MCCS Volleyball
December 1, 2009
I am the varsity volleyball coach at Meadow Creek Christian School in Andover. I hired Velocity to come to our school last summer twice a week for 8 weeks. We had great committment from the players & the drive & committment continued throughout the season. We had lost in the section finals for two years in a row, the goal for this year was to get to the High School State Tourney! We made it & finished 3rd in Class A. I believe that it started with the Velocity training over the summer. Thanks for offering this program!
Therese Bertsch
MCCS Volleyball
PSA Super Eagles
Soccer
July 18, 2007
Dear Todd:
We’ve been meaning to write to you for sometime now to thank you for your contribution to our team, the PSA Super Eagles. The season has been jam-packed full of excitement and is finally coming to an end. We can now catch our breath and sit down and write you a proper letter of gratitude for your generosity!
Because of your contribution, we were able to purchase “warm-up” jerseys for the boys on which we put our team logo and the Velocity logo. As you can see from the attached pictures, your company’s logo was placed on the front center of the jerseys! The boys proudly wore them for the hour before every one of the twenty games we played here in Minnesota. (Besides the 10 Minnesota Premier League games, they wore them in front of large crowds at the Minnesota State Cup. Just last weekend they wore them at the Schwan’s Cup.) The Velocity logo was seen not only here in Minnesota, but in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Iowa.
You may have talked to Kufre or Jerry and already know about our accomplishments this year. We were moved up to the top division in the Midwest Regional League, where we tied for third. We were just two ties away from being at the top! We were also MN State Cup Champions, MN Premier League Champions, Champions of the Cocoa Beach College Expo (Florida), Semi-Finalists in the Javanon Cup (Kentucky), and Finalists in the Spring Fling (Illinois). In the Regional Championships in Des Moines, we won our bracket and lost in the Semi-Finals. As I mentioned above we just played in the Schwan’s USA Cup and won the championship. What a thrill for the boys to play the semi-final and final game in the main stadium! (By the way, right next to the stadium, we saw a Velocity tent being used as a shelter for a video crew!)
All of these accomplishments led to good news in the rankings. National Soccer Ranking.com has us ranked as #6 in Region II. Even more exciting is the fact that we are also now in the list of the top 50 teams in the country at #24!
Next year we have been chosen as one of eight teams to play in the US National League. It will feature teams from the east and west coast, the south, and the Midwest. This will be even more challenging for our boys and we are excited for them to have the opportunity to compete at this level. It will mean three more weekends of travel (hopefully to warm places!) and a chance to be seen by many college coaches.
Todd, we send our heartfelt thanks again for your support and promise to keep in better contact next year! We hope we can count on your financial support next year!
Sincerely,
Scott Erickson and Kris Chavez, Fundraising
Jerry Yonga, Coach, and Kufre Akpan, Manager
Figure Skating
From Courtney Koenig’s Mom
Courtney had her second competition last weekend since she started with Velocity and had another great performance. She is so much stronger this year because of Velocity! This was the first competition with the double axel in her programs and she landed it in 3 out of 4 programs. She would never have been able to do this without the training she has received at Velocity!
May 2007
Adam Recksiedler
Baseball
Geoff, Nate, Chris, etc:
Just a note to let you know how many positive comments Adam has gotten from his teammates, coaches, teachers, friends and family.
Adam was especially proud of himself when he was tested in gym on endurance running. He asked some of his more athletic hockey & baseball buddies what they had scored on their tests and it was between 41 & 42 and Adam tested out at 44! Not bad for being over a half a foot taller and over 60 lbs heavier then them (6' 1 190 lbs.)
I am sending you some pictures of Adam on opening day. Adam pitched 59 pitches in 4 innings, some of the other better pitchers were pitching over 60 pitches in 2 innings! They also intentionally walked Adam after his third time at bat.
Thank you our money was well spent!
Mary Recksiedler
May 2007
Catherine Jons
Adult Fitness Program
How old are you?
48
Where are you from?
Brooklyn Park
,
Minnesota
How did you hear about Velocity Sports Performance?
I learned about Velocity Sports Performance through our daughter’s figure skating club. A member of the Champlin, MN Velocity team proposed a program tailored specifically for the figure-skating athlete. Our daughter, a freshman in high school, expressed immediate interest. Around the same time, our son, a junior in high school, also asked if he could train at Velocity for his upcoming baseball season.
When did you start training at Velocity Sports Performance?
I started training in March of this year at the same time our two children started their programs.
Tell me about your first training session as VSP, and how far you’ve come since that first day.
My first training session? Aahhh, yes, I remember it well. The workout was a combination of cardio, strength training, and ab exercises led by our high-energy and extremely motivating executive-performance coach, Bill Welle. We sprinted and shuffled around cones, heaved medicine balls down the turf, and cranked out Russian twists like there was no tomorrow. Despite my exhaustion, or perhaps because of it, I knew immediately that VSP was right for me. I left that day with an incredible sense of accomplishment and well being.
