LIFE IN STRYDE
Montana-Northern wrestler learned to balance sport with bigger responsibilities
Time management is a key for a college wrestler, just as it is for any student-athlete. Being in command of a daily schedule that gives ample attention to studies and practice is a must for those who are looking to succeed on the mat after high school is over.
Perhaps no other sport is more demanding than wrestling, which is why those in other sports sometimes stare in awe of what this rare breed of athlete does day after day to make themselves better. As a defending NAIA champion, it’s obvious that Montana State-Northern’s 157-pound senior Stryder Davis has f
ound that crucial balance.But there’s just one more thing to add to the mix when considering Davis’ case. While other athletes sit back, relax to some music or play the latest video game after a hard day’s work, Davis is taking care of what is the most important aspect of his life: his family.
The 22-year-old senior captain is a happily married father of two children, Regan, a daughter who is nearly two years old, and Riley, a five-month old son. Stryder and his wife Kimberly have a lot of responsibility for a young couple, but they seem to have a sound system in place.
On a typical day this season, Kimberly, a nursing student, has to be at the hospital for training by 6 a.m. From that time until noon, when she returns, Stryder is in charge of watching the little ones.
At about 12:30, he goes off to lift weights for about an hour and a half. Between 2-4 p.m., Stryder goes to class. After class is over, he watches his children again until it’s time for wrestling practice at 5:30. Stryder mixes it up in the tough MSU-Northern wrestling room for about two hours and then it’s time to head home.
The rest of the night is spent catching up on his studies and spending quality time with his family. Stryder is studying physical education and would like to teach and coach when his college career is over.
“It’s hard work and I do get tired, but it’s a good thing,’’ Davis said. “Having all of the responsibilities keeps me organized and it keeps me busy. It makes me do the things that I’m supposed to be doing. I don’t have the time to do anything else.’’
One thing that Davis would like to do on the mat this season is to repeat as an NAIA champion. Last season, he earned his first NAIA title when he topped Lindenwood’s Rocky Vercher, 7-5, in the finals.
“Before I won the title last year, I was just working my butt off just to win one,’’ Davis said. “Now, I’m working even harder to try to win again. I know that it’s going to be tough and that the rest of the guys in my weight will be shooting for me. I have to be ready. I’ve just been training as hard as I can.
“I have confidence that I can win again. Last year, I went in there with the attitude that I wasn’t going to give my opponents any breaks. Some wrestlers are faster and stronger than me, but I’m confident in my conditioning, it’s a big factor. When you keep going after someone, sooner or later they’ll wear down.’’
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