Athletic Mentors, Author at Athletic Mentors

Michigan’s Premier Elite Multi-Sport Teams win OAM NOW Title Sponsorship

January 17th, 2014 by Athletic Mentors

Watch for Team OAM NOW at multisport and endurance events throughout Michigan.

Elite cyclists, runners, tri-athletes and Nordic ski athletes in West Michigan will be hitting the trails in 2014 sporting a new title sponsor from West Michigan health innovator OAM NOW.

The team’s management company, Athletic Mentors LLC, announced the co-titling partnership with OAM NOW, a provider of Urgent Orthopaedic Care and supported by the OAM Sports Medicine Institute, both operated by Othopaedic Associates of Michigan. The multi-sport team program, formerly sponsored by Priority Health, has won national and international attention for the athletes it has developed in a variety of events. Two out of six American Tour de France cyclists are program alumni. The team’s athletes have made numerous trips to the podium and one, Chris Gottwald, has even set the world record for the 100 mile timed trial. The team serves as a platform to get athletes started and when developed, helps them advance to national or pro-level programs.

“We’re excited to support athletic excellence in Michigan, and to extend this opportunity to Michigan’s youth and competition veterans alike. The team’s focus on character-building, integrity, quality and the promotion of healthy living in the community mirrors all the things important to OAM. We’re looking forward to great seasons to come,” said Patrick J. Reid, CEO of Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan.

Team OAM NOW Presented By Athletic Mentors is comprised of athletes competing in Cycling, Triathlon, Running and Nordic Skiing throughout the calendar year, with additional objectives to create a healthier community and develop young athletes in sports that are not typically available in the school system.

The racing and youth development program was first launched in 2006 to bring business and athletes together to achieve common objectives. The team’s top elite athletes not only compete, but also volunteer in schools and community events to promote healthy lifestyle and athletics.

“Many young athletes wouldn’t have access to such sports as triathlon or bike racing unless a parent or older sibling was already involved,” said Cheryl Sherwood, co-owner of Athletic Mentors and Director of the Multi-sport team.

“The sponsorship by OAM NOW will allow us to continue to support the growth of these young hopefuls and at the same time encourage and engage the community in healthy, active lifestyles throughout Michigan. Without this support we just couldn’t keep the program going. ”

Sherwood also noted the continued support of additional sponsors, Agility Physical Therapy, Grzanka Grit McDonald and Gauthier Family Homecare.

“We’re excited to bring together such a great family of sponsors,” she said.

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OAM NOW is a program dedicated to providing urgent, specialized orthopaedic care requiring no wait and no referrals. The program features extended hours until 9 p.m., a dedicated triage nurse and on-site support services such as MRI and physical therapy and is the first of its kind in West Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.oamnow.com/home

OAM Sports Medicine Institute physicians are focused on athletes – from the little leaguer to the college quarterback, from the weekend warrior to the professional competitor. For more information, visit http://www.oamichigan.com/smi

Athletic Mentors LLC, is a west Michigan-based athletic training and sports management company that offers individual training, team training programs, clinics, elite hockey programs and sports management services. For more information about Athletic Mentors or becoming a supporter, visit http://www.AthleticMentors.com.

Press Contact:

Cheryl Sherwood Olson
Athletic Mentors LLC
O: 269.664.6912
C: 269.491.2488

The Path to Strength Through Weakness

September 12th, 2013 by Athletic Mentors

Dan Ski Athletes enjoy year-to-year improvement, and constantly seek ways to achieve gains through changes to things like their training, nutrition, or tactics. But the closer an athlete gets to his or her full potential, the more challenging it becomes to continue the trajectory of improvement. Knowing that you “don’t know what you don’t know” and turning to an experienced coach can make a world of difference. Such was the case with Daniel Yankus, an Athletic Mentors athlete, Elite Team Priority Health cyclist and cross country skier. In his case, working with an experienced coach made for an outstanding season, with several podium finishes in Pro Mountain Bike events and Pro/1/2 road events.