Today, I am pleased to say I’ve made the time and found the energy to train four times a week for the past seven months. Like most adults, my days are filled with family and work responsibilities. Additionally, I recently finished my doctoral degree. Without a doubt, it’s been a challenge to schedule in exercise, but VSP has made it possible by offering a wide variety of adult class times.
Since beginning the VSP adult classes, I look forward to my workout hour knowing I will be challenged physically. The intensity and variety of the workouts are incomparable to all past workout experiences. The performance coaches have encouraged and inspired me to accomplish physical goals that I never dreamed were possible. Their consistently positive, can-do spirits are incredibly motivating and uplifting. They address everyone by name and treat all athletes, including kids, adults, and professional ball players, with respect.
How has your time at VSP affected your health, social life, energy level, etc?
I never dreamed that a workout could affect me so dramatically. I have lost weight, but more importantly, gained muscle which has improved my metabolism. By incorporating a regular workout into my schedule, I have chosen to eat more healthfully. I now have more energy in the late afternoons, which historically, had been the low point of my day. Of greater significance to me, however, is that I am, without question, a happier person because of VSP. Their positive atmosphere coupled with always-challenging, ever-changing workouts, and enthusiastic coaches have redefined my spirit. I am eternally grateful to director, Todd Wilson, and his dedicated staff and performance coaches at the Champlin, MN Velocity Sports Performance center.
Is there anything that has surprised you? i.e. Do you feel a lot healthier than you did before you started working out at VSP? Is anything easier/harder than you thought it would be
The thing that surprised me the most about VSP was the quality and intensity of the adult-class workouts. Before starting, I imagined a core class with lots of time spent crunching on an exercise ball. I quickly learned that adult classes incorporated workouts similar to those used with younger athletes. This approach emphasized to me the need for maintaining good stability agility, strength, and speed at all stages of my life. The performance coaches have accepted nothing less than my personal best and encouraged me to “dig deep” when reaching my limit. I feel extremely privileged to work with such highly trained, knowledgeable, and motivating coaches. I continue to consider my hour at VSP the hardest and best hour of my day.
Cory Waldron
Baseball, Football, Soccer
We heard about Velocity Sports Performance on a radio program talking about young athletes’ training options. After hearing this program we were very interested in learning more about what they offer, particularly how their training could help prevent injuries. We called Velocity and arranged for Cory to have a free workout session. Cory loved it!!
Cory went three times per week until football season started (six weeks), then he went once a week, and is currently back to three times per week now that football season has ended.
Cory enjoys the length, intensity, and variety of the workouts. Cory thinks the trainers are great. They are nice, he likes the advice that they give about techniques, the encouragement they give, the personal experiences they share, and the individual focus due to the small class sizes. All the staff make Cory feel very comfortable and always welcomed.
Cory is the kind of kid that cannot get enough physical activity, and when he saw the Velocity Sports Performance facility in Champlin it was like taking a kid to a candy store. The football turf, basketball court, and all of the equipment were very impressive.
During this past football season, Cory demonstrated more quickness, a better burst to and/or with the ball, and overall increased strength. The increase in his core strength was evident in the number of tackles he broke while carrying the football.
We feel the experience at Velocity Sports Performance has enhanced Cory as an athlete on and off the field. His favorite new phrase that he uses with his friends is the slogan from Velocity "play like you’re in first, train like you’re in second."
We are so satisfied with Cory’s experience that we recently signed up his older brother, Cameron, as well.
Written by Cory's Parents: Phaen and Lori Waldron (November 2006)
Ryan Raether
Football
My experience at Velocity Sports has been a great one. The trainers here are amazing because they are fun and easy to talk to. They also make an effort to make it to your games. The equipment here is top of the line, and it has improved my athleticism dramatically. My football season this year wouldn’t have been such a success without the improvement that the trainers here have helped me achieve. With my continued training at Velocity I know that I will improve as an athlete.
Ryan Raether, Fall 2006
My husband and I have been very happy with the staff at Velocity and the programming that you have in place. Everyone at Velocity is extremely professional and very respectful of the parents and kids. When you watch them work you have no doubts they enjoy their jobs and have fun doing it! Their energy and excitement about the program is contagious, as proven by Ryan's actions and attitude. This sure makes it a lot easier for us as parents to agree to continue with the next level of sessions. Please thank them for us!
