Tony Surace works seemingly around the clock with athletes during the school year. But instead of taking summers off, Surace has opted to keep that clock ticking.

Four summers ago, the widely-respected veteran Niagara Falls High School athletic trainer began the Competitive Edge Sports Performance Program at NFHS and since then has conducted the clinic at Niagara Catholic High School and Niagara County Community College. Beginning Monday, the University Sports Medicine of Niagara-sponsored program will be offered at Grand Island High School.

“Jen Banker approached me through their community education program and I figured why not try to expand this thing a bit,” Surace said. “We have a good relationship with our trainers working in their schools, so I think it’s a good fit. It’s a unique opportunity for them… and I’m excited about being there.”

The Competitive Edge clinic is an offseason conditioning program that helps athletes at all levels maximize their athletic potential by improving speed, agility and core strength while working to prevent injuries. Surace, who will lead the camp, added that the program will begin with basic exercises before quickly moving into more sport-specific training.

“We will definitely focus on specific exercises that are functional to their sport,” he said, adding that the weight room, gymnasium and pool will be used during the workouts.

The program will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. It is open to Grand Island residents ages 14 to 18. The cost is $99 per person.

The highly-successful Competitive Edge program at NFHS will run from July 8 to Aug. 8 on a Monday through Friday basis. It will be from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Surace said he already has plans to return the program to NCCC next summer and is also looking at other high school possibilities.

For more information on any of the Competitive Edge programs call 215-0723.

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.



IF YOU GO

n WHAT: Grand Island’s Competitive Edge Training Program presented by Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and University Sports Medicine of Niagara

n WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday during the month of July

n WHERE: Grand Island High School

n WHO: Island residents ages 14 to 18

n COST: $99 per person

n MORE INFO: Call 215-0723