Former Seahawk, wife open Elite Training Academy

After months of "coming soon,GÇ¥ the Elite Training Academy in downtown Monroe has finally arrived.

Owned and operated by former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Michael Bumpus and his wife, Jen, the new facility offers boot camp, group training, athletic development, strength training and sports training.

Elite is located at 202 N. Lewis St. in Monroe, in a customized, nearly 10,000-square-foot facility Michael and Jen spent six months renovating. The two started their fitness business, originally called Stay Fit with Michael Bumpus, in 2013 in the Fryelands.

By mid-2014 they had already outgrown their space and were looking for something larger. When they discovered the building on Lewis Street, they recognized it needed some work, but felt it could accommodate what they wanted to do.-á

"We looked for a year for a spot to rent and we just couldn't find exactly what we wanted,GÇ¥ Bumpus said. "We had to use our imagination a little bit, but once we got in here we knew this could be a good spot for us.GÇ¥

Jen said it was quite an undertaking, but completely worth it.

"It was a huge project, but this space spoke to us and our "vision,' GÇ¥ she said. "The fact that it's in downtown Monroe was the cherry on top.GÇ¥

Together, Bumpus and Jen make an effective team. He focuses on youth development and sports-focused athleticism, while Jen focuses on weight-loss and general physical fitness. But there are no limits, Bumpus said, because Elite's training philosophy is all-inclusive.

"We really try not to put ourselves in one box. We want to train anybody who wants to get fit,GÇ¥ he said. "If you want to be fit and stay fit, this is the place to be.GÇ¥-á -á

And Bumpus knows a thing or two about staying fit. Sports played heavily into his life while growing up in southern California, and he consistently earned accolades for his performance on the field. While attending Culver City High School, he lettered in football, basketball, soccer and baseball.

Youth athleticism is something of a specialty for Bumpus, who was hired in 2015 as the head coach of the Monroe High School Bearcats football team. He said the team is currently on a positive trajectory, and he's excited about where they are headed.

"We've got a lot of guys coming back so that's encouraging,GÇ¥ Bumpus said. "The future's bright for our football program.GÇ¥

It was football that brought Bumpus to Washington. He played for Washington State University from 2004 GÇô 07, setting a school record with 195 career receptions. His record held the number one spot for many years, and was finally topped by Gabe Marks in late 2015. He transitioned to the NFL straight out of college, and was with the Seattle Seahawks for a total of two years. His NFL highlights include a touchdown scored in 2008 off a 10-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck.

Bumpus met Jen while at WSU, which is how the former professional football player ended up in Monroe ' his wife is a Monroe native and a Monroe High School alumni. She and Bumpus live in the Fryelands area, and she loves being close to her family and friends.

"I have amazing family here,GÇ¥ Jen said. "I'm from this area; my mom lives down the street my sister lives next door.GÇ¥

In addition to running their business, Bumpus and his wife have three young children ' 1, 3 and 5. That was why creating a space inside Elite for kids was a priority, Jen said. The front lobby of the facility includes a foosball table, plus an enclosed area for kids complete with television, tables, toys and books.

The inner portion of the facility is unique, featuring more than 6,500 square feet of turf equipped with three indoor batting cages. Elite offers sport-specific training in football, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball, in addition to personal training and daily boot camp sessions. -á -á

The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 23. Attendees included Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas and his wife, Lara, Monroe City Councilmember Kirk Scarboro, Downtown Monroe Association President Dianne Forth, Monroe Chamber of Commerce Board Member Ernst "DutchmanGÇ¥ Terhorst and chamber operations manager Shelley Nyhammer, along with numerous clients, friends and family members of Michael and Jen.-á

Thomas welcomed the crowd of more than 50 attendees, and thanked the Bumpuses for their dedication to Monroe.-á

"You're fulfilling a need here in our community that we don't have right now ' a place people can go and train indoors when it's raining like it is today,GÇ¥ Thomas said. "It's a wonderful thing, and I truly appreciate your confidence in our community and our downtown in locating here.GÇ¥

Michael thanked everyone for their support, and talked a little about his vision when creating his business.

"I've trained a lot of athletes in the area, especially in Snohomish County, and the worst thing in the world to me was hearing about them going somewhere out of town to go train,GÇ¥ Michael said. "I think we have a lot of talent in this community.GÇ¥

Jen thanked those that helped them turn their dream into a reality, and her family for being a constant source of support during the six months she and Michael spent renovating the space.

"You are just a constant in our lives and we just appreciate you so much,GÇ¥ Jen said.

For more information on the Elite Training Academy, visit www.elitetrainingacademywa.com or www.facebook.com/elitetrainingacademywa.