Body Creations Inc. celebrates 25th anniversary in style
MADISON – A standing ovation from the standing room-only crowd filling the Jackson Center was the closing of what was a night of love and appreciation for a man and business that have changed the lives of so many. The outgoing show of support by those in attendance was for Andy McCloy and the 25th anniversary of his operating Body Creations Inc. Performance and Fitness located on Madison Blvd.
“This has been crazy as this little gym is respected by others all over the world and I’m proud of that as I’m so grateful that so many here tonight stuck by me as we have been through a lot as I am honored and grateful for this honor tonight,” said Mc-Cloy. “This is more than a gym. I truly feel something powerful happens during the process we have at BCI.”
After opening BCI in 2001 in Huntsville, McCloy found a new home in Madison four years later and his business has grown tremendously, especially in the area of elite athletes who have transformed their ability in the workout area to success on the playing field. Many of those athletes, both male and female, were in attendance at the 25th anniversary celebration telling their stories of how McCloy and BCI changed their lives into success.
One of those able to relay his story to all in attendance was Jordan Matthews, who played at Madison Academy and Vanderbilt University before having a successful 10-year career in the National Football League where he played for four different teams including seeing action in 62 games for the Philadelphia Eagles, the team which made him a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
“I first met Andy when I was in the sixth grade at a speed and agility camp and Andy saw something in me I didn’t see in myself and when I think of Andy, I don’t think about a trainer. I think of a mentor, a teacher, roll model and a brother,” said Matthews, holding back tears during his speech to the throng of attendees. “He challenged me every single day to be something more than I was. When he arrived at Madison Academy to coach us he didn’t look like a guy that would fit Madison Academy or look like what people assumed what a man of faith supposed to look like. But is his safe as taking the first step on a stairwell that you don’t see the top of. There was no professional from Madison Academy before Jordan Matthews. Andy, you were the one that pushed me to that man.”
Matthews spoke of how Mc-Cloy saw the top of the stairwell for Matthews and set him on the road to being the best Matthews could be. The soon-to-be 34-year old Matthews added, “He’s an ever learning teacher. It takes excellence to be able to teach, but it takes humility to never stop learning. That’s Andy. In 2018, not only was he beside me in my training, but he also stood by me at my wedding when I married my best friend Cheyna. Then, he helped her come back from having three kids to be the only documented woman to ever to play in the World Cup after having three kids. What we all appreciate about Andy is the authenticity as we knew what we see, is what we got. He is a whole person. I am proud to call him family.”
An array of talent has made its way through the teachings and training under McCloy who has had a bevy of additional coaches on his staff, many of whom have been outstanding athletes in their own rights and who trained under McCloy while pursuing their athletic excellence.
After seeing and hearing greetings from others not attending via video, the 48-year old McCloy took to the forefront and had his time to express his gratitude.
“The mission of BCI is to impact lives and change lives and two words that come to mind are growth and impact,” said McCloy. “Many here tonight I watched chase their dreams. For me through 25 years, I have a second wind with my incredible team at BCI.”
