It’s one thing to teach others about exercise health in the classroom, but completely another to put it to practice. Recently, Point Loma Nazarene University assistant professor of kinesiology, Josh Dexheimer, was featured on the CMT challenge, “Stone Cold’s Broken Skull Ranch.” Although Dexheimer was ultimately eliminated from the challenge, missing out on the $10,000 prize, he seems to have learned a great deal from his experience on the show.
Dexheimer, who played four years of baseball at PLNU, has also coached middle school, high school and college athletes over the past six years. Suffice it to say, he has a strong background in athletics – covering both the physical and mental aspects it takes to compete. “I saw a Facebook post about the [Broken Skull] challenge, and figured it was right up my alley,” said Dexheimer. “I contacted the CMT representatives, and was surprised at how quickly they got back to me. After a Skype interview, I made it to the final eight applicants, which qualified me as a contestant for the show.”
The show, hosted by the always-intimidating, beer-chugging hall of fame professional wrestler, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, is a hybrid between wrestling, a “tough mudder” course and reality show elimination series. While Dexheimer, 25, initially thought his age to be an advantage, he quickly discovered that the older competitors had the upper hand.
“Initially, I’m thinking ‘these guys are in their 30s and 40s, so I have an advantage in my physical ability, endurance, etc.,” said Dexheimer.
“Well, that age and experience was exactly what they needed to gain leverage during the wrestling aspect of the challenge. I was ultimately eliminated, but enjoyed the experience thoroughly.”
Entailing wrestling other competitors, then running a grueling, timed obstacle course, the Broken Skull Challenge is obviously not for the faint of heart. With a name like, “Skullbuster,” one can be most certain that competitors will have to endure some pain on the course. Regarding the show’s host, Dexheimer shares a surprising sentiment. “He was so easy to approach and knowledgeable,” he said. “For him to take you aside and address any issues you may have, or simply offer some advice – it was tremendous. He’s a really great guy, despite the public persona. He is a professional wrestler/reality TV host after all.”
Speaking to the Peninsula Beacon after conducting end-of-semester finals, Dexheimer is understandably exhausted, but positive about the feedback he has received. Since the show airs on Saturdays, and his episode aired the previous week, he has played an integral role in the onslaught of press conducted by CMT. “They’re definitely pushing the show pretty hard,” said Dexheimer. “I’ve been doing more press for this than I could have ever imagined.” Dexheimer does not simply display the prowess necessary to compete on national television, but obviously the mental capacity and passion for exercise as well. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D in kinesiology, which itself is no minor feat. Despite being sent home from the competition, Dexheimer is in good spirits, and throws some self-deprecating jabs at himself. “I guess I must have read too many books for this challenge,” he said. “Perhaps if I had placed more emphasis on working out than the mental aspect, I would’ve won that $10,000. Lord knows I still have some student loans I have to pay off.”