By Karina Otrokhova
The Oregon State wrestling team is participating in challenging outdoor strength training to improve physically and mentally and prepare for the upcoming 2007-08 season.
Beavers head coach, Jim Zalesky, sees overall concentration and strength as a vital part of the wrestlers”‘ success throughout the season. Therefore he has introduced a new type of strength training to his team members to improve the different types of endurance required for wrestling, targeting the player”‘s hip and form strengths as well as their grip and mental force.
“This is tough for everyone, “Zalesky said. “It”‘s just a little extra, a little edge. They”‘re still strength training, just outside where the environment is different. It”‘s meant to be tough on them and build up their overall strength.”
The new work out plan consists of five different stations with challenges in correlation to a move or technique exercised in wresting. The first task is a hose pull, which has the players pulling a water hose connected to a weight. The players found this station the most challenging due to the fact that the weight sunk into the wet ground and it was difficult to keep a good grip of the wet hose.
Following this exercise, the wrestlers carry buckets filled with concrete with a target distance of 200 yards, focusing on the grip and shoulder strength. The next station features an oversized tire which the players have to explosively flip as many times as they can. Subsequently, they grab a sledge hammer and hit the tire, maintaining stability and control of the hammer bouncing off the tire.
The last test that the Beavers encounter is a wheel barrow push, which consists of two men; one was to sit in the wheel barrow while the other one pushes it up a steep incline, using lower body strength to overcome the challenge.
“This was an individual challenge against yourself, trying to do the best you absolutely can, “junior Brandon Perkins said. “It was also a collective effort, bringing the team together. We”‘re all working as hard as we can, and with that type of mental and physical strain you have to be close.”
With 13 incoming freshmen, 20 returning wrestlers and three transfer students, there are some challenges that the Beavers face which go beyond the new strength training. The freshmen find themselves struggling mentally, in the process of adjusting to the college level of competition and the academic requirements. While, with the season right around the corner, the whole squad is working hard to cut down and manage their weight.
“We”‘re working really hard right now, getting ready for a big season, “Perkins said. “We have freshmen with a lot of potential; they just have to believe in themselves. The coaches are the reason why we have the physical and mental strength that we have.”
Wrestling opens its 2007-08 season at Portland State on Nov. 13.
Courtesy: Athletics Communications
http://www.osubeavers.com/
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