By Devin Phaly–Student athletes need to make healthy choices, but wrestlers make a commitment when it comes to having a plan to deal with the struggles of having a nutritious diet.
Some of the difficulties that wrestlers have are selecting the correct portion size, choosing between fatty foods and healthier foods, not being able to eat because of losing weight, and not being able to drink their favorite beverages.
Wrestling coach Jake Stevenson recommends that all wrestlers have a dieting plan. He sends out nutritional articles, videos, and emails about what type of food and beverages they should be eating. He advises them to meet with him to set up a nutritional plan and to keep on track on reaching their diet goals.
Stevenson said, “Guys seem to do a good job staying focused during the week, then binge eat over the weekend. If there is an issue, I get involved, but those who show an ability to succeed on their own continue to do it their own way. It is very important to incorporate a healthy nutrition to help replenish their energy, rebuild their muscles, and stay hydrated. ”
Freshman Sean Mendlik and sophomore Nic Madsen have responsibilities to maintain their diets as the wrestling season starts. They are both residents on campus at Dimmitt Hall. Unlike other students, they find it difficult to make healthy choices to the foods and beverages the cafeteria has to offer on their daily meals.
Madsen said, “ Yes, our coach recommends cutting weight in long periods of time, counting our calories, and having a steady diet, but sometimes I struggle making healthy choices.”
Both wrestlers drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and drink small amounts of PowerAde to replenish their energy. They give up pop, iced tea, and cappuccinos. They have to manage their bodies because they have to lose weight and cannot eat as many calories as they’re used to.
Coach Stevenson recommends to his athletes to track calories, proteins, and fats because it should influence them on what to decide to eat on their plate.
The routine of a wrestler’s daily diet consists of selecting foods at the café. They prefer to have a quick and light breakfast with some eggs, a bagel, and some milk when heading to the cafeteria at 7 a.m. They continue to have little snacks throughout the day, such as bananas, granola bars, and peanut butter sandwiches to keep up with their metabolisms.
This leads to having a healthy sandwich with lean meats and lots of vegetables, salads, chicken, and a small bowl of soup for lunch at 2 p.m. At dinner after practice, they search for pasta, lean meats, salads, fish, and usually a sandwich if they do not offer those. The wrestlers tie in their diets to meet the goals of the team.
Mendlik stated, “ I hold myself accountable. I don’t want to let my team down and the way I can benefit them is by making sacrifices each day.”
Stevenson believes that putting the right fuel helps your body run at its highest level. Mendlik and Madsen both believe sacrifices make them confident during their performances and competitions. They believe that the more good fuel that is put into the body and losing weight properly everyday will help reach their body become at it’s highest peak. The wrestler’s goals are aligned with their coach’s goals to become successful.
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