Athletic Insights

Class of 2024 Slot Receiver Jack Howell joins us to talk USPORT recruiting and OSFL football. The sure handed leader is currently a member of the Myers Riders and team captain of the Eastern Ontario Select 7s. USPORT coaches get on him early! To learn more about Jack and his journey tune into Season 5 Episode 1 of Athletic Insights.

Welcome back to another episode of athletic insights! Our guest today- Sean Stoqua is a former 2 sport athlete from Acadia, and now Pro Basketball player. Sean had a total of 4 leg surgeries before he first stepped on the court professionally. Additionally, Sean is a professional physio therapists now treating athletes in Brockville. If you're looking to stay healthy and find motivation to push through injuries look no further.

Former Brockville Brave and North Dakota Fighting Hawk joins us to discuss his professional hockey career, and his journey towards his passion. Clarke, a Brockville born athlete shares his experience with the NCAA hockey route and how it took him across the world.

Former Brockville Brave, but more notably, former OHL captain Brandon Prophet sits down with Athletic Insights host Zachary Benson. Brandon's OHL tenure took him from Saginaw, to Barrie, and finally to the Peterborough Petes. Prophet also played a season with the Queens Gaels after his OHL career and has a ton of valuable insights for the next generation of athletes.

Idahosa Yorke is one of the smoothest kick returners in the game. The former Mount Allison Mountie joins us to discuss the challenges of getting recruited when you are labelled "under-sized" and how you can use your strengths to your advantage. Idahosa is a very explosive twitched out receiver that made the decision to bet on himself and return to high school for a 5th year. The rest is history, 2800+ all purpose yards later and its safe to say the coaches who overlooked Yorke missed out. This one is for the underdogs that know they can hang when their number gets called. 

Justin Howell- the former Carleton Raven joins us to discuss his journey to the CFL. Justin is heading into his third CFL season with the Ottawa Redblacks and is itching to hit the field for training camp. We discuss Justin's experience being recruited from a small town, and how the underdog mentality can take you exactly where you want to go.

Welcome the hosts of “At The 55” our favourite OUA Football podcast for another episode of Athletic Insights. Zac and Dakota join us to discuss the 2021 CFL DRAFT, the upcoming USPORT season and much more.

Tre Ford is undoubtedly the most athletic and dynamic quarterback in the Country. As Tre heads into his 4th season at Waterloo he hopes to get his final season in before heading into next years CFL Draft. Keep your eye on this dude as he puts his on the Yates.

We are joined by former X-men Football player Chris Shibley to discuss his journey from Kingston, to Nova Scotia and beyond. Chris was also a member of the X-men track and field program in his off-seasons. Transitioning into his new role as a coach Chris has spent time with UOttawa and UBC with a defensive backs focus. Chris provides valuable information on what the recruiting process actually looks like for a lot of athletes outside of the big cities.

Today we welcome back former guest Keagan Hughes captain of the Bishop's Gaiters to discuss the upcoming CFL national and regional combines. Keagan is a 5th year leader born in British Columbia who lives the game of football. CFL teams looking for a versatile line backer with the ability to play all special teams, look no further.

This evening we are joined by local ball player and 4Life athlete Colin Devaney. Colin is a 6'5 245lbs baseball player with ball crushing power. Colin plans to be the guy that puts Brockville baseball on the map and we are excited to watch his journey progress. Colin is an integral member of the 4Life Fitness Leadership Academy and has been a fantastic role model for our younger local athletes.

Athletic Insights hosts current CCHL draft prospects Cole Shepherdson & Landon Wright of the Major Bantam AAA Upper Canada Cyclones. Both student athletes attend Thousand Island Secondary School and are excited for March to roll around to showcase their ability for the CCHL evaluators. Tune into season 3 episode 8 of Athletic Insights to hear from two talented young hockey players ready for the next level.

Local product Jayden Delorme has recently committed to Carleton University on a full athletic scholarship. However, Jay's journey with us goes back to 2015 as a Marvel Athletics stand out. Several years with the Ottawa Sooner and Team Ontario experience has played a huge role in preparing Jay for the next level. Jayden has also spent time training with myself, Victor Tedondo (Gridiron Academy), Tommy Kanichis (Next Gen Football) and many other programs developing an elite understanding of football and athletics. We are very excited for Jayden to take the torch of Brockville football and join Tanner Dejong as a member of the Carleton Ravens.

Season 3 episode 6 of Athletic Insights features CFL athlete and professional actor Stephen Adekolu. We dive into his time as a student athlete, professional athlete, actor, and much more as Stephen starts the next chapter of his life. Filled with recruiting information and steps to accomplish your athletic goals make sure to share this episode with any athlete looking to make it next level.

Athletic Insights is joined by head coach and 2 time grey cup champion Shawn Mayes as well as former Gaiter and current DC Andrew Fuentes. The pair of Champlain coaches discuss their programs family first environment and how they approach developing football players. Athletes looking for an opportunity here it is.

