IMG Academy

Penn State recruit Michael O'Connor named quarterback MVP at Sound Mind Sound Body camp

CindyYu — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:35:52 +0000

Penn State commit Michael O'Connor, a four-star quarterback from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, was named the MVP quarterback at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp in Detroit over the weekend. The camp featured some of the nation's top high school prospects, including fellow PSU commit Jared Wangler.

O'Connor showed off exactly what attracted him to coach Bill O'Brien with arm strength, accuracy and consistency. He was on the mark all camp, according to 247sports.com's Steve Wiltfong, making the full range of throws.

O'Connor performed in front of some of the nation's top coaches, including Michigan's Brady Hoke and Ohio State's Urban Meyer.

Polish is a strong suit for O'Connor, whom IMG Academy coach Chris Weinke called "very mature for his age" and ready to make a quick transition to O'Brien's offense. He's one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in the nation and the lone signal caller in the Nittany Lions' 2014 recruiting class.

"He can process information quickly, and he understands the game," Weinke said. "He's got great feet. He's got the ability to move around, but he's not a spread type quarterback. He makes plays with his feet, throws well on the run and throws with great anticipation."

According to Weinke, O'Connor is "very similar" to incoming Penn State freshman Christian Hackenberg, who was a five-star recruit and a top-25 player nationally in the 2013 class. The two will compete with sophomore Tyler Ferguson beginning in January, when O'Connor is expected to enroll.

O'Brien will have an arms race next season after entering 2013 with just two scholarship quarterbacks -- Ferguson and Hackenberg -- on his roster. He has three preferred walk-ons at the position in freshmen D.J. Crook, Jack Seymour and Austin Whipple.

Eleven prospects have committed to Penn State's 2014 recruiting class, which ranks as high as No. 13 nationally. O'Brien is limited to 15 scholarships, per NCAA sanctions, and is reportedly seeking to sign the maximum number.

IMG Academy QB Michael O'Connor named MVP of Sound Mind Sound Body camp

IMG Academy's David Prince sets two world records at the U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Championships

CindyYu — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:48:31 +0000

IMG Academy’s David Prince set a new world record to win the men’s T44 200-meter at the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field Championships. Heading into the event with the season’s fastest time, he did not disappoint. His 22.47 bested South African Arnu Fourie’s 22.49 record set at the 2012 London Olympics men’s 200m final.

Carrying his momentum over to the next day, the reigning Paralympic 400-meter bronze medalist annexed his second US Paralympics title in the T44 400-meter (double below the knee amputee). Clocking a 49.87, he set another scintillating world record performance to eclipse his 50.61 world record from the 2012 Paralympic Games. Under the tutelage of world-renowned speed coach Loren Seagrave, IMG Academy's Director of Track & Field and Cross-Country, Prince became the first T44 to break the 50-second barrier in the 400-meter.

On June 30, Prince will compete in the prestigious Sainsbury’s Grand Prix: IAAF Diamond League meet held in Birmingham, England to prepare for the upcoming IPC Athletics World Championships hosted by France in July.

IMG Academy's David Prince sets two world records at the U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Championships

Kei Nishikori reaches new heights in the ATP World Tour Tennis Rankings

ZachHunley — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:48:28 +0000

Inching closer to a spot in the ATP top-10, IMG Academy’s Kei Nishikori reached a new career-high ranking of No. 11 in the ATP World Tour rankings, revealed earlier today.

Just recently in 2012, Kei won his second career ATP World title on his home soil of Tokyo. He went on to become the 1st Japanese winner since 1972 and the 1st Asian in year-end Top 20 since Thai Paradorn Srichaphan in 2003. In Grand Slam play, he reached QF at the Australian open and 3R at Wimbledon and US Open. Kei was also able to knock down three of Top 10 opponents with wins over No. 6 Tsonga, No. 5 Ferrer and No. 6 Berdych.

Kei, now 23, began playing tennis at the age of five. Then at the age of 14, Kei moved from Shimane Japan to the US without being able to speak a word of English. Training with the Bollertieri Tennis program since the age of 14, Kei is on the rise and continuing to move forward in his already successful career.

IMG Academy's Kei Nishikori reaches new heights in the ATP World Tour Tennis Rankings

Wounded Warriors work out at IMG Academy

CindyYu — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:32:38 +0000

MANATEE COUNTY - She became a recluse. Refusing to leave her New York home last year, Heather Cereste continued a downward spiral into depression.

