Adult Spotlight #2) Roni Thomas-Patterson

Hello Everyone!

With 2012 winding down and 2013 quickly approaching, many people are looking for a way to better themselves physically in the New Year. If you're having a hard time convincing yourself to take the plunge with Adult Performance, I'd like to point you to our second Adult Spotlight, Roni Thomas-Patterson. She started training at Akron General Sports Performance in Green this past September and has played a huge part in spreading the word about the things we do.
 

Adult Name:

Roni Thomas-Patterson

When did your start Adult Performance?

September 2012

 

Why did you start Adult Performance?

For health and all around fitness. It was something different than just slamming weights in the gym. It added spark, helped improve my speed and agility, and keeps me young and healthy.

What are your current goals for Adult Performance?

165lb bench press, 1 pull-up (Really, I want to be able to do multiple pull-ups with a wide grip), and improved running speed.

What is your favorite exercise?

Anything on the War Machine I love!

 

What is your least favorite exercise?

There really is none. The hardest for me are the Bulgarian split squats. I don’t have anything that is the least favorite because I love doing this stuff.


In what ways has Adult Performance helped you "perform better"? (more energy, sports, family, etc.)

I can feel it all over, between endurance and speed with running, more strength when training with free weights on my own. To be able to lift is one thing, but being able to move your body and control yourself is something that has improved dramatically from doing the class. I have been lifting weights for too many years to count, and this is the hardest thing I have ever done. Lifting on your own is nothing compared to lifting in the class.

What would you tell someone that's interested in trying Adult Performance? (Words of Wisdom, Encouragement, etc.)

JUST DO IT! Don’t hesitate, just come in and try it out, because once you try it, you’ll be addicted. You gotta make yourself do the things that are good for you.

CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO OF RONI TRAINING AT AGSP!

 

 

Looking for the fast track to a better body? AGSP is the answer! Call today for your free trial. Who knows, you may end up working out with Roni. :-)

Athlete Spotlight #59 Pamela Karagiozis

Hello Everyone and Happy Holidays!
Our next athlete is a phenomenally hard worker and dedicated cross country star.  She made it to states her freshman year and is looking to improve upon that for the upcoming track season.  She always works out with a smile on her face.  She is always looking to improve and can't get enough of training here at AGSP.  I would like to introduce....

Athlete Name: Pamela Karagiozis
Sport(s): Cross Country
Position(s): N/A
School: Walsh Jesuit High School
Graduation Year: 2016
AGSP Athlete Since: 2011

Favorite Professional Sports Team: Shopping
Favorite Professional Athlete: Allyson Felix
Favorite Lift: Clean-pull
Favorite Movement Skill: Acceleration

When I am not training at AGSP, I am:  shopping, hanging out with friends, biking and running.
 
What are your short-term goals? To build up muscles and endurance for track.

What are your long-term goals?  Make varsity for track and improve 5k time. 

 management.
How has AGSP impacted your performance as an athlete? AGSP has improved my strength and speed. 

CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO OF PAMELA TRAINING AT AGSP!

(we've put them all into one video!)

Keep Training! 
Coach Nathan Burandt and Akron General Sports Performance

Athlete Spotlight #58) Tyler Tofil

Hello Everyone!
Our next athlete has developed into a more physical, fast, and strong athlete that has become a role-model to younger athletes. He's an example to what consistency and focus can do to improve your physical skills. We're looking forward to seeing him on the diamond this spring! It is time to meet....

Athlete Name: Tyler Tofil
Sport(s): Baseball
Position(s): Pitcher, 1st, Outfield, Third
School: Cuyahoga Falls High School
Graduation Year: 2016
AGSP Athlete Since: Summer 2012

Favorite Professional Sports Team: Cleveland Browns
Favorite Professional Athlete: Cole Hamels (Phillies pitcher) 
Favorite Lift: Clean-pull
Favorite Movement Skill: Max Velocity

When I am not training at AGSP, I am:  playing video games, playing catch, and doing homework.
 
