Testimonials

I also had a great time with a great group of guys. Seeing and learning how Ryan breaks down the throws is amazing and the drills are top notch. It was also great to see the enthusiasm Ryan has for competing in the games and for teaching what he has learned over the years. Thanks a heap Ryan for doing what you do to help the rest of us. And thanks to Bill for putting the clinic together.

Jon McClain 2/12/2008

After the Ga. clinic I have been able to practice the new methods (Especially once I got my set of weights in a few weeks later) My 56# for distance as WFD has been the main drills has drastically improved and more importantly become consistent. I never thought the 56# would seem effortless. Now that I have made it that way I can put effort and power into it so as to really start cranking up my numbers.

My brother thrower Chris Dolan is looking better (throw wise ONLY) after attending the clinic and I can see he has been using the drills. Personally I feel he needs to relax and STOP thinking about it during the events. When he does he will shoot through the roof. He is young, big and strong, just over thinking the process when he throws. Once it becomes muscle memory WOW does it feel smooth and easy.

I know I will make it to the A division not by next season at 42 and all of 195-205 and be competitive. I have always had fun but now I can really enjoy throwing and not feel like I got run over at the end of a good day. A little back slid as I am learning YES but the feel is improving and the distances are getting better.

Again Ryan thanks for the training and for being willing to share along with being so down to earth and personable.

Ching - Florida 3/3/2008

Ryan, just wanted to thank you for the South Georgia clinic again. My first post-clinic games was in Panama City this past weekend. I hit personal best in virtually every event and tied previous personal best with a lot less effort. My best improvement of the day was adding 7' (that's FEET!) to my heavy hammer. My previous best was 58' and this time I went past 65' twice (with no spikes mind you). Prior to the games I did the drills as you advised and threw with lighter weights. The lighter weight thing was a little nerve racking seeing how that would go, but went just like you said. The adrenaline took over.

So thanks again for the coaching and my boots.

Robin - Slidell, LA 3/14/2008

I had the opportunity to visit the Scottish Hard-core Training Center in March of 2005. Not knowing what to expect, I must say that I was extremely impressed with the center. The weight training and testing area is more complete than most commercial gyms and is totally geared toward lifting to throw. Ryan Vierra has done an excellent job in not only the set up of the training facility, but incorporating computerized tracking of progress.

The throwing field is also top notch. Flat and spacious, it offers ample room for the athlete to train all Highland Games events. Vierra's coaching is both easy to understand and direct. With the aid of video I was shown where I was out of position and how best to make the correction. I learned simple drills to hone each phase of a throw and now realize how to maximize my training time (more does not equal better). Now, at 40 years old, I am off to my best start ever. I highly recommend the Scottish Hard-core Training Center and the coaching that I received there. It's my belief that everyone, from beginner to world class thrower, can make improvements under Vierra's tutelage.

Jeff Bryan,  Savage, MN

I have attended the Scottish Hard-core Training Center on several occasions and this facility is the only place in the world to receive top level professional training from elite coaches and athletes. The facility is equipped with a full weight room, a huge grass throwing area, and the best equipment in the highland games to train with.

I have progressed tremendously in the Scottish highland games with the help of Ryan Vierra, his coaching team, and his training techniques. On any given training day you could be lifting and throwing with the best professional athletes in the world. Ryan and his coaching staff will give you the edge and the direction you need to maximize your potential in the Scottish highland games. Ryan welcomes you into his home, and with the help of his family, the experience at his training center will be something you’ll keep coming back for.

I love this place and would recommend it to any Scottish highland games athlete wanting to learn how to be a better thrower and a better athlete. Ryan will teach you the skills and the training it requires to be successful in the Scottish highland games. And if you dare, after a long day of training and coaching you may be asked to eat a five pound monster burrito. You’ve got to love it!!!

Andrew Hobson, Gilbert, Arizona 

Scottish Hard-core Training Center - Ryan has a way to bring athletes to a new level.  Your worst events turn into your best events.  A few sessions with Ryan, and you need to change your goals, you just achieved them.  You could throw for years and not see the difference that you get with Scottish Hard-core Training.  Thanks for the changes in my performance.  

