Coaching

Athletic Mentor Trainee Signs For Dual Program with Wisconsin Lutheran

August 1st, 2018 by Athletic Mentors


Athletic Mentee Cole Kuehl is putting the “multi” into “multisport.” The Gull Lake grad was recruited by Wisconsin Lutheran College to play not just one, but two of the sports he’s loved since the 8th grade: football and track. It’s an unusual scenario because most college-level sports programs demand focus on a single sport. But that’s just never been in Cole’s playbook.

“I love track – it gets my mind off of football,” he said, laughing. “You don’t get burned out. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Cole is down-to-earth about his football prospects. There are too many injuries, as he knows first-hand from ACL and MCL issues with his knees, for it to be his forever game. At 6’4” with a 300lb+ frame, his stature can lead coaches to focus on his capacity for football and ignore his other desires, like track.

“I knew I needed to explore other things.” Instead, he looked for a college program that would nurture his love of multiple sports and his desire to one day work as a sports agent or Athletic Director.

“Wisconsin was a good fit. It’s located in the heart of Milwaukee, ten minutes from the Brewers and the Bucks. I love the program and the hometown feel,” he said.

Cole credits the Athletic Mentors program and coaches Mark Olson and Joey Chester for the success he’s earned on his quest for strength and efficient workouts. He’s been with Athletic Mentors for five years.

“I was a “big kid” and I knew I was strong but I didn’t know what to do with it,” he said.

Athletic Mentors gave him “serious training” to boost his bench press from 135 to 215 and deadlift to 450. But what they really helped him build was his confidence. “Joey and Mark have been my rock,” he said.

Cole’s mom, Barb Kuehl, swears by the Athletic Mentors program.

“He wouldn’t be where he is today without Athletic Mentors. It strengthened him a lot, not just body-wise, but mentally too. They helped him become well-rounded so he could perform in multiple sports. It’s more than just training; its spiritual and physical development for a healthier you.”

Mark Olson, coach and co-owner of Athletic Mentors, credits Cole’s achievement to his unrelenting commitment to his training over the past five years.

“Cole’s been a fixture in our gym, and that kind of dedication is what it takes to perform at a high level. He has a good head on his shoulders and will be a great team player for the Warriors. We’re proud of him, though we’ll miss him in the gym,” Olson said.

Cole called the college sports recruiting process “intense” and said he felt it was an emotional rollercoaster. “You can feel a bit broken down and beat up. You need to have very thick skin.”

He’s glad it’s over and is looking forward to suiting up for the Warriors first practice August 11th. For other youths finding their way on the field (or track), Cole has some sage advice.

“Just keep your head up. Always try to be your own leader in the weight room or on the field. You’ve got to enjoy whatever you’re doing.”

If you’re interested in working with an Athletic Mentors coach or participating in a group program for high school sports or hockey, check out available programs in our Registration area.


Why you should get a coach

June 21st, 2018 by tcoffey

Hello! My name is Tim Coffey and I am 18 years. I race mountain, road, and cyclocross. In the fall I will be attending Brevard College in Brevard, NC to be on the cycling team. I am new to Team Athletic Mentors and am excited to by supported and surrounded by such awesome people.

So as I wrapped up my season last fall I started figuring out ways I could race in the winter. I made some phone calls and send some emails and ended up racing Fat Bikes for a custom bike company, which was pretty cool but it was only a 4 month deal. During this time of freezing my butt off everyday riding in northern Michigan I started to look for a team I could join. I had frequented the Team Athletic Mentors website over the years because I enjoyed reading the blogs which is ironic because I’m writing one now. Anyway, when looking for a team I kept finding myself back to the Team Athletic Mentors website. I decided to send in an application and the rest is history.

Fast forward a couple of months. It was my first day of training camp in Brevard. After talking to Terry Ritter on the phone a couple of times and texting camp details back and forth I wasn’t quite sure what the dude would be like. We were standing in the kitchen making breakfast, having conversation about the days ride, and Terry was weighting his strawberry. I looked at him and went “Terry, what are you doing” in that (I’m 18 and I know everything about everything voice). He went on to tell me about his stuff with measuring his food, tracking everything, and his masters degree in food (nutrition). I knew he had coached people in the past and as the week went on I realized this dude knows his stuff. Short after camp I asked Terry to start coaching me and it’s pretty cool.

After about a month of being coached,here are my reasons why you should get a coach:

1.Ever ride had a purpose. Something that purpose hurts and other times is all about having fun.

2.You will get faster. Doing threshold or Vo2 Max intervals may not be fun but they will make you faster.

