About Us

Why is it “8ctane”?

Brandon Young revolutionized the understanding of pitching biomechanics by meticulously studying and identifying key factors that drive velocity. The concept of the “8 cylinders of pitching” emerged as a cornerstone, providing a comprehensive framework for optimizing pitching performance. Embracing his groundbreaking work, we proudly named our endeavor 8ctane, symbolizing the unparalleled importance of honoring a visionary in biomechanics.

Our Team

Brandon Young

PT, MPT, President

With over two decades of experience in biomechanics and physical therapy, Brandon Young stands as a seasoned expert in baseball performance. A pioneer in utilizing Motion Capture Systems, his extensive tenure has endowed him with unparalleled insight into the intricacies of athletic movement. Brandon’s unwavering dedication extends to treating baseball injuries and optimizing biomechanics for throwing athletes.

Brandon Young has been in the field of Biomechanics and Physical Therapy for over 20 years. One of the first to invest in a Motion Capture System, he has seen more in the field than just about everyone. Brandon has a passion for treating all injuries and identifying problems with biomechanics in the throwing athlete — additionally, he has developed a subspecialty in treating painful shoulders. For the past 10 years Brandon has worked alongside some of the best Orthopedic Physicians in the region. Extensive training with Physicians coupled with the opportunity to treat an abundance of orthopedic injuries has provided Brandon with the skillset needed to provide patients an effective rehabilitation experience.

Brandon was a former Major League pitching prospect, but unfortunately suffered a rupture of his ulnar collateral ligament early in his career. In a quest to help others not endure the same injury, Brandon has developed a specialty in pitching biomechanics. Brandon has helped several youth, high school, college, and professional pitchers return to competition following major injury.

Brandon received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Master’s of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. In conjunction with B Young Physical Therapy, Brandon owns NC Biomechanics, a company focused on applying clinical observations and research of biomechanics to athletes of all levels.

Brandon is very much a family man – he enjoys spending time with his Wife and 2 daughters. Brandon loves snowboarding, watching the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Commanders, and the Purple Pirate Pride of ECU.

Bobby Wahl

CEO

Bobby brings a wealth of experience from elite-level competition, embodying a relentless commitment to maximizing every individual’s potential. His passion lies in cultivating excellence across all facets of player development, with expertise spanning biomechanics, pitch design and development, and strength and conditioning. Bobby’s proficiency in these areas positions him as a standout resource dedicated to elevating each player’s performance to its peak.

Bobby started his college career at Ole Miss, where he was a captain for 2 years. During that time he was also able to play for Team USA based here in Cary, NC. Following his college career Bobby played at the highest level of baseball, MLB. During his career he played for the Athletics, Brewers, Mets and Dodgers.

Bobby comes to us with numerous years of playing experience at the highest of levels. He is driven by making each person that comes in the best possible player he or she can be. Player development in all aspects, Biomechanics, Pitch Design and Development, Strength and Conditioning are all fields that he excels in.

Bobby has played baseball since age 5 and has loved it ever since. Bobby was drafted by the Indians out of high school but decided to take his talents to Ole Miss from 2011 – 2013 where he was a Cape All-Star, 2 time All American, made Team USA, and was a team captain for 2 years at Ole Miss. In 2013, he was drafted by the Oakland A’s and made his big league debut in 2017. He has since been with the Mets, Brewers, and Dodgers. Pitching at the highest level has helped Bobby see the importance in all facets of the game.

Joey Casadonte

MS, Director of Research and Development

Hailing from Raleigh, Joey’s journey into the realm of exercise science and biomechanics began during his undergraduate years at East Carolina University. Fuelled by a burgeoning passion, he pursued his graduate studies at the same institution, earning a master’s degree in biomechanics and motor control. Throughout his time at East Carolina, Joey played a pivotal role in numerous research projects focused on optimizing athletic performance across various sports, further solidifying his expertise and dedication to helping athletes achieve their peak potential.

Joey is a Raleigh native who attended East Carolina where he developed a passion for exercise science and biomechanics during his undergrad experience. He then attended East Carolina for graduate school where he obtained his masters degree in biomechanics and motor control. It was here that Joey conducted and contributed to multiple research projects oriented around athletes performing to their highest ability during a variety of sports. During his last year of graduate school, Joey brought his knowledge and talent of the Qualisys motion capture system and biomechanical principles to BYoung PT and 8ctane Baseball in early 2020.

Starting as an intern, Joey worked his way into a full time position helping further establish the cornerstone of the performance aspect in 8ctane. He has since added and implemented multiple aspects to the 3D system to help expand the services offered by 8ctane as well as continuing research to further understand and break down mechanics optimal for both velocity and arm health. Joey has been instrumental in implementing technology into our new performance facility as well as utilizing and interpreting force plate data during biomechanics sessions. His knowledge and continued development help power 8ctane forward as the knowledge base and concepts behind optimum mechanics is continually expanding.

Chris Patton

Director of Pitching

Chris stands out as one of the most brilliant minds in player and pitcher development across all age groups. His journey began as a catcher at Louisburg College, where he experienced firsthand the expertise of Brandon and Lee as his own mentors. Fueling his passion for the game, Chris pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from North Carolina State University.

