Earlier today, Aaron Brooks of Hagerstown, Maryland, smashed the world record in the bench press for his age and weight. The previous bench press record for eight and nine-year-olds in the 88 pound weight class was 77 pounds. Aaron now holds the record at 99.21 pounds, which is more than 22 pounds greater than the previous record. Aaron was being coached by the two best power lifters in the world and current world record holders, Dennis Cieri and Cliff Tallman. Now that Aaron is the current world record holder, he has qualified to represent the United States in the World Championships this upcoming...

Aaron Brooks of Hagerstown, Maryland, is a seven-time national champion wrestler who has more than 345 amateur wins to his name (and counting) and will compete to break the world record in the bench press for his age and weight on June 12 in New Jersey. The current bench press record for eight and nine-year-olds in the 88 pound weight class is 77 pounds. Aaron’s father, John Brooks, is a hard working father of two young boys—Isaiah (age 12) and Aaron (age nine). He works as a Paraprofessional at South Hagerstown High School and assists specifically with alternative learning opportunities. Previously,...

“Current research indicates that resistance training can be a safe, effective and worthwhile activity for children and adolescents provided that qualified professionals supervise all training sessions and provide age-appropriate instruction on proper lifting procedures and safe training guidelines. “Regular participation in a multifaceted resistance training program that begins during the preseason and includes instruction on movement biomechanics, may reduce the risk of sports-related injuries in young athletes. “We have all heard the old misconceptions that kids shouldn’t lift weights...

Written by James Ryan “People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.”—Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Author of “The Power of Positive Thinking” For as long as I can remember, I have been a big believer in the theory that all moods are contagious—good and bad. For any coach, positive energy and enthusiasm are key fundamental factors in their ability to motivate and teach their players. Players who generally feel good about themselves will almost always be able to accomplish just about...

Written by James Ryan “You build a defence with a foundation of ends and tackles. You add the linebackers, and you top it off with cornerbacks and safeties. If the foundation cracks, the whole thing comes down, because the line is where it all starts.” As I calmly made my way onto the practice field this week, I stopped to greet one of the parents who had been standing along the side-lines of the indoor practice facility. As I shook his hand, he simply smiled and said, “Now we’re gonna find out who can hit!” “You got that right,” I replied enthusiastically. What can I say, folks? I...

Written by James Ryan “Search out the man and you’ve got the coach. Because the essence of the business is not playbooks and diagrams and the confusing jargon that mystifies even the most dedicated fan. It is emotion and purpose and sincerity; it is channelling [40 to 60] collective personalities and egos into the most violent game anyone has managed to think up.” Week two of the Niagara Spears try-outs had finally provided me with the opportunity to observe the Niagara Spears Varsity team (ages 17 to 19), but also, it gave me the unique occasion to speak with the man himself, Head Coach...

Written by James Ryan “Football is a game in which two opposing teams of [twelve] players each defend goals at opposite ends of a 100-yard rectangular field, points being scored by carrying an inflated oval ball across the opponent’s goal line or by kicking this ball over the crossbar between the posts of the opponent’s goal.” Piece of cake, right? Football (not to be confused with soccer) is without a doubt, one of the most complex and difficult sports for anybody to learn (let alone to actually be good at playing). In order to be successful in football, one requires a rare combination...

Generally, I would not make it a habit to pass judgment on others or condemn people for the personal choices that they make in this life. After all, everyone makes mistakes and nobody is perfect (especially yours truly). Far be it for me to stand high upon my soap box, casting stones at the masses. It wouldn’t take very long for someone to throw one right back and knock me off as well (it’s happened). But with that being said, I do have one small issue that has recently been giving me a lot of trouble and concern: The use of anabolic steroids in athletic competition and the message that...

As a youth football coach and the father of two young, impressionable athletes, I find the entire topic of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs (PED’s) to be absolutely appalling. There is just something about steroids and the permanent place that they now seem to have in our society (and our favourite sporting events) that simply rubs me the wrong way. Then again, prior to coaching and fatherhood, I had always been a very strong advocate against the use of PED’s, whether it be in sport or in life. Back in 1987 when I was 14-years old, I was fortunate enough to gain employment at a...

Hi All, I didn’t create this, but I felt that it should be shared. Enjoy! Coach James . . . . . Almonds and other Nuts Super Powers: Builds Muscle, Fights Cravings Secret Weapons: Protein, Monounsaturated Fats, Vitamin E Fights Against: Obesity, Heart Disease, Muscle Loss, Cancer, High Blood Pressure Imposters: Salted or Smoked Nuts Beans and Legumes Super Powers: Builds Muscle, Helps Burn Fat, Regulates Digestion Secret Weapons: Fiber, Protein, Iron, Folate Fights Against: Obesity, Colon Cancer, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure Imposters: Refried or Baked Beans Spinach and other Green...