D1 Knoxville Therapy Patient Shares Inspirational Story

D1 Knoxville therapy patient, Ryan Parker, has caught several people's attention with his inspirational story. Ryan, 11 years old, is a rising star athlete in east Tennessee who has conquered foes medically and physically. He is a three-time AAU National Champion tournament wrestler with a season record of 49-0, a running back/defensive end for his youth football team, and earned the title of one of the Top 40 fastest kids in the nation for the 100-yard dash. Ryan has conquered all of this, eventhough he nearly lost his life with a MRSA staph infection in his finger. His finger swelled to double its size during a wrestling practice and he was rushed to the hospital where they diagnosed the infection and began immediate treatment which resulted in surgery on his finger to alleviate the swelling. Ryan has since recovered and has set high goals for himself...he wants to win the Triple Crown in wrestling along with becoming a four-time State Champion in high school. D1 wishes Ryan the best of luck! Click here to read more about Ryan.

D1 Hosts Open House for Special Olympic Athletes

D1 Little Rock will host an exclusive Open House for Special Olympic athletes on Sunday, November 16 from 2-4pm at the facility located at 10 Viewpoint Cove. D1 coaches will be providing all Special Olympic athletes free sports training that will help them become faster, stronger, and more agile for the next Special Olympic Games. For more information contact Andre Tucker at 501.258.7653 or click to email him. Come out and support our Special Olympic athletes!

Marcus Monk Contemplates Playing Basketball at Arkansas

Marcus Monk, former Arkansas Razorback wide reciever and D1 2008 NFL Combine Athlete, is contemplating returning to Arkansas to play basketball. Marcus holds the record for most career touchdowns by a wide receiver at Arkansas, but few know about his basketball abilities. In high school, Marcus was the state basketball player of the year and played in ten games as a freshman for the Razorbacks before quiting to focus on football. Because Marcus graduated in three-and-a-half years, he still has one year of eligibility remaining for basketball. D1 looks forward to seeing Marcus on the basketball court!

Antonio Johnson Signs with Colts

Antonio Johnson, who trained at D1 for the 2005 NFL Combine, has signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts after spending the past three years with the Titans. Johnson, a 6-3, 310 pounder, will try to work his way into playing time at the Colts' defensive end position. D1 wishes Antonio the best of luck with the Colts!

D1 Huntsville Helps Amobi Okoye Foundation

Former D1 athlete and Houston Texans defensive end, Amobi Okoye, is asking D1 and local Huntsville high schools to help his efforts in fighting hunger during Thanksgiving. The Amobi Okoye Foundation is hosting a Tackle Hunger fundraiser that will give a "Big Sack Award" to the high school that collects the most food. The goal for the Thanksgiving Holiday is to raise sufficient food to feed 500 families. Lets help Amobi Okoye and his efforts to stop hunger in the Huntsville area! Bring your canned food by D1 Huntsville's facility or call 866-998-4203 if you would like to make a monetary contribution.

D1 Athlete Making Knoxville Proud

WBIR in Knoxville captured the dedication of Carlene Steenekamp as she works out at D1. Carlene works to keep her body in competition shape for figure competitions. She just started competing this year and didn't start until after having her 3rd child. Carlene has competed 3 times so far. She most recently won the overall figure title at the Tennessee state bodybuilding and figure championships in Murfreesboro. Click here to learn more about Carlene and her workouts at D1.