Padres HPP Winter Program (updated schedules)
Padres HPP Winter is the final 8-weeks of the full High Performance Program or an accelerated 8-week program for those just joining for January and February. The goal of these periods are to prepare the athletes for Padres Spring Training Camp (AAA/AA evaluations) which will run throughout March.
HPP Winter Program
Period 4 – Train to Compete (January 3 – January 30)
- 4-week period to introduce the arm strength program with a focus on throwing mechanics as well as an introduction to competitive situations (situational awareness).
Period 5 – Train to Win (January 31 – February 27)
- 4-week period to continue building arm strength while conditioning for tryouts through game-like situations and a competitive environment (live-on-live competitions).
HPP Strength and Conditioning Overview
Acumen Performance led by instruction from Mike Kicia will provide elite level strength and conditioning for athletes selecting this option. The sessions will progress in a linear fashion throughout the offseason. Each phase of training will build upon the previous one with necessary recovery weeks and retesting taking place throughout the program. Athletes will be led appropriately into the tryout period which kicks off the baseball preseason. Options will be available for athletes to continue their training with Acumen throughout tryouts and the regular season.
Acumen Performance is made up of a team of specialists who are experts in strength and conditioning, specializing in one-on-one, small group and team training. The team of providers adheres to the Sports Medicine Model of care. Strength and Conditioning coaches of Acumen integrate with Athletic Therapists and the Orthopaedic Surgeon to provide essential and extended care for each individual and their goals.
Mike Kicia is a Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a tremendous background in baseball. Prior to returning to Edmonton, Mike spent 7 years working within the New York Yankees Player Development System coordinating aspects of rehabilitation of acute and chronic injuries, strength and power development and speed and agility development with players in both the Major and Minor Leagues. Mike also played collegiately at PBA in Lethbridge and the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina.
HPP Life Skills and College Readiness
The sport of baseball provides naturally for many life lessons, both on and off the field. The High Performance Program will enhance that by way of incorporating various Life Skills topics throughout the program. This will provide our athletes with a more well-rounded and enlightening experience through volunteerism, presentations, small projects and mentorship from community subject matter experts. Topics have previously included: Financial Literacy, Resume Writing, Leadership & Public Speaking, Community Engagement, Youth Mentorship & Coaching, Athletic Health & Nutrition, Sports Psychology & Goal-Setting and Baseball 101 sessions.
Beyond this and included within the Life Skills offerings will be an emphasis on post-secondary prep. Whether striving to play college baseball or simply to achieve post-secondary academic success, the Technical Staff will facilitate opportunities for our student athletes to participate in experiences for post-secondary preparation as well as to receive guidance related to post-secondary interests (academics and athletics). Additionally, the program will assist players interested in college baseball with goal-setting/targeting, connecting with programs and the recruitment process.
HPP Schedules
18U Program:
- Monday and Wednesday: Strength Training @ Acumen 6pm – 7pm
- Tuesday Baseball @ 5 tool 8:30pm – 10:30pm (Full facility)
- Friday Baseball @ 5 tool 8:30pm – 10:30pm (Full Facility)
- Saturday Baseball @ Turf Training Center 12pm – 3pm
15U Program:
- Monday and Wednesday: Strength training @ Acumen 6pm – 7pm
- Thursday Baseball @ 5 tool 7:30pm – 9:30pm (2 cages)
- Saturday Baseball @ Turf Training Center 12pm – 3 pm
- Sunday Baseball @ 5 tool 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Full facility
13U/11U Program:
- Monday and Wednesday: Strength training @ Acumen 6pm – 7pm
- Wednesday Baseball @ 5 tool 7:30 pm – 9:30 (2 Cages)
- Sunday Baseball @ 5 tool 5pm – 7pm (Full Facility)
Facility Locations
- Acumen Performance – 15358 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton
- 5 Tool field house – 18566 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton
- Turf Training Center – 5820 59 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Program Contact
Dwayne Pankiw
Padres Rep Director / 18UAAA Head Coach
dwayne.pankiw@telus.net