Maximus Gage
Ryan Smith is a former college football defensive back for James Madison University who has become a ripped star of cornhole. Smith was introduced to cornhole in 2015 by his brother and became hooked. He turned pro in 2019 and is now one of the best in the sport. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Smith has also struggled with his weight and body image, particularly after getting married at age 19 and experiencing several miscarriages. He has since found success as a fitness influencer, sharing his journey and inspiring others to improve their physical and mental health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ryan Smith |
| Occupation | Former College Football Defensive Back, Current Professional Cornhole Player |
| College | James Madison University |
| Competitive Drive | Became one of the top stars in the American Cornhole League |
| Training Routine | Shoulder workouts, bench press, military press, triceps, biceps, and underhand motion exercises |
| Training Frequency | 30 to 90 minutes daily after work |
| Training Venue | Company's facility, located five minutes from home |
| Gym Membership | Powerlifting gym with a competitive atmosphere |
| Additional Exercises | Vice grips for wrist, hand, and forearm strength |
| Tournament Preparation | Early bird, shower, and music to get mentally prepared |
| Tournament Schedule | Mostly on weekends |
| Motivation | Competitive nature, business sponsorships, and ESPN exposure of the sport |
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What You'll Learn
Ryan Smith's transition from football to cornhole
Ryan Smith, a former college football defensive back for James Madison University, has made a remarkable transition from football to becoming one of the top stars in the American Cornhole League (ACL). Growing up in Ashland, Virginia, Smith did not play cornhole as a child but did play similar games like horseshoes.
Smith was introduced to cornhole in 2015 by his brother, and his competitive nature quickly led to him becoming hooked on the game. He was surprised by the intense competition and high turnout at local events, and his interest was fully piqued when he learned about the ACL. Smith turned professional in 2019, just four years after discovering the sport.
Smith's transition from football to cornhole also brought about changes in his training regimen. While he no longer performs football-specific workouts, he continues to lift heavy weights, focusing on exercises that translate well to cornhole, such as shoulder workouts, bench press, military press, and exercises targeting triceps and biceps. These exercises help with the underhand motion required in cornhole, and Smith has built up the endurance to last entire cornhole tournaments, which can last up to three days and involve throwing up to a thousand bags.
Smith's practice routine involves going to the gym for a workout and then heading to his company's facility, conveniently located just five minutes from his home, to practice for 30 to 90 minutes. Most tournaments take place on weekends, and his company accommodates his schedule, allowing him the flexibility to travel on Fridays if needed. Smith's dedication and practice routine have paid off, as he is now one of the best players in the sport, showcasing his skills on ESPN and attracting business sponsorships.
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Training routine for cornhole
Ryan Smith, a former college football defensive back for James Madison University, is now a top star in the American Cornhole League. Smith was introduced to cornhole in 2015 by his brother and quickly became hooked.
To become a top cornhole player, Smith follows a strict training routine. He practices at a facility close to his home, fitting in workouts at a powerlifting gym and cornhole practice sessions in the evenings after work. Smith's workouts focus on exercises that translate to cornhole, such as shoulder workouts, bench press, military press, triceps, and biceps, which help with the underhand motion of cornhole. He also uses vice grips to work his wrists, hands, and forearms, which are essential for the wrist movements in cornhole.
In addition to his gym workouts, Smith practices cornhole extensively. He emphasizes the importance of grip and release, experimenting with different hand positions to find the most comfortable and consistent release angle. Smith also practices making airmails and slide shots, suggesting that beginners start with a lower number of attempts, such as 50 or 100, and gradually increase. He also recommends finding a friend to help with specific shots, such as placing bags on the board for push shots and roll shots.
To improve his throwing technique, Smith incorporates challenges and games into his practice, such as Ghost Cornhole and Dekarounds. These games help with muscle memory, drive, skill, and mental toughness. Smith also emphasizes the importance of repetition, noting that playing locals will not provide the same number of reps as dedicated practice at home. He suggests reaching out to top players in the area to learn about their practice routines.
Smith's training routine showcases his dedication to the sport and his commitment to continuous improvement. By combining gym workouts with targeted cornhole drills and challenges, he has become one of the best players in the American Cornhole League.
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Cornhole as a professional sport
Cornhole is a professional sport. It involves physical activity, entertainment, and competition for prize money on television. The American Cornhole League (ACL), founded in 2015, is the governing body that sets the rules and standards for the sport. The American Cornhole Association (ACA) also regulates the sport by determining rules for tournaments and deciding on prize money.
The sport has evolved from a backyard game played with friends and relatives to a national competition with a dedicated fan base. It involves participants throwing corn-filled bags at wooden cornhole boards, aiming to score points by getting the bags through a hole in the board or landing them on the board. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game.
The growth of cornhole as a professional sport can be attributed to the efforts of individuals like Ryan Smith, a former college football defensive back who transitioned into becoming a top star in the ACL. Smith, who was introduced to cornhole in 2015, turned pro in 2019 and has since mastered various techniques to excel in the sport. He emphasizes the importance of physical training, incorporating exercises such as shoulder workouts, bench press, and wrist exercises using vice grips to build endurance for the intense throwing motions required in cornhole.
