Where did you grow up?
I grew up in St. Charles, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Melissa and I got married and moved out to Phoenix in 2009.
What are your hobbies (besides CrossFit)?
When we have a free Saturday morning, hiking with the fam. Also, binge watching shows on Netflix/Hulu with the wife and reading.
What is your occupation?
I serve as the Executive Director of Valley Life Church, which is right next to Blade North.
How were you first introduced to CrossFit?
Melissa knew Ben from back in high school and he always talked about Blade. I thought it was one of those lame work out fads so I had no interest in checking it out. Then we met Chris and Claire at church and they convinced us to give it a try. After the trial, I tried going back to the globo gym but working out just wasn’t the same. I was hooked.
What is your favorite WOD/movement?
Gymnasty, hands down. Deficit hspu, bar muscle ups, & knees to elbow. You can’t get much better than that!
What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Deadlifts & Assault bike. Put them together in a wod and my soul cries.
What CrossFit accomplishment are you most proud of?
Probably the Crossfit Open workout 17.4 which was the repeat of 16.4. Being able to get through the 55 deadlifts, wall balls and row to get to the hspu was my goal both years. In 2016 I only got through 38 cals on the row. In 2017 I was able to finish the row and get 20 hspu.
What is your favorite song to WOD to?
Once the coach yells go I don’t even hear the music anymore. But anything with a good beat leading up to that 10 second count down gets me pumped up though.
What would you like to accomplish next through CrossFit?
I’m pumped for the Open coming up. Looking forward to see what challenges Dave Castro throws our way and PR’ing whatever repeat wod we do.
Fill in the blank: I love…. I eat…. I will… I am…
I love… God, my family, and the Cubs.
I eat… carbs. A lot of carbs.
I will… probably be one of the loudest people at the gym.
I am… grateful for such great coaches and the Blade family.
