WC basketball reaps immediate benefits from eyeQ program

WAYCROSS, Ga., (November 24, 2009) - Waycross College’s purchase of the award-winning eyeQ program has produced immediate results for WC students, especially among the members of the men’s basketball team.

Designed to utilize parts of the brain to help increase reading speed and comprehension, eyeQ was introduced to students in the College’s Academic Support Center and freshman orientation classes during fall semester. 

Bryan Hartley, WC’s athletic coordinator, included use of the software in the athletic department’s success development program, which teaches student athletes the keys to success not only in the game but also in life.

“I believe that we are not just born successful, but that we must learn how to become successful,” said Hartley. “The core of our athletic program is centered on this vision. As this vision is carried out, we will become more successful on the court or field, in the classroom, and be better prepared for life after college.”

As participants in the eyeQ program, Hartley said each basketball player works through the program’s short, seven-minute sessions. He said he has been pleased with the program’s benefits.

“I (have been) impressed by the program,” said Hartley. “Not only does it help increase reading speed, which (helps) students learn, but it also helps increase peripheral vision, which can be very helpful in any sport.”

According to Hartley, half of the basketball team doubled their reading speed after one month of using the program. In two and a half months, the entire team had doubled its reading speed, with some players experiencing a triple percentage increase.

Overall, the team’s average reading speed has increased from 214 words per minute (wpm) to 693 wpm. 

Head coach Cory Baldwin is pleased with the program’s effect on his players.

“eyeQ is a great tool for student athletes. They have such a compact schedule and need something quick that can help them speed up their reading comprehension,” he said. “I have definitely seen (a) difference in my team after a short time.”

When asked about their use of eyeQ, some of the Swamp Fox players also pointed to the positive difference the program has made academically and on the court.

“eyeQ has helped me in many ways, from reading in the classroom to seeing the next pass on the basketball court,” said Andrew “Bob” Covin, whose reading speed has increased 237%, from 249 wpm to 838 wpm.

Brandon Hosely, the team’s starting point guard, has seen his reading speed increase 288%, from 229 wpm to 888 wpm.

“eyeQ has really helped my vision on the court as a point guard,” he said. “It has also enhanced my reading skills, which betters me in the classroom.”

Other notable increases include Josh Mendenhall, whose reading speed increased 467%, and student assistant D.J. Hardy, who has seen a 537% increase.

eyeQ is marketed by Infinite Mind, LC. According to Jeffrey C. Flamm, the company’s president and CEO, dramatic results have occurred among more than 1,000,000 eyeQ users in the United States. WC entered into the partnership with Infinite Mind this past spring as the first certified eyeQ institution in the nation.

Waycross College has been a proud member of the University System of Georgia since the College’s founding in 1976.