It took a few years, but the post-traumatic stress disorder she experienced from being a trauma and intensive care doctor in Iraq had finally caught up with her.

“I thought I was going to die,” said Cereste, whose PTSD symptoms developed into more serious health problems. “I had no memory, anxiety, insomnia, and I was in social isolation. I didn't have the tools or the gumption to get out.”

That was until Cereste received an email from the Wounded Warrior Project. The organization was seeking injured or disabled veterans living along the East Coast who would be interested in a four-day health and fitness expo at IMG Academy.

Cereste, 44, has joined 30 other veterans this week at the world-class academic and athletic training center in Bradenton.

“It's an absolute privilege to be here with other people who value hard work, dedication and fighting through tough times,” Cereste said. “This has given me the tools and enthusiasm to get back out there.”

The veterans, ranging in age from 25 to 58, have diverse stories. They served in different military branches, domestic and abroad, and suffer from a variety of mental and physical injuries. Some used walkers and others were in wheelchairs.

Jason Martinez, trainer for the Wounded Warrior Project, taught the group various exercises that can be adapted to anyone's ability. Martinez, who is certified in IMG's Academy IGNITE 360 approach, instructed the warriors through repetitions of resistance band rows and runs, BOSU ball push-ups, battle rope slams and overhead squats.

“We're engaging them in a safe and supportive environment,” Martinez said. “It's about building confidence and empowering them through education.”

The warriors rotated through fitness, stress management and mental conditioning courses, sharing the facilities with young soccer players and athletes training for the NBA draft.

“You can do what elite and pro athletes are doing,” Martinez said at the end of a Friday morning workout. “You're understanding the process — for a purpose, not appearance.”

Brian Griffin, vice president of IMG Performance, said training professional athletes and veterans are similar.

“It's the same methods, techniques and protocols for the NFL combine,” Griffin said. “They have to get themselves ready mentally and physically. It's inspiring.”

After nearly 20 years in the Navy, Anthony Harding continues to deal with injuries he sustained in Iraq. He has had shoulder and foot surgery and deals with recurring back pain. And soon, he will undergo hip resurfacing.

“I'm not going to let pain dictate who I am,” said Harding, 41. “They say give 100 percent of what you've got, and I've maximized on that.”

For John Fernandez, who has had reconstructive surgery on his ankle and a herniated disc, the opportunity has taught the triathlete skills he will need to complete an Iron Man event. But more important than that, the 30-year-old Marine who is attending the University of Florida for a degree in business economics has taken the chance to bond with fellow veterans.

“Going through what I've gone through, most people can't relate. These people know what I'm talking about,” he said.

Wounded Warrior Fitness Expo at IMG Academy featured in Sarasota Herald Tribune

'Tebow 'locked and loaded, ready to go'

KristinaPuthoffKing — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:26:45 +0000

Former Heisman Trophy winner and Carolina Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke spent the past month tweaking Tim Tebow's mechanics and is convinced Tebow 2.0, released in April after a failed one-year tenure with the New York Jets, doesn't have to change positions to stick with the New England Patriots.

"Do I think he can play the quarterback position in the NFL? Yeah, no question,'' Weinke told USA TODAY Sports Monday. "Like I told Tim when I found out (Monday) that he signed, 'You're locked and loaded, ready to go.'''

It sure doesn't hurt that Tebow could have some situational chances this season to prove the Jets wrong for releasing him.

FOR THE WIN: Why Patriots are perfect for Tebow

"Tim's about as competitive a guy as you're ever going to be around,'' Weinke said. "Tim didn't spend any time talking about the Jets releasing him. But at the end of the day, he's been humbled and he's hungry.

"That's good. He'll go up to New England. And they'll be pleased with the way he's throwing the football."

The IMG Academy director said from his Bradenton, Fla., office that Tebow couldn't have landed in a better spot in his bid to prove he's still a viable quarterback prospect.

WILL IT WORK? Yes ... and no

"It's a good fit for him,'' Weinke said.

The Bill Belichick and Tom Brady Patriots are the non-circus antithesis of the AFC East rival Jets, who traded for Tebow in March 2012 only to skip over him when quarterback Mark Sanchez was benched.

