Beebe’s House of Speed debuts at YMCA Sunday

YOUNGSTOWN — For the better part of nine seasons, Don Beebe was a respected receiver and kick returner for the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.

Beebe has always been respected mostly because of his strong work ethic and character. He was honored as an “Unsung Hero” in 1996 at the NFL Players Association awards banquet.

Since retiring from the NFL, Beebe pursued his lifelong dream of helping kids become better individuals through sports.

The founder of “Don Beebe’s House of Speed,” Beebe trains athletes in the essentials of top performance, character and speed.

His program, started in 2006, has expanded to five states with 20 franchises now open in less than four years of operation.

His goal is to operate 100 franchises within the next three years; not an unrealistic one if you are aware of his positive approach to life and sports.

Local franchise owner, Steve Halloran, a 1990 Cardinal Mooney High graduate, will conduct a free Speed Camp and Open House at the Downtown YMCA, 17 N. Champion St., on Sunday, beginning at 2 p.m., with the hopes that youngsters will realize the potential of the program as they maximize their athletic potential.

“We go against the societal grain,” said Halloran. “We’re old school and parents can relate to our approach; more so than the youth.

“We preach discipline and our speed creed is very simple. Work hard, play with passion, play with respect, have mental toughness, take ownership and be a good teammate.

“When all of the above comes together, then you see everything under the ‘building character’ umbrella begin to take shape,” Halloran added.

Halloran has assembled a staff of four highly-qualified trainers, all of whom have already gone through Beebe’s training sessions as they now begin to impart the ideals of the program.

The lead trainer is Josh Pearce of Greenville, Pa., a former wrestler who in 2008, trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Col.

Jeff Hevener, a two-time state wrestling champion from Austintown Fitch High; Tony Sarigianopoulos of Campbell, and Dennis Peebles of Struthers are also on the staff.

“We build athletes, no matter what the sport or gender from ages 8 on up,” said Pearce. “We guarantee that you will become a more complete athlete as you go through our program.”

Pearce gave up a lucrative job as a bridge builder to take a position with the House of Speed. He was sold on its ideology from the start.

“I just had an overwhelming feeling that this program would succeed and I wanted to be a part of that success,” he said.

“I feel that my strength is breaking down athletes’ progressions in all sports, seeing their weaknesses while helping to improve their positions. We lead by example,” Pearce said.

Halloran said it was a natural that his franchise pair up with the Downtown YMCA because of the strong connection between the two organizations.

“They believe in our product and we believe in their credo so you can see that there is definitely a strong connection,” Halloran said.

Beebe believes in Halloran’s positive approach and is impressed with his business savvy.

“To be able to bring the House of Speed program to Youngstown is exciting, and we couldn’t be happier with the partnership that we have formed,” said Beebe.

“Our speed training and sports performance training programs give us the chance to influence young people in a positive way.

“At House of Speed, we believe that helping kids develop physical technique, strength and speed is very important and that our unique approach enables kids to develop what no other sports enhancement program out there offers: Character,” added Beebe.

Sunday’s program includes, but will not be limited to proper stretching and warm-up techniques, skip drills and, of course, speed drills.

To secure a reservation, visit HouseOfSpeed.com or call Halloran at (330)-953-1518.