Press Releases

THE TAYLOR HOOTON FOUNDATION WILL ASSIST WATERLOO UNIVERSITY WITH COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUG EDCUATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES AND STAFF

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:39:00 GMT

Groundbreaking program unmatched by any other U.S. or Canadian University

(Dallas, TX) – Today, Taylor Hooton Foundation (THF), the leading organization dedicated to combating steroid abuse, announced that it would assist Waterloo University, of Ontario, Canada, in conducting anti-performance enhancing drug educational programs for the University’s athletic staff and student-athletes.

Under this agreement, the Foundation will provide comprehensive anti-performance enhancing drug educational programs for all of Waterloo’s student-athletes, coaches, training staff, and strength and conditioning staff.  Foundation-led educational seminars will be mandatory for all of the University’s interuniversity athletes, which total roughly 560 student-athletes.  In addition, all of the University’s coaches, full-time training staff, and strength and conditioning staff, totaling approximately 100-plus individuals, will be required to complete the Foundation’s online training program.   These programs will begin this Fall (2010).

Don Hooton, President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation said, “We are extremely excited to be working with Waterloo University.  Waterloo’s efforts to educate its student-athletes and athletic staff are unparalleled.  No other university in the United States or Canada has made as strong a commitment to combating this problem.”

“It became clear to us that we must enhance educational efforts on our campus to combat this issue. We are very encouraged by the pioneering work being done by the Taylor Hooton Foundation to educate athletes, athletic staffs and others about the risks associated with the use of banned substances,” said Bob Copeland, the Director, of Athletics & Recreational Services for the University.  “We look forward to continuing to work with the Hooton Foundation to ensure that the University of Waterloo’s athletic programs effectively attack the problem of performance enhancing drug use,” he added.

Last season, a significant number of the University’s football players were found to be using banned substance. The University suspended the program from competing for a period of one year and placed the head coach on leave, pending the results of a report.

The report, which was released this week, revealed that players felt the need to take banned substances in order to compete at the college level. The report also found that the previous educational efforts for student-athletes were “ineffective.”  The report determined that “there is a need for more effective education of players, particularly on the adverse health affects.” The report also called for more education and training of coaches, trainers, and health care professionals.

The Taylor Hooton Foundation was recently certified by the Texas Education Agency as an approved provider of continuing education programs.  The Foundation’s comprehensive, research-based online anti-performance enhancing drug training program for coaches and other athletic staff are the first such programs available.  “We created our online program to ensure that coaches, trainers, and other athletic staff who work with our children have the facts and can guide young people to make good, healthy and ethical choices—whether they are in Canada or Florida,” said Hooton.

For information about the Foundation’s educational programs contact the Foundation at: 972-403-7300.

About Taylor Hooton Foundation: The Taylor Hooton Foundation (www.taylorhooton.org) was formed in 2004 in memory of Taylor E. Hooton, a 17-year old high school baseball player from Plano, TX. Taylor committed suicide on July 15, 2003 as a result of the abuse of anabolic steroids. The Foundation was established by his parents, family and friends when they became aware of the magnitude of a growing problem among high school students across the country-the illegal use and abuse of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs.  The Taylor Hooton Foundation for Fighting Steroid Abuse (THF) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation headquartered in McKinney, TX.

To find more about the Taylor Hooton Foundation: www.taylorhooton.org

NSF International Partners with Taylor Hooton Foundation to Raise Awareness of the Dangers of Performance Enhancing Drugs Among Young Athletes

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:44:00 GMT

ANN ARBOR, Mich. and FRISCO, Tex – NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, has formed a partnership with the Taylor Hooton Foundation, an anti-steroid foundation, to help protect young athletes from the dangers of performance enhancing drugs. As part of the partnership, NSF International is developing educational resources for the Foundation to use to educate students at seminars and high school presentations.

These resources include www.nsfsport.com, a website NSF launched last year to provide educational information and news on sports nutrition to athletes. The website includes a searchable database of NSF-certified sports nutrition products that have been screened for athletic banned substances.

