MORNING SPORTS -070320

- while the fate of the 20-20 - high- school football season in - mississippi is still to be- determined, local athletes are- finding a way to still get on - the field, and put in some work- as high school athletes strive- to make it to the next level, - many look to private training t- improve their game.

Dozens of - college athletes and even pros- use private trainers- including patriots quarterback- cam newton and ohio - state quarterback justin fields- however, the price for just an- - - - hour session can be steep - the- low-end starting at $50 per hou- going - all the way up to $300.

- gulf coast elite training offer- training for free to athletes - who - simply want to work hard.

- - - - tavaris crosby, gc elite- training head trainer: "well on of the main things we - wanted to do cause we knew ther- were a lot of programs around - here that charged, you- know, and there's a lot of kids- or parents that wasn't able to,- you know, be a part of that - because of the fees and all - that.

So we wanted to kinda do- - - - something different and just- provide services for free so- kids can come out and, you know- the - ones who couldn't afford, the - fess or whatever from the other- organizations - they can come out with us and - - - - train for free."

Donte stallworth, gc elite training - ceo: "we love these kids and we love this - game, man.

And we wouldn't- charge kids for something we- love doing."

Stallworth and crosby fell into- training first by training thei- own sons.

After some discussion- the two decided to start gulf - coast elite training to help- provide information and - skills to athletes who didn't - have parents as - trainers.

- tavaris crosby, gc elite- training head trainer: "my favorite part is the kids.

You- know, just watching them- progress and seeing them get in- shape from week to- week.

You know, sometimes they- come out in the first week that- - - - we get them, they're not in - shape, they're throwing up or,- you know, their head's hurting- and all that, - but then you see them progress- and eventually get stronger and- get more- endurance about themsleves.

So,- it's been a good experience so- far."

Gc elite athletes and their - parents are grateful for- what stallworth and crosby are- doing.- dennis stevenson, gc elite- athlete parent: "one thing i've seen since he started - working with this unit is he's- very motivated, instead of- sitting at home playing video - games he wants to get out here.- and to be out here today, to se- how hot it is, it - let's us know that he's very- committed and trying to have a- - - - successful season.

And working- with donte has truly been a - blessing.

He has gotten calls - from- different colleges he hadn't in- the past and so we're excited - about it and i see a great- committment that i haven't seen- in the past."

Several g-c elite athletes have- gone on or have gotten offers - - - - to play at all college levels.- stallworth's and crosby's advic- for athletes wanting to play- college football is - simple.

- donte stallworth, gc elite- training ceo: "just stay focused.

Come here and- prepare.

Stay focused and stay- humble.

And stay hungry."

Tavaris crosby, gc elite- training head trainer: "the one who want it the most- is the ones who are going to pu- in the most work.

You know, if- you want it, you- gotta go out and get it.

And- that's what i preach to these - - - - guys.

You know, just being- humble and staying focused on - what your goal is."

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