High School Wrestling
In the fall of 2007, my son Luke began wrestling for the Oak Hills High School wrestling team. To be member of the Junior Varsity or Varsity team his freshman year, and for the first time in his life, Luke needed to “cut weight”. I was concerned about Luke’s ability to maintain both adequate strength to compete and sufficient energy to concentrate on scholastics. Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Jason Theobald of Natty Nutrition. Jason met personally with Luke for more than an hour to familiarize himself with Luke’s goals and commitment to reaching those goals. After concluding Luke’s commitment and maturity levels were sufficient to achieve his stated goals, Jason and Luke discussed Luke’s preferred foods and daily eating habits.
After the discussion, Jason developed a meal plan that not only allowed, but emphasized the importance of Luke eating five nutritious meals daily. Throughout the 2007 wrestling season, Luke followed Jason’s meal plan as well as a high school freshman could and through proper nutrition and consistent strength training Luke quickly developed a leaner, stronger, more conditioned physique; therefore, enabling him to reach his individual and team goals as well as maintain adequate energy to excel scholastically.
I was so impressed with Luke’s development and Jason’s knowledge, passion, and commitment to helping Luke; I approached Oak Hills High School Head Varsity Wrestling Coach, Scott Zang, about inviting Jason to speak to the entire wrestling team and their parents before the following season. Jason accepted the invitation and in the fall of 2008 spoke to an audience of wrestlers, coaches, and parents about the importance of proper nutrition, strength training, and the need to avoid the use of performance enhancing drugs. Jason’s points were so well received; we developed a program that offered each member of the wrestling team an opportunity to receive individualized meal plan recommendations as well as daily support from Jason and other Natty Nutrition representatives.
From the wrestling perspective, the end result for 2008 was the best finish by an Oak Hills High School varsity wrestling team in over ten years. Throughout the course of the 2008 season it was not uncommon for opposing parents, coaches, and wrestlers to comment on the improved physical appearance, strength, and stamina of our wrestlers.
While credit for the improvement belongs with the individual wrestlers and the coaching staff for their dedication and work ethic, Natty Nutrition’s involvement and guidance was instrumental. Through cooperation with Natty Nutrition, Oak Hills High School wrestlers continue to participate in the Natty Nutrition meal plan program.
I would recommend Natty Nutrition to any athlete who has a goal in mind and the desire, commitment, and maturity to achieve that goal.
Russell A. Neville
Oak Hills High School
Volunteer Strength Coach