Dave Youngberg, California 

"Ryan's facility is second to none and I have consistently thrown better every time I have trained there"     

Josh Grace, California

I had the opportunity to attend Ryan Vierra’s Clinic in Stevinson, California in April 2005. I traveled from Utah, so spent a wee bit of money in Air Fare, Motel, Food, and the cost of Ryan’s Clinic, which was, in my opinion, very nominal.

I easily found Ryan’s "Field of Dreams" throwing area. And, to a thrower, it can only be described as a Field of Dreams. Everything needed to learn to throw, or to learn to throw further is there.

I was impressed by the line up of coaches that Ryan had set up for the day. These guys were the best in the game. They stated that they would demonstrate, teach, train, and answer any and all questions and then we were able to throw as often and long as we needed. While throwing, Ryan or the line up of coaches were critiquing in beneficial manners.

We went through all the Heavy Events and to tell you the truth, I found that after the first event I had more than received back my money’s worth from the Clinic, air fare and all. I could have stopped right then and felt so good about what I had learned. Yet, I had many more events to go and much more to learn.

The treatment I received from Ryan, the other coaches, Ryan’s lovely wife and family, and the excellent lunch was absolutely wonderful.

Then, to top off a day of learning to throw farther, Ryan had planned some time in the gym he has on site for the final session of lifting. He and his group of lifters went over what I like to call "Sport Specific Lifting".  It was most beneficial.

I have used so much of what I learned that day in my throwing. I feel that what I learned has helped me immensely in my throwing season this year. But, more than that, what I learned made me more able to share concrete knowledge with my throwing friends. I have used Ryan’s ideas and ideals to help fellow throwers in Utah and when asked, fellow throwers at other games.

Most important, I think to any thrower, was the way Ryan treated and reacted to each person at his clinic. You were an equal! Ryan has a gift, yes he has worked to increase that gift, but he also shares that gift with others.

I would most heartily recommend the Ryan Vierra’s Scottish Hard-Core Training Center to any type of thrower, New or Advanced. You will walk away a better thrower. I know I will attend another Clinic in the near future.

Jeff Loosle, Utah

When I first went out to Ryan’s house for a week of training I had no idea of what I was getting.

Ryan Vierra's training facility is phenomenal.  Ryan has everything an athlete could possibly need.

Weights, med ball, teaching of specific lifts and a huge throwing area.  You also received video break down of your training. Ryan has a knack for breaking down film like no other.  I have been watching film for yrs but, never watched it like Ryan watches it.  You learn things thru video that you never knew was there.

Ryan’s coaching ability is bar none the best coaching I have ever received in my life.  He explains things in a way that makes things simple.  I increased my stone throw by 3 feet in only 1 week with Ryan.  Since training with him I have increased my stone by another 3 feet.  A total for 6 feet added to what was once my worst event.  I would highly recommend Ryan’s training facility and coaching to anyone who is interested in becoming a better athlete. 

Kerry Overfelt, Kentucky - Professional

A visit to the Scottish Hardcore Training Center is simply the best investment you can make in your game. Ryan has a wealth of knowledge about throwing and technique that is unsurpassed. He has a unique understanding of different techniques and how they are suited to different individuals from years of throwing on the professional circuit with athletes who vary in shape and size from Alistair Gunn to Paul Ferency. Over the years I've seen athlete after athlete set new PRs and break new ground with Ryan leading the way. Beg, borrow, or steal but find a way to get out there if you really want to take your game to the next level.

Carlos Borges, California

Hey just wanted to let you know the training I received out in California was excellent.  I learned a lot of new techniques from a variety of skilled professionals.  I also enjoyed how friendly everyone was at the clinic.  After learning all I could in one day, I went home and practiced some of the techniques, and by the next games I had received a PR in every event.  I would never have progressed as fast as I did without the clinic.  Larry Brock was an excellent teacher for the weights for distance and Coach Mac was a Godsend in the stones, and how to train.  The field was a nice setup along with the weight room, and who can forget the good eating especially the five pound burrito.  I can’t wait until I get the DVD so I can put more of the techniques into practice. 