Yankus’ started racing when he was 13, but at 19 took a near decade-long hiatus before coming back to skiing and cycling. His talent was obvious, and he progressed to the top state level of both sports in little more than a year. The first two seasons at that level were educational.

“In cycling, I tried to get used to field size and positioning,” Yankus said. “The next year I transitioned from surviving a race to (occasionally) dictating how things went, while also learning how to become a good teammate.” He also picked up a second place finish that second year, his best result so far.

“I definitely felt I was progressing,” he said.

Dan Yankus Bike Before the start of his third cycling season, Yankus was determined to try something he’d done for the first time during his preceding ski season: Get some professional coaching. Though he’d gained a lot of understanding about himself and success using a moderately priced training plan service for skiing, a more one-on-one approach was what he was after for cycling.

“I was looking for someone to find my weaknesses. A stand-alone training plan still puts too much control with the athlete,” Yankus said.

Yankus found the interaction he was looking for with AM coach, Terry Ritter.

“Discussing training philosophies and credentials, it became very obvious Terry was the right coach for me.”

He also learned quickly that his limited training knowledge had mislead him in assessing his weaknesses.

“I had always assumed my 3-5 min condition was lacking because I couldn’t recover well after hard efforts of that length in races,” Yankus said. “And, I assumed my aerobic endurance was a strength. In three weeks Terry proved all my assumptions were wrong. I quickly saw race improvements because my workouts now addressed what were really my weaknesses.”

Even though Yankus competes at a high level, he often finds his competitors training noticeably longer than he does for a given week. This is a direct result of a quality versus quantity approach his busy life requires.

“Terry taught me the difference between a workout and a quality workout. He also showed me that some goals were going to be hard to obtain and keep a balance, and my plan reflected that,” Yankus stated.

Being a two-sport athlete, and also enjoying MTB, cyclocross, and time trialing, Yankus needed a coach that could work with that profile.

“Coach Terry has a multi-sport background and strong exercise science knowledge and was able to integrate my two seasons (skiing and cycling) to compliment each other, while also working with my other cycling sports.”

Ultimately, Yankus has enjoyed the interaction and knowledge he’s gained from working with coach Ritter, and looks at it as a multi-year journey.

“Terry really cares about his athletes and wants them to succeed,” Yankus said. “Working with him improved my bike performance, but also my understanding of what my training is supposed to do for me. The investment we have made this season will help my future seasons.”

AM Athlete & Priority Health Elite Captain Headed to Indy to Break World Record in 100 Mile Track Timed Trial

July 2nd, 2013 by Athletic Mentors

Kudos to Chris – We’ll be cheering you on! If you can make it to Indianapolis Friday, July 5th, join the fun at the Major Taylor Velodrome, 6 p.m., to watch Chris break the world record. Whether you can make it or not, please check out ActiveWater.com to make a donation to the cause he’s riding for!

Chris Gottwald knows there are worse ways to spend four hours than the brutal, high-intensity push through the centrifugal force of the velodrome. He could be watching a child die in Africa from a lack of clean drinking water.

The 42-year-old national cycling sensation is taking on the World Record for 100 Mile Track Timed Trial Friday, July 5 at the Indianapolis Major Taylor Velodrome. He plans to cycle like someone’s life depends on it.

“What motivates me is how lives can be impacted. Every 15 seconds somewhere in the world a child dies from not having clean drinking water. I think I can drill it for four hours to raise awareness of the global water crisis,” Gottwald said.

The self-described “guy next door,” pilot and father of two never dreamed as a kid he’d have a world-class cycling career. He just liked riding his BMX around the neighborhood as a 7-year-old boy in Marion, Indiana. By the time he was a senior in high school, he’d graduated to road bikes and blossomed. At Purdue, he began to compete at a national level, and was named captain of the men’s cycling team. But Gottwald never suspected his greatest cycling accomplishments would come much later in life.

