
Ascension Elite Football Camp
Date: June 21st, 2025
Time: 9:30AM-2:30PM
Location: Duggan Academy, Springfield, MA
About The Camp
Meet the Founders
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Jay Nanfito
FOUNDER
Jay Nanfito is a digital marketing expert, entrepreneur, and sports marketing strategist redefining how athletes and brands build their digital presence. As the Founder of Nanfito Productions LLC, he helps athletes and organizations leverage cutting-edge marketing strategies and NIL partnerships to amplify their reach. A lifelong athlete and former collegiate football player at Western New England University, Jay understands the power of branding in sports and uses his expertise to help athletes navigate the evolving digital landscape. His ability to merge sports, media, and business has positioned him as a leader in athlete branding, committed to turning personal brands into powerful business assets.
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Tucker Hartmann
CO-FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
Tucker Hartmann is a lifelong athlete, football player, and coach dedicated to helping the next generation reach their full potential. As the owner of Trademark Performance, he specializes in guiding athletes toward their goal of playing college football through elite training and strategic recruiting mentorship. A former standout at Western New England University, Tucker was a two-time captain and two-time all-conference defensive back, bringing leadership and firsthand experience to his coaching. Passionate about every aspect of the game, nothing fulfills him more than helping athletes elevate their skills and achieve success at the next level.
Meet the Staff
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Kyle Holt
Outside Linebackers Coach - CCSU
Kyle Holt joins the CCSU football staff for the 2024 season as the Outside Linebackers Coach. A graduate of Western New England University, Kyle played linebacker and was a two-time Academic All-Conference honoree, earning his BS in Business Administration in 2023. Prior to CCSU, he served as an assistant coach at WNE, working with the outside linebackers in 2023 while also managing the program’s recruiting database since 2019. Kyle also gained valuable experience as a Strength & Conditioning intern at UConn from 2022 to 2024, bringing a well-rounded and high-energy coaching style to the Blue Devils.
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Armstrong Antoine
Defensive Backs & Strength Coach - AMC
Armstrong Antoine, a Stratford, CT native, was a standout at Bunnell High School and an All-New England defensive back at Anna Maria College, where he helped secure the program’s first conference title and DIII playoff appearance. He continued his career with stints at Lock Haven and Southern Connecticut State at the DII level. Now a Defensive Backs & Strength Coach at Anna Maria, Armstrong also trains athletes as a personal trainer at D1 Training in Burlington, Boston, and Norwalk, CT.
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Connor Dunn
Offensive Coordinator / WR Coach - WNEU
A South Windsor, CT native with a lifelong passion for the game, Connor Dunn is the current Offensive Coordinator at Western New England University, where he also spent four years as a player. Connor began his coaching journey at WNEU as a Graduate Assistant, quickly rising through the ranks thanks to his sharp football IQ, leadership, and creative play-calling. Now leading the offense, Connor brings energy, precision, and a deep understanding of the game to every snap. Connor is dedicated to developing high-performing offenses and helping young athletes reach their full potential.
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Jarius Bailey
Defensive Backs Coach & Performance Trainer
Jarius Bailey, a three-year starter and two-year captain at Western Connecticut State University, was a Preseason All-New England selection and competed in a Collegiate All-Star Game. Now the Head Trainer and Owner of 23Athlete, he specializes in elite athletic development while also serving as a high school defensive backs coach. A dedicated competitor, Jarius brings his passion for training and discipline from the field to the ring as a current amateur boxer, instilling toughness and excellence in the athletes he mentors.
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Andy Fredeen
Strength & Conditioning Coach / WR’s
With 10+ years in the Strength & Conditioning field, Andy has extensive knowledge and experience stemming from Division-I weight rooms and private training facilities. A Connecticut native, Andy played football, ran indoor track, and was captain of the lacrosse team at Masuk High School. He continued his football career at Southern Connecticut State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. From there he served as an assistant Strength Coach at Yale University where he worked with the Football and Men's Lacrosse teams. Andy is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association
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Kevin Dean
CPT-PES – Strength & Conditioning Coach
Coach Kevin Dean is a U.S. Air Force veteran with over 25 years of experience in strength and conditioning. The former owner of Core 4 Strength and Conditioning, he has spent the last 9 years as Head Strength Coach at Middletown High School, where he has developed and led year-round programs that consistently elevate athlete performance. Known for his discipline and dedication, Coach Dean has worked with top professionals across the country and holds a CPT-PES certification, bringing elite-level training to every athlete he works with.
