Welcome our newest coach, tony!
Tony is an experienced, player development instructor in baseball and softball, working with youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. As a coach and mentor, Tony is always seeking to gain knowledge and assist others in their fitness journeys, especially aspiring youth athletes with the goal to play their respective sport at the highest level.
Tony started weightlifting for improved athletic performance at age 12 with his high school athletic program. He played varsity football, basketball, and baseball through high school and continued to play baseball into college. Tony still plays organized, amateur baseball today and participates as an indoor rowing competitor while utilizing CrossFit for routine physical and mental fitness preparedness.
Tony holds a Master of Science in Sport Management from Northern Illinois University. He is also a TPI Certified Level 1 movement specialist (Titleist Performance Institute). Tony recently passed the Power Athlete Methodology Level One course and is preparing to complete the Power Athlete Academy Block One Coach Track. Concurrently, he is working through the Dark Horse Rowing Academy PRO Course to become a Concept2 Trainer.
When/how did your health and fitness journey begin?
There are two phases. I began competitive, organized athletics at 4 years old, playing several different sports through high school. I played some collegiate baseball chasing the dream of being a professional. When that did not work out, then I continued to play organized, adult baseball until I had to grow up and my family and career took precedence. Then a decade had passed and I had let myself go. Enter phase two with SCF…
When did you first start coming to Sycamore CrossFit?
July 2017. I knew I had to make a lifestyle change. I answered a social media post that spring seeking new members at SCF for a boot camp-style program called “Summer Shred.”
Why did you want to become a coach at SCF?
Outside of family, music, and baseball, there has not been a whole lot you could say I am passionate about until I found SCF. This place helped change my life and continues to be a change agent for so many families that make their way through the front door. Carl inspired me to join his team and contribute to the cause through our teen athlete strength and conditioning program, Sycamore Sport Performance.
Why should people want to come take a class or do personal training with you?
As I mentioned, I am extremely passionate about helping others. Laughing or crying (or both), I will help push you through your goals.
What is your favorite memory at Sycamore CrossFit?
May 29, 2020.
Seeing familiar faces at the gym, in-person, for the first time in two and half months after closing due to the pandemic.