ATHLETE PERFORMANCE - PERSONAL TRAINING - GROUP FITNESS
Pursue Greatness
MEET THE TEAM
RUSSELL MIDLAM
OWNER / CPT / PERFORMANCE COACH
Graduate of Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management, minor in Business and a coaching focus.
Russell has been a personal trainer and speed coach for over 15 years holding multiple certifications during that time. His love of health and fitness started with sports as he was a 3-sport athlete in high school and a 4-year starter and All-American for the ONU football team. After college he went on to play professional football for 3 years. In the off seasons he served as a speed and strength specialist at a large training facility in Northwest Ohio. After his football career he switched to training full time working with individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
For years Russell has spoke at different conferences and clinics around the country on leadership and athlete performance. His greatest thrill is helping others reach their full potential in health and in life.
He founded Pursuit Fitness in 2016. He and his wife, Amanda, have 3 children: Kaylee, Luke, Mason.
"You don't get what you want, you get what you commit to"
JAKE CARPENTER
MANAGER / PERFORMANCE COACH
Graduate of Ohio Dominican University where he was a 4-year member of the ODU baseball team. Jake is currently finishing a graduate degree in Psychology at The University of Findlay and is the Training Manager at Pursuit. Jake is a graduate of Dublin Scioto High School.
Mentored by ODU strength coach, Danny LaPara, Jake has experience designing and implementing group training for athletes. Post-graduation Jake has a background in speed and strength training. He believes timing and effective programming are vital to transferring what the athlete does in training over to the playing field.
Jake has also worked with Otterbein University's baseball program and has an impressive background in leadership and mental development.
"A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but because of its persistence"
CONNOR MCKELLEY
CERTIFIED TRAINER / PERFORMANCE COACH
Connor has been training and coaching seven years. In high school he was a boat crew leader for his JROTC program which is where he found that coaching and helping others achieve high levels of fitness and motivation was something he loved to do. He graduated in 2015 and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching at Ohio University. This is where he became a focused educator and coach, promoting positive and inclusive learning environments. During his internship and graduate assistantship, he worked with Ohio University’s Strength and Conditioning staff. He was specifically responsible for the Ohio University men’s Football strength and conditioning programs
and other sports such as women’s Volleyball, and men’s Basketball. After he graduated with his Bachelors in 2019, he then pursued a Master’s degree in Recreational Sciences and Sport/ Exercise Sciences at Ohio University. Throughout his two-year graduate program, he was a teacher within the Physical Activity & Wellness program. He taught weight training, exercise conditioning, circuit training,
yoga, and other classes that revolved around physical activity and sport. He is a dedicated professional in pursuit to help others realize their ability to succeed and to motivate them to work hard and reach their goals. He also continues to pursue his love of Disc Golf and is currently an active professional in the sport.
“Failure helps us learn. Success teaches us what failure taught”
AMANDA MIDLAM
Certified Nutritionist/Certified Personal Trainer
Amanda is a graduate of Ohio Northern University where she played soccer and earned a degree in Sport Management. A nationally certified trainer for over 12 years, she has worked in many different environments and works with clients of all ages and backgrounds.
She has shifted more of her focus to nutrition as she is an AFPA certified nutritionist. As a busy mom of 3 and former athlete, she specializes in helping younger athletes conquer their nutrition as well as helping other busy moms navigate their daily nutrition and fitness habits!
"Your body hears everything your mind says"
