Donnie Watson demonstrates the mechanics of towel-drill instruction at Prep-U to improve and emphasize proper mechanics without the wear-and-tear of throwing a baseball.

As it was the first Prep-U sessions in North Texas, reactions were effusive, although often couched in high levels of fatigue from the athletes. Parents, viewed the sessions first-hand and many took notes and shot videos to capture the routines.

One parent, Donna Dobbs even wrote in following her son Greg's sessions. saying: "My youngest son just completed the performance symposium and the nine sessions of pitcher prep. He would recommend it to any athlete who wants to be better prepared to compete at a higher level. Additionally, as a parent particularly interested in a healthy and injury free playing environment, I give the program high marks."

Additional Prep-U sessions are planned for the fall and winter this year in Dallas/Fort Worth and elsewhere, and details are forthcoming. Watson was adamant that the pitchers understand the importance of applying lessons learned to the next 5-6 months, and then refreshing their training emphasis.

"The athlete that's here today is going to be vastly different in 6 months. They'll grow physically and through their experiences and need to adjust how they apply all this to reach the next level." said Watson. It may be a minor course correction or a complete overhaul, but either way, it will be vital for their long-term success."

injury diagnosis, treatment and research in injury prevention. The Complete Athlete will lead a national movement to integrate sports science, exercise science and coaching science into a language that will allow 100’s of coaches. parents, teachers and athletes access to ongoing research and education and better define the methodology to develop elite athletes on the field.

In addition to the many rnowned members of his staff, Dr. Andrews is enthusiastic in his support of the Complete Athlete mission

"I support the effort of The Complete Athlete, as a leading voice in a national movement, to teach players, parents, and coaches a science based approach to develop safe, efficient and effective performance protocols for pitchers of all ages." he said.

In a bid to further separate itself from the many baseball and softball instructional facilities in North Texas, TPA of Euless, Texas is taking big measures to gain CA certification for the facility with the recent Coaches certification of two of it's key instructors.

Instructors Shane Davenport and Tyler Brown completed their Coaches Certification in Gulf Breeze, Florida April 20, passing with high marks.

Shane Davenport works through the CA Dynamic Warmup on the beach

"We're serious about competing, and showcasing our players to recruiters and scouts," says partner Nick Heitz. "But we're also comitted to keeping them healthy, and developing their talents to maximum potential. We saw what Donnie and Jen were doing and we knew it would be a perfect fit here."

Given the TPA Staff's enthusiasm, it's no suprise as to how they have aggressively begun introducing CA curriculum into the day-to-day operations at their Euless facility. TPA has already hosted player and parent meetings, symposiums and pitcher-prep programs and plans on implementing the Complete Athlete curriciulum into each of it's select-team programs this summer.

"Our select teams perform at very high levels" said Heitz. "And they know the summer schedule gets them noticed. If enough coaches, scouts and recruiters see them also doing a dynamic warm-up, or working with our Complete Athlete coaches, it's going to change how people view their potential, and our program."

Things have begun to change at the TPA facility as well. Shane Davenport has instituted meetings with client families to explain the new scope of instruction, and the increased responsiblities now on the shoulders of the Player, including requisite dynamic warmups. Strength and conditioning trainer Tyler Brown has brought in new baseball-specific equipment and has fine-tuned instruction to complement CA functional-strength guidelines.

Tyler Brown and Shane Devenport power through the first-hand training of the CA Coaches Certification

"The people here have stepped up and focused on the end goal with zero hesitation, and we're pouring all our energy right back into the TPA prgrams to make this a nationally-know center for high-end training and exposure," said CA co-founder Jenifer Wells.

Nodding while looking around the TPA bullpen, Donnie agreed.

"The bottom line," says Donnie, "is that you can open a facility and take people's money, or, you can empower athletes to grow and take charge, shaping them into self-driven prospects. What we offer is steps ahead and levels above what you'll find elsewhere. TPA saw that and cared enough to weave it into their program. The results will be stunning."

At this late date, roster spots and training availabilities for the popular May Symposiums and June Pitcher-Prep programs are limited. For a complete schedule of training and playing opportunities, email the facility at info@tpabaseball.com, or call 817-283-4449.

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