Here is a little background. I started doing the highland games about 2003 at the Galloway Games in Kirksville, MO, after doing that games again in 2004 I realized I wasn’t all that bad at the sport.  I got into it a little more and found out that there was a game in Mesa, AZ where some of my family lives so I figured why not kill two birds with one stone. I got to say after winning that C class I was hooked.  That is where I met Ryan I was assigned to him to help measure as he judged I heard him talking about the clinic and he invited me to go.  Now I have placed third and second in a B class and hoping to place first very soon. 

Thanks,

Joshua Paul Hettinger, MO

I have been competing in Highland Games for three years now.  I do not have a track and field background so my weakness is on the side of technique.  I spent approximately six hours throwing at Ryan's Scottish Hardcore Training Center.  I learned so much in that time that I am still trying to incorporate it all into my routine.  I throw farther now with a less effort.  I would recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their skills and scores for the games.  I will be moving up to the A division this year and look forward to continued improvement.

Ken Farnsworth, Wa

I came out to the Scottish Hard-Core Training Center and spent a few days with Ryan Vierra and his lovely family.  We had a hardcore training session which lasted over 7 hours. During the day Ryan’s feedback was like no other he could fix the "smallest" problems which results in "BIG" results.  The second day we had a clinic and everyone at the clinic was in awe of the state of the art training facility and the top notch instruction that they received. From a plush throwing area to the top of the line weight training facility the Scottish Hard-core Training center will greatly improve your success in the Highland games

Larry Brock, NC - Professional

Dear Ryan,

This is to let you know how much I appreciate you and your very well equipped facility. First, let me say that I am amazed by the sharp 'coaching eye' you possess. Even at slowed down speeds I can only detect the fine points that you see in real time. Then by showing patience with teaching an "old dog" new tricks, I have learned new techniques that not only help me throw better but will improve my throwing longevity at the tender age of 63. Now, that is a service that is available NOWHERE else!

Your gym and throwing equipment are all first class. I can not think of any training technique that you could not perform on your equipment. Again, this equipment is explained in detail and the strength specific exercises truly improve the power and explosiveness needed for the Highland Games.

Your services are taught in such a professional manner and with such understanding on such a great throwing field, one can achieve any level they so desire. As our governor says, "I'll be back!" So I shall.

With highest regards,

Wade Hurst, California

Incredible!!! The Hard-Core Facility is unprecedented in its completeness and ability to address ALL aspects of Heavy Events training. Off-season strength building and conditioning includes a concise series of equipment specifically catering to: building a base (foundation) for both upcoming seasons and lifelong health; triggering fast-twitch fibers through Olympic-lifts and sport specific lifting; and flexibility and core training specific to heavy events to establish the ‘correct position’ habits prior to the throwing season.

In-season and outdoor training faculties are equally impressive at the Hard-Core site, including all-weather throwing surfaces, and designated areas to train ALL Heavy Events, including: weight throws; hammer tosses; stone tosses; weight over bar; and even Sheaf standards well beyond 35 ft in height.

Personal Experience - 2005 is my 12th year in the Heavy Events, 9 as a professional. Prior to the heavy events, I had zero knowledge of track & field events, plyometrics, or the infamous ‘power position’. Over the years, I have spent countless hours in various field and weather conditions training individual events with the hope of picking up a few good tips/pointers. In June of this year, I went to the Hard-Core facility knowing I had not trained adequately this past winter, and needed serious help.

At the training facility, I was well-met with two professional athletes that provided instant feedback, critique, and hands-on training in the stones, weights for distance and hammer. Three weeks later (and just returning from), I improved in each of these events nearly 15% - including a jump from 75 feet in the 28 weight for distance, to an 88 foot throw (and a half dozen at or above 85 feet). That’s consistently a 10 foot improvement on one event...and improvement occurred across the board, including a perfect caber toss at the end of the day!

Just when I thought it was over, I asked about nutrition - and found myself once again immersed in the quantity and quality of information provided that will ultimately lead to better health and fitness, as well as anticipated gains in both strength levels and performance on and off the field.

At the Hard-Core facility, everyone has an opportunity to receive the knowledge and the training foundation to reach goals, and most of all - having a good time doing it. My personal recommendation - the Hard-Core facility is THE BEST RESOURCE available for Heavy Event athletes looking to make gains in training, throwing and overall performance.

Dave Brown, Garden Valley - California

5-time Highland Games Worlds Championship contender

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