Athletic Mentors Launches New Hockey Website & Open Registration

April 9th, 2015 by Athletic Mentors

ad-bitAthletic Mentors is pleased to announce a new website (AthleticMentorsHockey.com) for its nationally renowned Hockey spring and summer camps. Registration is NOW OPEN for young elite, elite and pro level players.  Founder & Coach Mark Olson and NHL agent and pro, Eddie Ward head up a star-studded lineup of coaches for the brand new On-Ice Ultimate Skills & Conditioning package, which can be added to any Dryland program or purchased separately.

“The combination of our intense Dryland off-season camp with our new Ultimate On-Ice skills and conditioning package will enhance our athletes’ stride, strength and power for explosive stops and starts on ice,” said Olson. “Player will learn new skills that can only be taught by coaches that have played or are playing at the highest level.”

He and Ward will be joined by Pro power skating coach, Stacey Barber and  first-round NHL draft pick and rising player, Stefan Noeson.

Also new this year is an all-inclusive accommodation package for athletes who hail from afar or who just want the full camp experience.

Athletic Mentors’ Hockey program is one of the nation’s premier, innovative programs that produces well-developed athletes powered by the perseverance and commitment required for pro-level play. Dedicated hockey players learn how to unleash their peak performance through structured, holistic hockey-specific training. The team of top notch experts in hockey strength and conditioning, programming and sports nutrition are complimented by Athletic Mentors clinical grade testing, physical therapy and sports massage resources. The AM team collaborates with NHL agents, scouts and coaches to ensure effective programming.

“Gone are the days where you could start summer camp training at 16 and expect to be competitive with your peers during the draft,” said Ward, an NHL agent and former pro. “I’m seeing that the most successful players are starting year-round, single-sport training years earlier, and it shows in the level of play. Athletic Mentors and Mark Olson are the best thing that can hone native talent to the next level of play.”

The intensive spring and summer camps feature specific training modules within the areas of physical, mental, nutritional and recovery management. From energy systems development to micro and macro nutrition and recovery strategies, their players emerge as well-developed athletes with the confidence and skill set to succeed.

Serious athletes from all over the nation register for these programs, which typically sell out early. Get the edge to unleash peak performance with an Athletic Mentors Hockey development program today. Register Online or Learn More about our summer hockey programs at www.AthleticMentorsHockey.com


Meet Joey Chester

March 5th, 2015 by Athletic Mentors

Screen shot 2015-03-05 at 12.13.39 PMAthletic Mentors is delighted to introduce one of the newest members of its coaching cadre, Joey Chester.

The college running back and Plainwell alumni has been a competitive athlete his entire life. While at Defiance College, Joey was an integral part of the school’s football program. His moves on the field led him to become the third leading scorer going into his senior year, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Off the field, he was a member of the Sports Business Association and received a degree in Wellness and Corporate Fitness.

Joey began his career at Athletic Mentors as an intern during the summer of 2013. He has since become a familiar face among the athletes, staying on after graduation in May 2014 and adopting new responsibilities this winter in connection with the Athletic Mentor’s Corporate Wellness program offerings. Joey has become entirely immersed in the training at AM. He oversees strength training of athletes in the areas of hockey, soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, swimming and other disciplines. He also offers personal training for adults looking for a lifestyle change.

Helping people reach their training goals inspires him. Being able to see the positive effects of the training is rewarding. Joey is passionate about what he does and all of the people that he is able to help along the way. His calm demeanor and insight have proven to motivate all that he works with.


Athletic Mentors’ Soccer Stars Kick It Up at College

February 6th, 2015 by Athletic Mentors
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Maggie Harma goalkeeping for the Wayne State College Wildcats.

It’s no secret that high-level training, proper conditioning, and resilience will contribute to the creation of an above-average athlete. Three local soccer players made that commitment years ago when they began training with Athletic Mentors. Besides having strong dedication to their sport in common, Maggie Harma, Carley Rice, and Kendra Sosnoski are all Gull Lake High School graduates and now collegiate athletes. Kudos to our trio of alumni!

In the first of this inspiring series, allow us to introduce you to Maggie Harma.

