Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Hey,Who's That Hot Looking Ref?

So, as some of you may or may not know, ever since Sam came home from his mission he developed a love for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting. He was training at a kickboxing gym in Hermosa Beach up until the time we got engaged when I asked him if he would stop training for fear that he would have a black eye or something in our wedding pictures.

In the last seven years that we have been married he has gone back to various gyms from time to time but finally concluded that he didn't really want to pursue anything on a professional level, for him, fighting is more of a hobby(thank goodness). Then, one day I asked if there was anything else he wanted to do in the MMA realm other than fight and he got the idea that he would like to try and become a referee.

After finally getting in touch with the State Athletic Commission, he found out that before he could go further with them he would have to get some experience and so he started making phone calls and was able to get in touch with a promoter who would let him come in with no previous reffing experience. For the next month or so he went to Team Quest and they let him practice reffing during their team training sessions. All the guys there were very helpful and he felt really good about going to Cahuilla Casino to referee alongside Herb Dean.

There were fifteen fights and Sam got to referee three of them. They were short on judges and so he was asked to judge when he wasn't refereeing. There were lots of guys from our Stake who went out there to cheer him on and Ben videotaped him (thanks so much Ben) so he can now send it to the State Athletic Commission and see where things go from there.

He had such a blast, loved every minute of it, and I know he can't wait to get out there and do it again. He looked like a total pro and I am so proud of him!

11 comments:

Abby said...

That is really cool for Sam! I am glad for your sake that he doesn't want to fight, that would be very nerve racking!

Melissa said...

I had no idea that sam was into mixed martial arts...that is really cool that he is trying to be a ref now since he isn't interested in fighting.

Marci and Morgan said...

Very exciting! I hope it continues to work out for him- and you. I definitely think he's on the right side of the fight now!

Ambie T. said...

That is cool. Sam- don't make any enemies!

Ambie T. said...

So I made the mistake of commenting after reading your post, but before watching the video... i HATE the VIOLENCE!!!!

munyer jerk chicken said...

Sam and Cari
I do remember you guys. How did you find our blog? What are you guys up to? Nice reffing Sam looks fun and front row seats. If you are ever way up north stop in...
later,
Jacob

Our Crazy Family said...

Hey thanks for inviting us to see your blog. It looks as though you guys are doing well. Check out our blog if you get a chance! Its nice to see you again. Your boys are getting so big! It looks as though Sam is having a fun time with Referee. I hope he is able to continue with it.

Cindy (Richards wife)

Naomi said...

How fun to see Sam in action. I especially like how he threw the guy off when he called the fight. Way to take charge in there!

You need to do another one soon so that Kev can get in on the action! Congrats!!

Anne said...

I'm with Ambie on this one! I couldn't get through it all! But that's great that he's getting back into an old interest!

Julie said...

Eric said that Sam did such a great job!! I would love to watch him sometime! Next month, right??? He totally looks like a pro on the video...nicely done Sam.

Unknown said...

I definatly approve of the reffing rather than the fighting. I hate fights. But I am glad he can get out and do something that he loves. It's so important. You are such a good wife for supporting and encouraging him. Lots of love, Cari!