BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – JT Strength Training, a new sports training and fitness endeavor launched by local athletic trainer Seamus Tully, is now looking to help train local athletes of all ages, to help them achieve their personal goals in strength training, speed, and conditioning.
“JT Strength Training LLC became official back in June,” Seamus Tully said in a recent interview. “I am currently developing my programs to meet the needs of my clients, and I’m looking forward to working with local athletes of all ages and skill levels.”
Tully played high school football at the private New Hampton School in New Hampton, N.H., where he played tight end, linebacker, and both offensive and defensive line. He also played a couple seasons of baseball as well.
After high school, Tully attended Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., before transferring to Carroll College in Helena, Mont., which offered him a football scholarship. He played on the offensive line and as a long snapper, before injuring his knee as a sophomore.
Tully’s biggest fan and supporter was his father Jim Tully, who Seamus’ business venture is both named for and inspired by. Mr. Tully was a well-known and knowledgeable football coach who unfortunately passed away in 2015. “I’ve always loved training, since the first day I was sent to the weight room,” Tully said. “My father trained me for years, and it’s how we spent a lot of our time together.”
Jim Tully grew up in Jersey City, N.J., and was an all-city offensive lineman in high school. He attended Western Colorado, then transferred to Culver Stockton in Canton, Mo., where he was an NAIA All-American lineman. Tully also competed in strong man competitions and Highland Games, right around the same time he started training his son.
“When I first attended college, I wanted to major in exercise science,” Tully said. “However, my father passed away just a week before I left for summer college workouts. Then, the first few days I was in camp, I tore my knee for the third time. So, I kind of had a rough start to college, and admittedly lost sight of some of my goals.”
However, and much to his credit, Tully regained his focus and after college, started training a couple of local high school students who were just getting started with football and learning how to work out and properly lift weights.
“When I moved back to Vermont, I started training with one of my younger cousins, who was getting ready for his senior year of football. Then, another local college football player came home and joined us as well. All of a sudden, I was training nine players in all, and with more wanting to join the group. This is how it all came together and led me to launching this new training endeavor.”
Tully offers strength, speed, and conditioning coaching for athletes ranging from middle school, high school, and college athletes and beyond. “Most of the athletes I train are football players, but I also work with basketball players and most recently, the BFUHS varsity field hockey team, working on speed and agility.
“However, I am certainly willing to work with any type of athlete who is looking for that extra push in order to achieve their goals. I can work one-on-one, or in a team or group setting.” To learn more about Tully’s services, he can be reached at Tull.4281@gmail.com.