This month’s Athlete In The Spotlight is Dan Mower #54, Linebacker at Malone University.  The best way I can describe Dan is simple – he has “IT”.  Those of you that are coaches may understand immediately what I mean by that.  But for those who don’t, I want to shed some light on exactly what “IT” is because I believe it is the most important attribute one can have in sports and in life.

When you get to coach a lot of athletes you see a wide variety of capabilities both physically and mentally.  Some are slow, some are fast, some are lazy, and some are driven – there are all sorts of combinations that you will find.  Every once in a while though, you come across an athlete that has “IT”.  I think Joe DeFranco describes “IT” best – someone who has “IT” is a G.A.M.E.R. – They are:

Goal Oriented

Accountable

Motivated

Exact

Resilient

Dan sacking the Wayne State University QB

Having  “IT” means that you have the intangibles, the mental attributes that can’t be taught.  I can coach any athlete to get bigger, stronger and faster but I can’t coach an athlete to have “IT”.  “IT” is something that comes from within.  And sadly, it’s not very common anymore.  I have worked with over 200 athletes over the past 3 years and I can honestly say; I can count on 1 hand the amount of athletes I’ve worked with that have “IT”.

If you’re still unclear of what I am talking about let me give you some examples of what it means to have “IT”

Dan came in with a set of goals he wanted to accomplish.  He knew exactly where he wanted to go; it was just a matter of figuring out how to get him there.  In 14 weeks of training, he did not miss one workout.  He never complained and always came ready to work with a smile on his face.  He was always early and would call ahead if he got tied up at work.  If he couldn’t make it in the evening he would be there at the crack of dawn.  Even when he traveled to Wisconsin for a wedding; he brought his cleats, cones and everything he needed to get his speed and agility workout in.  He asked questions, always eager to learn more, and listened to the answers.  This, is why Dan was elected as a Captain for his football team this year.

Having “IT” goes beyond just training as well.  When I sent Dan a video about what it takes to be an entrepreneur – he got back to me with notes on the key points.  Why? Because he wants to own his own business after he graduates from college and he knows what it is going to take to get there.  But before he does that he wants to play professional football in Canada and I am 100% confident that he will.  Why? Not because he a physical specimen, standing at 6 Ft. tall 230 lbs. with the speed of a cheetah and the strength of a gorilla, but because he has “IT.”

So if you are an athlete or if you have kids that are athletes please read this again because these are the qualities that a good coach will be looking for.  There are plenty of athletes that are fast and even more that are strong.  But very few that have “IT”.  Set yourself apart from everyone else by being one of the few athletes that is a true G.A.M.E.R.

Dan took some time away from the “Gun Show” to sit down for an interview with us:

Q:  What school do you go to and what sports do you play and how long have you been playing them?

A:  Malone University, Football, and I’ve played football since 2^nd grade

Q:  How long have you been training at O.B. Training & Sports Performance?

A:   I have trained at O.B. Training since the start of the summer of 2015.

Q:  How has training at O.B. Training & Sports Performance helped you become a better athlete?

A:  In a short amount of time I have seen major improvements in speed and strength. Ryan takes the time to focus on athlete’s goals and works one on one with them to give the attention that you want.

Q:  What’s your favorite thing about training O.B. Training & Sports Performance?

A:   One on one attention, and the motivation that Ryan and the rest of the guys I work out with give me. It’s always fun time working out with other college athletes.

Q:   If you could meet any Professional Athlete who would it be?

A:   Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has a quiet confidence and is one of the best QB’s of all time. Who wouldn’t want to meet him?

Q:   What would you tell a young athlete that aspires to play at the next level?

A:    To find a good balance between school, family and their social life. Sometimes to get in the extra work to be successful one needs to sacrifice time with friends and family to get that extra workout, or practice in.   You have to be able to stay focused and work hard. The rest will fall in place.

Q:   What’s your favorite and least favorite exercise?

A:   Favorite exercise – Biceps Curls. Least Favorite – Squats.

Q:   How does O.B. Training & Sports Performance differ from other gyms you’ve been to?

A:   Ryan gives you the one on one attention that any athlete would want. Ryan has a lot of knowledge of different lifts and diets. O.B training is open most hours of the day, so could get workout at any time of the day. Fun atmosphere, always enjoyed working out at O.B training.

Q:  Would you rather be without elbows or without knees?

A:   Without elbows