Will Nyantakyi – Up North Trip
This off season we had a young man come up here all the way from Virginia (I guess word about what we do up here is spreading). Will came in quiet and unassuming, and although he came in already a fantastic athlete, we’re sure he’s leaving a more complete, explosive athlete. Here are his thoughts on his 3 months training with us.
Hey I’m Will Nyantakyi, I just completed one of the most decisive off-seasons of my football career. I have learned through sweat, blood, and some of the hardest work I’ve ever done that there is no better place to test my limits, improve my weaknesses, and step my game up than McDole Performance Systems. I played my high school football at Hylton High School in Woodbridge, VA. I ended my high school tenure leading my team in rushing for 2 years, being selected as Cardinal District and All Region selections. These accomplishments, and my eagerness to perform at even higher levels, led me on a search to find the best ways to bring my game to the next level.
Although U.S. Colleges didn’t believe I was completely ready to play at the next level, I vied tirelessly for another opportunity to play US college football. By the grace of God I was given an opportunity to play at the prestigious Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA. After a great season at Hargrave Military Academy, travelling the country, playing at many college stadiums and against elite college athletes, I was officially recruited by the University of Memphis, Clemson University, Youngstown State, The Citadel, University of Minnesota, Ball State. In addition, I was provided with numerous walk-on opportunities. Under the guidance of my family and Coach Pearman at Clemson, I decided to take the opportunity to play for the Clemson University Tigers in South Carolina.
My brother Rich decided it would be best to move me from Virginia and flew me to Winnipeg, MB to train with McDole Performance Systems. Upon leaving the US and coming to Winnipeg I had my doubts. With all the places in the US, all the people willing to train me, why would I come to Canada for my off-season preparation? In all honestly, I was kind of scared they would turn me into a hockey player! They began with a full assessment, interview, and recorded all my numbers. It only took few workouts before I realized they were more than capable of helping me reach my dream. All my numbers have increased tremendously; my speed, quickness, agility, strength and, what I find most important, my explosiveness have progressed so much. I was impressed with the personal attention they paid to the specific parts of my game I thought were lagging. The program has continued to adapt to my progress. This month of training is still as difficult as it was in the beginning. I was impressed with the knowledge, intensity, and specific workouts Chris and Dave provided to me throughout my time here.
At this point my training in Winnipeg is done and I’m prepared to head to the Clemson. I know I maximized my offseason as much as possible and am excited to see how MPS’ training carries over to the field.
I want to thank Chris and Dave for turning this skeptic into a believer and I can’t wait to see you all next summer when I come back to Winnipeg for my offseason workouts. Special thanks to my brothers Richard and Ross Nyantakyi, my sister Vivian, my mother Mecry, and also to my training partners Donny O, Jordan Matechuck, Eddie Steele and Will Sheils. Finally, a quick message to the young Xplode guys: great job and good luck in your seasons. See you next summer!
