Tag Archive for: lacrosse

Quinn Sullivan Shines for USYNT…Steven Okert Improves to 5-0…Paul Earns Another TOTW…Brad Scores Overtime Game Winner..Pepsi & LFA Agree to Deal

Quinn’s Big Week and Deal with Metabilia…Alexey’s 60th Win…Frank Schwindel Behind-the-Scenes…Team U.S.A. Picks Brad

Junior Joins; Quinn and Brad Get National Team Experience

Junior Saintel Signs with IPZ

Junior Saintel, a 6’7” guard/forward from Mays Landing, NJ, has signed with IPZ.

Junior played college basketball at Stony Brook University from 2016 to 2018. He played in 64 games for the Seawolves, starting in 58 of them. Before transferring to Stony Brook in 2016, he attended JUCO at Chipola College.

More recently, Junior played for FC Barcelona II and won the Spain LEB Silver Championship. During his time in Barcelona, Junior averaged 8.5 ppg and shot 47% from the field. He is a dynamic playmaker that prides himself on being a vocal leader.

“We were introduced to Junior by Coach Matthew Malc, the head coach of the U.S.A. basketball team in the Maccabi games, and I was a fan of Junior’s in our first call,” said Robert Zito, IPZ Managing Partner. “His love of family, and desire to excel in everything he does, coupled with his accomplishments to date and Coach Malc’s endorsement, translates into a successful future for this young man. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help.”

 

Quinn Sullivan Called Up to the U-20 USYNT

Image from the Philadelphia Union

Quinn Sullivan was recently called up to the U-20 U.S. Youth National Team. He is one of the youngest players on the team at just 17-years-old.

Quinn and the other 22 players named to the roster traveled to Celaya, Mexico to compete in the Revelations Cup against Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. This tournament will serve as valuable preparation as the team prepares for upcoming qualifying matches for the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Indonesia and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

“Whenever a client gets the opportunity to represent their country, it is special,” said IPZ Managing Director, Jeff Curtin. “I know Quinn was honored to be a part of this U-20 roster and he is excited for the opportunities that lay ahead in qualifying for both the U-20 World Cup and the Olympic Games.”

To see the full U-20 USYNT roster click here.

 

Brad Smith Participates in Fall Classic and Super Sixes Tournaments

Image from USA Lacrosse

Brad Smith and the U.S. Men’s National Lacrosse team played in the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic last month in Sparks, MD. They competed against Team Canada and the University of Virginia Men’s Lacrosse team.

The U.S. won both matchups, 11-5 against Canada, and 8-7 against UVA.

For the full U.S. Men’s Fall Classic Roster click here.

The following weekend, Brad competed on the U.S. National Super Sixes Roster in Sparks, MD. Super Sixes is the new lacrosse format that will be introduced in the 2028 Olympic Games.

The U.S. played four games, two against Team Canada and two against Team Haudenosaunee, finishing with a 3-1 record.

Brad recorded five goals and seven assists throughout the entire weekend. Sixes will be included in The World Games in Birmingham, AL, summer 2022.

For the full U.S. Super Sixes Roster click here.

Rookie Success…First Golf Pro…Heir Apparent

Frank Schwindel Wins NL Rookie of the Month for August

Image from Chicago Sun-Times (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Frank Schwindel, rookie first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, has stepped up since being called up on July 30th.

Schwindel won National League Rookie of the Month for August, batting .344 with six home runs, 18 RBIs, eight doubles, and one triple.

Frank, who is represented by Pro Agents, was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 18th round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft. He attended St. John’s University.

After the Cubs traded away long-time first baseman Anthony Rizzo at the end of July, Schwindel was called up from the Iowa Cubs, the Cubs Triple-A affiliate, and has not disappointed.

He has continued his success into the month of September. In 56 games for the Cubs this season Schwindel has batted .342 with 13 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 19 doubles.

“It is always rewarding to see a player get the opportunity he deserves; it is even more gratifying when the player capitalizes on that opportunity. Frank has certainly done that,” said Dave Pepe, co-President of Pro Agents, Inc.

IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.

 

IPZ to Represent Sheenah Pegeron

Sheenah Pegeron, a professional golfer, has become the first golf pro to sign with IPZ.

She has been in love with the sport of golf ever since she picked up a club at the young age of 7.