Weinke said pressure on Tebow will be minimal with Brady entrenched as the starter, and Tebow's former Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who drafted the Heisman Trophy winner, in the role of Patriots offensive coordinator.

"It's an ideal, no-nonsense environment,'' Weinke said. "He wants to get much better. He grasped and had a great understanding of what's going on and that, coupled with the familiarity with Josh McDaniels ... he's going to a place where we all know they have one of the best quarterbacks in the game in Tom Brady.

"So there won't be pressure to go in there to try to get a starting job.''

Tim Tebow's training at IMG Academy featured in USA Today

IMG Academy in Bradenton hosts Wounded Warrior Project

CindyYu — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:46:07 +0000

Will Jones wrestled in high school more than 25 years ago and recalls what practice was like.

"Survival of the fittest," the Baltimore native said.

An Army Ranger for 23 years, he remembers boot camp, too.

"Basic was pretty much run, pushups, situps -- and shoot everything in front of you," said Jones, 43.

So imagine his reaction when he and 29 other veterans got their first taste of the elite level of training world-class athletes receive at IMG Academy.

"Oh, my God," Jones said.

He was immersed last week in the Wounded Warrior Project & IGNITE 360 Health and Fitness Expo, a comprehensive three-day program for injured veterans that focuses on physical and mental conditioning as well as nutrition.

"First thing, we did the kettle bell workout, which smoked me completely right off the bat," Jones said. "It made me nervous the whole day was going to be like that."

Not that he was complaining, understand.

Far from it.

Watching the IMG Performance staff set up circuit training stations along the 60-yard turf surface of the Center for Athletic Development, the Ravens fan was struck by the realization: This is where players like Pirates All-Star centerfielder Andrew McCutchen, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton and even Bayshore High's Fabian Washington, who once played for Jones's favorite NFL team, have trained.

"I had no idea there was even a place like this," he said. "Anybody who comes here, it would do wonders for you."

No just physically, but emotionally.

The training regimen also had classes on leadership, communication and mental conditioning.

IMG hopes to make it an annual event.

"The perfect place to bring this population of veterans," said Jason Martinez, senior physical health and wellness specialist with the Wounded Warrior Project. "The ones here do not have the resources they need in their backyard. We hope to give them those tools and have them go home and be able to apply some of those things."

The veterans were in their mid-20s to mid-40s.

Many sported buzzcuts and tattoos.

Some saw combat. Others were injured stateside.

None were amputees, but that's deceiving.

"Just because they don't have a prosthetic, people don't see the invisible injuries -- a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder," Martinez said. "Then there are those who as a result of a physical injury have secondary conditions. They're anxious, depressed, staying in the house, not being active. This supportive environment bodes well for these warriors to get active again."

That resonated with Jones, who is medically disabled.

"The goal-setting class was fabulous," he said. "It had me focus on things I need to do to get where I want to go. It really helped me to address some of the areas where I'm having problems not being honest with myself, what my goals really are."

Those immediate goals were navigating the training circuit Thursday afternoon.

At one end was a huge truck tire for flipping.

At the opposite end were two long thick speed ropes.

Among the apparatus in between was an array of metal stands with a hip girdle attached to elastic straps for resistance running and jumping.

Jones had one word for it.

"Challenging," he said.

Shaakira Hassell wanted it that way.

To the assistant strength and conditioning coach, they were no different than the other athletes she trains at IMG.

Yet Hassell felt an affinity for them.

Both her parents are retired veterans.

Her mother is a Wounded Warrior.

"I feel a real connection with these men and women, so when this opportunity came up I leapt at the chance," said the Chicago native and former Beloit College, Wis., basketball player. "Through the skill sets I have now, that's one way I can assist the military -- by training Wounded Warriors."

As Hassell explained and demonstrated each station, the 30 veterans were all eyes and ears.

"It's the same concept because every day we deal with injured athletes, modifying each exercise to suit each individual based on their limitations and needs," she said.

"That's how I look at each individual I work with. How can I improve their lifestyle or experience?

"I'm going to push them jsut as hard as I push my athletes. Why? Because they're all athletes."

Will Jones appreciated the notion.

It's been a while since the former wrestler and Ranger heard himself described that way.

Or even thought it.

"I want to learn I can get back into shape and I want to be honest with myself, set some realistic goals," Jones said. "I'm 100 percent confident I can do that."

