Athletic Republic, the nation's leading franchisor of science-based performance sports training centers, has provided much of the training regimen and serves as the "Official Performance Sports Training Partner for the reality television show, The Ride, which debuts this week on select Fox Sports Net (FSN) and Comcast Sports (CSN) affiliates nationwide.

 

The Ride is a first of its kind sports reality show that selects the nation's best "under the radar" prep quarterback over the course of of the ten-week series. Eight high school quarterbacks from all walks of life and experiences compete for the top prize - the chance to earn a roster spot in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the increased media and recruiting attention that come with that honor.

 

Athletic Republic Chief Science and Technology Officer Steve Swanson is one of the six judges who decide the fate of each of the young men competing for the elusive top prize. In addition, many of the training and testing techniques used at Athletic Republic facilities were integrated into the experiences of the athletes on the show.

The Ride will chronicle the athletes as they move from Football University in Philadelphia to FBU's elite and invitation-only Top Gun camp in Florida and then on to the Aloha Classic in Hawaii. Only four of the eight quarterbacks were chosen to attend Top Gun and only three were selected to move on after the grueling camp.

 

The Ride then follows each of the remaining three athletes to his hometown and provides a glimpse of their play for his high school team. Only two are selected to play in the Aloha Classic and the winner is named a U.S. Army All-American and chosen to play in the prestigious Bowl in San Antonio on January 9, 2010, which is broadcast on NBC Sports.

 

In addition to Athletic Republic's Swanson, the other quarterbacks coaches and talent judges included: Tom Martinez, who serves as Tom Brady's guru; former NFL quarterback Mike Kruczek, tutor to Matt Ryan and Daunte Culpepper; former NFL quarterbacks coach Larry Kennan, private coach to Eli Manning; former NFL head coach Sam Wyche (Joe Montana's QB coach); and Rivals.com national recruiting expert Barry Every, among others.

 

The Ride airs on the following FSN and CSN affiliates. Please consult your local listings for the time(s) in your area.

 

FSN - FS Arizona, FS Houston, FS Northwest, FS Rocky Mountain, FS Sun Sports, FS West Print Ticket, MSG Plus.

 

CSN - CSN Bar Area, CSN California, CSN Chicago, CSN New England, CSN Southeat.