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Celebrating Foti Rigopoulos: A Journey of Hard Work, Dedication, and Commitment

From Middle School Dreams to College Commitments - The Inspiring Story of Foti Rigopoulos


By: Brandon Hogan (Founder of Bar Raising Fitness and Foti's trainer)

It’s with immense pride and excitement that we share some fantastic news: our long-time athlete, Foti Rigopoulos, has committed to play baseball for the University of Illinois! This milestone is a testament to his relentless hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his goals. Foti's journey has been nothing short of inspirational, marked by countless hours of training, perseverance through challenges, and an unyielding passion for the game. Let's take a moment to celebrate Foti and reflect on the incredible journey that brought him to this point.


The Beginning of a Remarkable Journey


Foti has been training with me, Brandon, since he was in middle school, over five years ago. He was one of my first clients when I opened Bar Raising Fitness inside the Kennedy Mall in Dubuque, Iowa. From the very beginning, Foti had a clear goal: to play college baseball at the Division 1 level. I promised him I would do everything in my power to help him achieve that dream, all I asked from him was to give me his all each session. It has been an incredible journey for both of us from where we started to where we are today.


 
“We chose Bar Raising Fitness because of the program's personalized approach and reputation for excellence. The level of expertise and attention to detail was evident from the start, and we felt confident that Foti would be pushed to reach his full potential in an environment that valued not just performance, but character development as well. We've stuck with BRF because the results speak for themselves - the consistent progress and dedication to Foti's growth have made a lasting impact from the time he started in 7th grade.” - Dino Rigopoulos (Foti's father)
 

Building a Strong Foundation


I vividly remember the early days when Foti was just starting. As a young athlete, he was eager to lift heavy weights like his friends, but I emphasized the importance of mastering the basics first. “Foti, we will get to more lifting in the future, but for right now we are going to focus on the basics and build a strong foundation that we can build off of when you are a junior and senior. Trust the process, man, I promise you it will pay off.” He’d give me that determined nod, a slight eye roll, and we’d get back to work.


We spent countless hours perfecting his mechanics. Foti was always willing to put in the work, even when it meant repeating a rep until it was perfect. His dedication was unmatched; he was a coachable athlete who gave 110% every single time. His willingness to buy into the process and do whatever it took to improve set him apart. Foti’s perseverance was incredible; he approached every challenge with a positive attitude and relentless energy. Whether it was early mornings or late evenings, he was always ready to train and push his limits. He not only bought into the process, he truly loved it and gave his all to it.


"Consistency is key. There were times when I didn't feel like training, but I learned that showing up and putting in the work, even on the tough days, makes a big difference. It's about building habits that last, not just putting in the work on the days you feel like it." - Foti Rigopoulos

The Hardest Worker in the Room


Foti’s schedule was nothing short of intense. He lifted at school 3-5 times a week, trained with me another 3-4 times a week, attended Pilates sessions, and had hitting or pitching lessons. If he didn’t have a scheduled lesson or training session, he would hit some balls with his buddies or practice on his own. His passion for baseball was evident, and his drive was unparalleled.


Even during the challenging times of COVID, Foti didn’t let up. I would drive to his house 4-5

times a week to train him in his yard or basement. The work never ended for this guy! His commitment, trust in me, and always wanting to know why we were doing something kept me on top of my game as well. I was constantly programming new workouts, building nutrition guides and mindset manuals, checking in with him, and educating myself on new training methods. Foti's work ethic inspired me to be a better coach.


What kept Foti this motivated throughout his journey? His answer, "The love for the game kept me going and having clear goals. Whether it was making the varsity team, playing college ball, or simply getting better each day. Having something to strive for kept me focused and determined. Also seeing even the smallest bit of progress reminded me why I was putting in this much work."

The Champion's Mindset


Foti has developed a true champion's mindset over the years. He sets high goals, strives for excellence, and has confidence both on and off the field. He never lets failures or setbacks deter him from his path. He’s a great teammate, always putting the team first and being willing to listen and learn. Foti loves the journey and the grind, always committed to improving himself.


His journey is a powerful lesson for all of us. Success isn't just about natural talent; it's about relentless effort and unwavering determination. Foti’s story reminds us that achieving greatness requires embracing challenges, learning from failures, and staying focused on our goals. His ability to maintain a positive attitude and push forward, even when faced with obstacles, is a testament to the strength of his character. We can all strive to be the best versions of ourselves, by adopting this type of mindset, continuously working hard, and never giving up, no matter how tough the journey gets.


I asked Foti how his mindset has changed from the time we first started to where we are today. His response, "When I first started, I was just focused on working hard and playing as much as possible. Now, I understand the training is about working smarter, not just harder. I've learned to listen to my body, focus on technique, and maintain a balance between pushing myself and not burning out."


 
“Since Foti started training with you at BRF, I've noticed significant growth in both his athletic abilities and mindset. He's become more focused, disciplined, and confident in his skills on the field. The training has clearly helped him improve his physical abilities, but also his understanding of the game and mental toughness. Overall, he's developed into a more well-rounded player and a more resilient competitor.” - Dino Rigopoulos (Foti's father)
 

The Next Chapter


Foti’s hard work has paid off, earning him a scholarship to the University of Illinois. While it will be different not seeing him every day, I couldn’t be more proud of him. This achievement is just the beginning. We have new goals to chase, and the journey continues. It’s time to ramp up the training even more as we prepare for the next chapter in his baseball career.


Foti, you’ve earned every bit of this success. Your commitment, passion, and work ethic have been nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations on this incredible achievement. I am beyond excited to see what the future holds for you, and I am honored to have been a part of your journey.


Here’s to many more victories and milestones ahead. Let’s get back to the lab and keep pushing those boundaries! Your journey is far from over, and I am confident that you will continue to achieve greatness both on and off the field.


Foti's advice to any young athlete looking to start training with with a Bar Raising Fitness trainer, "Make the most of every opportunity to improve and focus on consistency. It's important to trust the process, stay committed to the training program, and remember that the work you put in now will pay off later. Don't be afraid to ask the trainer questions; they're here to help you succeed."

 

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Bar Raising Fitness. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with our athletes and their amazing journeys.


Author: Brandon Hogan, Founder of Bar Raising Fitness. With over six years of experience in training athletes and individuals, Brandon specializes in athletic performance and strength training.



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