Eruption Athletics Empowers Special-Needs Athletes

Eruption Athletics started as a pilot program in 2009 with five clients. Three years and approximately 25 clients later, owners Joe Jelinski and Chris Engler are living a dream—a dream helping others.

After college, Jelinski was traveling the world—playing professional soccer—and Engler had relocated to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia, where the two were raised.

They reunited and conjured up a joint venture close to their hearts.

“We did some research,” Jelinski said. “Unfortunately because of Pittsburgh’s industrial past, there is a high population and percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities. People come from all over—Colorado, California and Washington state—for the medical services Pittsburgh has to offer.”

Eruption Athletics, housed in the building, offers group training and one-on-one sessions for young adults with special needs.

“On average, we train clients from ages 13 to 30,” he said. “I actually have a client who’s 4 years old and has Prader-Willi syndrome. It was a doctor’s referral.”

The training sessions are typically two to three days a week and include a warm-up, stretching, cardio, plyometrics, yoga, balance, coordination and weights—among other exercises.

The pair rewards clients, and even hosts cardio contests, declaring the winner who burned the most calories, affectionately dubbing he or she Magma Man and Lava Lady.

“We have one client who’s lost 130 pounds,” Jelinski said. “We also had someone who relied on a wheelchair. We got her on arm crutches, then eventually without needing them. We have some awesome stories of achievements. Even being able to adapt to a social setting of a group of people for those who are severely autistic is amazing in itself.”

Jelinski, the head JV soccer coach at , believes he and Engler found their niche.

“It’s so hard to gauge and I think that’s why this certain population hasn’t been served,” he said. “You can't cookie cut it.”

While observing a group session, Jelinski and Engler's passion is obvious.

“We’re really trying to create a certification, or just a way to train others to do what we do so that we can grow outside of us,” he said.

Volunteers from Peters Township High School, Canon-McMillan High School, University of Pittsburgh and Oakland Catholic High School assist them throughout the week.

The two have a third business partner, Andrew, who works as an employee of Mark Mortland. Jelinski said Mortland has helped Eruption Athletics grow.

“Every other place we were in—before here—tried to limit our growth,” he said. “Mark’s been awesome. He lets us offer more days and times to really make our program grow.

“He’s trying to help our cause. It feels at home here.”

A big believer in signs, Jelinski shared a story he attributes to the very beginning.

“In 2002, Chris and I went to Figi. A man walked up to us and said ‘I trained with you guys.’ We didn’t know him. When he walked away we saw he was wearing a Special Olympics shirt. Years later, we’re doing what we’re doing. That was a sign.

“It’ll make for a good book topic someday.”

For more information, visit Eruption Athletics' website. Check out the business on Facebook and Twitter, too.