Four years ago, a 150-pound, self-proclaimed “skate punk,” walked into our facility looking to get bigger and stronger so he could play high school football. But, truth be told, the first couple months of training weren’t exactly “focused” for Pat Cole. Maybe it was the immaturity of being an 8th grader (and one of the youngest athletes in our gym); or maybe things just hadn’t “clicked” yet for the young man.
Enter Coach John Impallomeni.
A couple months into Pat’s training, I set him up with a different trainer - John Impallomeni. John really focused on teaching Pat proper form in our “foundational” exercises - box squat, bench press, deadlift, chin-ups and box jumps - rather than just letting him “go through the motions.” According to Pat, as he started learning how to lift properly - and seeing progress - he began to “want to come to the gym more and more.”
After about a year of working with John and taking his training seriously, Pat’s physique and strength really started to transform. But it was at this time that Pat received some devastating news from his doctor during a football physical. Pat’s doctor informed him that he had a leaking aortic valve and playing football would not be a “healthy choice” for his heart.
Turning a negative into a positive
Instead of “hanging up his cleats” and calling it a career, Pat decided to take up track and field - more specifically, the shot put. His best throw during his freshman year was 43 feet; this was considered a “pretty good” start for Pat. But, “pretty good” wasn’t good enough for Pat Cole. He wanted to be the best. So he decided to totally engross himself in the sport and train specifically for the shot put. In less than one year, he added over 10 feetto his best throw! He threw 53’ 02” as a sophomore. This was also the year his best box squat went from 275 to 405 pounds! Check out the videos below…
Pat Cole squats 275 x 2 as a freshman
Pat Cole squats an easy 405 on his 16th Birthday!
There is a good lesson to be learned here for all coaches and trainers; I feel one of the keys to Pat’s success in the gym during this critical year of training was John’s focus on proper form, as opposed to implementing fancy programs. Way too many coaches look for “quick fixes” and fancy programs during the early years of an athlete’s training. Focusing on exercise form - as well as getting stronger in the “foundational” lifts - will build the best foundation for young athletes. Pat is living proof of this.
Once Pat developed a base level of strength, John started adding more jumps and throws, as well as specialty barbells for squatting - safety bar and cambered bar are the two favorites - and some strongman-type exercises into Pat’s program. Speaking of Pat’s program, here’s an inside look at Pat’s Lower Body Strength Workout from last week:
1. Weighted Box Jumps, holding DB’s: 5x3 (Worked up to 35” box, holding 35lb. DB’s)
2. Cambered Bar, Low Box Squats (12” box): Worked up to 430 x 1!
3. Prowler Sprints - 6 X 15 yards
4. Barbell Russian Twists: 4 X 10 each side
*Pat’s program changes from week to week, depending on track meets, technical training, traveling, etc. He usually performs Upper/Lower training splits, although Full Body workouts are also used when he can’t get to the gym two or more times in a week.
This type of training has been a recipe for success for Pat. He added another four feet to his PR from the previous year with a 57’ 03” throw this year as a high school junior! Going into his senior year, Pat’s resume includes the following:
1st Team All-County - (Indoor & Outdoor Shot put)
4-Time Group 1 State Champ (2 indoor, 2 outdoor)
6th Place Finish at prestigious Penn Relays
Power of the Internet
Pat is currently being recruited by major Division I Universities throughout the country; he has his “on-field” performance and work ethic to thank for that. But, I wanted to add a note to this article for all the coaches, trainers and gym owners who are reading this; one of the things that Pat’s dad informed us has been a huge help in the recruiting process are the YouTube videos we’ve posted of Pat. In fact, a major BIG 12 University contacted Pat after seeing his 405 squat video and they are making a house visit this month! The Cole family couldn’t be more excited.
YouTube videos allow college coaches and recruiters to see how athletes train when “no one is watching.” This just may be the “x-factor” for a coach/recruiter that has two athletes graded equally on the field, yet he/she only has one scholarship to offer and needs something to separate the athletes. An athlete’s off-field work ethic or physical strength just may be the “x-factor” that separates one athlete from another. So even though posting videos may mean “more work” for you, it just may help one of your athlete’s get a scholarship or get recognized by a college that otherwise would have never known about him/her. And let’s be honest, having a “Pat Cole” representing you and your facility for the world to see, won’t exactly hurt business.