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Story Archives: Athletes take advantage of new athletic training


Athletes take advantage of new athletic training
by Joe Durham, Jr. - posted Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 @ 3:02 pmE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
A new form of athletic training has begun which involves some rather intense workouts.

"Many players, both men and women, come to use our equipment," said Rick Roberts, manager of Athletic Republic in Monroe a relatively new place which just held its grand opening recently. "We train them so they get to be better athletes in whatever sport they play."

One of the things they use is a high speed treadmill which is protocol designed for the age and the sport.

They actually use two buildings. In one building, they have the baseball training equipment. The other building houses the treadmills and other equipment.

The baseball equipment is called the ProBatter Professional Baseball PX2 pitching simulator. It can be used by players of all ages and provides each student with sound fundamentals and a thorough understanding of the game.

The simulator is very realistic and can really help a baseball or softball player.

The facility also includes the Dartfish TeamPro for hitting and pitching analysis and a Powercord technology designed to increase hitting and throwing power.

The baseball system is designed so the batter can face a variety of pitches, including fastballs, sinkers, curves, sliders and change-ups at speeds up to 100 miles an hour.

The batter looks at a giant screen where the ball is pitched from. Its not tossed like a pitching machine.

"Some of the local players who come to use our equipment and our program include Montrell Conner of Ouachita and D. J. Banks of West Monroe," Roberts said.

There was also a football player from Ohio making full use of the facility. He is staying in Monroe for the summer to get his training in.

"They use the training, speed power and agility drills to help them," Roberts said. "Any type of training they can get to make them better for the upcoming season. All of the things the high school players do helps take them to another level."

The Athletic Republic company was founded by John Fraippine of Fargo, N. D. There are now 161 companies across the United States.

Roberts told a potential customer he would be a better runner at the end of the eight weeks session.

To date, some 500,000 Olympic athletes and 2,500 professional athletes have gone through the eight week program in various locations.

Right now, Roberts has 140 students and four area football teams taking advantage of the training opportunities.

The facility has the blessing of many coaches who like the results they can obtain.

The Athletic Republic Baseball Academy is located at 709 N. 30th Street in Monroe. The telephone number is 232-1613.

The facility is open year round and is closed on Fridays.
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