The Academy

Ben Adolph,

NSCA, CSCS

EDUCATION

Illinois State University

Aurora University ’05

B.S. Health Science

Taking pride in the development of a strong work-ethic in our athletes, as well as self-discipline and character development in a team-building environment, Ben is focused on producing results required to be a competitive athlete at any age. The program is not provided as a “fitness” program, but rather a strength and conditioning program designed to improve overall athletic performance.

The Athletic Performance Academy holds education as a priority among staff members. As NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists (CSCS), we are part of an elite group of coaches, educators, and trainers able to operate strength & conditioning programs for athletes from beginner to elite.

Mike Vertucci

CrossFit Level 1 Instructor

Crossfit Powerlifting Certified

Crossfit Olympic Weightlifting Certified

EDUCATION

Indiana University

B.A. General Studies

After eight years in the U.S. Army Mike understands the discipline and dedication it takes to accomplish goals at any level. He feels that to make an athlete reach their full potential you not only need an athlete with desire and a strong work ethic but a coach who has the passion, focus and knowledge to help them achieve their goals.

Mike is currently certified as a Crossfit Level 1 Instructor which focuses on developing athletes at the most elite level. Understanding the needs of athletes he has taken time to personally learn powerlifting techniques from Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell and Olympic Weightlifting lifts from Coach Mike Burgener of USA Weightlifting. With a desire to be a better trainer to his athletes everyday, he is hoping to finish his CSCS certification very soon.

Paul Paynter

NSCA, CSCS

EDUCATION

BS, Illinois State '85

MA, Adams State '98

Paul is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with the NSCA, a club coach with USA Weightlifting, and USA Track & Field level II certified coach in the sprints/hurdles/relays, as well as the throws. In addition, he is a personal trainer, a junior high and high school summer sports camp coach, a seminar clinician, and a facilities and sports programming consultant since 1995.

Paul has competed in weightlifting, triathlon, cycling, track & field, cross country, and running, including eight marathons. His areas of special interest include complete athletic performance enhancement (speed, power, mobility, skill, work-capacity), holistic (total) fitness programming, and Olympic weightlifting.

Paul grew up in Arlington Heights, playing youth football, swimming, baseball, and wrestling, and competed in high school football and track and field at Arlington High School (1981). He graduated from Illinois State University in 1985, with a BS in Biological Sciences and Chemistry, and earned a MA degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance from Adams State College (Alamosa, CO) in 1998.

He has taught science and physical education, and coached track, cross country, strength & conditioning, and swimming since 1988. He devoted eight years to the high school student-athletes, including seven in High School District 214; five years were at Prospect High School.

Paul's college experience includes NCAA DI- University of Wisconsin-Madison; assistant strength & conditioning coach for men's track (Big Ten Conference Champions) and women's rowing (3^rd Nationals), NCAA DII- Adams State College; graduate assistant coach track and cross country, and NCAA DIII-Concordia University Wisconsin; director of athletic performance, head men's and women's track and cross country coach, and physical education adjunct faculty. He has coached numerous state and national qualifiers, as well as several medalists, NCAA All-Americans, and two national champions (NCAA Track and USA Weightlifting), one who was an Olympic trials qualifier.

He has also taught Olympic style weightlifting and power lifting, as well as other physical education courses, including SPARQ courses at Harper College in Palatine. Paul was the head coach of Harper College’s nationally (NJCAA DIII) ranked cross country team, as well as assistant coach of the track & field team (National Champions 2009) from 2008-2011.

His personal interests include staying physically fit, training and competing, when competitively fit, as a masters track athlete, weightlifter, and runner. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, traveling, bird hunting, and reading/researching. His joy is participation with others living a high quality, healthy, and active life.