Performance Talk with Dr. Ewell Gordon

This was a great conversation with lots of relevant points. Zack brings experiences from multiple stops and even discusses why it was and is important for him to learn from others and not just lean on his own understanding.

As a licensed psychologist and a 1996 Olympian, I have over 25 years of experience in helping individuals and teams achieve and sustain excellence in high-performance domains. I am currently the Director of Mental Performance at PROSPER, a leading high performance company that serves elite athletes, executives, and professionals.

I partner and collaborate with clients to create a shared vision, develop innovative solutions, and optimize their strengths, gifts, and talents. I leverage my expertise in psychology, and high pressure performance to empower, lead, and inspire clients to thrive in and out of the performance arenas. I have worked successfully with top executives, Olympic athletes, NCAA Division 1 and high school athletes and coaches, and Special Operations Forces soldiers and commanders. My mission is to inspire, accelerate, and elevate leadership and performance in high-performance organizations.

Jim is the owner and head trainer at Unbreakable Athletics Academy.

We will discuss his methods used working with athletes of all types sport, tactical, and otherwise.

Stephen Bird

Timothy Suchomel

Paul Comfort

Matt Jordan

Sara Terrell

Distinguished practitioners from across the country and around the world come together to discuss issues in the performance profession from multiple perspectives.

Discussion with some of todays foremost performance nutritionist discuss a number of topics involved with sports nutrition today.

As a child and young adult, I deeply immersed myself in the world of gymnastics, actively participating from the ages of 15 to 22. As time marched on, I ventured into a new athletic realm, wholeheartedly embracing Olympic Weightlifting, where I had success as a competitor in the 53kg weight category.

However, the demanding world of high-level athleticism began to take its toll on my body, and I made the decision to retire at age of 27. This phase of my life turned out to be a significant learning adventure, offering me valuable insights into both my personal well-being and the idea of healing.

During this time, Postural Restoration, alongside holistic medicine, emerged as crucial elements in my journey. They directed me towards more effective methods and approaches that eventually paved the way for my healing and recovery, adding a brighter chapter to my story.

Director of Texas Optimal Performance & Psychological Services, LLC (TOPPS)I. Curious about the athletic mindset and finding ways to enhance one's "heart" and inner drive of athlete's so that they can reach their own personal success. While pushing oneself to their physical limits one can begin to understand the importance of mental strength. Strongly believes in the practice of: embracing personal growth, enhancing performance, and enriching the passion.

Dr. Cauthen's goals is to understand your experience and provide evidence based treatment to assist you in personal growth and empowerment. Focus on your needs and believe in the importance of enhancing your support system.

Pysical development of 19 different male & female varsity teams. Previously Kris was the Strength & Conditioning coach of Canada’s Senior Women’s National 15’s team, as well as the Women’s Rugby Canada Development Academy in Ontario. Kris has been Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. Kris has worked with athletes from a broad spectrum of sports such as swimming, hockey, basketball, judo, and soccer. Kris is a former professional athlete of the Canadian Football League (CFL) being drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 11th overall in the 2013 draft, unfortunately he suffered a knee injury that cut his professional aspirations short. Kris is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) and is currently in progress of completing his Master's of Exercise Science at Edith Cowan University.

Coach Ryan Banta is a Member of Missouri Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (MTCCCA) Hall of Fame 2021, USTFCCCA Girl’s Coach of the Year 2022, MTCCCA Coach of the Year 2021 & 2022, Ryan is the Author of the Sprinter’s Compendium, St. Louis Suburban Conference Coach of the Year 2022 & 2023 for track & again in 2023 for XC, past President of the MTCCCA, and has a Master’s in Positive Psychology from the University of Missouri.

Coach Banta is a successful high school coach. His athletes have achieved 138 school records (FR, JV, Varsity), 8 top-five team finishes at the state championships, team state title in 2022, 9 district championships, 7 district runner-up finishes, 10 conference team titles, 272 state semi-finalist (sectionals), 190 state qualifiers, 3 state records (3200, 4×800, and 100HH), 21 national ranked events, 169 All-state Medalists, 20 state champions, 22 runner-up performances, and 2 Gatorade athletes of the year all done in a single gender at Parkway Central High School. HS coach of Olympian Emily Sisson.

Leadership, Coaching Contributions and Peer Development

●        MTCCCA Executive Committee

●        MTCCCA President

●        MTCCCA Vice President

●        MSHSAA Advisory Board Member

●        Presenter at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon

●        Author of the Sprinter's Compendium, the most comprehensive book ever written on the topic of speed 2017

●        Featured Coach on Ryan Banta’s Critical Mass System: Sprint Training Philosophy & Methods by Championship Productions 2022

●        Host of Companions of the Compendium Podcast 2021

●        Clinician Presenter in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin

●        Presenter at World Speed Summit and ALTIS Apprentice Coach Program

●        Contributor to speedendurance.com, just-fly-sports.com, and elitetrack.com.

Academic Education

●        Masters of Education in educational, school, and counseling psychology with an emphasis in positive coaching at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, 2019

●        Teacher’s Certification from the University of Missouri in St. Louis, 2007

● Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in history and Asian Studies from Carthage College, 2001

Athletic Education

●        USATF Level II in endurance, jumps, relays, hurdles, and sprint events.

●        USTFCCCA Technical Certification

●        ALTIS Apprentice Coach’s Program

●        USATF Emerging Elite Coach in 2012 

1. Keep educating myself to find better ways to treat my athletes, clients, and friends.

2. Educate others about their body.

3. Facilitate connections across the nations.

4. Be a good example of a "fine Israeli."

Specialties: Evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation of athletic related injuries. Movement, wellness, and fitness.