Being involved in “The Ride” has certainly fit its moniker.  I was selected for the 10-episode reality show to provide the perspective of a sport scientist who is passionate about football and experienced at helping athletes improve.  The Ride is not just about finding the best high school quarterback; it’s about uncovering the “diamond in the rough” that, given the opportunity of a lifetime could break through the barriers that have prevented them from being heavily recruited.  Each of the athletes has a unique “story” that includes challenges, whether it was being labeled as too small, not having enough experience, or coming from a smaller school, etc.

The first episodes were shot at FBU-Philadelphia in June. In addition to meeting the eight quarterbacks selected for the show, I also became part of a coaching staff that carry some serious credentials: Glenn Smith, Sam Wyche, Ron Jaworski, Larry Kennan, Mike Kruzcek, Tom Martinez, and Barry Every from Rivals. I consider this group among the “best of the best” when it comes to coaching, developing and evaluating athletes. More importantly, they are outstanding people that have each athlete’s best interest at heart.

We are looking to select THE Quarterback through a series of competitions and challenges. The athletes worked very hard in Philly, handled themselves like gentlemen, and improved immensely in a very short time.  And it was rewarding to see the progress that a few of the athletes made while training in our centers over the last few months-the coaches were impressed with their improved performance.  What a perfect example of the competitive advantage an athletes gains with Athletic Republic!

Next stop was Top Gun, where the field had been narrowed to four QBs.  It was very exciting to take all the athletes through the evaluation and training sessions in one of our more unique training facility-All Star Sports Training in Paisley, FL.   As the cameras were rolling I lead the players through both treadmill and plyometric sessions.  I was able to explain what each needed to do to improve their athleticism and conditioning.  As we see every day, the athletes made quick improvements in their sprint mechanics and movement skills which will allow them to get faster and move more efficiently.  They also seemed to really enjoy the training, understood how they can get better and were thankful for the help.

I’m looking forward to the next stages of the show, as we visit the remaining athletes in their home towns and high schools as we take in one of their Friday night games. After the cross-country tour, the two final players will be invited to play in Bowl Game in Hawaii in December. After the game, the coaches will shoot a live selection “round-table” and name the top QB. The winner gets a roster spot in the All-American Game.  The 10-series reality show starts in early November … I hope you can join Athletic Republic on “The Ride”

Steve Swanson - Chief Science and Technology Officer