Just 8 years ago at the age of 34, Gottwald rode his first Race Across America after an old cycling pal coaxed him into signing up. The pair “waxed it” with second place. They pedaled from the Pacific to the Atlantic — in 7 days, 7 hours and 7 minutes! — covering 3,000 miles and over 100,000 feet of climbing over two mountain ranges. The next year, he rode solo, and was named “Rookie of the Year.”

Last year, Gottwald repeated RAAM solo to raise money for ActiveWater. Riding 22 hours a day with 90-minutes stops for sleep, pushing himself further ‚Äì and faster ‚Äì than ever before takes fight.

“Things are a piece of cake after that. It totally changes your perspective on life. You become more emotional because you turn yourself inside out. You have to fight for it at that level,” Gottwald said.

His passion to inspire others to improve their lifestyle is what makes Gottwald an outstanding captain and a leading community mentor on the Priority Health elite cycling team, according to his team manager at Athletic Mentors.

“Chris is not only an outstanding athlete; he’s an inspiration to everyone around him. He celebrates the accomplishments of his team members and always has a positive contribution to make to the team and the community. It’s the stuff leadership is made of,” said Cheryl Olson.

Gottwald’s coach, Mark Olson, thinks Gottwald’s got a lock on the World Record, and teases him that he could break a world record on a “green machine.”

Gottwald admits he’s a bit nervous, but says he’s cool with whatever happens, and refers to Friday as his “first” attempt, suggesting there will be others.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can push myself,” he said.

“If I make it, I want people to go after my record.

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More than anything, he wants people to become more aware of the global water crisis, and to show him the “love” by making a donation to ActiveWater.com, which supports projects that bring community wells and related projects to life in underdeveloped countries.

From Gottwald’s vantage, cycling has given him everything; and it’s his way to give back.

“Cycling is an instrument for making a difference. My legs are the tools I’ve been given.”

Download Chris’s Flyer for the TT Event: (Click on Image)

Join Athletic Mentors at Gran Fondo & You Might Be Riding With a World Record Holder

June 24th, 2013 by Athletic Mentors

Gearing Up for Gran Fondo Saturday June 29th

Whether you’re riding to condition for a 2013 World Record attempt like national cycling sensation, Chris Gottwald, or taking the family out for a Euro-style leisure ride and epicurean wander, Team Priority Health & Athletic Mentors staff will be there to ride or guide all comers to Grand Rapid’s inaugural Gran Fondo next Saturday, June 29th.

Gran Fondo means “big ride” and for Michigan, it’s a big deal. Proceeds of the ride benefit skin cancer research at MSU. The event also shines the light on local breweries and Michigan-made food during the Gears for Beers Microwbrew & Music Festival. It promises to be a perennial favorite for its high-fun-quotient and low entry bar, with a 12 mile “family ride,” a medium 40-mile course, or an 80 mile race/ride to Lake Michigan.

For Team Priority Health Elite Team Captain Chris Gottwald, it’s a chance to ride for fun and a bit of conditioning before attempting a world speed record July 5th at the Indianapolis Velodrome for 100-mile timed trials. Gottwald put Michigan on the worldwide cycling map with his 3,000-mile Race Across America “Cyclist of the Year” title, and most recently led the PH Elite team to total victory in West Branch. No stranger to the podium since his early days on the Purdue cycling team and owner of his 3rd consecutive King of the Mountain title, the 42-year-old pilot calls his imminent effort his “first attempt” at the World Record, which will benefit the global water crisis through an organization called Active Water.

“What I really want is for people to be inspired. If I can do this, so can they. I’m just the guy next door…What motivates me is how lives can be impacted. Every 15 seconds a child dies somewhere in the world because they don’t have clean drinking water. So it’s really not so hard to drill it for four hours and 480 laps in a velodrome by comparison,” Gottwald said of the record attempt. (To donate or learn more, follow this link.)