What are your short-term goals? To excel in high school academically and sports wise.

What are your long-term goals? To grow up to be a professional athlete or get a degree in sports management.
How has AGSP impacted your performance as an athlete? It has caused me to become stronger and much quicker.

CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO OF TYLER TRAINING AT AGSP!

(we've put them all into one video!)

Keep Training! 
Coach Amanda Kephart and Akron General Sports Performance

Athlete Spotlight #57) Isabella Thomas-Patterson

Hello Everyone!

Our next athlete is an up and comer who has been training at AGSP in Green ever since we opened our doors 5 months ago. She was one of the first athletes to start training here and has made very impressive strides in strength, speed, and athleticism since. She always comes ready for action and energizes everyone around her, including her coach! You can be certain that there is a lot to come from this athlete in the near future! It's time to meet...

Athlete Name: Isabella Thomas-Patterson
Sport(s): Volleyball and Basketball
School: Our Lady of the Elms
Graduation Year: 2021
AGSP Athlete Since: July 2012

Favorite Sports Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Favorite Lift: Pull-Ups
Favorite Movement Skill: Acceleration Plate Pulls

When I am not training at AGSP, I am: At school
What are your short-term goals? Get straight A's
What are your long-term goals? Be the best athlete I can be
How has AGSP impacted your performance as an athlete? I am faster and can squat all the way down now without falling over

 

 

 

 

Keep Training!
Coach Anthony Colarusso and Akron General Sports Performance

Athlete Spotlight #56) Austin Fite

Hello Everyone!
It was great to have our next athlete back after a short hiatus. He strives to do everything right - every time. Exactly what any winning coach wants on their team. Since this athlete was so focused during his training he made huge improvements before season. We will be looking for him high-flying around the rim this year. It is time to meet....

Athlete Name: Austin Fite
Sport(s): Basketball and Baseball
Position(s): Left Field, Center, and 1st. PG, SG, SF. 
School: Woodridge
Graduation Year: 2014
AGSP Athlete Since: 8th grade

Favorite Professional Sports Team: Miami Heat
Favorite Professional Athlete:  Lebron James
Favorite Lift: Split Jerks
Favorite Movement Skill:Jump Training

When I am not training at AGSP, I am: working and focusing on school.

What are your short-term goals? Have an outstanding Junior year of high school.

What are your long-term goals? Get a scholarship, hopefully to Hawaii.
 
How has AGSP impacted your performance as an athlete? It's made me faster, stronger, quicker, confident, and more flexible.

CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO OF AUSTIN TRAINING AT AGSP!

(we've put them all into one video!)

 
Keep Training! 
Coach Amanda Kephart and Akron General Sports Performance

Athlete Spotlight #55) Troy Tofil

Hello Everyone!
Our next athlete has seen impressive strength and power improvements since he started. He always comes to training eager to learn. He is helpful and encouraging to his fellow athletes and has a great attitude. It is time to meet....

Athlete Name: Troy Tofil
Sport(s): Basketball
Position(s): Power forward, Center
School: St. Joseph School
Graduation Year: 2017
AGSP Athlete Since: 2011

Favorite Professional Sports Team: Cleveland Browns
Favorite Professional Athlete: Blake Griffin
Favorite Lift: Clean Pull
Favorite Movement Skill:Max Velocity

When I am not training at AGSP, I am:  playing basket ball, watching t.v., going to school, and  reading books.

What are your short-term goals? I want to become faster, stronger, and more powerful before basketball season in the beginning of November.

What are your long-term goals? I want to go to college and become a doctor.

How has AGSP impacted your performance as an athlete? It has allowed me to jump higher, run faster, and become a better sports performer.

CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO OF TROY TRAINING AT AGSP!

(we've put them all into one video!)