The Taylor Hooton Foundation for Fighting Steroid Abuse is a non-profit corporation created in memory of Taylor E. Hooton, a 17-year old student athlete who died in 2003 as a result of anabolic steroid use. Together, NSF International and the Taylor Hooton Foundation will help educate amateur athletes, their parents and coaches about the dangers of performance enhancing drug use, including those potentially found in unmarked, untested and non-certified dietary supplements.

In 2002, The International Olympic Committee (IOC) tested 240 over-the-counter sports nutrition products and found that 18 percent contained banned substances such as anabolic androgenic steroids that were not listed on the product’s label.

“Over-the-counter sports supplements like those tested by the IOC are available everywhere and can be purchased by anyone. The best way to protect young athletes is to educate them on the dangers of steroids and steroid-like substances and point them to sport nutrition products that have been tested and certified to be free of these substances,” said Don Hooton, President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation.

NSF International developed an Athletic Banned Substances Certification program (Certified for Sport™) in 2004 in response to the growing demands by athletes, coaches, team owners and others concerned about banned substances in sports nutrition products. The Certified for Sport™ program verifies that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the product does not contain undeclared ingredients or unacceptable levels of contaminants. The certification program also includes screening for over 140 banned or prohibited substances, a toxicology review to verify product formulation and marketing claims, and manufacturing facility inspections to ensure the products are produced in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Ongoing monitoring via periodic auditing and testing verifies continued compliance with these requirements.

“NSF developed the Certified for Sport program as part of our ongoing mission to protect human health. We were concerned about the widespread availability of banned substances and other performance-enhancing drugs marketed and sold as supplements on the Internet and elsewhere. Our partnership with the Taylor Hooton Foundation allows us to educate high school students, parents and coaches about the risks involved in taking these substances,” said Ed Wyszumiala, General Manager of the NSF International Dietary Supplement Certification programs.

Major League Baseball (MLB), the primary sponsor of The Taylor Hooton Foundation, uses the NSF Certified for Sport™ Program to certify the products their athletes use. The NFL, the NFL Player’s Association, PGA, LPGA and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) all have chosen NSF’s Certified for Sport™ program to help verify the products their athletes use are free of banned substances.

To schedule an interview with Ed Wyszumiala or for additional information on the NSF International/Taylor Hooton Foundation partnership, contact Greta Houlahan at 734.913.5723 or houlahan@nsf.org. You also may visit NSF’s website for more information on the NSF Certified for Sport Program.

About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment.

NSF’s Dietary Supplement Certification program verifies that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the product does not contain undeclared ingredients or contaminants. NSF’s Athletic Banned Substances Certification program builds on the dietary supplement certification program by including screening that ensures the product does not contain banned or prohibited substances. MLB, the MLB Player’s Association, NFL, the NFL Player’s Association, PGA, LPGA and the CCES have all chosen NSF’s Certified for Sport™ program to help verify the products their athletes use are safer and free of banned substances.

About Taylor Hooton Foundation: The Taylor Hooton Foundation (www.taylorhooton.org) was formed in 2004 in memory of Taylor E. Hooton, a 17-year old high school baseball player from Plano, TX. Taylor committed suicide on July 15, 2003 as a result of the abuse of anabolic steroids. The Foundation was established by his parents, family and friends when they became aware of the magnitude of a growing problem among high school students across the country-the illegal use and abuse of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs.The Taylor Hooton Foundation for Fighting Steroid Abuse (THF) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation headquartered in McKinney, TX.

Major League Strength to Partner with Hooton Foundation on Performance Enhancing Drugs Awareness Campaign

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 03:09:00 GMT

Major League Strength has announced a partnership with the Taylor Hooton Foundation

Melville, NY –May 19^th, 2010- Major League Strength announced today a partnership with the Taylor Hooton Foundation to educate kids about the dangers of performance enhancing drugs throughout the country during their “Test the Nation” Combine Training Campaign.

