Teen Athlete Training in Mentor, Ohio
Build the Athlete First. The Sport Comes Second.
Sport-specific strength and conditioning for Lake County high school athletes. Football, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse — coached by trainers with Exercise Science degrees and collegiate athletic backgrounds.
Why Mentor Parents Trust AIM With Their Athletes
High school sports have gotten faster, more specialized, and more punishing on young bodies than they were when most parents played. ACL injuries, overuse issues, and burnout are climbing. Most kids in Mentor, Willoughby, Painesville, and Kirtland need somewhere serious to train in the off-season — and somewhere safe to maintain during it. Somewhere a credentialed coach watches their form, scales the load, and develops them as athletes first.
Our coaching staff includes former collegiate football and rugby athletes, Bowling Green State University Exercise Science grads, CrossFit Level 1 and USAW Sport Performance certified trainers, and former University of Findlay strength & conditioning interns. They know how to develop young athletes because they've been athletes — and they've coached them at the next level. They also know how to earn a teenager's buy-in, which is half the battle.
Sports We Train
- ✓ Football (off-season, in-season, combine prep)
- ✓ Baseball & softball (rotational power, throwing prep)
- ✓ Basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse
- ✓ Hockey, wrestling, track & field, cross country
- ✓ Swimming, gymnastics, dance, cheer
- ✓ Golf, tennis, and any other school or club sport — plus general athletic development for younger athletes
What Athletes Get
- ✓ Movement screen and baseline assessment
- ✓ Individualized program for their sport and position
- ✓ Strength training that scales over time
- ✓ Speed, agility, and conditioning work on the turf
- ✓ Injury prevention and return-to-play protocols
- ✓ One-on-one or small-group formats
Coaches Who've Done This Before
Owner Tim Dragmen interned in strength & conditioning at the University of Findlay, working with the football, basketball, and volleyball programs. Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Pat Kuntz did the same — and was a collegiate football and rugby athlete himself. Conor Tanski grew up training at AIM as a Mentor High School football player and now coaches the next generation.
Read each coach's background to find the right fit for your athlete.
Parent FAQ
What age do you start training athletes?
We start most athletes around age 12-13 with general athletic development — bodyweight movement, basic strength patterns, speed and agility. Sport-specific programming ramps up around middle school and through high school.
Is it safe for teenagers to lift heavy?
Yes — when programmed and coached correctly. AIM's coaches hold ACSM and USAW certifications and have backgrounds in Exercise Science. Loads progress slowly. Form is the priority. Lifting under qualified coaching is one of the safest athletic activities a young athlete can do.
How often should my athlete train?
Off-season: 3-4 sessions per week. In-season: 1-2 maintenance sessions per week. Your coach will build a schedule around your sport calendar.
Do you train teams?
Yes. AIM has worked with travel teams and high school programs across Northeast Ohio. Reach out if you'd like to bring a team in.
Free Athletic Assessment
Bring your athlete in for a free intake — movement screen, goal-setting, and a tour of the facility. No pressure, no contract.