MMA fighter good at sales, too

COEUR d'ALENE - Put Trevor Prangley in the ring facing an opponent, and the muscled 6-1, 205 pounder, a mixed-martial artist, is a mean son of a gun with a fierce scowl.

Now, put him in the shop he runs in Coeur d'Alene with friend Jess Magnus, and he's a smiling, easy-going guy who likes to joke around and visit with customers.

"I think it's a lot better for my health to be in here, working my brain out in a different way," he said, laughing.

Prangley, a two-time All-American wrestler at North Idaho College, and Magnus, a Realtor and amateur jiu-jitsu fighter, recently moved their business, "Tap or Snap" to 610 Hubbard Ave., Suite 108 in Coeur d'Alene from the Whistle Stop Plaza in Post Falls.

They offer all the gear, and some advice, too, that anyone might need to try some cage fighting or just learn more about the sport.

Tap or Snap (named after the point in a match when one person must tap out or pretty much get their arm or leg snapped off by the opponent) carries shorts, hats, shirts, pads, supplements and energy drinks. Magnus said if they don't have an item a client wants, they'll find and order it.

"We're just tying to provide a wide range of sparring gear," Prangley said. "It's what the guys are seeing on TV."

Both Prangley and Magnus believe the growing popularity of cage fighting, especially with the younger generation, will be a boon for their store.

"This store is a great outlet to bring our sport into the community," Magnus said.

Prangley said they carry products "a little bit different for the guy who's looking to gain a little bit of an edge or get some clothing."

A youngster could be outfitted and ready to go with an investment of about $120, and that includes the gloves, wraps, shorts and Gi. Adults should expect to spend more than $200.

"It's cheaper than you can buy it online," Magnus said.

Following a successful wrestling career, Prangley started cage fighting at 27. Since, the Cape Town, South Africa, native has compiled a 23-7-1 record. He lost his first two fights by decision, then won 19 straight.

"I was a quick learner, I guess," he said, smiling.

The 38-year-old knows what works, what doesn't and wants to share that knowledge with customers.

"The fighters, they're a different breed. I'm not so interested in them. I'm interested in the regular guy who wants to train and realize a goal," Prangley said. "Fighters will always be fighters."

Prangley, who may return to the ring for a bout in April, injured his shoulder recently and is taking time off from training at the Lions Den to recover. He plans to continue his career while building up Tap or Snap.

"I'm planning on retiring in the next couple of years, so I've got to get something going. I don't want to leave it until the last minute," he said. "We just want to do something that's a little different. I think it's going to be a unique store. There won't be anything like it."

They want their store to be a gathering place for athletes. There's a big-screen TV, so kids and adults can watch matches while shopping, or just chat with the owners. Tap or Snap will also carry information about tournaments.

Customers range from kids to middle-aged adults. Some come in looking for advice about the sport, which Prangley and Magnus are happy to provide.

"They want to know about the training and stuff like that. When they're all set up, if they buy supplements from us, we'll set up a diet plan for you," Prangley said.

He emphasized he wants to help people reach their goals.

"That's always been my thing to do," he said. "Everybody has a goal. I'm a firm believer that a healthy body houses a healthy mind. I like to try and help people realize their goals."

Magnus said it takes determination to do well at mixed-martial arts.

"If you're willing to work out, eat right, put in the time, it's a great sport," he said.

Tap or Snap, 610 W. Hubbard suite 108, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

Information: 769-9922