This partnership will provide young athletes, parents, and coaches nationwide with an understanding of the dangers associated with steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. In addition to providing an education on the dangers, warning signs, side effects, and treatment of performance enhancing drug use- Major League Strength will provide athletes with drug-free, training based solutions to help them reach their performance goals on and off the field.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership with the Taylor Hooton Foundation. They have a tremendous mission and vision- and their personal story of loss, heartache, and desire to create change is extremely touching and important to the ML Strength family. During our “Test the Nation” Campaign- which will test, evaluate, and provide positive training solutions and education to young athletes- we will be distributing written materials, as well as Hooton Chalk Talk awareness sessions,” says Jeff Ehasz, Director of Combine Business Development.

Hoot’s Chalk Talk is the name of a family of programs that have been created to raise the awareness and provide education on the subject of the use and abuse of appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs) by the youth of America with a focus on anabolic steroids and supplements. Two programs make up core educational programs of the Taylor Hooton Foundation (THF):

a) An in-person multi-media program that is called Hoot’s Chalk Talk, and

b) An online program that is called Hoot’s Chalk Talk e-Learning Program.

These two Hoot’s Chalk Talk programs not only provide factual information about the dangers of APEDs and supplements, they also explore the honor and integrity character traits that are too often missing among today’s youth.

“At Major League Strength we are dedicated to providing all our athletes with cutting-edge training solutions to enhance their performance in a drug-free manner, but also giving them lessons and education on how to live a clean, healthy, and positive lifestyle. This relationship with the Hooton Foundation allows us to help create an awareness for athletes and families on the dangers of PED’s- which will make athletes think twice before making a potentially negative choice that may harm their bodies and those around them. Awareness is the first step, action is the second. With this partnership we are able to provide our athletes, families, and support teams both,” says Jeff Ehasz.

Don Hooton, President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, commented, “I am very pleased about the partnership between Major League Strength and the Taylor Hooton Foundation. This partnership is a perfect opportunity for us to be able to deliver our education messages to kids and parents. This partnership allows us to not only educate athletes nationwide on the dangers of performance enhancing drugs, but to also provide them with the most cutting-edge training methods available to enhance performance naturally- via hard work in the weight room, on the field, or court. The place to win this battle is to get into the hearts and minds of our athletes and other youth during their developmental time.”

The Taylor Hooton Foundation is the only entity-public or private-in the United States dedicated to educating young people and adult influencers about the dangers of anabolic steroids and appearance and performance enhancing drugs. The Foundation is focused exclusively on protecting young people from these drugs through education and outreach.

About Major League Strength

Major League Strength was created to provide athletes, coaches, business professionals or corporate athletes, and the general population with a resource to aid in the quest of achieving enhanced physical performance, while working to integrate the enhancement of lifestyle and character to develop a well rounded athlete with the ability to compete at the highest level of sport and business. All people under the MLS Methodology are considered athletes- striving for greatness and success.

About Taylor Hooton Foundation
The Taylor Hooton Foundation (www.taylorhooton.org) was formed in memory of Taylor E. Hooton, a 17-year old high school baseball player from Plano, TX. Taylor committed suicide on July 15, 2003 as a result of the abuse of anabolic steroids. The Foundation was established in 2004 by his parents, family and friends when they became aware of the magnitude of a growing problem among high school students across the country-the illegal use and abuse of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs. They also learned that young people and their parents are generally unaware of the real dangers of these powerful drugs. The Taylor Hooton Foundation for Fighting Steroid Abuse (THF) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation headquartered in McKinney, TX.

Taylor Hooton Award Presented to MLB Commissioner Bud Selig

Thu, 13 May 2010 14:43:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rob Housman

Book Hill Partners

O) 202-289-3636; C) 202-486-5874

rhousman@bookhillpartners.com

TAYLOR HOOTON FOUNDATION HONORS COMMISSIONER SELIG

Awarded First “Taylor’s Award”

The Taylor Hooton Foundation announced today that Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig has been named the inaugural recipient of “Taylor’s Award,” presented to an individual who has made a major impact on efforts to educate American youth and protect them from the dangers of appearance and performance-enhancing drugs. The award was presented at the MLB Owners meeting in New York, New York.

