Mike and Max SoriaFormer University at Buffalo wrestlers Mike and Max Soria competed on NBC's American Ninja Warrior series Monday night, with Mike advancing to the next level of competition.
The twin brothers participated in the Philadelphia qualifier event on the show which describes itself as an "action-packed series [which] follows competitors as they tackle a series of challenging obstacle courses in both city qualifying and city finals rounds across the country."
Despite not successfully completing the course in the allotted time, Mike Soria will advance to the next round of competition to be held in July.
Those that successfully complete the finals course in their designated region move on to the national finals round in Las Vegas, where they face a four-stage course modeled after the famed Mt. Midoriyama course in Japan, according to the American Ninja Warrior website. The winner takes home a grand prize of $1 million.
The NBC series, now in its eighth season, is based on a successful Japanese show Sasuke, now in its 31st season.
Mike and Max Soria were on the wrestling team at Buffalo, competing at 125 pounds. Both earned Bachelor's degrees. Mike went on to graduate school at Seton Hill University, an NCAA Division II school, where he was on the Griffins wrestling roster.
Bulls head wrestling coach John Stutzman shared his thoughts on the 25-year-old twin matmen from Kings Park, N.Y., who he met as juniors when he first came to Buffalo.
"They both competed like cats and dogs in the (wrestling) room," Stutzman told InterMat. "Yet they made a point of never wrestling each other in tournaments."
"Most of his career here, Mike was right behind Max, who was the starter at 125 (pounds), but he was just as good."
"American Ninja Warrior really fits their personalities," said Stutzman. "They both have incredible gymnastics skills, and have appeared in YouTube videos doing acrobatic stunts."
Stutzman described both Max and Mike Soria as being "fitness gurus."
"They've done a great job representing their family, their school, and the sport of wrestling."
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