Drawing from his extensive experience behind the plate, Chris brings a unique perspective to player evaluation and instruction. His tenure as a catcher not only instilled leadership qualities but also provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of pitching mechanics. As a result, Chris offers a holistic approach to development, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the game’s nuances.

Chris is one of brightest minds in all of player and pitcher development in all ages. Chris finished his baseball career as a catcher at Louisburg College, where he, himself, was a patient of Brandon and Lee. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from North Carolina State University. Catching has given Chris experience as a leader, as well as, a different and beneficial perspective when evaluating and instructing pitchers.

Chris has been a part of the 8ctane and BYoung Family since 2017 and has built upon his passion for guiding pitchers to maximize their performance in a healthy manner. He has the ambition to help pitchers mature and become better athletes, which is demonstrated in the lab each and every day. During his time here at 8ctane Baseball Chris has become very well rounded by evaluating pitchers from the youth level all the way up to MLB with high speed cameras. He is experienced with our Qualisys 3D Motion Capture System, AMTI Force Plates, Trackman and more.

Max Schrock

Director of Hitting

Max’s roots trace back to Chapel Hill, where he embarked on a remarkable journey in baseball, honing his skills at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh. With an outstanding record, he earned the prestigious title of all-state selection for four consecutive years. His passion for the sport led him to The University of South Carolina, where his talent shone brightly, earning him recognition as a Freshman All-American and an All-SEC selection during his junior year.

Following an exceptional collegiate career, Max’s talents were acknowledged by the Washington Nationals, who drafted him in the 13th round of the MLB draft. In his inaugural full season, he emerged as a standout performer, leading all of Minor League Baseball in hits and boasting an impressive career minor league batting average of .299.

Max’s dreams reached fruition when he made his Major League debut in 2020 with the St. Louis Cardinals. During his two-year tenure in the Majors with the Cincinnati Reds, Max showcased his prowess on the field, marked by a memorable performance against the New York Mets where he achieved a perfect 5-for-5 record, including a powerful home run. His journey epitomizes the essence of perseverance and excellence in the world of baseball.

Max grew up in Chapel Hill and attended Cardinal Gibbons in Raleigh, where he was an all-state selection for 4 consecutive years. He furthered his baseball career by attending The University of South Carolina where he was a Freshman All American as well as an All SEC selection as a junior. Following that season he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 13th round of the MLB draft. In his first full season, he lead all of Minor league baseball in hits and owns a career minor league batting average of .299.

He made his Major League debut in 2020 with the St. Louis Cardinals, and then had a 2 year stint in the Majors with the Cincinnati Reds, highlighted by a career performance against the New York Mets where he went 5 for 5 with a home run.

Matt Solter

Director of Performance

Matt graduated from Furman University with a B.S. in Health Sciences. During his time in undergrad, he developed a passion for optimizing human performance which has been a major focus of his life since. After a decade in professional baseball, Matt has developed the tools to help athletes reach their highest potential, understanding the physical demands required, as well as the nuances of a year round approach to training.

He’s excited to join 8ctane and help athletes reach their fullest potential! After seeing tremendous results as a client, he couldn’t be happier to join such an incredible staff to help athletes of all ages achieve their goals.

Ryan Chasse

Lead Remote Pitching Coach

Ryan grew up in nearby Apex and attended Middle Creek High School. After graduation he went to Campbell University and played for 4 years, graduating in 2022 with a B.S. in Sports Communication. After a short stint in the Cape Cod League, Ryan was drafted in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. Following 3 years with the Blue Jays, Ryan has signed to play in the Frontier League.

Ryan has always enjoyed working with athletes of all ages to improve their game. He mixes a skillset of high level pitching instruction with a passion for communication from his degree to get the most out of his remote athletes.

JJ Johnson

Director of Player Development

JJ brings a strong foundation in exercise physiology and a lifelong passion for baseball to his role at 8ctane. He earned his B.S. in Exercise Physiology and pursued graduate studies toward an M.S. in the same field, focusing on the intersection of biomechanics and athletic performance.

A former player himself, JJ combines his academic background with real-world experience to help athletes reach their full potential. He works closely with hitters, catchers, and pitchers, using data-driven insights and a hands-on coaching style to refine mechanics, build strength, and develop game-ready skills.

Off the field, JJ enjoys spending time outdoors with his fiancée and their pets, especially bass fishing and exploring nature. His dedication to both science and sport makes him a dynamic individual in player development and a trusted mentor for athletes at every level.

Lee Welch, PT, DPT, OCS

CFO & Performance Consultant

When Lee is not treating patients in our running and lower extremity specialty clinic The Running PTs, he heads up our speed development program at BYoung Physical Therapy & 8ctane Baseball.

Lee is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. While he enjoys working with a variety of patients, he has developed a specific niche in the evaluation and treatment of runners, sprinters, and endurance athletes.

Lee is passionate about his work and has extensive experience with gait analysis and speed development with all athletes. In the baseball world, Lee has helped numerous players be more explosive on the base paths which is such a crucial aspect in todays game.

Ethan Makowicz

Social Media Manager

Our Partners

For experienced physical therapy for shoulder, elbow, and throwing related injuries, visit our specialty clinic, BYoung Physical Therapy.

the running physical therapists

For experienced physical therapy for running and lower extremity injuries, visit our specialty clinic, The Running PTs.