There is an old saying, "it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
Last night, someone uttered the phrase, "He was 8 years old and ran a 4.7 40"
He actually tried to convince me that a local 8-year-old boy ran a 4.7 40-yard dash. He was completely serious. For those of you who do not follow speed/strength training closely allow me to explain the absolute absurdity of this comment...
The absolute fastest guys in the NFL run around a 4.3. Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears was the 2006 NFC Rookie of the year. He was an untouchable kick off returner that helped the Bears make it to the Super Bowl. Devin Hester runs a 4.51 40.
So, you want me to believe an 8-year-old boy is only 2 tenths of a second (a half-step) slower than an elite NFL player - not a lineman - but one of the top returners in the league? You want me to believe a pre-puberty 8 year old is as fast or faster than a lot of NFL linebackers and runningbacks?
Coming out of college, Jerry Rice (greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL) ran a 4.7 40.
I watched about 30 eight to ten year old boys run the 40 last night. The average time for eight year olds was about 7.5 seconds.
If this kid could legitimately run a 4.7 40 at 8 years old - he would already have a Nike contract in his hand. He would be on ESPN. He would be in Sports Illustrated.
This ranks right up there with the lady that told me she could ride 60-miles on her stationary bike in 15-minutes. With her stubby little legs and ample body frame, I found it difficult to believe she was reaching and sustaining 240-mph (that's right - she had to pedal two hundred and forty miles per hour) for a full 15-minutes.
2007.07.27
I posted a new commentary - check it out - click here.
2007.07.25
The calm before the storm... Mini-Mattis begins his 4th season of youth football next week. My wife will lead the youth cheer program. I will be working with the local junior high program this season. Oh yeah, I am scheduled to defend the IWA US Championship next Thursday and Saturday. More details to come...
2007.07.16
I watched the TNA Victory Road PPV last night. Good stuff. I am really tired - I stayed up until 11 watching the PPV and then was up at 4:45am for my morning workout. Operating on less than 6 hours regularly takes its toll.
You want to know something? Transformers is an AWESOME movie. Really. No, I don't think you understand. You NEED to see Transformers. I demand you see Transformers. Do as I command! Do not anger me! I will trace your ip and send one of the little metal crab-like Transformers to poke you in the eye with its liquid release utility.
The Chillicothe Gazetter published a nice article promoting the most recent IWA event. Click here to download the pdf version of the article.
Last night, in front of a hot/packed house, I defeated Chris Cruit to win the IWA US Championship. Today, I feel like I got hit by a freight train. But, there is no time for rest as tomorrow...
Opening match footage from Mark Mattis vs. Chris Cruit for the IWA US Title in Chillicothe Ohio. (7/5/2007)
Mark Mattis vs. Judas Thorn
Screamin Willies
1921 Channingway Center Dr.
Columbus OH
Saturday July 7th
Doors open at 2:30 P.M.
Bell time 3:00 P.M.
Tickets $10 at the door
2007.07.02
I will be in the ring on Thursday night squaring off against IWA US Champion, Chris Cruit. Chris Cruit has held the IWA tag team titles on a couple of occasions. Chris has held the IWA US title on a couple of occasions. Chris Cruit has held the IWA Heavyweight title one time... for roughly 2 and a half years. Cruit has pretty much done everything he has set out to do in the IWA.
This will be my third match against Cruit since my return to the IWA a few months ago. I have come very close to winning the US title. It has been within my grasp in both matches. This Thursday represents do or die time for me. The commissioner has politely informed me that there are other people in line waiting for a shot at the title.
Now is the time. If it is going to happen, it needs to happen this Thursday. If you are anywhere near Chillicothe - come to The Backstage. If I win... we will party... oh yes... we WILL party!
SCHEDULE:
2007.07.03 - Jr. High Conditioning; Jamestown OH.
2007.07.05 - IWA; The Backstage Chillicothe OH.
2007.07.07 - IWA; Screamin Willies Columbus OH.
2007.07.10 - Jr. High Conditioning; Jamestown OH.
2007.07.11 - JYF; Board Meeting Jamestown OH.
2007.07.17 - Jr. High Conditioning; Jamestown OH.
2007.07.24 - Jr. High Conditioning; Jamestown OH.
jamestown youth football wee rams bantam 3rd 4th 5th 6th grade football wojfc hwa fundraiser heartland wrestling association iwa international wrestling alliance gridiron gallop 5k race athens ohio ohio university spring football bobcat blitz
There is an old saying, "it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."