The popularity of cornhole has led to the emergence of local leagues and professional players across the country, with some top players earning up to $60,000 per year. The sport has gained exposure through television broadcasts, attracting a wider audience and contributing to the growth of local leagues. While the prize money in cornhole may not match that of more established professional sports, there is a focus on increasing the prize pool to $5 million, which could make cornhole a full-time career option for more players.
In conclusion, cornhole has all the characteristics of a professional sport, including competition, physical activity, entertainment value, and monetary rewards. The dedication of players like Ryan Smith and the efforts of governing bodies such as the ACL and ACA have played a crucial role in elevating cornhole to a professional level, attracting enthusiasts and spectators alike.
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Sponsorships and exposure for cornhole
Ryan Smith is a businessman and the chairman of Smith Entertainment Group. Now, onto the topic of cornhole and how to gain sponsorships and exposure for the game.
Cornhole, a game involving players tossing cornhole bags into a hole on a board to score points, has gained popularity in recent years, with top players in leagues like the American Cornhole League (ACL) winning substantial prize money. To increase exposure and attract sponsorships for cornhole, several strategies can be employed:
Sponsoring Organizations:
The American Cornhole Association (ACA) is the official governing body of cornhole and offers sponsorship opportunities. They provide guidelines for hosting tournaments and becoming sanctioned referees, which can help gain exposure and legitimacy for the sport.
Product Sponsorships:
Companies like Versatex®, Bronc, and Elakai sponsor cornhole tournaments and leagues by providing equipment and gear. Their products include all-weather cornhole boards, hunting and outdoor gear, and premium outdoor games. Contacting these companies and showcasing the benefits of sponsorship can be a direct way to gain support.
Community Engagement:
Hosting cornhole leagues or tournaments within your community can increase participation and create a dedicated player base. Local businesses can be approached for sponsorships, offering them exposure within the community in exchange for their support.
Media and Social Media Presence:
Utilizing online platforms and social media can significantly increase the visibility of cornhole. Creating engaging content, sharing rules, and highlighting the fun and competitive nature of the game can attract a wider audience. Collaborating with influencers or popular cornhole players can also expand the sport's reach and attract potential sponsors.
Demonstrating the Sport's Appeal:
Cornhole has a unique ability to bring people together and create a fun, social atmosphere. Emphasizing this aspect and showcasing the game's versatility for various events, from casual gatherings to competitive tournaments, can make it appealing to a diverse range of sponsors.
By implementing these strategies and leveraging the growing popularity of cornhole, players, and organizers can attract sponsorships and increase exposure for the sport, leading to greater recognition and potential financial gains for participants.
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Cornhole's rapid growth
Cornhole, a game that involves players tossing bags into a hole on a board, has experienced rapid growth in popularity in recent years. It is said to have originated in the 14th century when a cabinet maker named Matthias Kuepermann observed children tossing rocks into a groundhog hole. He created a board and used bags of corn instead of rocks, thus inventing the game of cornhole. Today, cornhole is played with two teams of two players each, and the objective is to score 21 points by tossing bags onto the board or into the hole.
The game has evolved from a backyard pastime to a "real" sport, with the 2018 American Cornhole League Pro Invitational attracting half a million viewers, the highest ever. The game's "shot of the year" garnered 1.2 million views in just eight hours. Cornhole's popularity has led to the establishment of the American Cornhole League (ACL) in 2016, which claims a membership of over 150,000 players worldwide. The ACL has also secured corporate sponsorships from well-known brands.
Colleges have also taken notice of cornhole's rise, with several institutions establishing club teams and offering scholarships for players. Adrian College has even elevated cornhole to varsity status, with its own head coach, Max Benedict. The sport has received national television coverage, further contributing to its growing popularity.
The growth of cornhole has been so significant that some are calling it "the fastest-growing sport in North America." It has attracted players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals. The game's simple rules and equipment accessibility have likely contributed to its widespread appeal. However, even the best players can experience a cornhole slump, where their performance declines due to mental or technical factors.
Despite its rapid growth, cornhole players and coaches are hesitant to have the sport sanctioned by the NCAA. Nevertheless, cornhole's popularity continues to surge, with regional tournaments being held and an annual championship tournament organized by the ACL. The game has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and its future as a popular sport seems secure.
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Frequently asked questions
Ryan Smith is a former college football defensive back for James Madison University. He is now a professional cornhole player in the American Cornhole League.
Ryan Smith was introduced to cornhole by his brother in 2015. He quickly became hooked on the sport, and joined the American Cornhole League in 2019.
Ryan Smith still lifts heavy weights, focusing on shoulder workouts, bench press, military press, triceps, and biceps. He also uses vice grips to work his wrists, hands, and forearms, which he finds most beneficial for the wrist movements needed for cornhole.
Ryan Smith has a rigorous routine, going home to change after work, hitting the gym, and then heading to the work facility to practice from 30 to 90 minutes. He also wakes up early, at around 6:30, to ensure he doesn't miss any events.
Ryan Smith does not disclose his diet, but he does endorse protein-packed snacks from MariGold Foods.
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