Miami Heat. Philadelphia Eagles. Oregon Ducks. U.S. Olympians. Navy SEALS. Prairie Ridge Wolves. What do these organizations have in common? They have all listened to the presentation given by John Underwood on reaching peak performance level. And now, he will be visiting Prairie Ridge on October 15 from 7:25-9:50 to share his presentation once again.

Students wonder, “why John Underwood?” When Prairie Ridge Athletic Director Mr. Gilbert worked at Barrington High School, several BHS students joined over a thousand other students from across the country to hear John Underwood speak in Lake Placid where they all pledged to live the life of an athlete. Living the life of an athlete means abstaining from drugs and alcohol. It also means eating healthy and getting the right amount of sleep.

Students may be wondering, “why would I want to go to this meeting?” Mr. Gilbert, athletic director at Prairie Ridge, says, “Prairie Ridge students, along with students from Woodstock, Woodstock North, Cary Grove, and Barrington, all attended the presentation. After having heard what he said at the meeting, students really wanted John Underwood to come and present at our school.” Students who attend this presentation should expect to learn how to become better athletes outside of their normal practice time.

Who can go to this meeting? All athletes, performing arts students, and members of the National Honor Society are invited to this meeting, but they have to check with their coach or club sponsor to see if they are on the field trip list. Any student that would like to go to this meeting but are not in any of the groups mentioned above can talk to Mr.Gilbert about attending.

Head Football Coach Chris Schremp, who also attended the presentation at Woodstock North, is excited for students to hear John Underwood speak. Both Coach Schremp and Mr. Gilbert like how John not only shares concepts with the students but goes one step further to explain how their actions and choices affect their body and performance. Coach Schremp says, “I like his presentation because he directly explains how living a poor lifestyle will affect your performance on the field.”

After attending the meeting at Woodstock North, the 38 Prairie Ridge students who attended started a group called the Wolf Way.

The Wolf Way is a group of student athletes who are devoted to living the life of an athlete and spreading the word about how to be the best you can be in your sport or activity. Any student at Prairie Ridge can become a member: you simply pledge to live the lifestyle or become an active member of the group. Group members will be planning activities for students throughout the year.

Coach Schremp, the sponsor of The Wolf Way and Mr.Gilbert are hoping that after hearing John Underwood’s presentation, more students will join the club and commit to living the life of an athlete.