3.You have someone to ask questions to. Having someone you can text who has been racing bikes for several years is so helpful when you need answers.

4.You’ll have someone to watch you and tell you what you’re doing well on and what you can improve on.

5.You learn to recover better off and on the bike. Either in between intervals or when you’re in street clothes you’ll take every moment you can to recover.

6.It gives you a plan. Whether it’s long-term or short-term you’ll have a plan laid out of where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.

7.It’s cool. Having someone to give you workouts is simply cool.

8.Gives you excuses. When you’re on your next fast group ride or in a practice race and someone wants you to pull you can pull the famous “sorry, coach says I have to keep my heart rate below 150 today.”

9.You open doors. “Every person you meet knows someone you don’t”. Your coach will have connections and know a lot of people in the cycling industry that you don’t. Use them and build some bridges.

All in all, you can’t go wrong with asking someone for help. Some people consider asking for help is only for the week but when that help is a coach, you will only get stronger.


Wings West Partners with Athletic Mentors to Help Young Athletes Get the Edge at New Training Facility

August 1st, 2017 by Athletic Mentors

Coach Mark Olson pictured during K-Wings workout. Olson will now also head the Wings West off-ice training programs.

Come September, young athletes in Kalamazoo will be able to “get the edge” with world-class off-ice training programs thanks to a new partnership between Wings West of Greenleaf Hospitality Group and Athletic Mentors, the area’s premier athletic training organization for ice sports.

The first phase of the new training facility at Wings West, located off 9th Street in Kalamazoo, will focus on programs developed for the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA), the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA), and the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League.

“We are excited see the new space come together,” says Danielle Brandenburg, General Manager of Wings West.

“The investment in the space will be well worth the positive impact it can have on youth sports in the area.”

The partnership has been met with enthusiasm by local hockey program leaders.

“Injury prevention is a key advantage to off-ice training with Athletic Mentors, along with helping athletes learn how to live a healthy lifestyle through nutrition programs,” said Kristen Crandle, President of GKSA.

Frank Noonan of the KOHA says his organization is “really looking forward to the competitive edge we will gain by working with the utmost premier hockey trainers in the area.”

Athletic Mentors will be working with the coaches to identify the overall goals of the teams and then design programs based on strengths and weaknesses. Mark Olson and Cheryl Sherwood, founders of Athletic Mentors, stress the importance of the customization of their programs.

AM Hockey operates summer hockey camps in dryland training shown here at the Richland facility, as well as on-ice speed skating and skill drills.

“Every athlete is unique and requires a customized strength training and skill development program that helps them achieve peak performance both individually and within the team dynamic,” said Mark Olson, head coach and co-founder of Athletic Mentors.

The AM Hockey coaches are no strangers to training on-ice athletes. Athletic Mentors works with the Kalamazoo Wings in-season to stay game-ready. The company is also widely known for its popular on-ice and off-ice hockey camps led by Olson, a former D-1 player, and key coaching staff Eddie Ward, former NHLer, and Stacie Barber, speed skating specialist. The summer programs blend performance-focused mental and physical conditioning with precise skill development to produce athletes who are ready to move up to the next level.

By early 2018, Athletic Mentors hopes to extend programming to meet the demand for community-wide health and fitness programs beyond hockey. Currently, the company offers sport programs in basketball, volleyball, soccer and football, as well as multi-sport training and coaching. Most recently, it has introduced individual fitness programs with metabolic testing, TRX bootcamp and Yoga classes at its Richland facility.

“We’d love to bring healthy living and recreation to the wider community of young athletes,” said Cheryl Sherwood, co-founder of Athletic Mentors and manager of the multi-sport team.

“It’s important to stay game-ready when you’re a team athlete. But it’s even more important to stay fit for life. And that starts with training smart.”

 

For more information on Wings West, KOHA, or GKSA, please visit www.wingseventcenter.com/p/venue-info/wingswest. To learn more about Athletic Mentors and their programs available, please visit AthleticMentors.com.

Wings West, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association, Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League, Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association, and Adult Hockey leagues. Built in 2002, Wings West is a committed partner in bringing youth and adult ice sporting events to the Kalamazoo community.


Athletic Mentors’ Alumnus Stefan Noesen Scores First NHL Goal for Ducks

December 8th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors
Athletic Mentor Hockey Camp Alumnus Stefan Noeson scores his first NHL goal for the Annaheim Ducks

Athletic Mentor Alumnus Scores First NHL Goal 3 Games Into Career with Anaheim Ducks. Image and screen shot of headline from AnnaheimDucks.com.

