ATAVUS Creates Technical Advisory Board Comprised of Leading Minds in Football

NFL Veteran, Leading Defensive Minds in the Collegiate Game, and Three-Time High School State Champ Coach Join on to Meet Demand for More Effective and Safer Tackling


SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Aug 20, 2015) - ATAVUS (atavus.com) announces the creation of ATAVUS Technical Advisory Board to provide guidance and first-hand insights on the needs of today's Football coaches as the company continues to build out its Tackle Plan program. Launched this summer to improve the efficiency and safety of the tackle, ATAVUS Football provides a modern, impactful solution for coaches from collegiate, high school, and junior football programs. The newly formed ATAVUS Technical Advisory Board is made up of leading minds at all levels of the game including Damon Huard, 12-year NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl Champion; Chris Ash, Co-Defensive Coordinator for national champion Ohio State University Buckeyes; Jeff Choate, Defensive Line Coach and Special Teams Coordinator for the University of Washington Huskies; and Tom Ingles, a 38-year veteran of high school coaching, including three Washington State Football championships.

"With their innovative, forward looking approach to today's game, Damon, Chris, Jeff and Tom will be valuable resources as we build out Tackle Plans for programs across the country," said Rex Norris, Head of Football for ATAVUS. "The Football IQ of the Technical Advisory Board, combined with the tackle expertise of our Rugby coaches ensures that we will work with coaches to create smart, instinctive players who are more effective and safer on the field."

Working onsite and through remote assessment with Football coaches, ATAVUS develops Tackle Plans that are comprised of:

  • An introduction to five core drill types;
  • Periodization of a Tackle Plan across off-season, pre-season and in-season;
  • Sequencing of and time allotments for the drill types within each defined period; and
  • Analysis of teams' tackling programs over time

ATAVUS Football is currently consulting with a number of select university, high school and junior programs. Coaches interested in learning more can visit atavus.com/football and fill out the inquiry form to hear back from an ATAVUS coach with further information.

In addition to the Technical Advisory Board, ATAVUS also announced the addition of two additional members to its full Advisory Board in Huard, who will serve on both bodies, and Senior Director of Global Football for Under Armour Antonio Zea. As members of the ATAVUS Advisory Board, Huard and Zea will provide leadership, industry knowledge, and connections for the company as it grows both the Football program and continues its mission to grow the game of Rugby in America.

"ATAVUS is on the leading edge of a trend in Football that has coaches on every level seeking out a smart strategy to improve tackling and safety for their team," said Huard. "I believe so much in what Rex and his team of coaches are doing, that I wanted to be involved as much as possible."

Huard is currently Director of External Relations for University of Washington Football, providing student-athletes with player development and professional growth opportunities, while developing and maintaining community outreach programs. Zea is a leading mind in sports branding and marketing, having led the development of the Brazuca, the official match ball for last year's FIFA World Cup while at adidas.

About ATAVUS
Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, ATAVUS Football was launched in 2015 to provide a modern, impactful solution for coaches from collegiate, high school, and junior football programs to improve the efficiency and safety of the tackle. ATAVUS' consulting services provide football coaches onsite and remote assessment, coupled with the development of specific tackle plans comprised of sequential drills backed by advanced technology.

Founded in 2010 to grow the game of Rugby in North America, ATAVUS is relentlessly driven to breed character, develop skills and champion Rugby in the USA and beyond. The company builds and executes sustained, progression-based Rugby programming that provides coaching inclusive of any age, skill set or gender. Rugby programs includes the year-round ATAVUS Academy, the USA Rugby Academy Powered by ATAVUS, customizable "Powered By ATAVUS" consulting services, and international programs with key partners including the worldwide HSBC Rugby Festivals. More information on ATAVUS programs, camp dates, and coaching resources is available at ATAVUS.com.

Contact Information:

Media Contact
Jaime Quick
ChangeUp for ATAVUS

206-229-5183