SouthFlorida.com | Teen Link South Florida

My training is better than your training. Or so Nike thinks.

On May 3, Nike hosted a SPARQ testing session at the Velocity Sports Performance Center in Coral Springs. SPARQ stands for speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness—five qualities Nike calls essential for athletic success.

The event, which was open to the public, was one of five across the country designed to find the best male and female high school athletes in nation.

"Our goal is to make better athletes... and address the physiological side of athletes," said Scott Henson, a Nike brand manager for team sports.

Participants went through various drills, such as hurdles, vertical jump, 20-meter sprint, agility shuttle and power ball toss.

Each athlete was then rated with a number representing his level of athleticism. The number is designed to serve as a benchmark for the athlete's progress as well as to allow him to compare himself with fellow athletes across the country.

It's a "prescription on how to get better," Henson said.

Student-athletes from all over South Florida came out for the event, which included star power.

NFL athletes Sam Madison of the New York Giants and Kelvin Smith, Julius Wilson and Rodrique Wright of the Miami Dolphins were on site Saturday to lend a hand and help train students.

"When I came out in 1992, nothing was available to develop us [as athletes]," Madison said. The lack of infrastructure meant athletes had a lot to catch up on at the collegiate and professional levels. "Training is 100 times better now," Madison said.

Malcolm Ricks, a junior defensive end at Blanche Ely, said the event prepares athletes for the next level.

"Colleges look for speed, [and this] shows me against the nation," he said.

Ricks said the new training methods will have a huge effect on his game, and he is setting his sights accordingly. "Last year I was one of the top tacklers on our team; next year, I am looking to be the top tackler in the state," he said.

Raeyvin Lamar also has high hopes. The Pompano Beach High junior failed to qualify for the county playoffs in the long jump by a mere half an inch.

Lamar was impressed with the SPARQ event and its emphasis on reaction skills. "I think I'll be able to make it past counties [next year]—way past counties," he said.

Most of the participants were at the event to get an edge on their competition.

Chris Rodriguez, a junior tight end at Nova High, knew he needed to improve his speed and agility after a blowout loss to nationally ranked Booker T. Washington. Rodriquez has used SPARQ training during the past few months and said he "probably went from a division one sub to a division one starter."

The event was not limited to those with college aspirations. Plenty of seniors who had already accepted scholarships attended, including Victor Keise of North Broward Prep and Evan Landi of Coral Springs Charter.

Landi, who will enroll at the University of South Florida in the fall, said he was there because "SPARQ will help me compete for the starting job."

Keise, a University of Minnesota signee, said, "Before, training meant just training with coaches. It was based on their knowledge only. As I moved up, more training facilities have sprung up to break things down for you."

As high school competition has intensified, athletes everywhere are looking to move up. That means eighth graders were represented at Saturday's event, as well. Kevin Riddick brought his son Kristopher to the event. He said he "wanted him to see the training and see what he needs to do to reach his goals."