Written by Kathy (Ryan’s mother)
Jake Pendzimas
Baseball
We signed our 11 year old son, Jake, up at the Champlin Velocity in April of 2006, within a short time we noticed a significant difference in several areas. Jake learned the correct way to run, and what a difference that hade in his speed. This really helped him when he was playing baseball with stealing bases, leading off and being able to just run the bases a lot faster. We have been very impressed with the strength training Jake has been doing at Velocity; he has become stronger and more flexible. When Jake started Velocity he could only do 1 push-up. Now he can easily to 35, and he does them the correct way. Jake looks forward to going to Velocity, and enjoys it a lot. He feels like he is “one of the family”. All of the staff are so friendly and always make him feel welcome. Jake has made great relationships with the people there, Darin, Corey, etc and especially two of the trainers, Nate and Chris. He always talks very highly of them. They have done an AWESOME job training Jake. Velocity has been a great program and has inspired Jake to now want to play football and basketball.
Thanks a lot Velocity!
Written by Shawn and Laurie Pendzimas (Jake’s parents)
Kaila & Josh Narum
Volleyball & Baseball
We were introduced to Velocity Sports Performance by my son’s baseball coach and were then asked to come in for a complimentary trial session. My son Josh, 13 went to his trial session and before he got out of the car in our driveway, he said that he wanted to join with flyer in hand. At that point we were in contact with Darin Nelson to see what types of programs they offer. The next week, Josh was signed up for 18 sessions.
I went to the first session with him and was impressed from the moment I walked in the door. From the staff at the front desk (Dana), Darin and all the trainers (Corey, Chris and Nate). They are all professional, courteous, and friendly. Josh looks forward to going every session because even with all the hard work completed in that hour and a half, he still calls it FUN. In the short amount of time we have been at Velocity I have seen improvements in Josh's strength, speed, and his style of running. Not only has he improved physically, he has improved mentally. He is more confident, not only on the field but outside of sports in everyday life.
With the improvements that I was seeing in Josh and the commitment of the staff, I decided that Velocity would be a great benefit for my daughter (Kaila, 14) and signed her up as well. When I committed to signing up Kaila, we were so excited about Josh's progress that we committed both kids to the 12 month program.
When Kaila started the program, I looked into what Velocity had for parents - any type of programs that we could do while the kids were doing their workouts. I then met with Corey for a complimentary personal training session and he took me through some tests to see what I could do to improve and to help me focus on my goals. I was impressed with his knowledge and ability to help get me get motivated to reach my goals.
We are very fortunate to have found Velocity Sports Performance. They have a staff that cares for their customers professionally and personally. I would recommend Velocity to anyone who wants to succeed in sports, stay in shape or just meet their personal goals.
I thank everyone at Velocity for the compassion, commitment, professionalism that they have shown my family.
Written by Kaila and Josh's mother, Kelli Johnson (June 2, 2006)
Mark Williams
Football
"Recently a friend of ours told us about a new sports club opening called Velocity Sports Performance. We were invited to attend the open house with our 17 year old son, Mark. Mark is a Junior at
Park
Center
High School
and is a well rounded kid with an above average interest and participation in sporting activities. He began his involvement with organized sports at the tender age of 5 with t-ball. Mark is active in the sport of the season including football, basketball, baseball and snowboarding.
We attended the open house and were very impressed with the facility and equipment at Velocity and also the courtesy and knowledge of the staff. We were shown around by Darin Nelson who patiently answered all our questions and was very eager to work out a program for Mark and his schedule. We committed to a six month program and Mark began his workouts.
When Mark joined Velocity, he was looking for a place to work out at a higher, more intense level than he was able to do on his own or at the weight room at the high school. What Mark got was incredible professional workouts, lots of personal attention and coaching, and a place where he really feels like he belongs, is welcomed and treated as family!
As Mark's parents, we could not be more impressed with the progress and achievements Mark has made, both in personal goals met and recognition as a top performer in the Midwest Combine resulting in an invitation to attend the Elite Athletic Showcase in Schaumburg, Ill.
In addition, my husband and I have been blown away by the ongoing service, phone calls and communication between Velocity and our family. This organization is truly top notch and first class. We have nothing but gratitude and good feelings in doing business with Velocity Sports Performance."
Written by Mark's mother, Lynn (May 25th, 2006)
Marisa Fern
Softball
Marisa was in your first sessions Baseball / Softball clinic with Extra Innings. She was on the Omgaa 12u fastpitch that won the AFA National Championship this summer 2007.
Omgaa held tryouts for for the 14u teams on Nov 18, and that was why we enrolled her in your program.
Well at this point it would be hard to dispute that Velocity and Extra Innings didn't contribute to the success she had that day, because she made the top 12 and made the A team. Most of the coaches there as well as myself would have thought she was a longshot to make the team.
Some of the staff that was working with her told her they wanted to know how she did. You should have seen her face when she got the call that she made the team. The first thing she said was that she wanted to let you know. She was known as poptart to some of your staff.
Written by Marisa's father, Paul (December 3, 2007)