Taylor’s Award is presented in memory of Taylor Hooton, a 17-year-old honors student and promising high school baseball player who was a victim of performance-enhancing substances.

“I’m extremely proud to present the first Taylor’s Award to Commissioner Bud Selig, who has been the single largest supporter of the Foundation’s efforts to educate young people about the dangers of appearance and performance-enhancing drugs,” said Don Hooton, Taylor’s father, who serves as President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation. “Without the support of the Commissioner and the Clubs throughout Major League Baseball, we would not be able to carry on with our vital work.”

“Under Commissioner Selig’s leadership, Major League Baseball has singularly dedicated more resources to supporting anti-steroid educational programs than any other entity in the United States, including those in the federal government. In conjunction with Baseball and its Clubs, we now provide educational programs to hundreds of thousands of kids in high school gyms and auditoriums all over the country and in all 30 Major League ballparks. The Commissioner’s efforts have significantly strengthened baseball’s anti-drug programs to ensure that our young people get the right message from the ballplayers they look up to.”

“We at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration join the Hooton Foundation in commending Commissioner Selig for his leadership in mobilizing Major League Baseball to help educate our nation’s young people about the dangers of performance enhancing drugs,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “Strong private sector partners, such as the Hooton Foundation and professional baseball, are critical to achieving our number one priority at SAMHSA – promoting emotional health and preventing mental illness and substance abuse.”

The Taylor Hooton Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating America’s young people about the dangers of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance-enhancing drugs. The Foundation was formed in 2004 by the friends and family of Taylor Hooton’s after his untimely death.

Major League Baseball became a founding sponsor of the Taylor Hooton Foundation in August 2005, initially providing a $1 million contribution. In June 2008, Major League Baseball announced a $1.5 million grant to the Taylor Hooton Foundation and other forms of promotional support as part of an aggressive grassroots anti-steroid educational program.

Additional information on the Taylor Hooton Foundation can be obtained at www.taylorhooton.org.

# # #

Baseball Factory and Taylor Hooton Foundation form Partnership

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:17:00 GMT

The partnership will spread an anti-steroids message nationwide to thousands of high school and youth baseball players

COLUMBIA, MD – November 2, 2009- Baseball Factory announced today a partnership with the Taylor Hooton Foundation that will help deliver an anti-steroids message to thousands of baseball players nationwide. The organizations will work together to provide all Baseball Factory players and families with educational information on the dangers of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs.

The partnership between Baseball Factory and the Taylor Hooton Foundation will provide an opportunity for young baseball players to learn about the dangers associated with appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs). In addition, the Taylor Hooton Foundation will provide training to the Baseball Factory staff on all aspects of this topic and will make an appearance at select Baseball Factory events in order to deliver this message directly to players and their families. It is important that not only the players, but also the parents are fully educated on the perils associated with these drugs.

“We’re excited to be teaming up with the Taylor Hooton Foundation,” Steve Sclafani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Baseball Factory, said. “Performance enhancing drugs have been a major negative force on baseball for too long and we feel it is extremely important that we raise awareness of the dangers of these drugs. We want to make sure that our players are able to make educated decisions on what they put into their bodies and the Taylor Hooton Foundation delivers a positive message to help eliminate these issues.”

The Taylor Hooton Foundation will be distributing written materials to players at all Baseball Factory events. The Taylor Hooton Foundation prides itself in offering the most current and accurate drug information available. The Taylor Hooton Foundation is also currently partnered with Major League Baseball in their fight against APEDs.

Don Hooton, President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, commented, “I am very pleased that the Baseball Factory has agreed to partner with the Taylor Hooton Foundation. This partnership is a perfect opportunity for us to be able to deliver our education messages to kids and parents that are right in the perfect target zone. The place to win this battle is to get into the hearts and minds of our athletes and other youth during their developmental time.”

Baseball Factory is widely recognized as the top, hands-on player development and marketing service in the United States. Over 2,500 players from Baseball Factory and Team One, the company’s showcase and tournament division, have been selected in the amateur draft, with over 215 of those players going on to the Major Leagues. In addition, Baseball Factory and Team One have assisted players in obtaining over $500 million in scholarships and over 30,000 of their players have gone on to compete at the college level. The company holds more than 250 baseball camps, clinics, showcases and tournaments each year.