Up Close and Personal with Maggie Harma

Harma began her career as a goalkeeper at 10–years-old and joined AM her sophomore year of high school. Her career at Gull Lake High School was comprised of 53 shutouts, a 93.7 save percentage, and two MHSAA state titles. Harma was confident that she wanted to play soccer in college, so she took every opportunity possible to improve at AM.

“My coaches at school kept me technically skilled, but once I started training with Athletic Mentors, I feel like I became a better, stronger, faster player,” she said. Having already learned collegiate lifts and participating in conditioning routines, Harma was ahead of most freshman and physically ready to take on Division II athletics.

Harma spent her freshman season at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, studying a pre-professional degree. Her transition was one of the most extreme.

“The transition from high school to college, especially with athletics is insane,” she said. “You have to be 100 percent dedicated and in love with your sport, or you will grow to resent it.”

In addition, Harma said that as a student-athlete who’s pushing their limits, she learned a lot about herself fairly quickly. “You realize what you can do – managing a difficult school schedule, attending practices and conditioning, and balancing meets and a social life,” she said.

As she recalls her first season, Harma is elated to have contributed to the Wildcat soccer squad. She had the honor of starting most games as their goalkeeper and because the program is being rebuilt, helped the team drastically improve their statistics by cutting the goals scored on them in half, doubling the amount of shots and doubling the amount of scored goals.

“It was really good for me to get to play as a freshman. I was able to work out the kinks of the system and adjust to the game,” she said.

Her first year at WSC has still been trying, though. Being far away from her family and friends left her feeling mentally weak and not as fully committed. She half-wanted to be in Michigan, and half-wanted to be at WSC. The greatest thing she has learned can be used as advice for all college-bound athletes:

“It’s so much easier said than done, but jump in with two feet. You have to completely submerge yourself,” Harma said. “In order to be successful, you have to fully understand that this is the next chapter of your life, and embrace where you’re going.”

In order to full commit herself to school and soccer, Harma has made the decision to transfer to a school closer to home. Although this isn’t the answer for everyone, she feels that her performance and dedication will increase immensely at a location that’s more of a fit. She plans to condition hard through the summer and hopes to earn a starting spot on the squad of her next team. Look for Harma next fall at a college or university much closer to you!

 


Kudos to AM’s Hockey Athlete for WCHA Offensive Player of the Week

October 7th, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

Screen shot 2014-10-07 at 7.01.21 PMHat’s off to our own hockey program alumni, Chad McDonald, who’s now a Sophomore Forward with Ferris State University. Chad was nominated as the WCHA Offensive Player of the Week this week. He had two goals, a team-high five total shots and a +1 rating during ninth-ranked Ferris State’s season-opening, 4-3 win over #8 Michigan before a sellout crowd at the Ewigleben Ice Arena. The sophomore from Battle Creek, Mich. scored the game-winner with a short-handed tally in the second period. His opening goal came just 1:03 into the contest as the Bulldogs jumped out to a quick, 2-0 lead. Way to do us proud, Chad!

Read more standings, schedules or watch live games at the WCHA site.

Do you know someone who aspires to this level of play? Check out our Hockey Camps & Clinics and train like a pro!


Inspiring “Ironman” Joe Cekola Proves Attitude is Everything in Wisconsin

October 2nd, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

Joe Cekola credits his trials in life for his unstoppable performance in the face of adversity. The 52-year-old transformed from a casual runner into a competitive ‘Ironman’ despite what some would call a lifelong handicap and a broken Joe Cekola IM Wiscclavicle from a crash just eight weeks prior to Ironman Wisconscin.

Joe learned the importance of his father’s advice the hard way. At 7 years old, he lost his left hand grinding sausage at a family pizza joint. His dad told him to use the safety plunger, but in his youthful impatience, Joe decided he didn’t need any safety equipment.

While some would call it a handicap, having one hand is simply a shadow in Joe’s life. It’s not an obstacle, it just is. His mishap shaped his life attitude and instilled a do-it-all drive that might not be present if it weren’t for his childhood disobedience.

Joe credits his grandfather, who lost his arm in a factory, for influencing his positive outlook growing up. Because he had experienced something similar to Joe’s injury, he paid special attention to him and often shared his favorite line: “If they can do it, you can do it better. Don’t ever forget that.” Joe relentlessly followed his grandfather’s strong will.

