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Our Team

Marcus Brunson - Tempe Director of Training

Marcus Brunson a World Class Sprinter, brings to Athletic Republic Tempe a wealth of knowledge on running form. Marcus' professional resume boasts running the fastest time in the World in the 60m twice (2002, 2007), he was also ranked #4 in the World in 2006. Marcus played college football and ran track at the University of Wyoming from 96-98. He transferred to Arizona State University to finish his collegiate track career achieving:

 

- Pac-10 Male athlete of the year in 2001 and 2001

- World University games champion in the 100m

 

Beyond Track, Marcus enjoys playing basketball, traveling and enjoying food. Currently his favorite food is Thai food but he says that could all change. When asked if he has any other hobbies, he said, "If I feel like doing something, I do it. I do it because I feel like it."

Email Marcus  |  LinkedIN


Reggie McGill - Scottsdale Director of Training

Reggie has dedicated his life to helping student athletes achieve success through teaching, coaching and training. Reggie is an Arizona native who was born and raised in central Phoenix. He went to St. Mary's High School where he was a three year starter at running back. He accumulated a list of accomplishments from All State to All American which resulted in the ceremonial retirement of his jersey (#42).

He is most proud of being a part of a team that won two state championships and being the MVP of the 1985 Arizona State Championship game. In 1987 he was awarded a full scholarship to play football at the University of Arizona. He started at running back for all four years and was an all Pac10 selection his junior year.

Reggie went on with a NFL career with the San Diego Chargers but due to depth in their back field he was released and picked up by the Detroit Lions. As a valuable part of the Lions rushing attack with Barry Sanders Reggie enjoyed a good career in the NFL until injuries cut it short. He is still thankful for the experience and memories that it provided him. Reggie's life after football consists of being a teacher for over 18 years, and coaching football, baseball, softball and basketball at the high school level. He is a father of two, Alexis and RJ. Both have become successful athletes. RJ is currently playing football for the University of North Dakota and Alexis is outstanding on the volleyball court as well as in the classroom. Reggie has a bachelors in exercise sports science from the University of Arizona and a Masters degree in secondary curriculum from Northern Arizona University.

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Dr. Kristopher Birkeland - Director of Operations

Dr. Kris BirkelandKris has been active in sports his entire life. He was a three sport athlete in high school at Marcos de Niza in Tempe. Kris’ athletic career ended after high school due to an academic scholarship offer and serious knee injury sustained playing baseball.

He remained active in baseball by coaching during his undergraduate studies at ASU. Kris resumed his desire to compete through mountain bike racing and has completed several endurance events including Soul Ride (100 mile race), several solo 24 hour races, 24 hours of Moab as a team rider. and SOMA Half Ironman Triathlon.

Kris has a Doctorate in Chiropractic with emphasis in Sports Injuries completed in June of 2009 as Valedictorian of his graduating class. Kris is pending to be a Certified Strength and Condition Specialist from the National Strength and Condition Association. He is also a Certified Kinesiotape Practitioner. Kris treats athletes through Synergy Sports Therapy. In October of 2008 Kris married Coltlee Gray and they live in Ahwatukee with their 2 dogs, Ruby and Cash.z

Email Kris  |  LinkedIN 


Marcos Esquivel - Performance Coach

Marcos was born and raised in Kearny, Arizona. He attended Ray High School where he played football,

basketball and baseball. During his time at Ray High he was named an All State Linebacker and played in the 1A-3A All Star Game. After high school Marcos played inside linebacker at Mesa Community College in 2006 and 2007. He led the team in tackles in 2007 and was part of the 2007 Valley of the Sun Bowl Championship team. From MCC he transferred to Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. He made 1st team All Conference in 2008 and 2009. In 2009 his team one the CIAA championship and was selected to play in the HBCU Bowl. Outside of football, Marcos enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his family, playing basketball and lifting weights. Marcos gives Athletic Republic training a huge amount of his success as an athlete (trained with AR from 2008-2010) and embraces the opportunity to be on the other side of the fence mentoring and training the next generation of athletes.

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Jon Zinger - Performance Coach

An Arizona Native, Jon was born and raised in the East Valley. He attended Marcos de Niza High School where he was an All-Region football player and a member of the Arizona All-Star football team. After high school Jon attended Arizona State University where he studied history so that he could pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. Jon has now been teaching for the past four years at Sun Valley High School in Mesa. Jon is currently working on his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Jon lives in Gilbert with his beautiful wife, Tamanika and last fall she gave birth to their son Jonathan Kieran.


Michael Richmond - Performance Coach

Michael has over 15 years experience of training from building speed and strength to assisting fitness seekers in toning muscles and weight loss. Michael attended St. Mary's High School where he was an important part of a very successful back to back State Championship Football team. Michael then went on to Phoenix college for 2 seasons of football as a 1st and 2nd Team All American respectively. He secured a football scholarship to New Mexico State University where he was a top receiver for the football team and also participated as a track athlete. Moving to the professional ranks Michael participated in a preseason camp for the Denver Broncos before spending time with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL and then finishing with 3 years on the Arizona Rattlers roster of the Arena Football League. Michael is a former Police Officer and forensic photographer with the medical examiner's office. He has a B.S. in Justice Studies and a Masters in The Administration of Justice and Security. Michael has taught various investigative classes at Paradise Community College and Everest College. He admits that he likes to teach and training allows him to continue to do what he loves.


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Jim Henne - Performance Coach

Jim was born and raised in Rochester, NY. As a natural athlete he grew up playing many sports including basketball, football, hockey, gymnastics, lacrosse and snowboarding. Throughout middle school Jim primarily played football, basketball and ran track. While remaining active, Jim had a severe case of Osgood-Schlatters in high school and actually fractured his back twice. From these injuries Jim learned more about injury prevention and rehab at a young age. This new found knowledge led to Jim becoming passionate about the health and wellness field. He attended Arizona State University and received his B.S. degree in Exercise & Wellness. Today he enjoys helping others achieve their maximum athletic potential while living a healthy and quality lifestyle free of pain. Jim loves to travel, workout, spend time with friends and family and still go snowboarding whenever he gets a chance. Jim is a certified USA Water Ski & Wakeboard Instructor, Level 2 Athletic Republic trainer, Level 1 TRX trainer and working on his CSCS..


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Leah Nelson - Business Development Associate

Leah is another Arizona native born and raised in Scottsdale, Az. While attending Horizon High School, Leah greatly contributed to the volleyball program by earning Gatorade's Rookie of the Year as a freshman and All-Region honors throughout her four years. After being recruited to an NCAA Division 1 University in Kentucky, she suffered an injury that brought her back home where she finished her volleyball career a Scottsdale Community College. She now coaches volleyball and has been for over 6 years.  She has experience coaching at the club, high school and collegiate level. Leah is also pursuing her new found love of beach volleyball and competes in tournaments around the valley.  Currently, she is completing her Bachelor's in Exercise, Wellness and Health Promotion at Arizona State University. Leah is excited to join the Athletic Republic team and hopes to continue the AR mission of instilling character, confidence and discipline  in order to leave a legacy in the field of sports performance training.


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