Congratulations  to Athletic Mentors’ mentoree and alumnus Stephan Noesen who did us proud last night scoring his first NHL goal for the Anaheim Ducks.

“Stefan has been an outstanding member of Athletic Mentors’ Hockey Camp and has worked hard to build his strength, speed, and agility after injuries. His unstoppable nature made this moment a triumph over past tribulations,” AM Coach Mark Olson said. “We’re ecstatic for him!”

According to a press release published by the Anaheim Ducks, Noesen buried a one-timer from the slot in the second period of Anaheim’s eventual 6-5 shootout victory over the visiting Hurricanes, raising both fists to the rafters and breaking out in a beaming ear-to-ear grin. Wednesday night was just his third NHL game with the Ducks.

“I saw the red light and threw my hands up,” said the 23-year-old winger. “It was all the emotion from two long years coming at me all at once.”

Watch Stefan’s First NHL Goal

According to a story by Adam Brady for the AnaheimDucks.com, those two years were more than any athlete should be asked to endure. Noesen  battled through not one, but two devastating injuries that each kept him off the ice for extended periods of time. First was the torn ACL, MCL and meniscus suffered soon after being acquired by the Ducks in 2013, and a year later there was the partially torn Achilles that put him on the shelf for most of the 2014-15 campaign.

Brady wrote that in an odd way, Noesen had an impact on the Ducks franchise even before he was acquired by Anaheim. Ducks GM Bob Murray has acknowledged that Anaheim wanted to take Noesen with the 22nd selection of the 2011 NHL Draft, but the Senators snatched him up one pick prior. The Ducks quickly swung a deal with Toronto to send that 22nd pick to the Leafs for the 30th and 39th, which became franchise cornerstones Rickard Rakell and John Gibson.

Two years later the Ducks got Noesen anyway, dealing Bobby Ryan to Ottawa for Jakob Silfverberg, Noesen and a 2014 first round draft pick they used to select Nick Ritchie.

Read the full story of Noesen’s triumph here:

https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/an-emotional-milestone-for-noesen/c-284514808


Anatomy of Success: Rising Hockey Star Alex Cannon

April 4th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors

IMG_7920-1What does it take to elevate your game? Ask Alex Cannon, who has had a burning desire since age 8 to play on a Detroit team.

Today, it’s safe to say that the Captain of the Plymouth Compuware’s UA15 team who has recently been asked to commit to the elite Oakland Junior Grizzlies U16 AAA team has reached his goal in a big way. Getting there took inspiration, perspiration, and great year-round coaching.

“It doesn’t surprise me in the least that Al has been called up to the Oakland U16 AAA team,” said coach Mark Olson. “That kid has drive, perseverance, and talent to burn. But most importantly, he’s always ready to do the work.”

Cannon began training with Coach Olson in the Athletic Mentors hockey program in 2011 at age 11, where he began sports-specific, age-specific training. His family called summer hockey camp the first “turning point” in his development.

“Al began to learn and understand the importance of training and nutrition in order to get better at hockey and take it to the next level. Because he was and still is so focused and driven, he took all of this and began to apply it to his everyday life,” said Lu Cannon.

For Al, the next few summers at Athletic Mentors summer hockey school gave him an opportunity to work out, stick handle and be on the ice with older kids, junior players and some pros. This pushed him even more to adopt winning practices and rise to the level of advanced play.

One pivotal moment for Al came after an on-ice training session with Eddie Ward. Ward sat all of the kids down and in essence said, “You have to stand out. If your parents have to ask you to stick handle and train you might as well not try to play at a high level. You have to want it and be self-motivated. If you are in a group of kids, you better do something out there that makes you get noticed by the coaches. It’s important to continue to workout all year long and stick handle. This will set you apart from the rest.” Al took those words to heart.

In 2013, he began to workout with Coach Olson all year long. For the first year he was the only one his age working out several times a week after school. He continued to ask to play in Detroit. Coaches Olson, Ward and his parents told him to be patient.

When Al became a Bantam that was the year they were allowed to check. The first game of the season, Al came on the ice with confidence ready to go. His first check was on a player probably 30 pounds heavier. The guy was not expecting it from him and the players, crowd and coaches sat there stunned. From that point forward, that is how Al has played: with ice vision, speed, confidence, strength, leadership and a strong team presence.

“Timing and patience is everything. The support, guidance, and development that Mark Olson, Eddie Ward and Athletic Mentors along with Al’s determination and hard work have opened doors,” said Lu Cannon.

