In early 2024, Fuzzy Benas made his comeback on the gymnastics mat after an 18-month break. Little did his fans know, he would return with even more strength and determination. Fuzzy, also known as Aydon, achieved the highest All-Around score of the season (85.200) and helped the Sooners secure a victory over Air Force and Nebraska. That’s the power of the right training and motivation—agree? However, a strong bond between an athlete and coach also plays a vital role.

The freshman’s relationship with the Sooners’ Hall of Fame coach has grown alongside his gymnastics skills. At first, Benas felt a bit intimidated by his coach’s big name. However, over time, they developed a close connection. In 2022, Fuzzy Benas’s coach said, “He’s starting to open up a little to me, and I am to him too. It’s turning into more of an actual friendship instead of … an employment kind of relationship.” So, who is this coach-turned-friend of Fuzzy Benas?

Who is Fuzzy Benas’s coach?

Fuzzy Benas’s coach is Mark Williams, who has been the head coach of the University of Oklahoma’s men’s gymnastics team since 2000. Under his leadership, the team has achieved remarkable success, securing nine NCAA team titles in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Williams was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2015.

Throughout his more than two decades as a professional gymnastics coach at Oklahoma, Williams has led gymnasts to participate in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Championships, and University Games. His tenure is marked by an impressive overall record of 569-51-1 (.917) over 24 seasons. And his source of motivation for this success? His wife, Susan Williams.

Who is Mark Williams’s wife?

Every person needs a partner for a push to work on the goals. For Fuzzy Benas’s coach, Mark Williams, that person is his wife, Susan Williams. The couple tied the knot in May 1998, and in 2007, Susan gave birth to their son, Cooper. However, as a sportsman and a head coach at an esteemed university, it was not easy for Williams to go on vacation and spend free time with family. Can you imagine, that Mark and Susan took their first-ever vacation in 2018?

In 2018, Mark Williams and his wife, Susan, traveled to Hawaii. That trip was a significant departure from Mark’s usual routine, who never strayed from his daily routine. He shared his trip experience with OU Daily. “It was worth it,” Williams said. “But the first few days it feels uncomfortable not being in the gym and knowing there are things to do with the guys. But then, about a week in, you’re like, ‘I could get used to this.’” This reflects Fuzzy Benas’ coach’s dedication to his coaching schedule. Let’s explore how Williams trained Benas into a star gymnast.

Where does Fuzzy Benas train?

Fuzzy Benas’s training with head coach Mark Williams mostly occurs at the University of Oklahoma’s gymnastic facilities. Benas’s training program aims to develop his skills and his routine first, explaining why his college gymnastics is brilliant. But he has his share of triumphs and challenges.

Benas stated, reflecting on his journey, “Difficult doesn’t really describe it. I admit there were some dark times when I wondered if I’d be back here, but now I am and, yeah, it feels good.” Benas could be a case study in perseverance. After acquiring national ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors, he encountered a string of failures, like recovering from a shoulder surgery procedure during his first NCAA season in 2022. Fuzzy underwent injuries, which included an accident and a torn Achilles surgery. But came back in early 2024.

The competence and backing of Coach Mark Williams were so much necessary for Benas’s recovery and return to form. Every Fuzzy Benas needs Mark Williams to shine in his career.