By comparison, the Gran Fondo will be downright fun. Gottwald is hoping his 11-year-old daughter, Gigi, rides the 12 mile, and plans to kibbutz with fellow cyclists and newcomers to the sport.

“It’s an outstanding opportunity to experience the joys of riding and the great sense of satisfaction you get raising money and awareness for a good cause. That’s what kept me going in the Race Across America, and that what makes the Gran Fondo a “don’t miss” event,” said Gottwald.

Athletic Mentors co-founder and multisport coach, Cheryl Olson, manages Team Priority Health and recently ran a clinic to help registrants get ready to ride.
“The best part about Gran Fondo is that there is a course for every level of participant, right down to a casual family 12-mile ride,” says Olson. She credits the mass-participation and recreational nature of the Gran Fondo as causing the burgeoning popularity of the format. Grand Fondos events are springing up worldwide.

“Priority Health chose to be a title sponsor not only because of the very worthy cause, but because it gives the whole family the opportunity to get active and create a starting point for healthy living.”

Olson says the free registration for children under 12 and the European flavor of the family-oriented portion of the ride are great ways to introduce young people to endurance sports, a goal close to the hearts of her athletes and their community outreach efforts.

“Everyone should experience the camaraderie and exhilaration of a great ride. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day,” she said. “If we want our kids off the couch, we have to show them the way!”

Fast Facts About the Gran Fondo

Routes:
‚Ä¢ 12 Mile family ride
‚Ä¢ 40 Mile ride
‚Ä¢ 80 Mile ride

Event Schedule
8:00 a.m. ‚Äì Start for the 40-mile and 80-mile rides
9:30 a.m. ‚Äì Start for the 12-mile family ride
Afternoon ‚Äì After Sparty at the B.O.B. ‚Äì Gears for Beers with Michigan microbrews and wine sampling, amazing street food stations and great live music
Afternoon ‚Äì Herman Miller Brickyard Classic (nearby location)
Post event ‚Äì Electronic timing and ride results posted at www.msugranfondo.com
To Register, or Learn More: www.msugranfondo.com

Kudos to Athletic Mentors Hockey Alumni Andrey Alexeev!

July 25th, 2012 by Athletic Mentors

Adnnrey Alexeev was drateted to the Saginaw Spirit

Photo Courtesy of SaginawSpirit.com

Athletic Mentor Coach Mark Olson is pleased to congratulate hockey camp alumni Andrey Alexeev for his recent draft to the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit late last week. The Russian forward is slated to lace up for the Spirit’s 2012/2013 training camp in late August.

Andrey came to Athletic Mentors to prepare for the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament (also known as the U-18 Junior World Cup and formerly known as the Pacific Cup and the Nations Cup) and the upcoming 2012/2013 OHL season. He has been recovering from shoulder surgery for numerous months and was eager to get back into shape.

“Andrey has worked extremely hard 6 days per week for the past 5 weeks and has shown tremendous commitment to his game, and he is looking AWESOME! He is fit, strong and fast. He is a stand-out during our camps on ice sessions. I expect to see Andrey do some great things with the Spirit next season!” Olson said.

Alexeev played for Team Russia in the 2011 Under 16, Four Nations Tournament, where he was one of the team’s top scorers.

The 1995-year left winger was selected by the Spirit as the 33rd overall pick in the 2012 CHL Import Draft. Alexeev follows fellow countryman and Import Selection goaltender Nikita Serebryakov in the committing to the Spirit program, joining OHL Priority Selection picks Jeremiah Addison, Brandon Prophet, and Dylan Sadowy as signed prospects for Saginaw.
Congrats, Andrey!

Check out www.saginawspirit.com

2012 Basketball Camp – Spread the Word!

May 31st, 2012 by Athletic Mentors

Check out this outstanding 10-week camp for varsity basketball players looking to ratchet their power, precision and play!

