There's never been a more competitive time in the world of sports, and athletes always are looking for an edge over their competition.

Former college football standout Brad Sigut hopes to offer his assistance to these athletes at the newly opened Norwin Speed and Strength Academy, which is located inside the Baseball Academy of Norwin on Hahntown Wendel Road in Irwin.

Sigut brings a speed training system that he learned from Ron Matteucci of the Dallas Cowboys' staff, who he trained with while playing quarterback and linebacker for the University of Richmond in Virginia.

The former East Allegheny football standout earned an education and sports science degree and now wants to teach his system to the youths of Westmoreland County.

"The NSSA training system works for all athletes, male and female, who need to run faster, jump higher, need more agility and first step explosion," Sigut said. "The bottom line is that speed wins."

NSSA features a speed training program for athletes as young as 8, while the strength-training program begins at age 12.

Sigut said with his program, athletes can decrease times for 20-, 40- and 60-yard dashes; increase vertical leap 2 to 6 inches; increase agility, quickness and lateral movement; and increase core strength and flexibility.

"Every athlete should have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential," he said.

"Speed and strength are skills that must be practiced and maintained year round."

The highlight of the NSSA program is the Vertimax system. Armed with an array of cables and resistance cords, the Vertimax provides a unique challenge for athletes looking to gain lower body strength.

Other training tools at NSSA include viper cords, overspeed cords, the speed ladder, dynamic warm-up, running technique education, dot drills other other speed improvement workouts, as well as pre- and post-training cycle evaluations.

Sigut is assisted by former Norwin athletes Jon Salmon and Mike White-man.

The academy opened in January with a response from more than 80 students in the first few weeks. Sigut was aided by several youth organizations, such as Baseball Academy of Norwin, Police Athletic League, Norwin Soccer Club, Norwin Junior Wrestling and Norwin Community Athletic Asso-ciation.

NSSA is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To learn more or to sign up, call 724-861-3048 or visit www.norwinspeed.com [1].