 
Keep Training! 
Coach Amanda Kephart and Akron General Sports Performance

Athlete Spotlight #54) Lillian Piper

Hello Everyone!
Our next athlete is someone any team is lucky to have. She's hard working, motivated, open-minded, and desires to be the best she and her teammates can be. We look forward to watching her athletic career develop! It is time to meet....

Athlete Name: Lillian Piper
Sport(s): Basketball and Softball
Position(s): All and short stop 
School: Walsh Jesuit
Graduation Year: 2015
AGSP Athlete Since: 2011

Favorite Professional Sports Team: Cleveland Browns
Favorite Professional Athlete:  Candace Parker
Favorite Lift: Clean Pull
Favorite Movement Skill:Jump Training

When I am not training at AGSP, I am: I am practicing whatever sport season I am in.
 
What are your short-term goals? Being able to touch the rim.

What are your long-term goals? Play a sport in college and coach at a college level.
 
How has AGSP impacted your performance as an athlete? It's made me jump higher, run faster, and way stronger.

CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO OF LILLI TRAINING AT AGSP!

(we've put them all into one video!)

 
Keep Training! 
Coach Amanda Kephart and Akron General Sports Performance

Fred Marquinez - Interview with a Masters Weightlifter

Hello Everyone!

 

It’s not every day that a World Masters Weightlifter walks through your doors and wants to train with you. It’s even more unique when such a lifter works for the same employer as you! So you can imagine our surprise when one of the doctors from Akron General Medical Center contacted us inquiring about training for the 2012 World Masters Weightlifting Championships. Dr. Fred Marquinez is a Physician specializing in Medical Oncology and Hematology. He trained at Akron General Sports Performance for 6 weeks leading up to his meet which was held September 15-22 in Lviv, Ukraine. Fred was kind enough to share some information about his weightlifting career and experiences. There are some great words of wisdom here, so pay attention and take notes!

 

Name: Fred Marquinez

 

Sport: Olympic Style Weightlifting

 

 Age Group & Weight Class: 50-54 yr age group, 62kg weight class

 

When did you start Weightlifting?
I began Olympic-style weightlifting 6 years ago.  Prior to that I was a runner (everything from 5k’s to marathons).

What attracted you to the sport?

I like Olympic weightlifting because it combines strength, speed and agility. Because all major muscle groups are used, it is great for overall conditioning as well as strength training.

What are your current best lifts?

Snatch 64kg (140.8 lb); Clean and Jerk 84kg (184.8 lb); Total: 143kg.

 

 What is your favorite lift to train?

The snatch, though it is the most difficult.

 

Do you have a favorite lifter? If so, who?

Naim Suleymanoglu, “the Pocket Hercules”; World and Olympic champion.
 

 

 

What competitions have you lifted in?

2012 World Masters Weightlifting Championships (L’viv, Ukraine), 2011 Pan American Masters Championships, National Masters, American Masters, Arnold Sports Festival, Ohio Weightlifting Championships.

 

 

What are your goals for the sport?

To set personal records while improving my physical conditioning.

 

What to you is the most challenging aspect of Weightlifting?

Weightlifting is an extremely technical sport. It’s very challenging to lift heavy weights while concentrating on proper techniques.

 

 

What to you is the most rewarding aspect of Weightlifting?

Lifting allows me to push my body to new limits and improves my overall health. Working out is also a great stress-reliever. Competing in the stressful settings of national and international meets has helped me improve my ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand.

 

 

What advice would you give someone who is reluctant to try the sport or compete?

Training for the Olympic lifts is a fantastic way to improve strength, agility, flexibility and endurance. It also enhances the performance of most other sports. Competing allows one to measure progress under meet conditions as well as to gain advice and inspiration from others who are more experienced. I’ve also found that Olympic weightlifters are more friendly and helpful than athletes in the other sports in which I’ve competed.

Keep Training! Coach Anthony Colarusso & Akron General Sports Performance