ENDORSEMENTS
| HOME | A CHAMPION | BIO | ENDORSEMENTS | WHAT ATHLETES ARE SAYING |
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"More than anything, I have learned a great deal about the amount of hard work and dedication
that it takes to be a champion. That is why I am happy to support and recommend Kirk Mango’s
message of inner effort and personal ownership as a path to athletic success."
Nadia Comaneci, Romanian Olympic Gymnastics Team Member 1976 and 1980 Olympic Medalist winning 9 medals • 5 Gold Medals • 3 Silver Medals • 1 Bronze Medal |
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"I have known Kirk for many years. As a fellow competitor, I know how hard Kirk worked to
become an NCAA champion. Now, as a parent, coach and gym club owner, I can attest to the
fact that we need more coaches, teachers, and mentors like Kirk Mango. His message is more
than an expert lecture on the keys to sports success, but rather a hands-on demonstration
of how inner will and determination supports the concept of becoming the best one can be."
Bart Conner, United States Olympic Gymnastics Team Member 1976, 1980, 1984 • 1984 Gold Medal, U.S. Team • 1984 Gold Medal, Parallel Bars |
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"Kirk demonstrates through passionate explanations and examples how important the inner thought
processes are to the success of an athlete. His message is extremely beneficial for athletes of
any competitive level. His teachings truly encompass the trials and dedication it takes to give
yourself that best opportunity to be successful, not only in sports, but in life. I will draw
on these messages as I make my way through the minors with the ultimate goal of making the big
leagues. This is definitely a must-have thought process for any young athlete."
Rob Scahill • 2009 8th Round Draft Pick • MLB Colorado Rockies |
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"As a professional athlete in the NFL I've made many sacrifices in my personal and athletic life.
Kirk's message of dedicating yourself to become the best you can be, taking personal ownership
over what you want to achieve, and determining your own destiny based on the choices you make,
is inspirational to me even now. His ideas are essential for the passionate athlete willing to
make sacrifices to achieve true greatness."
Steve Weatherford • NFL punter, Former New York Jet and Current New York Giant • University of Illinois All-American Punter • University of Illinois Decathlon school record holder • 3x All-Big Ten Football • 2x All-Big Ten Track • 4 Sport All-State High School-Football, Basketball, Track, Soccer |
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"One of the reasons I attended Northern Illinois University was because Kirk Mango went there.
I was a still rings and pommel horse specialist and [he] was a NCAA national champion on still
rings. Although Kirk had graduated just before I began my college career, I heard many great
things about [him] and his incredible work ethic. All these years later, I was honored when he
asked me to review his website and message at becomingatruechampion.com. It is clear that Kirk's
thoughts and ideas are the end result of the successes he has had throughout his career. My goal
in life is to inspire others, and Kirk’s message is one that has certainly inspired me."
His story of success in gymnastics may initially seem to be sports specific; however, his experiences represent a real guide for all athletes in any sport to fully understand what it takes to become a premier athlete. They are a step-by-step process to success in sports. I highly recommend that any athlete who wants to succeed in his sport must take to heart Kirk’s story, its message, and its relationship to any athlete wanting to reach higher levels of achievement. It will be well worth your time. " Lloyd Bachrach • Yes, You Can! Motivational Programs • 1996 U.S.A. Paralympian – Sitting Volleyball • 1980 I.H.S.A. – 5th Place Pommel Horse |
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Each year thousands of young men and women compete to become high school state champions in various sports.
At the collegiate level the competition is even more intense. Kirk Mango achieved his championship in
gymnastics, a discipline that requires great courage and discipline-both physical and mental. As young men
and women set their sights on a championship, they ask themselves "what it will take to become a champion?"
Kirk Mango provides a clear answer to that question and at the same time takes the concept of "champion" and
extends its meaning into life beyond the athletic arena. Mango’s message is one that addresses what it takes
for a person to become a true champion, a champion at life.
His actual experiences as a championship athlete and firsthand knowledge of today's teens as a coach make his advice especially relevant. Having worked with Kirk and his students, I know the impact of the message of this work on a variety of students. Many of his students have told me that his approach to teaching has made a tremendous difference in their lives. He has provided the foundation for helping them to achieve their aspirations, not only as athletes but as individuals with good character. At a time when direction and inspiration is sought so desperately by many teens, Kirk’s ideas provide the guidance they need to become true champions." Mindy Null Library Department Chair Downers Grove South High School |
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"After working with great teenage athletes over two decades, I have found a remarkable thought process
that accurately describes a path teenagers and their parents can follow to achieve greatness in a teen's
personal and athletic life. The ideas, principles, and concepts are brought to life through Kirk Mango's
story of achieving the impossible. It is a story that illustrates how taking personal ownership and
responsibility for one’s success creates an opportunity for young athletes to achieve both their athletic
and personal goals. The uniqueness of Kirk’s message lies in its total involvement of the athlete, both
inside and out, along with positive encouragement and support from parents and family. A message made
for our times; it rings loud and clear to athletes wanting to find their own path to success."
Ken Braid The J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation Website: http://jkbranch.org/aboutUs.html |
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"Kirk Mango's message is simply outstanding. It is very motivational as it embodies the kind of information every young
athlete should know. It's especially appropriate for those athletes who are on the brink of greatness--I wish concepts
like Kirk supports and encourages in athletes were more readily available when I was training."
Sue Nucci University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Volleyball United States Olympic Festival • 1991 Silver Medal • 1993 Gold Medal • 1994 Bronze Medal • 1995 4th Place 1992 Big Ten Champions |
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"Kirk Mango's thoughts, ideas, and concepts are good examples of what’s positive in youth athletics.
From their important emphasis on character and responsibility as a young athlete, to their razor sharp
focus on what it takes to be successful and how to get there, all are right on. Parents and coaches,
as well as the kids themselves, will really benefit from his message."
Dr. Robert A. Weil Host of the Sports Doctor Radio Show in Chicago Sportsdoctorradio.com |
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"Kirk's message contains the kind of things that all athletes need to hear. They epitomize the many thoughts
I heard from the best coaches I had throughout all of my years as a competitive athlete. It is heartwarming that
Kirk has taken the time to organize many of these great concepts and ideas into a website at becomingatruechampion.com.
All athletes will benefit when subscribing to the code which Becoming a True Champion represents."
Brett Ward Illinois State University Track & Field Missouri Valley Conference Champion • 600 Meter Dash • 800 Meter Dash • 4 x 400 meter relay NCAA Championship Qualifier • 4 x 800 meter relay |