Coach Mo Basketball

By Odeen Domingo Arizona Republic The basics of what you need to know about Mo Streety, better known as Coach Mo, was in his white SUV. Near the passenger seat sat a Bible, which speaks of his deep faith. Stacked in backseat where a few Arizona Cardinals book bags, gifts for some of his many inner-city kids to whom he has donated his time. On the floor of the passenger side was a stopwatch, an instrument that has become as essential as footwear for the nationally known speed and track coach. And, of course, there was his cellphone, which was ringing again. Like it always seems to, oh, every two minutes or so. Streety strayed his his eyes away from the road and glanced at the buzzing phone. "It's Simeon Rice" Streety, said. But he didn't bother to pick it up and talk to the boisterous Tampa Bay Bucs All-Pro defensive end, who was one of the best athletes to ever attend his speed camp. Streety uses facilities at Phoenix Christian and Apollo high schools. Explained Streety, "I don't want to hear him remind me of how great he is." Oh, but on the contrary, it was Rice who spoke volumes of Streety during a nationally televised interview. Rice, a former Cardinals player, gave credit to Streety for his speed and performance on the field, calling Streety "the best at what he does." And what Streety does isn't just making athletes run faster. Streety's speed camps, which cater to every age and skill level, focus on explosion, change of direction and quickening reaction times to enhance real game-time performance. Youth and prep teams accross the nation have bought Streety in for weeklong or weekend camps. Streety's reputation has grown since his humble beginning in 1990 when he worked with two local prep running backs who wanted to do some extra training. Both backs became state class sprinters and All-America football players. His success career coaching sprinters and jumpers at Moon Valley, Desert Vista and Phoenix Christian high schools also helped his status. Then in 1999, former Cardinals player and all-pro defensive back Aeneas Williams began working with Streety. Now, his speed camps have notable alumni such as Rice, Williams, Tony Womack, Terrell Suggs, and Lofa Tatupu. He has also has NFL prospects the past four years who have impressed scouts at the NFL combine. Physical therapist Brett Fisher, who hired Streety to be the speed coach of his Fisher Sports Sports Theraphy and conditioning studio, has called Streety's teaching techniques "A-maze-ing." Twice. "It's unbelievable. Through his hard work, his athletes have had the fastest 40 yard dash times," Fischer said. "The previous year, JJ Arrington put on 11 pounds and still ran the fastest 40 time at the combine (for all the running backs). Manny Lawson ran the fastest time in the history of the NFL combine time for defensive ends (4.43).