“I’ve never forgotten that,” said Joe. “There’s been nothing that I can’t do. He made me do everything—I wasn’t given an option!”

He played basketball and football as a child and baseball in high school. In his young adulthood, he played in a recreation soccer league. Joe has tried most sports, but the one he hadn’t done much of was running.

Today, Joe has completed 11 marathons, an ultra, 2 triathlons, a half Ironman and an Ironman. You’d think he’d been training for years. In reality, Joe began his running journey a mere 5 years ago. He never ran seriously before 2009, but Joe had a short 3.2 mile race on his bucket list. With a little help from his friends, he completed the Borgess 5K run in his hometown, Kalamazoo. He continued to run with his training partners, and without much notice, his enjoyment of running began to grow. He progressed his running strength to marathon status and then ultra marathons until he realized that maybe he was putting too many miles on his feet.

“I was getting hurt running, so I bought a bike 1.5 years ago and decided to sign up for a small triathlon, just to see how I would do,” Joe said.

He found out he wasn’t a very good swimmer, but he enjoyed the biking aspect enough to keep training. Shortly after, he watched a friend do an Ironman in Wisconsin. Watching thousands of athletes attempt such a prestigious physical feat inspired him in a strange, oxymoronic way. The thought of completing an Ironman was intimidating yet exhilarating; Joe recollected his thoughts after committing to the idea and laughed, “I don’t even know what I’m doing, I don’t even know how to swim!”

After a near last place finish at his first triathlon and a competitive drive to get better and work toward that Ironman, he decided to join the Athletic Mentors team for a more professional training regimen.

Training at Athletic Mentors has helped Joe progress immensely, especially in the water. Swim coach Tom Belco doesn’t consider Joe’s missing hand a disadvantage. He expects Joe to train just as hard as everyone else, and serves as good mental and physical inspiration. With time, Joe penciled in a half Ironman 12 weeks before the big event: a full Ironman in Wisconsin on September 7, 2014, the same race his friend was in that inspired him.

At the Half Ironman, he was feeling great after his best swim time. But 8 miles out from the finish of the bike leg, he crashed and broke his collarbone (the same side as his missing hand, “thank God!”).

The support group at Athletic Mentors encouraged him to keep training. Between his coaches, his friends and his training partners, he pushed through the mental and physical setbacks.

“I was hesitant and thought I couldn’t do it, but they had confidence that I could come back,” said Joe.

Joe Cekola FinishFlash forward through eight weeks of training with a sling on the elliptical and in the pool, and four weeks of adjusting back to normal function. Joe was completing his first Ironman in personal record time.

Joe beat over 1,000 athletes, placing 1,636th out of 2,826. The experience was unlike anything that preceded it; 75,000 cheering fans lined the course and he had a support group of over 20 friends and family members. He swam his best time at that distance (1:39:58), had a good bike time despite the hills (7:05:59) and ran the full marathon (5:14:10) for a total time of 14:19:56.

The deep feeling of happiness and contentment is one of the greatest drives that motivates athletes like Joe. That, coupled with the strong friendships he’s developed from training, is what keeps him going. For others, Joe offers simple advice on achieving goals both big and small, the same principles he raised his three children with.

“Life is going to throw you some curve balls—accidents, crashes or losses—but never give up,” said Joe. “Just keep trekking forward one step at a time, and you can make whatever goal you want.”

Post Ironman, Joe is slowing down his training and taking a bit of recovery time. His goals for the future are unknown; he is simply reveling in accomplishing the goal he set for himself last year. “I haven’t another target yet, but I’m sure I will soon,” he said.

For now, he will join his friends in “shenanigans” and perhaps enjoy a few more beers than usual, awaiting to defeat the next challenge that is thrown his way.


AM’s Torres One Step Closer to 2016 Rio Olympic Dream…

April 1st, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

10015642_10153953724670006_158679333_nRaquel Torres has been training hard and making great progress toward reaching her dream goal of qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games for her home country of the Dominican Republic.