“At Baseball Factory, we pride ourselves on educating families on all aspects of the game. This is one of the topics in baseball that cannot and should not be avoided. By partnering with the experts at the Taylor Hooton Foundation, we will be able to provide a clear anti-steroids message to our players,” said Steve Sclafani.

- - More - -

About Baseball Factory

Baseball Factory provides baseball players nationwide with the very best instruction, tournament competition, and college planning and guidance. From day one, Baseball Factory has understood the uncertainty of being a high school player heading to college. That is why Baseball Factory has developed programs to provide players, parents, high school coaches, college coaches, and professional scouts with year round advice and training so that they all can benefit from Baseball Factory's longstanding relationships in the baseball community. Baseball Factory has assisted over 25,000 players compete at the college level, over 2,500 players have been drafted and over 200 have gone on to play in the majors. For further information, please visit www.baseballfactory.com.

About Taylor Hooton Foundation

The Taylor Hooton Foundation (www.taylorhooton.org) was formed in memory of Taylor E. Hooton, a 17-year old high school baseball player from Plano, TX. Taylor committed suicide on July 15, 2003 as a result of the abuse of anabolic steroids. The Foundation was established in 2004 by his parents, family and friends when they became aware of the magnitude of a growing problem among high school students across the country-the illegal use and abuse of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs. They also learned that young people and their parents are generally unaware of the real dangers of these powerful drugs. The Taylor Hooton Foundation for Fighting Steroid Abuse (THF) is a non-profit, 501(c) corporation headquartered in McKinney, TX.

CONTACTS:

BASEBALL FACTORY:

Jason Budden

800-641-4487, jason@baseballfactory.com

TAYLOR HOOTON FOUNDATION:

Donald Hooton, Jr.

972-346-8177, donald.hooton@taylorhooton.org

Don Hooton to Throw Out Ceremonial First Pitch Tonight at Yankee Stadium; Taylor Hooton Foundation to Receive $10,000 Donation from Yankee Foundation

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:37:00 GMT

New York Yankees, August 11, 2009 - The New York Yankees today announced that Don Hooton, father of Taylor Hooton and president of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the start of the Yankees’ 7:05 p.m. game vs. the Toronto Blue Jays tonight. Additionally, he will be presented with a $10,000 donation from the Yankee Foundation toward his work.

Don Hooton, along with members of his family, formed the Taylor Hooton Foundation in February 2004, just seven months after the tragic loss of his son, Taylor, who committed suicide following the use of anabolic steroids. The Yankees will honor Taylor and the foundation during pregame ceremonies.

Read More >>

NY Yankee's Alex Rodriguez Joins Taylor Hooton Foundation Team

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:54:00 GMT

Today, the Taylor Hooton Foundation announced that New York Yankee's star Alex Rodriguez will join the Taylor Hooton Foundation team to help fight youth steroid and other performance enhancing drug use.

Don Hooton, President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation (THF) said:

"This is the first time that we have teamed up with a ballplayer who has made a mistake with steroids. We reached out to Alex after his ESPN interview, in which he stressed he wants to turn his mistake into something positive by focusing on youth anti-steroid education. Since we began talking to him we have found his sense of regret is genuine and his commitment to help is strong."

THF was formed in 2004, after Don Hooton's son, Taylor, took his own life as a result of steroid use. The Foundation is the only entity?public or private?in the U.S. dedicated specifically to educating young people, parents, coaches, trainers, and other adult influencers about the dangers of steroid and other performance enhancing drugs. The Foundation has presented its "Hoots Chalk Talks" to over 50,000 children, as well as to scores of adults, athletes, coaches and others.

Hooton continued, "We are focused on reaching kids. Alex has a unique, extremely important and very real message to bring to young people?a message that can literally keep kids away from these drugs and save lives. Alex has admitted his mistake, one of the very few players, to do so. We are glad he is stepping up to the plate. Together with him we can have a positive result and get the message out to America's youth."