Wolverines Add Sulaver to Staff as Director of Wrestling Sport Science
10/17/2024 3:22:00 PM | Wrestling
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan wrestling head coach Sean Bormet announced Thursday (Oct. 17) the appointment of alum Rob Sulaver to the Wolverines' newly created Director of Wrestling Sport Science position.
As the Director of Sport Science, Sulaver will provide data-driven and scientifically validated insight to maximize training, development and performance in the sport of wrestling. His expertise in blending sport science with practical application will play a pivotal role in monitoring workloads, optimizing training protocols and informing weight management strategies. He will work closely with head strength and conditioning coach Mike Favre and wrestling nutritionist John Fravel.
"Rob brings a tremendous amount of expertise, energy and experience as an entrepreneur and builder," said Bormet. "He is passionate about sport science, especially as it applies to wrestling. He comes from a wrestling family and a wrestling background, so he knows firsthand the ins and outs in all aspects of our sport, and through his graduate work in Michigan's School of Kinesiology, he is well plugged in with our campus resources. He loves Michigan wrestling and connects well with our staff and student-athletes. We are so excited to have him with our program."
"What Coach Bormet is building here in Ann Arbor is special," said Sulaver. "Sport science has proven itself to offer a competitive advantage. Through Michigan Wrestling Sport Science we can provide the resources, technologies and scientific insight that give our student-athletes the best possible opportunity to succeed. I'm looking forward to living up to the long-standing traditions of excellence here at Michigan."
Sulaver brings more than 15 years of experience working with top-tier competitors, including professional fighters, Olympians and collegiate athletes. He holds a master's degree in exercise physiology from Michigan and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Sport Nutritionist.
Before returning to Ann Arbor for his graduate work, Sulaver founded and grew his Bandana Training into a successful athletic training business in New York City and with it became a nationally recognized fitness expert and consultant. Sulaver previously sat on the Board of Advisors for Arnold Schwarzenegger and was co-founder of the group fitness startup Rumble Boxing.
A Dearborn, Mich., native, Sulaver was a member of the Michigan wrestling program from 2002-07 and a three-time letterwinner, breaking into the lineup at 157 pounds as a true freshman following injuries to All-Americans Ryan Bertin and Mike Kulczycki before placing eighth at the 2007 Big Ten Championships. As an undergraduate, he double-majored in theater performance and English literature and twice earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. He started his training career as an undergraduate strength coach for the Michigan football program immediately following his senior season.
Sulaver is married to Mel, a performance dietitian in private practice in Ann Arbor. They have a son, Tiberius, and are expecting a girl in March.