Athletic Mentor’s Hockey Division has now opened Registration for its popular summer dryland training, On-Ice skills and Power Skating programs. For details, visit our partners at AthleticMentorsHockey.com


Train Like a Pro with Trainers of Pros: Athletic Mentors Coaches K-Wings for Strength and Conditioning

March 17th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors
Coach Mark Olson working with the K-Wings pro hockey team during a pre-season testing session. Athletic Mentors is the team's strength and conditioning trainer.

Coach Mark Olson working with the K-Wings pro hockey team during a pre-season testing session. Athletic Mentors has been named the team’s professional strength and conditioning coaching staff.

Athletic Mentors’ slogan is Train Like a Pro. The slogan has taken on a new dimension for up and coming hockey players now that AM is the professional strength and conditioning coaching staff for the Kalamazoo K-Wings of the ECHL.

This summer, athletes in the popular Dryland and Ultimate Ice hockey camps at Athletic Mentors might also have a chance to train alongside some of those pros.

Named the K-Wings strength and conditioning coaching staff in the fall of 2015, Coach Mark Olson says the designation has helped strengthen the Athletic Mentors hockey program beyond its already robust, national reputation. This year, the Ultimate On-Ice Skills and Power Skating Package has expanded to offer a straight Power Skating option.

How K-Wings Training Helps Campers

“Working with the K-Wings is of tremendous benefit for our hockey kids in a couple of ways. First of all, coaching a greater number of high level, pro players in-season elevates the skill level of our own coaching team,” said Olson. “We love being part of the team and helping the coaching staff focus on running the team.”

“Secondly, it’s inspiring for younger, amateur players to train in the same place, with similar programs, as the pros.”

Olson expects some of the in-state K-Wings players will continue their strength and conditioning training throughout the summer. Others will return in-season, and some may even move up to the NHL.

Olson has his trainer’s eye on one passionate, driven player he expects has the work ethic to make it to the next level: Anton Cederholm, the Vancouver Canucks draft pick. He describes the Sweden native as one of the “more driven” players in terms of being consistent with his off-ice training.

While there are many similarities between the K-Wings training and the Dryland hockey summer camps, the pros net a higher training volume using more advanced techniques and higher overall intensity, Olson says.

“We’re dealing with very seasoned athletes on the K-Wings. We love working with them, and making a positive impact.”

AM-Adbit2016HockeyRegistration Open for Summer Hockey Dryland Training and Ultimate On-Ice and Power Skating Camps

Olson says he’s excited to open registration on this summer’s Hockey Camp and Ultimate On-Ice packages for Young Elite, Elite, and aspiring Pros.

“Our Ultimate Skills & Power Skating package was so popular last year, we’ve expanded the program to include stand-alone Power Skating packages for all age groups,” Olson said.

Since skating is the key to skill development, even the youngest players can benefit from working with Pro Power Skating coach Stacy Barber and Olson’s all-star coaching team. NHL agent and pro, Eddie Ward and first-round NHL draft pick and rising star, Stefan Noeson round out the team.
“The combination of our intense Dryland off-season camp with our Ultimate On-Ice skills and Power Skating package will enhance our athletes’ stride, strength and power for explosive stops and starts on ice,” said Olson. “Players will learn new skills that can only be taught by coaches that have played or are playing at the highest level.”
Also back this year is an attractive all-inclusive accommodation package for athletes who hail from afar or who just want the full camp experience. This year’s residence is a well-appointed Gull Lake home that will provide a resort-style experience.
Visit our Hockey Registration Center to learn more.


Athletic Mentors Coach’s Corner: K-Wings to Raise Cash for Victims’ Families

February 24th, 2016 by Athletic Mentors
amm-banner-kwings-2

The Kalamazoo Wings (K-Wings) ECHL pro Hockey Team is hard at work in Athletic Mentor’s dryland training program. Athletic Mentors was named the team’s official Strength and Conditioning trainers for the 2015-2016 season.

Athletic Mentors invites you to support the K-Wings pro hockey team as it aims to raise cash to help victims of last weekend’s mass shooting. The Kalamazoo ECHL team is donating $2 from the proceeds of every ticket sold to its next home game March 5th against the Utah Grizzlies. In addition, arch rivals, the Toldeo Walleyes, have offered to donate $5,000 toward community outreach. (Get tickets here.)WE are Kalamazoo JPEG.jpg

In an emotional moment Sunday night at the regularly scheduled league game, the K-Wings and Walleyes stood together in remembrance of the eight victims in the random shootings perpetrated Saturday by a suspected area Uber driver.

