Nov. 2, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Mike Letts always had a knack for winning. In high school, he compiled a 144-19 record en route to two state championships. As a true freshmen, Letts led the team in wins, posting a 30-7 record, and won the ACC championship in the 174 pound weight class. As a sophomore, Letts continued his success, defeating wrestlers who ranked 20th, 17th and 11th in his weight class as he won another ACC championship. After a redshirt year in 2008, Letts looked to lead the Terrapins to a second-straight ACC championship.
Little did Letts know, however, that his season would be cut short by a career-threatening injury. After posting an impressive 19-4 record, Letts tore his ACL which sidelined him for the rest of the season.
After suffering such a severe injury, it would be easy for an athlete to call it quits and give up on their dreams. Letts, however, isn't going to let this setback hold him back from reaching what he set out to do when he came to Maryland.
"I've had a goal since I got here to be a national champ," Letts said. "I know how close I am to the end, and I want it so bad. Most of my motivation comes from within."
Because of the severity of Letts' injury, this offseason was particularly critical. Besides his normal preparation for the demanding wrestling season, Letts had to ensure that he was going to be healthy enough just to get on the mat. Letts worked with trainers every single day of the summer, balancing strength-training exercises with cardio to maintain his wrestling weight and rebuild the strength he lost while injured. According to Letts, he worked with the trainers on "everything that was as close to wrestling" before getting medically cleared to participate.
Because of his tough regiment, Letts is now medically cleared to participate in all wrestling activities.
Head coach Kerry McCoy noted, "He looks really good right now in practice, but this is not the official stuff."
The coaches are taking every single opportunity in practice to better prepare Letts for the upcoming season. Assistant coach Brandon Sinnot, who was a two-time All-American at Central Michigan and wrestled in the same weight class as Letts, frequently works with Letts one-on-one to improve wrestling technique. McCoy added that the coaching staff is willing to do "anything necessary to help prepare Mike both athletically and academically."
Along with preparing Letts for the season, the coaches are looking to him to emerge as one of the leaders of the team. In the past, Letts looked up to All-Americans Steve Bell and Hudson Taylor, both of whom have graduated. With their departure, McCoy feels it is Letts' time to be the face of the program.
"We want him to serve as a link between the players and the coaches," McCoy said. "He is also there to motivate the players to work out, as well as bridge the gap between some of our older and younger guys."
Letts is taking a hands-on approach to his new role as leader of the team. He recently hosted a team-only dinner at his house in an attempt to get acquainted with his teammates. He is also working with some of the newcomers to show them what it takes to be a successful wrestler at Maryland.
"I've always been one of the leaders, but now I am taking a more active approach to it," said Letts. "The guys really look up to me, and I want to be a good role model for the team."
Even though Letts is coming off of the injury, he and the coaches have high expectations for this season. McCoy feels that Letts should not only be a contender in the ACC, but also on the national level.
"If he goes out and wrestles to the best of his ability, there is no doubt in my mind that he can be a national champion," said McCoy. "If he is physically healthy and his mind is in the right place, then the sky is the limit."
Letts is also placing an emphasis on success for the upcoming year; not only for himself, but for the entire team. He predicts that this year's team will not only win the ACC title, but "should be top 20, and maybe even higher than that."
In order to ensure that Letts is as successful as possible this season, McCoy is taking an underdog approach towards this season.
"He still has not been on the podium," noted McCoy, "And he will face very tough competition this season, as seven All-Americans are returning to his weight class."
Letts feels that he is ready for the challenges that await him this season because of his constant preparation.
"I wrestle all the time and I am constantly looking to improve myself by lifting and staying in shape," said Letts. "I know what kind of competition we face here at Maryland, and I want to make sure I'm elite."
McCoy feels Letts' work ethic is going to pay off when he makes a run at the national champi-onship this season.
"He's a blue-collar, hard working kid," noted McCoy. "He is like a freight train, when he gets started, there is no stopping him."
Letts seems poised to make a run at winning a national championship in his weight class while leading the Terrapins to another ACC championship. With the physical and mental tools in place, Letts just needs to start his ignition in order to go down as one of the greatest wrestlers in Maryland history.