This camp is a great opportunity for athletes who are at the Junior Varsity or Varsity Level looking to improve their basketball skills.Anyone interested to improve their basketball skills can check out this great post by Mega Slam Australia to begin with. Our intensive 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, our players emerge as well-developed athletes powered by the perseverance and commitment that transcends talent. Our unique blend of performance-powered mental and physical conditioning coupled with precise skill development is designed for serious players who want to ratchet up their level of play.
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2012 Volleyball Camp – Spread the Word!

May 30th, 2012 by Athletic Mentors

Check out this outstanding 8-week camp for varsity basketball players looking to ratchet their power, precision and play!

This camp is a great opportunity for athletes who are at the Junior Varsity or Varsity Level looking to improve their volleyball skills. Our intensive summer camps feature specific training focused on executing superior volleyball skills and technique as well as modules within the areas of Physical, Mental, Nutritional and Recovery management.

From energy systems development to micro and macro nutrition and recovery strategies, our players emerge as well-developed athletes powered by the perseverance and commitment that transcends talent. Our unique blend of performance-powered mental and physical conditioning coupled with precise skill development is designed for serious players who want to ratchet up their level of play.
Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Soccer Camp – Spread the Word!

May 18th, 2012 by Athletic Mentors

Check out this outstanding 8-week camp for varsity soccer players looking to ratchet their power, precision and play!

This camp is a great opportunity for athletes who are at the Junior Varsity or Varsity Level looking to improve their soccer skills. Our intensive 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, our players emerge as well-developed athletes powered by the perseverance and commitment that transcends talent. Our unique blend of performance-powered mental and physical conditioning coupled with precise skill development is designed for serious players who want to ratchet up their level of play.
Read the rest of this entry »

Cycling Pro Chris Fisher Joins Athletic Mentors Coaching Cadre

April 19th, 2012 by Athletic Mentors

Athletic Mentors is excited to announce the addition of distinguished cycling pro and Alpine skier Chris Fisher to our coaching talent pool!

Fisher is known best for his passionate team-playing and extreme capacity to outlast his competitors as a team “berserker.” As a lieutenant for many team captains over the years, he routinely destroyed the legs and psyche of other teams, setting up his captains for the win.

In his is cycling career, he earned his first professional mountain bike contract in ’94 (Klein/Powerpost), raced for Dutch top-team Wilton-Snel ’95-’96, earned his first professional road contract in ’97 (OilMe/Klein) and raced for OilMe/Klein (’97-’98), Merlin/Hind (’99), 7-Up (’00), Saturn (’01-’02), and Jelly Belly (’03). In 2011, 8 years after retiring from the professional circuit, Chris won the Michigan Elite RR Championship.

As an Alpine skier, he was a member of Bates College NCAA Div. 1 Alpine ski team from ’87-’91 (captain ’89-’90, ’90-’91) and ski raced at NORAM level through ’93.

Chris is now a level 1 USSA official/certified coach who enjoys sharing his passion and competitive spirit with talented young athletes. He formerly served as assistant Coach to CU Boulder’s USCSA Alpine development team (’03-’04, ’04-’05) and continues to coach soccer, skiing and cycling.

His greatest joy is motivating competitive athletes to use passion as a powerful tool: “Your passion will allow you to push yourself through when you think you can’t, which in turn makes you stronger.”

Summer Hockey Camp Registration is Open!

March 19th, 2012 by Athletic Mentors

Michigan’s leader in elite hockey training has announced openings in its slate of top-drawer summer hockey camps. Under the direction of NMU hall-of-famer, Coach Mark Olson, Athletic Mentors will be offering an intensive and comprehensive 16-week Pro Camp, a Young Elite Camp, and Elite Camp, and an On-Ice Conditioning camp. Improve your stride, strength, power and puck-handling for peak in-season performance at one of these premiere camps.

If you know a family with a rising hockey star, please share! Details can be found under the general Hockey pages, with online reservations available to nab a spot!