Staff Bios
John Snelten-Founder & President
DJ Snelten-Throwing Mechanics, Strength/Speed & Agility
Owner, Strength/Conditioning coach, lead throwing instructor and program designer. John finished his collegiate career at Valparaiso University in 2009 and has been privately instructing, coaching, and strength training for the last 15 years.
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While he is well versed in most aspects of baseball development, John Specializes in Sports Performance training and throwing mechanics/velocity development. The training systems John employs have been consistently evaluated, progressed and improved upon through the years. Players working with John can expect to use a blend of technology with experience to achieve their maximal results. At Prime we take great pride in providing athletes with the most elite training in Northeastern Illinois.
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DJ is the first player to have been selected in the MLB amateur draft from Lakes Community High School in 2010. Electing to go to the University of Minnesota, he went on to become first team All-Big Ten in 2013 and earning Minnesota's "Player of the year" award before being selected again in the 9th round by the San Francisco Giants. DJ made his MLB Debut on 4/28/2018. Shortly following, he went on to have additional opportunities to play with the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Chicago Cubs organization. Recently, he has signed with the New York Yankees. In addition to having multiple certifications as a Personal Trainer (CPT), Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), and a Certified Speed and Agility Specialist (CSAS), Snelten continues on with his 9th year of playing professional baseball. Dj is also the owner of GUD baseball, a remote training performance company.
Augie Voight- Throwing Instructor, Performance Enhancement Specialist
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Born and raised in Waukegan, Augie graduated all conference in 2015. From there he went on to have a successful collegiate career at both College of Lake County and William Penn University. Following college, Augie began instructing out in Omaha, NE while continuing to work on his craft. He was later signed as a free agent to play Independent Professional baseball. He has since played in 3 different leagues and will be entering his 3rd year of pro ball this year.
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Augie has also recently finished his strength education and is now a Performance Enhancement Specialist. When he is not instructing he will be assisting in the gym with strength and conditioning.
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We are excited to add Augie to our staff and know that he will bring knowledge and energy to all that he does.
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Colin Wieska- Catching and Hitting Specialist
Colin Wieska played high school baseball at Antioch Community High School. During his senior year, he was on a team that advanced to the State Super Sectionals. Colin was recognized with All-Conference and All-Area honors that season. Coach Wieska played on successful high school travel teams. One of his proudest accomplishments was earning the prestigious Perfect Game Super 25 regional qualifier title. Following high school, Colin played four years of college baseball at Lawrence University. During his senior year, the team won the Midwest Conference title, LU's first since 1979. earning the team a trip to the NCAA regionals. Colin considers himself a true ‘student of the game’ and is always striving to grow, learn, and apply his knowledge and skills to coach, teach and mentor his players. In 2024, Colin will enter his second year as a JV Baseball Coach at Antioch Community High School and is very excited to join Prime Athletics as a catching and hitting instructor as well as coaching on the 17U team.
Henry Kusiak- Hitting and Fielding Specialist
Henry Kusiak comes to Prime Athletics after his first professional season with the Windy City Thunderbolts (Frontier League) starting at shortstop in 77 games. Henry’s collegiate career was record setting at Missouri Southern State University as an ABCA All-American, DII ABCA/Rawlings Shortstop Gold Glove, and CSC Academic All-American. As a five-year starter, Henry became the MIAA career conference leader in hits and at bats along with MSSU career records in runs batted in, total bases, extra base hits, games played, and hit by pitch; he ranks second in career doubles and home runs. In addition, Henry was all-area in baseball and basketball at Grant Community High School. Henry is excited to share his experience and knowledge of leadership, mindset, mechanics, academic goals, nutrition, and training.
