Nate Burchell Testimonial

4th December 2009  |  WI, Green Bay

“I have only one rule that you must never break if you wish to stay in my class” Scotty Smith of the House of Speed said to me, “What is it?” I asked him. “Never say you can’t!” These are the words I lived by throughout my whole summer before my senior year. Scotty helped me push myself to limits that I didn’t even think I could break. Because of him, I have gone above and beyond my abilities, and now realize that I have a fighting chance to actually accomplish something in college athletics.

It seemed like my first year of high school sports just cruised on by while I thought to myself “I am fine, I’m better than everyone in my grade.” I had this cocky attitude when I was a freshman because I moved up to both the basketball and baseball JV high school teams. To myself, I could do no wrong and I thought I was better than all my fellow students. Boy was I mistaken. I didn’t realize it then, but because I thought I was God gift to sports, I didn’t have to try, or even practice hard. I lost that first year of improving just like I did the following two, and I’ll never get that time back.

My sophomore year and junior years came out of nowhere and there I was, an average player. Sure I started on varsity as a junior for football and basketball, but I finally realized that it didn’t mean anything. I was getting passed up by nearly everyone, and it was completely my fault. I didn’t take advantage of making myself better during the offseason, and didn’t really take any practices during the season seriously. My whole life perspective on it changed right before my senior year when my dad decided to go to a seminar, and sign me up for the House of Speed.

During the offseason before my senior year, I lifted more than I ever had before in my entire life, but that’s not what changed me. What did was when I visited the House of Speed and met Scotty Smith for the first time. When I first saw him I figured he’s just your usual trainer who yells a lot and makes you feel worthless. He ended up being one of the nicest people I ever met in my entire life. It seemed that everyone else who was taking his class along with me clicked right away with him as I did. He not only taught me how to improve my running abilities and my quickness, but to become a better athlete and person on and off the field.

I owe Scotty so much and I don’t think any amount of money I could give him would ever make up for what he has done for me. I look up to him not only as a trainer, but as a father figure, and as a best friend. But whatever way I look I know that he has changed my life and has taught me that working hard pays off more than I could have ever imagined.

Nate – H.S Senior 09-10
(this was written for a high school project)