The Blur that is World Team Camp

What a week it has been here in the Springs. All three World Team’s are having their final camps stateside before traveling to the World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. What does this mean for me? Interview time!

My mission for the week has been to capture tons of video and interview every World Team member from each of our three teams. My favorite part though is just spending some time with the athletes since most of them don’t train here.

Of course I got to spend some quality time with my Oklahoma boys Sam Hazewinkel and Andrew Howe. I was even lucky enough to catch Haze with a jumping hug. The Haze and myself go way back to my Junior High days when I used to go to OU camp and he would tell stories about flying ninjas to us campers. Seriously such an awesome guy. If you even get the chance go talk to him.

I spent a few minutes after yesterday’s practice catching up with Jordan Burroughs. We started talking about my days at OU and his trips to Norman. We actually competed in college at the same time even though I wasn’t lucky enough to face him (or maybe I was lucky). Then of course the OU and Nebraska football discussion took place. I think we all know how that would end up if the two faced each other this year!

I spent some time this morning with the Greco guys and got to hear some great boot camp stories from Spenser Mango, Harry Lester and Caylor Williams. I think it is so admirable how these guys are striving for their athletic goals and at the same time serving our great nation in the Army. I won’t throw them under the bus with story details though as hilarious as they were.

Lunch today was a riot. Got to eat with a few of our athletes, Jason Welch, Alli Ragan, Jenna Burkert and Sarah Hildebrandt. I felt bad eating up a storm while they tackled their salads. But someone who shall remain nameless did divulge with a scoop of ice cream… or two. I do have to give credit to Alli for trademarking the phrase rimmel time for all our interviews. Pretty catchy if I do say so.

Then of course I was interviewing Olympic Champ Jake Varner and my camera broke. JB had a joke or two to say about that haha. Just my luck. But all in all it was a great day.

Of course I was able to build some relationships with some of the new guys I haven’t talked too in depth with like Nick Marable. He and I have both been coached by Sammie Henson so it was great relating on that. Sammie is INTENSE! It is easy to see why Nick is getting to be one of the best in the world. Great guy with a great plan. I can’t wait to watch him in Uzbekistan.

Also The Truth Ed Ruth is just the man. I always love the conversations we have. Most of them do not revolve around wrestling. It is great to be able to chat about personal things, family life, how our life is going, etc. It's no wonder people call him Easy Ed. One of the most down to earth guys you'll ever meet. The man also gives great interviews as you can see here.

Now it is time to head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of my famous queso. One of my best buds Joe is in town and he is ready to chow down.

More to come from training camp later this week! If you want to check out all the interviews from camp check them out HERE. 

Have a blessed day everyone!

Peace