Coach Jerome Erdman of Simon Fraser (SFU) joins us to talk football and recruiting. SFU is Canada's only NCAA program located in Burnaby, BC. Coach Erdman offers elite recruiting insights for athletes hoping to make the jump to USPORT or NCAA football.

In this episode we are joined by Former St. Francis Xavier X-men and CFL Line Backer Ron Omara. Ron takes us through his experience as a youth athlete, University student athlete, and ultimately a professional athlete. Athletes looking for recruiting advice listen up.

Former Centre for the Bishop's Gaiter's and Western Mustang's Dimitri Pronko joins us to discuss his time as a player, winning a national championship, and growing into his new role as Queen's Assistant OL coach.

Brockville Native Emma Obrien joins us to discuss her time as a student athlete. During the course of Emma's career she played team Ontario, won a National Championship l, and earned a scholarship to Carleton University- Canada's most dominant basketball program.

We are joined by former Waterloo Warrior Dashawn Stephens. Dashawn is writer, educator, storyteller and founder of PRSVRE, a sports-media company that aims to showcase Canadian university sports. He is also the current Head of Media and Marketing for the newly formed Black Canadian Coaches Association.

We are joined by Podium Sports Therapy & Wellness Centre's very own functional medicine doctor Andy Thomas. We discuss the coming mental health crisis as a result of isolation and uncertainty. We ask our listens to keep talking, use your voice and stay connected to loved ones during these times.

In this episode of Athletic Insights we are joined by former USPORT athlete Jordan Ngantsi. We discuss the development of USPORT football athletes and the amount of growth that occurs over the course of a USPORT career. We touch on the recent USPORT decision and how it affects hundreds of University athletes.

Former Gaiter and current professional football player Ryan Hector joins us for season 2 episode 15 of Athletic Insights. We discuss his experience as an athlete and gives his perspectives on coaching, leading, and mindset.

Athletic Insights is joined by defensive captain and leader of the Bishop's Gaiter's men's football program. We discuss Keagan's journey from being under-recruited to becoming a captain, a leader, and a scholarship athlete. We dive into Keagan's training philosophy and how he approaches leadership.

Athletic Insights is joined by former Bishop's Gaiter and professional football player Jerome Valbon. Jerome shares his perspectives with us on being black in Canada. If you don't think racism is HERE, you aren't listening. Listen and ask questions because these conversations push us forward together.

Nathan Walker, a former standout for the Bishop's Gaiters and current masters student and Ottawa GeeGee joins Athletic Insights to educate us. Nathan is a born leader who provides us his perspective as a young black man in Canada. Athletic Insights supports the black lives matter movement and is against all forms of oppression. We are lucky to have Nathan Walker share his story and open up about racism and injustice. Listen, ask questions and learn. We are all in this together.

Episode 11 of season 2 features PhD. Sports Scientists and Bishop's University professor Xavier Roy. We discuss what fall semester will look like for University students, how to develop speed and better running mechanics as well as how to systematically build culture as a youth sports coach.

We are joined by 2013 National Player of the Year and former Bishop's starting QB Jordan Heather and his brother and go-to wide receiver Nathan Heather. We discuss the success they had on the field at Bishop's and this dynamic duo provides valuable insights for all athletes trying to understand mental toughness.

Athletic Insights is joined by Podium Sports Therapy & Wellness Centre owner and athletic therapist Ashley Hill, as well as our go-to physiotherapist Steve Pettem. We discuss what health care clinics will look like upon re-opening and how we can improve the health care model. Additionally, we discuss shoulder health and elaborate on what a holistic health routine should entail.

Returning guests Rhys Larry and Chris Cauley (former USPORT athletes) join us to discuss their experience and how culture and environment played an immense role in their team and individual success.

In this episode of Athletic Insights we are joined by 6 x National Champion and former Carleton Raven men's basketball player Gavin Resch. Gavin also completed degrees in Math, Physics & Computer Sciences at Carleton and plans to attend UOttawa for his masters in Applied Physics. Gavin provides insights into his experience as an elite athlete in a program of champions and how in the end the things we remember aren't the rings, but the experience itself.

In this episode of Athletic Insights we are joined by Cape Breton's own Ava Prosser. A Brockville, ON native with a burning internal motivation to improve Ava discusses her beliefs on sports and life as a USPORTS athlete. Ava is a believer that you should work as hard as you possibly can as a student athlete, but to make it the least impressive thing about you. Motivating young athletes is a passion of Ava's and the advice she provides young female athletes looking to develop is invaluable.

In this episode of Athletic Insights we are joined by Kevin Mackey. Coach Mackey is an energetic and outgoing football coach dedicated to developing young men into leaders. Coach Mackey has played and coached CIS football (western mustangs & Bishop's) and is currently the head coach for Thetrord (CEGEP) in Quebec. We discuss the route of CEGEP sports for Ontario athletes, how to make specific decisions for your academic future, and how to develop leadership qualities.

