importance of community, resilience, and earning respect through effort.

A military veteran and graduate of Augsburg University with a B.A., Shawn brings discipline, strategy, and long-term vision to everything he builds. He has been a wrestling fan for over 30 years, developing a deep respect for the athletes, coaches, and supporters who keep the sport alive. That passion fuels his commitment to helping wrestling evolve and gain the recognition it deserves.

Years of ideas, research, and planning led to the creation of 35 to First. The name is trademarked, the foundation is set, and the mission is clear: to build something meaningful for wrestling and for the community that surrounds it. A carpenter by trade and a strategist at heart, Shawn believes wrestling deserves a bigger stage—and he’s committed to helping build it.

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Where We’re Headed

35 to First is growing into a full ecosystem that celebrates and supports the sport from every angle. Our long-term vision:

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Platforms that lift the sport and its athletes.

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Community-driven experiences.

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New ways for fans to connect and support.

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Partnerships that strengthen the entire wrestling world.

This isn’t a trend. It’s a foundation.

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