World teamers rely on workout partners for mental, physical preparation

by InterMat

They’re some of the nation’s best, if not the world’s best. They battle hard, they push their teammates, they listen to their coaches and they stay in great shape.

But there’s one not-so-subtle difference that separates them from the athletes competing at the 2007 World Wrestling Championships in Baku.

They’re not competing.

The United States is one of few countries that have athletes bring their training/workout partners on international trips like the World Championships and the Olympics.

Two of this year’s workout partners that have made the trip to Baku to help improve their Greco-Roman teammates are Spenser Mango and Jake Fisher.

Mango’s here working with 60kg (132 pounds) world team member Joe Betterman, while Fisher is on his second trip working with 66kg (145.5 pounds) Harry Lester.

All four came through the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University. Lester, a recent graduate, still trains there while Betterman, Fisher and Mango are still in school.

Mango’s still learning the ropes as a training partner.

“This is my first time going to get to watch,” he said. It’s a new experience for me.”

The details of his job aren’t outlined on a requirements page. There is no application, resumes aren’t needed.

But Mango and Fisher know what’s to be done, even without being told.

“It’s to do whatever I can to help them make weight, work out with them, make sure they’re ready to go,” said Mango. “A lot of these guys I’ve wrestled or seen wrestle before, so the more tips I can give them the better.”

Fisher, fourth on the ladder in Greco-Roman at 74kg, is making his second trip to the World Championships with Lester and it’s easier the second time around.

“I know exactly what to do with him,” said Fisher. “I have experience from last year. He’s one of my good friends, so I know what he needs … and I get it. Whether it’s carrying his bags or getting him drinks.”

Both know the importance of getting into a groove with their training partners and identifying the situation that each locale presents, especially with making weight.

“When you come over to another country, you never know what you’re going to have to workout with,” said Mango. “It’s always good to leave within a reasonable amount.”

“The food’s different to, so you have to take that into account. But it’s the same as over in the states, run, bike, sauna, get it down one pound at a time,” he said.

The athletes at Northern Michigan are also competing with each other year-round in Greco-Roman, so the friendships there might be deeper than those that come together just a few times a year and train.

“We’ve got a bond,” said Fisher. “It makes them more comfortable. Comfort’s a big issue here. That’s our main job, whatever they need.”

Lester is very high on Fisher as a workout partner and acknowledges the importance of having someone around that’s so close.

“All summer long, he’s trained me, and been wrestling,” said Lester. “I’ve lived with him for the summer. Everything like that. Food-wise, he’s been there. He’s been my trainer.”

“Last year I took him to China and it was a perfect mix,” Lester explained. “He goes well, we mesh well when we wrestle. On our feet, he helps me a lot in par terre. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Moral, physical and emotional support is crucial for providing the right environment for training and competing at the world level.

“They know what they’re going to do; we can give them tips and whatnot, but whatever they want to do is what we’re there for,” said Fisher. “We have plans and (Lester) has his plan. And I make sure we stick to his plan. We’re there for support.”

Mango is also in a groove with Betterman, despite finding out he would be going to Baku in mid-August.

“It’s been a great experience,” said Mango. “His weight is usually really really good for 60-kilos, so the weight wasn’t a big issue this time. We worked out, did what he needed to do so we’re ready to go.”

The abbreviated time-frame didn’t affect the two and their respective training regimens.

“We train pretty much year round anyway,” said Mango.

Mango and Fisher are knocking on the door to potential World Team berths in the future, both are in their 20’s – Mango just turned 21 in July and Fisher just turned 23 in February.

Lester’s already thinking about the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and should Lester continue his presence on the U.S. World Team at the weight, Fisher will be there one way or another.

“If he (Fisher) doesn’t make the team, which I think he’s got a good shot at making it, but if he doesn’t make the team next year, he’ll be my partner again,” said Lester. “Hopefully he’ll make the team and we’ll not have to bring partners, we’ll train with each other.”

With the increased focus on training at Northern Michigan with coaches Ivan Ivanov and Jim Gruenwald, Greco-Roman medals could be more realistic in the future of U.S. Wrestling and the camaraderie that goes along with the athletes at the USOEC is going to be a big reason why.

“We’re like a family,” said Lester. “We’re close, we joke around, we talk mama jokes, girlfriend jokes. When you’re cutting weight and you’re so focused, it’s good to have someone around you can joke around with to take the edge off, but at the same time, they know when to get you focused, they know when to push you, they know when not to push you. To have a guy that you click on and click off with right away, what else could you ask for in an environment like this?”

Men's Greco-Roman
Weight: World Teamer - Workout Partner
55kg: Lindsey Durlacher - Willie Madison
60kg: Joe Betterman - Spenser Mango
66kg: Harry Lester - Jake Fisher
74kg: T.C. Dantzler - Peter Hicks
84kg: Brad Vering - Brian Piasecki*
96kg: Justin Ruiz - Adam Wheeler
120kg: Dremiel Byers - Phil Johnston

• - Piasecki didn't make the trip due to injury.