When I was a young boy, both my parents emphasized the true qualities that are required to be a leader.  To be an effective leader, it does not depend upon your position in society or your economic status; rather, it focused more on a person wanting to set himself apart from the crowd, and doing the different things that others would not do.  In order to make a difference, he would help a community as much as he could, and expect no recognition or reward for his deeds.  Though I wished to be a leader, I was too naïve and timid to actually follow through on these qualities, and needed something or someone to change my mental outlook.  The person who did was a man who I consider to be the ideal image of a leader – my baseball coach, Joseph Cisco.

            Mr. Cisco became involved in baseball when his son, James, became interested in the sport.  After helping his son become both a successful high school and college ballplayer, Joe recognized that it would be wrong to keep this precious information private.  Joe began a weekend morning baseball clinic by himself, that would focus on baseball mechanics, physical fitness, and mental toughness.  This program was offered to anyone who was willing to make the commitment and trust in his system, no matter race, background, or financial status.  For those boys living predominantly in the Bronx and Westchester who desired to achieve success and a chance at becoming something great, Joe gave them a chance to better their lives through his program.  Today, this program has flourished – reaching out to thousands of boys over the course of 15 years in an effort to create successful futures and leaders.

            For me in particular, the most important aspect of this program has been the group conversations before beginning workouts.  Each morning, Joe hands us a sheet of paper with advice concerning mental outlooks that create success in the real world as well as baseball.  Because very few men can play Major League Baseball, they sometimes are forced to take jobs in the real world often for less than ideal wages if they have not worked hard on other aspects of their life.  Joe emphasized that while these people would complain about how unfair their life is, things will not change for them as long as they do nothing but continue to complain.  He explained that it is important to challenge yourself, exceed expectations, be a leader and make a difference.  This is a life that I wish to lead. 

            Unlike many who would just offer an opinion and not live by it, Joe practices what he preaches.  I recall my first day at his program as a nine year old, when I meekly attempted to give Joe a proper greeting.  Joe squatted down in front of me, and said, “I am not going to leave you until you give me a firm handshake and scream at me to leave you alone.”  Though I was at first quite skeptical, after I yelled at him and gave a firm handshake, Joe explained that this was the first step in being a leader.  By stepping outside the boundaries of my comfort zone, I was taking charge of my identity.  Today, I no longer am the shy nine year old who first entered Joe’s clinic.  From speaking to underclassmen on how to succeed at Regis to mentoring youngsters in Joe’s clinics, to dancing with reckless abandon at the Regis dances when no one else dares to embarrass themselves, I try to be motivational and inspirational in my actions and words.  Though many of my friends do question why I choose to act “in such a weird way”, I know in my heart that my actions are not “weird” – I am instead following my own path, and hopefully influencing others.  I do not need my friends to tell me how to live my life, and I am comfortable knowing that my identity is unique, yet it is correct.  However, my transition in character could not have been attained without the help of Joe Cisco, who, through word and deed, can be used as an object lesson.  Joe has shown thousands of boys, myself included, how to be a true leader.

YOU CAN'T BE AN ATHLETE UNTIL YOU BECOME ATHLETIC ........

The messege is clear and the younger you start the better chance you yhave at success.  The Academy will be running  special sessions for younger athletes (8 - 12 years) at Pelham Bay Little League Field House.  They will be run throughout the Fall and Winter on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.

 Call 917.449.5612 or email this site for more information. 

HIGHLANDER ACADEMY WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Joe Cisco – Director – 917.449.5612                                                          Email – JCBxHighlander@aol.com

Prospective participant:

It’s that time of the year when you should be thinking about winter training to gain an edge on your competition. Whether it is making the HS, Sandlot or College team or just improving mentally and physically, now is the time to make the right changes in your life. The Highlander Academy will be running eight week programs stressing speed, athleticism, knowledge and attitude. Your individual skill needs will also be addressed. HotShot Action Photography will also be on hand if you choose to use their services. College P.R.E.P. will also be included in your fee. You will come away a better player as well as a person ready for your next challenge.

•        Program 1 will run from October 11th through December 7th from 11 to 1 pm. Sat. and Sun.
•        Program 2 will run from January 3rd through March 1st from 11 to 1 pm. Sat. and Sun.
•        The Programs cost for the 8 weeks is determined by your age group. 14u is $350 and 18u is $475
•        Make checks payable to Service Alliance for Youth
•        Program 1 registration will be on Sat / Sun Sept. 20, 21, and 27, 28th
•        Program 2 registration will be on Sat / Sun Dec. 13, 14th- (mark your calendar if not attending program 1)
•        Both registrations will be at Lehman HS in the Bronx from 9 to 11 am.

REGISTRATION FORM CAN BE EMAILED TO YOU BY EMAILING NYPrep@verizon.net

Attention Baseball Prospects: 

Everyone knows you can’t make it to the next level without training, education and exposure.  If you are missing a piece of the formula you are limiting your chances for success.   The P.R.E.P. Program announces an affiliation with The Highlander Training Academy and HotShot Photography. We can now incorporate training and/or photo analysis along with the NYP Recruiting Program for a complete and total package.  You don’t have to pay a fortune to get where you want to be. The above program is a 3 pronged attack on High School, College or Professional preparation that will give you the best opportunity to put yourself in the right lineup. The program is aimed at the serious, dedicated athlete with the drive to succeed.  

Click the Handout for details: