NFRONT [NFRONT Athletics, LLC] is one of the fastest-growing youth sports training organizations in the greater Chicago-Milwaukee area. Based in Lake County, IL; NFRONT training programs provide girls and boys of every age and skill-level the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop sprinting skills in a fun group environment. Young athletes have a variety of natural gifts and abilities, and our mission is to ensure that all kids are able to build mental and physical confidence, in addition to trust in themselves to be able to follow through with personal goals.
NFRONT training programs boost the bio-motor ability of young athletes through emphasis of the proper sprint mechanics needed to develop muscle memory and fast twitch ability. Training sessions are a blend of sprint work, body-weight training and plyometric movements delivered through efficient hour-long workouts in various training environments.
NFRONT Training is adapted to the athlete’s initial ability, and that intensity grows as athletes increase their stamina and comfort level with the movements. Typical monthly commitment is between 4 to 12 workouts [hours] per month, and through meeting the challenges of each workout, NFRONT athletes develop not only physically; but also, perseverance, self-disciple, and commitment as well as emotional control of anger and anxiety.
"If you are looking to increase speed, strength or game performance, NFRONT can provide the necessary tools for success. Choose from one-on-one or small group training packages."
Athletic weight loss, Acceleration (sprinting), Start & 1st step quickness, Linear & Lateral Speed, Core Development, Explosive Power, Flexibility, Reaction Time
In and Outdoor training sessions are held at multiple off-site locations nearby depending on the workout including local gyms, running tracks, public parks, and trails located in the northern Lake County area. Off-site training locations will change depending on a number of factors, so please check back with NFRONT coaches and the website schedule page for updates to the site.
Sites currently include the following:
Mill Creek Park [Grayslake, IL]
Warren Township High School Track [Gurnee, IL]
Canlan Sports [Libertyville, IL]
Coaches Ken and Kelly Pendleton, dedicated parents and founders of NFRONT, are both former Division 1 track and field athletes who attended Illinois State University (ISU). Searching for ways to feed the athleticism of their two young children, the former standouts created the organization as a training program based on core speed elements which could be blended with an athlete’s overall goals, no matter the age or skill level.
Coach Ken Pendleton
Division 1 track experience on a championship level
Attended ISU from 1994-1998, specializing in sprints and relays
5-time national NCAA championship qualifier
Personal Records
100 meters: 10.26 seconds
200 meters: 20.58 seconds
400 meters: 48.77 seconds
CPR, AED and First Aid certified
USATF Level I Coaching Certification
Coach Kelly Pendleton
Division 1 track athlete at Illinois State University
Competed in the triple jump and sprint relays
5-time All-Conference performer and helped lead her team to 3 MVC Championships
Personal Record
Triple jump: 39’5”
CPR, Group Fitness Instruction
Steve Prefontaine
Established in 2018, NFRONT is an organization focused on building confidence and character in every athlete. The concept was born out of a realization that today’s youth are athletically deficient, often times, when it comes to preparation for the level of competition they face. Our athletes have solid growth in confidence as they set, reach and reset speed goals. As correct motion patterns are developed, strength and stability are emphasized as the foundation to carry into a more advanced level of training.
We provide our athletes with effective and efficient training using up-to-date education, proper technique, and coaching in a motivating, engaging and competitive training environment. Our athletes flourish both mentally, physically and make huge strides in confidence as well as leadership. Our coaching staff serves as mentors and positive role-models. We are dedicated to changing the lives of young athletes by providing athletes tools for their tool belt of success on and off the field.
Months 0 - 3
Training at the initial level emphasizes proper running form, basic acceleration mechanics, and fundamental power movements. Using body-weight circuit training, strength and variety is embedded into the movement range; improving posture, coordination, and sprint-specific line patterns in the novice athlete.
Months 4 - 11
Athletes begin to develop better physical balance and ease in switching gears through the race finish. Precision and power come more into play as mental concepts are introduced for how to handle physical stress during a sprint.
Month 12+
The peak training level reinforces the understanding of increasing speed with the least amount of effort. It is essential to go deeper with speed endurance work and tactical skills needed to progress through barriers to speed, so discussions on race philosophy becomes more analyzed.
Warm-up
Jog | 5:00, 2-laps
Drills | 30-40 meters (x8-10)
Stretch | 5:00, Static, dynamic
Strides | 30-40 meters (x8-10)
Workout
Sprint, strength, plyometric, core, and technical development
Cool-down
Jog | 3:00, 1-lap