Former USPORT offensive linemen Tommy Kanichis of the Carleton Ravens discusses his transition to assistant offensive line coach with the Waterloo Warriors, and his new role as the offensive coordinator for the St. Mary's Huskies. As the youngest OC in the country Tommy discusses his journey and leaves advice for young athletes/football players aiming to get next level.

In this episode of Athletic Insights we are joined by former NCAA soccer player and recent graduate from the University of Toronto Med School program Aidan McParland. Aidan was born and raised in Brockville where he attended BCI and ultimately chose to play NCAA soccer for the University of New England where he completed his undergrad and a masters in Neurobiology. Aidan offers invaluable information about the Med School process for high school and University students looking to pursue medicine.

In this episode of Athletic Development neuropsychologist Walter Marcantoni discusses mental health, mindset, visualization, stress and how all that effects elite athletes. As a former competitive body builder Walter's passions are the brain, sports, and working out. If you are a young athlete looking for a mindset edge, listen up.

Shayne Cowan-Cholette is a proven leader: a professional educator, a Golden Key International Society member and a provincial level award-winning athlete and stage performer. In 2016, Shayne was named the R.S.E.Q Russ Jackson Award winner as well as the Bishop's Gaiter's Defensive M.V.P. What is Shayne most proud of? Being honored as the Valedictorian of his graduating class (2018) and turning his entrepreneurial idea of the “Purple Canada Tour” into a reality. “The Purple Canada Tour” was a social project that took Shayne across Canada to spread kindness and tell the stories of the nation's unsung heroes. Shayne sees the world as a place of never-ending opportunity. He has spent the last six years of his academic and professional career finding ways to inspire others to live through curiosity, to think outside the box and to take risks. Now, Shayne is embarking on another journey of self discovery and vulnerability, as he aspires to be a professional Canadian actor. During this Podcast, you will hear Shayne talk about his mission to teach others, and inspire potential innovators to ‘go where the fear is'.

So you want to go pro? You want to play NHL hockey? Find out from local product Ben Hutton who has done it all. From Jr. A to Division 1, and currently the LA Kings Ben shares his journey.

On this episode of Athletic Insights we are joined by 3x AUS champion Dylan Bell. Dylan touches on his experiences being an American born athlete transitioning to Canadian football/athletics. Dylan provides very raw, honest, and genuine advice to the next generation chasing greatness.

In this spirited episode of Athletic Insights Brockville native Chris Cauley discusses his experiences at OFSAA, medaling provincially in multiple track events at Western, and warns athletes about burn out in elite sport.

On this episode of Athletic Insights we are joined by USPORT nationals bound athletes Connor Kelly (Bishop's) & Jackson Baylees (Calgary Dino's). What a full circle moments for these 2 young Brockville born former teammates. Potentially squaring off at the USPORT men's basketball final 8 championship.

In this episode of Athletic Insights Brockville native Rhys Larry discusses his time as a champion Acadia Axeman. Rhys grew up playing for the Brockville Blues (now known as the Brockville Blazers) and went on to play Kingston Impact later in high school.  Rhys talks about his experience as an elite athlete, leading the AUS in rebounding, becoming a champion as a rookie, and overcoming multiple injuries. 

In this episode of Athletic Insights back-to-back Loney Bowl MVP and 2x AUS champion Josh Blanchard shares his experiences with USPORT football. Josh was an under-recruited player with big time potential and helped turn a struggling team into champions.

We are joined by Mitch Beattie a wonderful NCAA athlete, entrepreneur and local product. Born and raised in Brockville, ON Mitch is a great role model for undersized athletes trying to pursue next level athletics.

In this Episode Cleveland Brown and former UCLA Bruin Eli Ankou touches base on his journey from Ottawa to the NFL. With lots of encouraging words of wisdom this Canadian star wants young athletes to believe in themselves and take what you learn from sport and apply it to your life.

Trent Corney a Brockville, ON native dives into his experience as a division 1 football player at UVA and his time in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Trent discusses the pressures of playing through concussions at the professional level, and his next chapter of sports in Classic Physique.

In this episode former Western Mustang & Bishop's Gaiter Mike Nelson discusses his experience as an elite athlete and emphasizes the importance of communicating with your team, working hard and enjoying the ride.

Ashley, owner of Podium Sports and Steve, Physio at Podium; both talk about the love, challenges and importance of athletes being treated mentally, physically and emotionally. Whole body vs just physical treatments. 

Joined by CFL wide receiver Devon Bailey and former #6 overall draft pick, we touch base on his time as a student athlete and transitioning to the pros. Devon has an amazing perspective towards life, sports and family. Young athletes take a listen and learn from the best.

On this episode we hear from Victoria Everett and what it takes to become a D1 Ivy League Rower. The recruitment process to the weekly demands. 

Jesse Mills joins us on this podcast to share his experience starting in Nova Scotia, experiencing Team World and eventually leading the Carleton Ravens as the starting QB. Young athletes looking for advice, listen up.