“Our lives may never be the same,” said K-Wings director of sales Toni Daniels in a press release. “But we want to be able to provide the city of Kalamazoo an outlet—an opportunity for lives to feel normal.”

The K-Wings have set an organizational goal of $10,000 worth of donations that will be accumulated through ticket sales and auction items. In addition, the Toledo Walleye have pledged nearly $5,000, the Utica Comets of the AHL will be providing memorabilia to be auctioned for the fund on March 5 in Kalamazoo, and the ECHL have announced their plans to donate a portion of the jersey auction proceeds from the 2016 CCM/ECHL Hockey Heritage games, which were celebrated in Kalamazoo in early February. The ECHL will also be encouraging other member teams and their fans to do the same to support their fellow ECHL community.

Read the rest of this entry »


What’s Next? How and Where to Channel the Post Race High

May 5th, 2015 by Athletic Mentors

michelle_dalton_180x220By Michelle Dalton, Athletic Mentors Coach and Triathlete

You did it!! Whether it was your first or 50th race, the sense of accomplishment, of having achieved something difficult, is hard to replicate. The training, the sacrifices, the doubts, the injuries, the pain are all forgotten once you cross the finish line.

And then….what? How do you get back to “normal” after you’ve spent so much time preparing for the race? What is “normal”? What do you do with your Saturdays now that you don’t have to get up for run camp or complete long training runs? How do you make sure you never forget that feeling?

The answer’s really quite simple: you plan the next race! Though the medal may still be around your neck and the chafing lingering like an unwanted house guest – get the calendar out and begin planning.

First, figure out exactly what you’re looking for. Some people choose the same distance just to prove it wasn’t a one-time thing, while others opt for a new challenge, either distance or time. Some people choose races based on destination and others like to keep it local.You might even ride the wave of confidence and try an event that you’ve found intimidating (triathlon anyone?), but regardless of which you choose, register. Pick a race that fits your needs and goals and book it. Right now, your motivation is high; the endorphins are still pumping. This is the best time to commit to another race. I have seen many people complete one race and then wait too long between races, only to lose momentum.

Start asking yourself: When is the race? How much time do I have to train? How much time do I need? Who can I train with? Where can I get a plan and some advice on how to go longer, faster, and injury free?

Recruit your Saturday gang to go with you, or find another group of runners to be your new people. There are plenty of groups out there. Get connected with the amazing local running community and make a commitment to yourself and to a race.

We are lucky here in Michigan that we have so many race options over the coming months. And, you’re also in luck because Athletic Mentors can help you get to the finish. Whether you’re looking to get there faster, or fitter, or simply aiming for a finish that’s farther, we’ve got the coach, and the plan, to help you do it.   If you don’t consider yourself a runner (yet), check out our Functional Fitness Program or the Coached Gym.

If you have any question, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we can help.

Now go book that next race!


Make Your Warm Up Count

November 24th, 2013 by Roxane Kippen, USA Triathlon Certified Coach
Training time is valuable and athletes want to get the most out of their workouts. This can often lead to skipped warm ups, which may be more detrimental than trading the additional 10 minutes of workout time for properly prepping the body for activity. Just 10 minutes before every workout can go a long way in helping prevent injury.
When many people think of warm up, they tend to envision a light jog or easy spin, but there are two other things that should happen before this “cardio” phase of a warm up. The first part of a warm up is designed to stimulate motor neurons, which send messages from the brain to the muscles. This is called neuromuscular activation (NMA). Several NMA exercises include balancing on one leg for several seconds in various positions, such as leg out to the front, activating the quads or leg lifted behind, engaging the glutes and hamstrings. Other examples are arm circles, calf raises and leg swings. These activities open up the brain to muscle communication that will be needed for the workout. An NMA routine does not need to be more than 5 minutes in duration.
The second part of a warm up is important for increasing blood flow and increasing range of motion. A dynamic warm up (DWU) is critical to injury prevention and should become a habit for every athlete before every training session. A DWU routine progresses from light impact exercises such as walking on heels and walking on toes, to higher intensity exercises like running high knees and power skips. The dynamic warm up should be between 5 and 10 minutes in length.
After the NMA and DWU, some athletes will still desire an additional cardio warm up. Generally, the time spent on cardio warm up can be reduced to 5 or 10 minutes following NMA and DMU, depending on the intensity of the training session to follow. Incorporating a good warm up into every workout session is an extremely valuable use of training time and should never be sacrificed due to a tight schedule. Make it a habit to complete a warm up routine before every training session.

The Path to Strength Through Weakness

September 12th, 2013 by Athletic Mentors

Dan SkiAthletes 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 BikeBefore 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.”