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Joe Wright
Offensive Line Coach
Joe Wright has had a lifelong passion for football, with a deep-rooted love for the offensive line since the first time he put on pads. A versatile lineman at Western New England University, Joe played every position on the offensive line and was voted team captain during his graduate season, earning the respect of both teammates and coaches. As a coach, Joe is dedicated to helping athletes prepare for the next level, while instilling the grit, technique, and pride it takes to play in the trenches. He brings a contagious passion for line play and aims to grow not just better players—but better students of the game.
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Julius Walker
Defensive Backs Coach
Coach Julius Walker is the founder and owner of DB Nation, a premier defensive back training program known for developing elite-level talent across all levels of football. He brings years of experience as both a player and coach, including time on the coaching staff at UMass, where he worked closely with Division I athletes to refine their skills and elevate their performance. Julius has built a reputation for his technical expertise, high-energy coaching style, and passion for helping athletes reach their full potential. Through DB Nation, he has trained countless defensive backs across the country, focusing on footwork, technique, and football IQ. Coach Walker brings a competitive edge and a commitment to excellence that inspires every athlete he works with.
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Alec Coleman
QB Coach - Arlington High School
Alec Coleman is a former collegiate quarterback who played for Western New England University (WNE) from 2016 to 2019. In 2018, he was named Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-CCC First Team honors after throwing for 1,964 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for 867 yards and 19 touchdowns. A standout athlete at Arlington High School in Massachusetts before his college career, Alec has since returned to his alma mater as the quarterbacks coach. He’s passionate about mentoring young athletes and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the next generation of players.
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Jonny Bianci
Defensive Backs - Performance Coach
Coach Jonny Bianchi is a football lifer with a passion for developing the next generation of athletes. A former All-Conference defensive back at Springfield College, Coach Bianchi brings years of playing and coaching experience, along with unmatched energy and dedication. With five years of coaching at the prep and high school level, he’s worked with some of the top talent in the region. He also leads Sunday School Football, an off-season training program based in Berkshire County focused on refining skills and elevating performance. Whether it’s sharpening fundamentals or mentoring athletes through their journey, Coach Bianchi is all in on helping players grow—on and off the field.
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Tommy Ganley
WR/DB Coach
Tommy Ganley is a former wide receiver and defensive back at Western New England University, where he honed his skills on both sides of the ball and developed a deep understanding of the game. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching at WNE, continuing his passion for football by mentoring student-athletes. Tommy is excited to share his experiences and techniques with the next generation, bringing energy, knowledge, and a strong focus on creating a positive and growth-oriented atmosphere for all campers.
Schools Attending: More TBA
AEFC FAQs
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The Ascension Elite Football Camp is a high-level training and exposure camp designed for high school football players in grades 9–12. It’s a chance to sharpen your skills, compete with serious athletes, and gain exposure to college coaches.
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This camp is built for motivated student-athletes looking to elevate their game and their recruiting potential. Whether you're a varsity starter or an underclassman working toward the next level, Ascension Elite is for you.
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This isn’t just drills and cones. Ascension Elite blends:
Skill development
Competitive 1-on-1s
Recruiting education
Media exposure (photos, social, highlight clips)
Direct feedback from experienced coaches and scouts
We’re not just helping athletes play better—we’re helping them get seen.
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Come prepared with:
Cleats & athletic shoes
Compression gear / athletic wear
Mouthguard
Water bottle
Any recruiting materials (transcripts, highlight links, etc.)
A mindset to COMPETE
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Yes. Ascension Elite connects athletes with college programs—coaches will be evaluating players, and some will be actively recruiting. It’s a prime opportunity to make an impression.