New Partner in Leadership Development

I just left Ramon Pastrano's office at ImpactLives.  What a great morning!!  I am pleased to announce our partnership. His ideas on leadership and social innovation are second to no one.  More information will be forthcoming on how we are going to be implementing his ideas into our training sessions.

Push The Rock Allentown,PA Basketball Camp

Wow.. What an experience!! We traveled all the way to Allentown, PA (Just North of Philadelphia) to work with the Push The Rock ministries.  We meet some great people over the two weeks.  It confirmed to me that you can play at a high level and be a Christian.  We had great teach by Jose Medina, a local high school coach, and quality team time sessions, where we talked about the bigger issues of life outside of basketball. Here are some images from the camp and a trip to NYC.. The last image is amazing.. They actually play basketball outside, under the lights.  Never seen it before in my life!! It was just like seeing snow for the first time.

End of Camp Awards with Jose

Tyson with Lamont and Jacob

The Family: Stephen, Tyson and Tessa at NYC

Tyson and Tessa in NYC Times Square

Tyson Zip lining in the Poconos

Outdoor night basketball in Allentown, PA

Sea Devils Keep the Ball Rolling at Zones

Congrats to the athletes who competed at the Central Region Zones.  We had 3 Central Zone Champions.  Keep up the great work.  Way to end the season on a high note!!

Five Star Super Session Dynamic Warmup

Just got back from the Super Session in Chicago, IL.  Over the weekend, my role was strength and conditioning coach for the camp.  We  ran a highly technical speed station and a "kick your butt"" conditioning station on Satuday night.  Pictured below are images from the morning dynamic warmup on Sunday.

Five Star Super Session Attendee Trenton McCarthy

Here are images from this weeks Five Star Super Session in Chicago,IL for Trenton McCarthy. He had a great weekend.

Five Star Super Session Completed

It was great to see Tony B, Don Juan, and Michael Lang again.  Secondly, it was great to meet Andrew Braverman, Jeff Duncan, PJ and Alvin Boutte and the rest of the coaches. All in all, it was a great weekend of all out basketball.  Below are the images from the weekend.

What They Are Saying...

Here are a couple references from our clients....

"Stephen has worked with our organization for over a year and I have been impressed with him and his ideas.  The athletes are getting better results and they enjoy the training.  Secondly, I have found his training programs to be creative and challenging at the same time." -Brian Sandifer, Director of Grassroots Basketball Club

"I wanted to drop a note with my recommendation of Stephen McCarthy and his athletic training program. I have coached hockey for 22 years at all levels and have witnessed multiple training programs throughout those years. After tracking the success of several players Stephen trained and the results have been excellent. The strength and endurance of these players that have trained with Stephen has increased their overall effectiveness as a complete hockey player. They have increased their separation speed and overall quickness. I have noticed that due to increased core strength they are now more stable on the Ice and much tougher to knock off their skates. Stephen's training has been an overall success and I would recommend him to all hockey players looking to achieve a higher level of play and athleticism." Derek Pedlar, WHL Scout and Hockey Coach

"Stephen was able to bring a fresh approach to speed and agility training for my Hopkins High School Boys Lacrosse team and what I appreciated most was the custom designed program he created for our sport.  My boys not only enjoyed the sessions but were challenged and, most importantly, were in the best shape I’ve ever seen them at the beginning of our season.  The Hopkins High School Lacrosse Program is excited for our future with Stephen as we can only see his programs getting better each year!  Thanks for everything Stephen and we look forward to seeing you out on the field soon!!!" -Chris Donaldson, Head Coach of Hopkins High School Lacrosse

"Stephen's dedication to athletes of all ages and sport is unquestioned. He uses programs that benefit the athlete no matter the sport. I witnessed his work with a local swim team and asked if he would do that for the basketball team that I coached. Not only did the kids improve from the conditioning and strength drills, they looked forward to doing them again and again. Our team finished games strong as a result of his program. I trust in his techniques and will continue to count on Stephen to give my teams an advantage." -Colby Fuller, Youth Basketball Coach

Who Would Have Thought? Derek Peltier

Reflecting on athletes that have come through our gym.

Derek Peltier.. Pro Hockey Player.

We only worked with Derek for one summer.  But I remember.. He was just a great kid who came in and did his work.  He could also crush a golf ball, but I guess most hockey players can. Shaun Goodsell always said he was going to be one of the guys who made it and he was right on.  His motive for using our company was very simple.  To transition from the basic high school strength program to higher intensity Division 1 college workouts.

The rest is history.. Excellent career with the Gophers and onto pro hockey.

Who Would Have Thought? Sam Lofquist

Just reflecting on past clients and where they are now.

One is Sam Lofquist.. Yup, the same one who played for the Golden Gophers.

We worked with him long ago.  Back in the early 2000's.  Back then Gordy would make what he called the "loop"  He would drive from Spooner, WI to Bloomington, MN to Rogers, MN and then back to Spooner, WI. like three times a week.  He would work out with Bernie McBain at Minnesota Made then up to workout with one of our trainers in the weight room and then back home.  All the while Same was doing his homework in the car.  Everybody thought he was weird from doing all that driving, but look what his son has done.  And when we worked with him.. He was a great kid, but we would not have said his was the one who was going to make it.   He persevered, paid the price, and in the end he made it.  Congrats to Gordy and Sam.

Five Star Super Session This Weekend

We are off to the Five Star Super Session at the Joy of the Game in Chicago, IL.  We are bringing down some of the top talent from Minnesota basketball.  Secondly, I will be down working with the camp in the capacity of Strength Coach.  Will post images next week.

Trenton McCarthy Cross Training with Brian Sandifer and Micheal Floyd

lil Brian and Tmac at Elite Fitness

Great workout a couple weeks ago.  Trenton McCarthy, Brian Sandifer, Lil Brain Sandifer and Michael Floyd tried their hand at boxing at the Elite Boxing and Fitness Gym in St. Paul.

Holy Angels Wins Team Championship at Tubby Smith

Trenton McCarthy and the varsity basketball team from Holy Angels won the team championship at Tubby Smith.  It was a great team effort.  Congrats to all the coaches and players.

Academy of Holy Angels 2012 Team Champions

Tyson McCarthy Scores 6 Goals at Park Center

Tyson McCarthy scored 6 goals in Rogers lacrosse game in Brooklyn Park, MN.  The team won 13-2.  Check out the pics from the game.  Congrats, Tyson.

Tyson McCarthy at Park Center

On the Bench...

Sea Devils State Champions in Long Course

Head Coaches Michelle Mix and Terri Moser

Congrats to all the swimmers who made it happen. You are the best and now you have the results that confirm what you always knew in your heart.  Here is a link to more information on  individual results.

See you in a couple weeks.

Stephen