With this being her first real full season back to competition since her teenage years, Raquel is gaining qualifying points and confidence as she gets more international races under her belt.

She’s cracked the top 10 in all 3 of her ITU races in the start of this season, with a 4th place in Chile on March 30th, just 3 minutes off the podium.

Raquel is staying in South America for a few more races in April before returning home to Kalamazoo to her very supportive husband and adorable daughter.

Stay tuned for more race updates throughout April and the year as her quest to Rio continues…


Athletic Mentor Hockey Trainee Signs with Indiana Tech Warriors

March 4th, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

schmittAthletic Mentors co-founder and head hockey coach Mark Olson is tipping his hat to Michael Schmitt, Battle Creek Revolution forward who has just signed with the Indiana Tech men’s hockey team.

“Michael’s been with our program for years and has proven himself to be disciplined, tough, and committed to excellence,” Coach Olson said. “He’s an outstanding athlete, and a great guy. Indiana Tech made a good call.”

Schmitt, who hails from Kalamazoo, is a 5-foot-7, 155-pound forward who played in 44 games in the NA3HL where he collected 12 points on seven goals and five assists. While his parents credit Olson’s coaching for much of their son’s “strength, leadership, and mental toughness,” Schmitt’s tireless hours of hard work finally paid off on the ice when he caught the eye of of Indiana Tech’s Head Coach, Frank DiCristofaro.

“I like Michael’s competitive edge,” said DiCristofaro in a press release. “He works hard on the ice and even harder off of it. He had a great understanding of the game and has some deceptive speed through the neutral zone. He is a true student-athlete and is the type of person we want in this program.”

When asked what it means to join the first hockey team at Indiana Tech, Schmitt said, “I am excited to become a part of the first college hockey program at Indiana Tech. The support they get from the school is amazing and the amenities they have is what drew me to their program.”

 

 

 

 


Forbrush 17k Freestyle Race Report

March 2nd, 2014 by Athletic Mentors
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Kaitlyn Patterson crossing the finish line (photo courtesy of www.nordicskiracer.com)

Nordic skiers Kaitlyn Patterson and Ryan Harris represented Athletic Mentors well at the Forbrush Corner 17k Freestyle on February 15. With temperatures above zero, sunny skies and minimal wind, the participants received a great day for competition success. The Forbrush Corner track is filled with hills, creating a tough, always climbing or descending course. Kaitlyn dominated the race with a first place finish while Harris had an intense battle that landed him third place.

The men’s start was a little rough out of the gate given a few crashes before the first turn and during the wide climb. Skiers were ultra aggressive in getting to the front. Ryan Harris, alongside two other racers, broke away from the pack and had a clear lead, already minutes ahead of any other competitors. At the finish, Ryan was just barely beat by the two competitors; only two seconds separated first thru third place. He finished third with a time of 50:12.

The women’s top three was fairly tight as well, given the 40-second separation of the three places. Kaitlyn led the pack and performed at a fast pace, finishing first for the women and only ten minutes behind the men’s winner with a time of 60:10.

Kaitlyn credits part of her fast performance to the new, RCS Carbonlite hole skis she invested in during the middle of the season. Her new skis are ultra-light, responsive and overall give a faster feel.

“As much as I wanted to think that a strong engine can overcome sub-par equipment, I finally admitted that skis matter a lot in Nordic skiing,” she said. “Even with a warm base structure on cold races, they made a huge difference.”

Kaitlyn felt that she finally put everything together ‚Äî the powerhouse she’s been creating in training felt good and coupled with her new skis, she raced very well.

Although 5 degree weather doesn’t seem warm, competitors were relieved that the conditions were far less brutal than the VASA race the previous weekend, where the temperatures reached several degrees below zero. It was enjoyed enough that according to Kaitlyn, the sun gave ample warmth for post-race food and drinks on the patio.

“Overall, another great day of racing in Northern Michigan,” Kaitlyn said.


VASA Race Report

February 21st, 2014 by Athletic Mentors
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Daniel Yankus competing in a cross country ski race.

On February 8, Team Athletic Mentors Nordic Ski racers Alex Vanias, Daniel Yankus, Ryan Halstead and Kaitlyn Patterson competed in the VASA 50k freestyle race. The race start temperature was in the negatives, far undercutting the forecasted temperature of 10 degrees and provided cold, bitter conditions.

