Most people in their mid-30s are still climbing the ladder to success. Jim Hashimoto and Andrew "Rudy" Rudawsky say they’ve already reached the top rung.
At just 31 and 36 years of age, respectively, Hashimoto, AS ’91M, and Rudawsky, AS ’90, are settling into the lull of the post-World Cup pandemonium. As trainers for the U.S. men’s soccer team, the two have trekked across the world with the 22-man team, doing their best to keep the players in optimum condition to give them a chance at soccer’s highest and most celebrated event.
"Essentially, we work as athletic trainers," explains Hashimoto from his office at Schweizer’s Therapy and Rehabilitation in north Wilmington, Del., where the two hold day jobs that allow one or the other to be on the road with the men’s team while the other partner holds down the fort.
As trainers for the national team, their roles are as individual as the make-up of the team. Hashimoto and Rudawsky oversee rehabilitation, prevention of injuries and nutrition. In addition, they put together the medical staff for the team, including an eye doctor, orthopedic specialist and chiropractor–all of whom are hired as consultants.
"It’s really a comprehensive medical team to address any issue," explains Hashimoto. Having its own medical staff is an obvious advantage, especially when the team heads overseas.
"We like to be independent and not rely on outside sources for our medical care," he says.
The duo thrives on the demanding schedule–the qualifying process for the World Cup (held every four years) begins two years before the event–and the soccer season has little down time, with dozens of games each year. But, the camaraderie of the team and the significance of their roles more than compensate Hashimoto and Rudawsky for the things they must give up to work at this level.
"This is the ultimate job," explains Rudawsky. "I’ve been with the team for over 130 games, and I look back at all of the countries I’ve been to–parts of the world I’ve never dreamed of going.
"You get to work with some of the top physicians in the world, and it’s so amazing to be able to communicate with the sports medicine staff of other countries to see what they do," he adds.
How did they make the jump to heading up the U.S. team?
To hear them tell it, it was a natural process.
"I worked for the U.S. Soccer Federation in 1990 and 1991 and was doing some trips for some national teams–but for all age levels and women’s teams as well," says Hashimoto, who grew up in Willow Grove, Pa. A swimmer in college, Hashimoto immediately began working for Schweizer’s after graduation from the physical therapy program in 1991. He was head trainer for the Saudi Arabia national team in 1994, and began working with the U.S. team a year later.
Rudawsky, a native of Delaware who received a master’s degree in sports medicine from the United Sports Academy in Mobile, Ala., earned his stripes as head trainer for the Delaware soccer team and the Olympic Development Program, the feeder system for the youth national teams. Landing the job as head trainer for the men’s national team was the result of a most ordinary action. He applied for the position.
He worked full-time for the U.S. men’s team from 1991-94.
With two World Cups under his belt, Rudawsky has become one of the most respected and well-liked trainers in the game.
"The relationship between the coach and the trainer is very important," explains Marcelo Balboa, a player for the Colorado Rapids who has been part of three World Cups. "They come up with a program to keep you in shape. They know how far to push you and how long it will take you to recover."
Balboa tore an anterior ligament just before the ’94 World Cup, but worked closely with Rudawsky to heal in time for the championship.
While the U.S.A. made it to the second round this year before losing to Brazil, Hashimoto and Rudawsky don’t measure their success in terms of World Cups and championships.
"One thing we can say about this past World Cup is that none of our players had to stay out because of injuries," says Rudawsky. "They could all play, and that’s something, as a medical staff, that we’re proud of."
But, the two don’t minimize the significance of propelling the team to soccer’s most emotionally charged championship.
"There’s pressure, but there’s fun. What we want to do is see the players play, by keeping them healthy," says Hashimoto. "When you’re part of an event where everyone in the world wants to get there and you are there, it’s an honor."
–Christi Milligan