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Tuesday, February 14th, I sent the majority of the morning at Pearl High School’s Pirate field observing about 15 young, but “big,” guys training for try-outs for the NFL. These young men are college graduates who have their eyes on a pro football career. How I ended up “meeting” with these guys is really crazy!
Dot Nichols joined Focus Fit gym in Brandon. She has turned into an exercise nut …but I am proud of her …she looks awesome and is healthy…anyway, Dot was on the treadmill one day and of course noticed the group of guys working out! The guy on the treadmill spoke to her and told her who he was and that he “kind of knew her.” Turns out the guy was Kalean Jackson from Magee. Kalean was a standout player at Magee, Co-Lin, and South Alabama. When Dot told me the entire story…I told her…”I need to do a story on Kalean and the guys.” The rest is history!
R. J. Barnett is the man! These young men come from all over the USA to train under Barnett. R. J. told me, “I am not a trainer…trainers train animals…I am a mentor for life.” Right now, these guys are “unemployable adults,” stated Barnett. “I take them and help them to be the best they can be.” R. J. believes in helping the guys make weaknesses their strengths.
R. J has a plan. He works with these guys in all areas of their preparation for the pro try out date. Setting goals with a purpose is high on R. J.’s list. Not every goal will be met…but set goals one can reach…then reset your goals…explained R. J.
R. J. is just not about sports. I was so impressed with this love for the Lord as well as his desire to see young men and women develop into productive members of society. “Just learning to be on time for practice, will instill the importance of being on time for a job,” explained Barnett.
The video is well worth the “listen” especially if you have a son or daughter striving to excel in any type sport.
“Without failures…one can not grow…” J. R. may be reached at 601-940-7338 or contact him at Focus Fit in Brandon. fasttwitchsp@gamil.com
