Commodores Face "Symphony of Pain" Tuesday; Competitive Conditioning Event is Open to Public 4/22/02

Vanderbilt's "Symphony of Pain," sandwiched between the close of spring practice and the start of classroom finals, promises to be the most unique strength and conditioning competition ever staged by Commodore football players.

Every Commodore athlete will go through four unique strength tests - Farmers Walk, Tractor Tire Flip, Commodore Crawl and Dredge Pull - as part of the "Symphony of Pain" production Tuesday afternoon in Vanderbilt Stadium. The event, is free to the public, and starts in Vanderbilt Stadium at 3:15 p.m. The event - also known as Iron Man Classic - has a meaningful purpose for the Commodores, according to John Sisk, the team' s Speed, Strength & Conditioning Coach. .

"It's an great way of concluding our training program while evaluating the players.," Sisk said. "It's fun, competitive and provides an excellent conditioning gauge for the players. I can't wait for the show."

In his previous position at Clemson, Sisk watched the concept become popular with student-athletes and coaches alike.

Seven teams - each captained by top Vanderbilt seniors and consisting of at least 10 Commodore players - will compete. A single team team trophy and three individual position championship trophies will be awarded.

The seven teams were selected last week in a full squad draft. The teams and senior captains are:
* Redskins (OG Jim May & LB Hunter Hillenmeyer and FB Juan Rojas)
* Bears (center Jamie Byrum and WR Ryan Cuffee)
* Raiders (DE Ryan Nungesser and FB Mike Adam)
* Eagles (DE Chuick Losey and safety Justin Giboney)
* Bengals (WR Dan Stricker, CB McWhorter and FB Bara Cola)
* Steelers (WR M.J. Garrett, TE Tom Simone, FB Chris Mitacek)
* Jets (CB Rushen Jones and safety Mike Martin)

One team champion and three individual position champions. will be awarded.