Upon arriving at the base, the Aztec team knew little about the workout the SEALs had in store.  After a quick introduction the day began with a small run from the base across the sand to the obstacle course.  The SEAL’s then spent about twenty minutes explaining the course, and the team quickly learned the day would not be a walk in the park.  
            
The obstacle course included an assortment of fifteen grueling exercises including shuffling across parallel bars, knee high running through tires; climbing high walls, scaling 30 foot rope ladder, jumping over three foot hurdles and crawling through the sand.  Needless to say finishing the course in 20 minutes, if at all, was an accomplishment.  However, the SEALs were quick to show that they could do the whole course in six minutes.
 
The minute the course was complete the Navy SEALs Operations Commander had the Aztecs split into separate teams to compete in various leadership and team building activities.   The teams’ first task was to run into the ocean, and to then roll around in the sand and become what the SEALs call a ‘Sugar Cookie’, putting the players in an uncomfortable state that they needed to overcome mentally.  The logs were then used as part of team exercises including 20 minutes of sit-ups, push-ups, and crawling through the sand.  Lastly the Aztecs ran up and down sand dunes and completed a final task of having all players line up in the push up position until everyone in the team crawled under or over the players holding the push up position.  
 
The Aztecs did not only undergo physical training, but mental training as well.  The Operations Commanders put a tremendous focus on leadership, an attitude and belief in the ability to persevere under pressure and stress, as well as the ability to lead, stay calm, and focus under pressure.  Aztec lock Alex Main commented on some of the aspects that the SEALs taught the Aztecs on the day, ‘It was odd because they were thanking us for our hard work and effort, when it should have been us thanking them.  They humbly showed us that even though we think we may be in good shape, we are far from it.  They pushed us to our breaking point both physically and mentally and we thank them for this, because deep down they made us stronger rugby players. There is no doubt in my mind that the gentlemen that showed us how to push ourselves half as hard as they push themselves truly deserve our gratitude and appreciation.’
 
Aztec Strength and Conditioning Coach and former player Orin Catrett, who set up the event, thought the day taught the Aztecs numerous lessons, ‘The best part of having the privilege to come out here and train like this was to see our team build the camaraderie and mental focus of working not as individuals but as a single unit under extreme conditions. Our guys came together to push each other and themselves above and beyond the already high level of fitness and focus that is required in this sport.’  Not only was Coach Catrett happy with the physical aspects, but also the mental lessons taught, ‘The SEAL program relies on a sense of unity and a no quit attitude in every aspect of their lives and training which is instilled in rugby as well. The training that our players underwent on Friday will be taken with them for the rest of their lives. By overcoming these adversities, mentally and physically, our team walked away with a new outlook on what it takes to go from being an average team to being a great one.’
 
The SEALs also enjoyed the opportunity to host the Aztec rugby team.  Captain Adam Curtis pointed out why rugby is a good fit for the SEALs to work with, ‘We get far more requests to host teams and clubs than we can handle. We make an extra effort to facilitate when it's for men of the same ilk as many of our operators. Rugby is a sport that lots of 'teamers' have played at one time or another, and it does a pretty decent job of revealing the kind of physical and mental toughness and character someone needs to succeed as a SEAL. I hope we were able to give them some good physical training, but even more importantly, I hope they took away a few new examples of how a team working in unison can accomplish more than a group of individuals.  The Seals also enjoyed pushing the Aztecs to their limits and showing them how far they can go, specifically Senior Chief Jason Torey noted that ‘What most people don't realize is that when they feel completely spent, they likely have only performed to about 60% of their physical limit.’
 
The Aztecs would like to thank the Navy SEALs for the opportunity and experience and hope to show their appreciation by applying the lessons learned to their training and matches in the upcoming season.
A special thanks to:
Commander Brian Casson
SOCS Jason Torey
SB1 Beau Cambone
Captain Adam Curtis
 
To see a you tube video of the Aztecs training at the SEAL base visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OibW56JBHnI
 
 Photo: Aztecs on the beach get instruction before team exercises