After competing throughout her youth and young adult years, Sheenah now expresses her passion for golf on and off the course. In 2020, she was named the President and is the Co-Founder of the Shady Rest Golf Club, but the Shady Rest Golf & Country Club, the predecessor to the golf club, is steeped in history.  That club, located in Scotch Plains, NJ, just celebrated its Centennial Anniversary, and is now re-named the Scotch Hills Country Club.  That club is the first African American owned Country Club in the United States and home to the first African American Born PGA Golf Pro, John Shippen. The Shady Rest Golf Club continues the original club’s and John Shippen’s legacy after being re-named to the Scotch Hills Country Club.

As President of the club, Sheenah works with the local community to spread awareness of the history of the Shady Rest and to promote the game of golf to African American youth.

She is also a board member of the Preserve Shady Rest Committee, a 501c3 organization that is in the process of obtaining status for the club as a National Historic Landmark.

Aside from her daily 18-holes, Sheenah is a mother of 3 and the CEO of the disability support nonprofit, Peaks Developmental Services. Her passion for golf continues as she uses her platform to teach and inspire young children, especially young girls who look like her, to learn the game of golf.

She is also a brand ambassador for Goat-ish, a sports & golf apparel company, and she is the lead US Kids Golf Certified Coach at We Novas, LLC. Sheenah has also made television appearances, most recently as a golfer on Stephen Curry’s extreme mini-golf competition series “Holey Moley” on ABC.

 

Brad Smith Is the Future of the Whipsnakes

Recently, USA Lacrosse Magazine highlighted Brad Smith as the “Heir Apparent” in the Whipsnakes Midfield. His teammates and head coach Jim Stagnitta believe that the 24-year-old is just getting started.

After missing the 2019 season due to an injury, Smith made an immediate impact in his first season on the field in 2020, finishing with the 2nd most points (15) by a midfielder in the PLL.

He continued his success in 2021 and stepped up when the Whipsnakes battled injuries to some key players. Smith finished the regular season with the 2nd most points on his team (21), 11 goals and 10 assists.

“They have the confidence in me to go out and perform every weekend,” said Smith. “The support from coaches and all my teammates is a big part of the season I’m having right now. They’re a huge part of it. Coach Stags is hard on me, but he says it’s because he knows I can be great. That tough love gets me going. I’ve got the best teammates, the best coaches, and they’re a big part of what I play for.”

Read the full USA Lacrosse Magazine article by Phil Shore here.

Legacy…Olympics…Lax…NIL…Alliance

Quinn Sullivan Continues his Family’s Legacy

Quinn Sullivan (center) reacts after scoring a goal on a bicycle kick during the Union’s game at the Chicago Fire. Photo by Andrew Zwarych / Philadelphia Union

Last week, The Philadelphia Inquirer used Quinn Sullivan’s first MLS goal, an amazing bicycle kick, tying it to the legacy his family has created in Philadelphia.

The article walks readers through the 50-year Sullivan legacy, starting with Quinn’s grandfather Larry, who played at Temple and coached for more than 30 years at several schools, including Villanova.

Quinn’s dad, Brendan, played soccer at St. Joseph’s Prep and Penn, and then played professionally for five years in the U.S. Following his pro career, Brendan coached at Villanova with his dad.

Quinn’s mom, Heike, captained the women’s soccer team at Penn.

“I keep telling people it’s just surreal, right? We’re a soccer family, but it’s just surreal to see him actually on the field,” Heike Sullivan said.

Read the full Philadelphia Inquirer article here.

 

Pat Kivlehan to Represent U.S. at Olympics

Photo by K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union Tribune

Patrick Kivlehan, an outfielder in the San Diego Padres organization, will represent the United States in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics as a member of the USA Baseball team.

Patrick, who is represented by Pro Agents, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. His MLB debut was on August 20, 2016, for the San Diego Padres.

“Pat takes great pride in his selection to the Olympic team. His work ethic and energy have culminated in achieving a lifelong dream in representing his country,” said Dave Pepe, co-President of Pro Agents, Inc.

Kivlehan is originally from Nyack, New York, but attended St. Joseph’s High School in New Jersey. After graduating from St. Joseph’s in 2008, he played on both the football and baseball teams at Rutgers University. Football was his primary sport, playing four years as a defensive back. After his senior year on the football team, Patrick joined the baseball team and was named 2012 Big East Player of the Year, batting .392 with 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases in 51 games.

“It’s a dream come true type of thing,” Kivlehan said to The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Not something that baseball players normally get to experience, so when the opportunity presented itself, I certainly wasn’t going to pass that up.”

The Tokyo Olympics will begin on July 23rd.

IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.

 

IPZ Welcomes Brad Smith as its first Lacrosse Client

Photo retrieved from Duke University.

Brad Smith, a midfielder for the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), has signed with IPZ.

