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In the Game
Austin Wranglers
by Kelley Sullivan
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It’s a crisp sunny morning at Rudolph Gamblin Athletic Field, located at the School for the Deaf in south Austin. A few men cross from the parking lot to the locker room. They walk like soldiers going into battle, with the stroll of athletes preparing for a day of sweat and strength-building. It’s a typical day for the Wranglers, Austin’s very own arena football team. As the Austin Wranglers wrap up their inaugural season, player Darryl Hammond and Head Athletic Trainer Eric Myers give us an insider’s view of what it takes to play pro arena football.
Hammond, 37, a 13-year football veteran, has the look of a seasoned athlete. He has a muscular build, strong stance and an easy smile.
“I started playing football when I was 11 years old. I wanted to start playing earlier, but my mother wouldn’t let me; she was worried about me getting hurt,” Hammond laughs.
His love for the game has really kept him in top shape. According to Hammond, arena football requires players to work both sides of the ball, run and to be in great shape. To stay in good physical condition the players follow a regimen of running, tackling, covering kick-offs and lifting weights four days a week. Hammond watches his diet closely during the season, eating only protein, vegetables and healthy fats. He also avoids eating after 7 p.m. His favorite workout is a combination of ashtanga yoga and Pilates. Hammond particularly enjoys this form of exercise because of the effects on his body. “I noticed a difference in my posture, my game and my mental well-being,” he says.
TIPS FROM THE TRAINER
Head Athletic Trainer Eric Myers swings into action when injuries arise and also helps educate players on injury prevention. When faced with an injured player, he attempts to get them on the road to rehabilitation swiftly.
“I want to get the players functioning normally as soon as possible. I have to get them walking before they can run,” says Myers.
The team also works to stay in peak form. “They lift weights at least three times a week to maintain muscle tone. But they aren’t hitting weights as hard as they do during the off-season, so they don’t break down muscle.” Myers recommends all athletes take time to warm-up and stretch before any activity. “Stretching lets your body know it needs energy in your muscles,” he says.
Besides all his training tips, Myers is also very excited about the rest of the season, especially the Wrangler’s upcoming meeting with the Orlando Predators. “It should be a good match-up and a pivotal game, “ he says.
SPECTATOR OPPORTUNITIES
Check out the Austin Wranglers in action sometime soon. The next home game takes place at the Frank Erwin Center at 2 p.m. on May 9, when the Wranglers battle the Dallas Desperados, and May 16 when the Orlando Predators come to town. To purchase tickets (ranging in price from $8 to $175), call 233-7800 or visit www.austinwranglers.com.
Photo: Darryl Hammond signing autographs at a Wrangler’s game
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