MEET THE TRAINERS
MIKE
BENSON
As owner and head strength coach of Pro Player U, the Acadia University Axemen grad and Winnipeg native, Benson is entering his 8th year in the CFL as a linebacker and long snapper. Currently with the BC Lions, Benson has also spent 2 year with the Edmonton Eskimos and a brief stint with the Toronto Argonauts. After studying nutrition and kinesiology at University of Manitoba and Acadia, Benson switched his academic pursuit to Community Development and Business.
Benson, who spent 2011 training with the Canadian Olympic Bobsleigh team and the last 7 years as a professional football player, has had the ability to train with, learn and collaborate with some of the best strength coaches in the nation. This, along with various certifications (APCC Certified strength coach, APWL - 2, and various NCCP certs) to name a few, has given Benson the grounds to have a very successful training career thus far. Benson specializes in athlete performance, strength, fat loss & olympic weightlifting.
THOMAS
MILES
LB Coach
The University of Manitoba Bison alum and Winnipeg native, Thomas was selected in the 4th round (33rd overall) in the 2014 CFL draft. Still currently playing for the Argo’s Thomas is active in the community volunteering for Cvets Pets and an ambassador for Anaphylaxis Canada. Thomas spends his offseason in Winnipeg where he trains and coaches.
ADRIAN
CLARKE
LB Coach
Acquired by the BC Lions in the 4th round of the CFL draft, Adrian brings a great level of knowledge to the Pro Player U staff of coaches. After having a great rookie year in 2015, Adrian started all games in 2015, 2016. The Bishops Gators alum is a history major with a minor in phycology and sports studies. This will be Adrians first year as a PPU coach.
P/K, Punting & Holding Coach
Leone, who is currently a member of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL brings the best leg in the game to our very own back yard. Richie, the two year CFL all-star and punt average leader will be attending our Punt, Kick & Snap camp this March. Richie has spent 3 years in the CFL total along with attending NFL camps for both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Richie spent his college days playing for the University of Houston (Go Cougs!) where he majored in economics.
BEN DOWNS
Strength Coach
As a current strength coach of Acceleration Performance, former CIS football star and holder of numerous national powerlifting records – Ben has been in the human performance training game his entire competitive life. Currently finalizing his studies in psychology and IO Sciences, Ben applies his knowledge of the strength game to all up and come football athletes!
OTHER GUEST COACHES
Jake Thomas -DL Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Rory Kolhert – WR Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Carl Fitzgerald – FB Saskatchewan Roughriders
Chris Cvetkovic – LS Winnipeg Blue Bombers