“I’m excited to join the IPZ family, especially being their first lacrosse client,” said Smith. “I look forward to building my personal brand and the game of lacrosse!”

The PLL is a new lacrosse league that has grown in its short three-year existence, landing major sponsorship deals and merging with Major League Lacrosse in December, 2020. Smith is a rising star in his second year in the PLL and is looking to help the Whipsnakes win their third consecutive championship.

“Brad checks all the boxes…smart, personable, driven and a great athlete,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.  “He will be an asset for any brand.”

Before being drafted 9th overall in 2019, Smith played his college lacrosse at Duke University and for the New Jersey high-school powerhouse, Mountain Lakes. He was a three-time USILA All-American and two-time ALL-ACC member in college.

 

IPZ to Represent Ithiel Horton Under New NCAA NIL Rules

Photo retrieved from Pitt.

Ithiel Horton, a 6’3″ guard from the University of Pittsburgh, has signed with IPZ under the new NIL rules passed by the NCAA. Horton is currently a redshirt junior and played high school at Roselle Catholic in New Jersey.

As of July 1st, college athletes can profit from sponsorships without losing their eligibility. By signing Horton, Ithiel and IPZ are part of a pivotal moment in collegiate athlete history.

Horton attended the University of Delaware for his freshman year and transferred to the University of Pittsburgh after the 2018-19 season. In the 2020-21 season, Horton played in 22 games, starting in 18, and averaging 8.9 PPG.

The NCAA has changed its regulations to allow college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The new rules provide the opportunity for college athletes to sign with agents, which will allow them to sign sponsorships, partnerships and endorsement deals.

“We were fortunate to meet Ithiel and his dad through mutual friends,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.  “Ithiel is an amazing young man, who is going to be successful on and off the court.  We look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

 

IPZ Forms Alliance with Playbook +

Playbook +, a St. Louis, MO based consultancy with expertise in sports marketing and advertising, has formed a strategic alliance with IPZ, the companies announced today.

Playbook +, led by John Sheehan, is an experienced and innovative marketing and advertising group with vast knowledge of the Sports, Media, and Entertainment landscapes.

“We are excited to further expand the partnership with IPZ that began a couple years ago. Together, we’ll be able to maximize opportunities for our clients,” said Playbook + Founder John Sheehan.

“We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with John over the past year or so through one of our St. Louis based clients and are really excited to now expand and formalize our partnership,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “John and his team’s expertise in the sports marketing and advertising space will help bolster our capabilities for our existing clients and expand reach. Together, we can take our client services to the next level.”

Lou Fusz Athletic To Offer Naming Rights For Complex

ST. LOUIS, March 14, 2019 – Lou Fusz Athletic (LFA) will offer the naming rights to its complex, one of the most visited athletic facilities in the Midwest, the organization announced today.

Approximately 1.2 million people visit LFA’s facilities annually and this number is continually growing. LFA is home to hundreds of teams and thousands of camp participants, between the ages of five and 18, across multiple sports, with family members of all ages in attendance to watch. LFA also hosts numerous soccer and lacrosse tournaments throughout the year which bring nearly 100,000 families from the greater St. Louis area to its facilities.

The Lou Fusz Athletic Training Center at Rams Park, the former home of the St. Louis Rams, is a 300,000 square foot facility and acts as the hub for all LFA teams, tournaments, and camps. With its state-of-the-art indoor fields, outdoor fields, and amenities, such as strength/speed/agility training rooms, a weight room, a rehab and physical therapy room, and an auditorium for presentations, the LFA Training Center receives visitors year-round.

“As a club, this facility reminds us every day of the professional nature of our approach,” said Dan Gargan, Managing Director of LFA, and a 10-year MLS veteran. “It has been home to world class athletes who showed up every day to better their craft. We connect our core values to that approach and work every day to enhance the lives of the athletes and families we serve.”

“This facility offers one of the most attractive family environments in the country,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ, who will manage the marketing process. “There is a tremendous opportunity here for a local or national brand to build equity, as the continued growth of Lou Fusz Athletic and its exciting vision for the future of the club and facility will only add to its attractiveness.”

About Lou Fusz Athletic 

Lou Fusz Athletic (“LFA”) is a 501(c)3 youth sports club and the charitable arm of the Lou Fusz Automotive Network. LFA’s objective is to align you with unique touch-points of the club’s family of players and fans through various branding opportunities and events.

About IPZ

IPZ represents clients in sports, media, and entertainment, providing management, contract negotiations, consulting, public relations and marketing communications support. The company, an alliance with Zito Partners, is built on the integrity of its professionals, maintains a family focus, and provides whole life solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.