Wounded Warrior Fitness Expo at IMG Academy featured in Bradenton Herald

Julia Joseph of Wichita, Kan., wins IMG Academy Athletic and Personal Development Gatorade G-Award Week of June 10

KristinaPuthoffKing — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:44:43 +0000

Every week at least one athlete from each sport will earn the Gatorade G-Award/IMG Academy Athlete of the Week for displaying Heart, Hustle and Soul, and exhibiting a true desire to reach their true athletic potential.

The IMG Academy Athletic and Personal Development winner of the Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10 is Julia Joseph from Wichita, Kan.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

8 years.

Who is your coach?

Coach Kevin Heiberger.

What is your favorite thing about IMG Academy and why?

I love working out here because they push you to do your best every day

What athlete inspires you the most?

Deja McClendon from Penn State inspires me the most

What motivates you to push through a tough practice?

Knowing that I will get better when I work harder

Julia Joseph of Wichita, Kan., wins IMG Academy Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10

Miguel Montelongo of Peoria, Ill wins IMG Academy Boys Golf Gatorade G-Award Week of June 10

KristinaPuthoffKing — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:35:10 +0000

The IMG Academy Golf winner of the Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10 is Miguel Montelongo from Peoria, Ill.

How long have you been playing golf?

I have been playing for 10 years.

Who is your coach?

Coach Chad Keohane.

What is your favorite thing about IMG Academy and why?

I love the golf facility and the coaches. I love the people here because they provide friendly competition and it helps you try to do better.

What professional athlete inspires you the most?

Tiger Woods.

What motivates you to push through a tough practice?

It is knowing that it is going to help me a lot in the long run.

The IMG Academy Golf winner of the Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10 is Angela Fazio from Pittsburgh, Pa.

How long have you been playing soccer for?

Two Years

Who is your coach?

Coach Duncan

What is your favorite thing about IMG Academy and why?

The coaching and the whole experience is my favorite thing. The facilities are perfect for every student that comes here.

What professional athlete inspires you the most?

Rory McIlroy

What is your favorite thing to do after you win a game?

Be proud of myself and be confident to go out there and do it again.

What motivates you to push through a tough practice?

My peers

- See more at: http://www.imgacademy.com/latest-headlines/2013-06-17/angela-fazio-pitts...

Miguel Montelongo of Peoria, Ill wins IMG Academy Boys Golf Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10

Angela Fazio of Pittsburgh, Pa., wins IMG Academy Girls Golf Gatorade G-Award Week of June 10

KristinaPuthoffKing — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:21:29 +0000

The IMG Academy Golf winner of the Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10 is Angela Fazio from Pittsburgh, Pa.

How long have you been playing soccer for?

Two years.

Who is your coach?

Coach Duncan Smith.

What is your favorite thing about IMG Academy and why?

The coaching and the whole experience is my favorite thing. The facilities are perfect for every student that comes here.

What professional athlete inspires you the most?

Rory McIlroy.

What is your favorite thing to do after you win a game?

Be proud of myself and be confident to go out there and do it again.

What motivates you to push through a tough practice?

My peers.

How long have you been playing socceer for?

The IMG Academy Girls Soccer winner of the Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10 is Holly Makar from Anchorage, Alaska. - See more at: http://www.imgacademy.com/latest-headlines/2013-06-14/holly-makar-anchor...

Angela Fazio of Pittsburgh, Pa., wins IMG Academy Girls Golf Gatorade G-Award for the week of June 10

Thomas Matta of Dallas, TX wins IMG Academy Lacrosse Gatorade G-Award Week of June 10

ZachHunley — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:14:41 +0000

The IMG Academy Lacrosse program winner of the Gatorade G-Award/IMG Academy Athletes of the Week Award is Thomas Matta from Dallas, Texas.

How long have you been playing lacrosse for?

5 years.

Who is your coach?

Coach Pat Haley.

What is your favorite thing about IMG Academy and why?

The coaches because they are experienced.

Do you have any pre-game rituals that help you prepare for a big game?

I get hydrated.

What athlete inspires you the most?

C.J. Costabile. He is a good friend of mine and won the National Championship in Duke Lacrosse.

What is your favorite thing to do after you win a game?

Take a nap.

What motivates you to push through a tough practice?

I have a lot of energy for my age.

Thomas Matta of Dallas, Texas wins IMG Academy Lacrosse Gatorade G-Award Week of June 10