There were 69 racers, and as usual, Athletic Mentors racers finished on top. Alex finished second in a time of 2:29:12, Dan took fourth in 2:37:50, Ryan came in 10th in 2:46:23, and Kaitlyn finished third in the women’s field (24th overall) with a time of 3:06:30. The main heat of the race was between winner Eli Brown and Alex.

Complications began the night before when Kaitlyn and Alex stayed up until midnight waxing their skis, only to realize it had been the wrong wax. After testing their skis, however, they didn’t feel too sticky on the abrasive snow. The warmer wax they had used could have been completely removed during the race, which leads to a significant speed decline.

As the race approached, the crew did a few warm-up laps and found the start line. The race began fast, as usual, and Alex stayed in a content position in the back of the lead group strategizing a time to attack and go to the front. Daniel, Ryan and Kaitlyn settled in comfortable positions among their competitors. Eli, the race favorite, kept the race aggressive; he attacked at the 5k and created a large gap between the rest of the racers, making it difficult for anyone to close in and chase him. Alex was determined, however, and did his best to catch up and challenge him for the rest of the race.

The pain set in and the mind games began. Between Eli and Alex up front, the two skiers were pretending to not be tired, keeping things dynamic and competitive. Alex said that from prior experience, he knew Eli was a strong finisher and that he must take the lead and wear him down in order to prevent him from getting any rest.

“We would event come to nearly complete stops trying to get each other to take the lead,” Alex said.

The rest of the crew was not far behind but experienced some difficulty. Dan mentioned that his skis were not gliding well, which set him in a less competitive position.

Up front, a third racer named Milan Biac joined Alex and Eli, and closed in gaps with his fast skis. After executing a planned attack on “the wall” with roughly half a lap left, Alex dropped Milan but couldn’t rid Eli. Alex kept pushing the pace in hope of cracking his competitor’s exhaustion. Unfortunately, Alex hit an obstacle that slowed him down, widening the gap between him and Eli.

“My plan backfired when I bonked on the Jack Pine section up a giant hill,” Alex said. “I just kept pushing. All I could do now was pretend to still have strength, but I knew it was over.”

With 1/2k to go, Eli muscled up a sprint far beyond Alex’s pace and earned his first place position. Alex glided in easy for second place, followed by his teammates not far behind. The whole team had solid individual performances and is already looking forward to next year’s race.


Nordic Ski Team Starts Strong Season at Cote Dame Marie

January 29th, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

Team Athletic Mentors has assembled a great roster of past, present and future skiers. With the excellent snow season this year allowing for highly competitive and sometimes brutal conditions, the 2014 Nordic Ski Team has been pushing limits, reaching season goals and topping the podium.

Five athletes represent Athletic Mentors this year and each of them took top placements in pre-season events. Alex Vanias, Kaitlyn Patterson and Ryan Harris represent the future of the sport, having combined for five individual wins and one relay win so far this year. Daniel Yankus and Jon Morgan round out the team providing leadership and experience, both finishing with great results, adding a win and multiple podium places to the team’s high success. Combined, the group has reached the podium 12 times in just five races.

The official season began Jan. 18 with the prestigious Cote Dame Marie. The men competed in the 24.5 km freestyle race and the women in the 13.3 km freestyle.

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As seen in the picture to the left, the start for the men was quick, fast and crowded, yielding 100 total competitors. Alex Vanias led the race and kept the pace up to eventually win in roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes. Behind him, teammate Daniel Yankus finished 2nd in a close sprint, marking a time just a minute and a half behind Vanias. Ryan Harris finished 6th, and Jon Morgan finished 14th. In the women’s freestyle, Kaitlyn Patterson kept the success theme of the day by winning a four-way battle to the line, making her the victor. Only four seconds separated places one through four. Who says slow twitch athletes can’t win a sprint?

For complete results from the Cote Dame Marie, click here.

Follow the “read more” link to see the summary results from the Cote Dame Marie and the other pre-season events. Stay tuned for more big results from Athletic Mentors’ Nordic ski team! Read the rest of this entry »