Our Mentors
B.A. (HONS), M.A.
Jonathan Hood is a former linebacker and top special teams player in the CFL. He has made a name for himself on the field as a hard-hitting relentless player, and off the field as a dynamic motivational speaker, passionate youth mentor, engaging university professor, and intense leadership coach. In 2012 he created the "Ahead of the Game Youth Mentoring Organization", whose mandate is to empower youth through mentorship. Ahead of the Game has positively re-engaged hundreds of young people with their schools, families, and communities.
Jonathan also uses his gifts in the corporate sector where he works with senior managers and vp’s to reach their highest potential and #GetAfterIt through leadership coaching and team building workshops. He teachers wellness coaching at Guelph-Humber University and Humber College, and is Jonathan is currently pursuing his PhD in Sports Psychology at the University of Toronto.
His vision is to,"Engage my audience in a giant conversation leaving them feeling empowered, supported, resourceful and equipped to unlock the DNA of a champion that is in inside of them."
Ryan has worked with Jonathan Hood to found and develop a not-for-profit organization before his retirement from the CFL in 2016. An alumnus of the MHSc in Health Administration program at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) through the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH), Ryan now leads Community Engagement at the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). He also serves on the editorial board for Health Debate, and is an Adjunct Lecturer at IHPME where he leads DLSPH’s Outreach and Access Program.
Ryan has supported and partnered with Jonathan Hood in Ahead of the Game Mentorship since its inception, facilitating sessions and helping develop materials for the program.
Ike has been part of the Ahead of the Game Youth mentoring squad since its inception in 2012. The 33-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan played for Central Michigan University and was with the Ticats from 2009-12 before joining the University of Tennessee Vols as an assistant strength-and-conditioning coach and coach in charge of player development.
When asked about his passion for young men, Ike notes, “There's a process of becoming a pro in the CFL that's different than the NFL or college. Similarly, there is a process to becoming a man that boys go through that I enjoy helping youth through and come out on the winning side.
Grew up in Toronto, Ontario as a first generation Canadian and went to St. Michael’s College School and The University of Windsor. After leaving University Tyrone had a vision to be a Personal Trainer and coach the next generation through sports just as his coaches coached him not only on things that mattered in his perspective sports but also in life and towards the things that he would face later on in his life. He now is the Owner of Optimize Potential Training, (OPT) with the idea to take his athletes/clients their “true” potential through training and mentorship.
Having coached with Jonathan hood, before working with him and Ahead of The Game, Tyrone's passion to coach/mentor youth has always been evident. Tyrone has volunteer coached the St. Michael's Track & Field Team as well as their Jr. Varsity Football Team. He is now one of the AOTG youth mentors and looks forward to growing his business as well as his knowledge.
