CFS Athlete of the Month
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“Athletes of the Month” Jill AND Anne-Marie
The phrase “all bite no bark” comes to mind when I think of our ATHLETES of the month for April. They definitely let their workouts, dedication, and outfits do the talking for them! Jill and Anne-Marie are a coaches dream as they listen intently to instruction and then apply what they have learned as soon as they are set loose on a workout or an exercise. There is no doubt that these two will achieve their fitness goals and then some with how dedicated they are. This was proven when Anne-Marie returned to training just one week after having her knee operated on after an injury she sustained while obtaining her black belt. DO NOT MESS WITH THESE TWO!!!!
Jill “Ren” AND Anne-Marie “Stimpy”, April 2013 We asked Ren and Stimpy a few questions regarding thier CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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Thanks Yoda! Stimpy: The comfort of group suffering |
“Athlete of the Month” Kristine Casarella
There are so many ways to describe March’s Athlete of the Month; the girl who is always smiling, the girl with the traps and abs, the girl who pretty much does whatever she tries, the “Martha Stewart” of CrossFit… but we just call her by Swoops, for her awesomely unique variation of the burpee. Whatever it is we have decided to call her by, we call ourselves lucky to have such a dedicated and positive athlete at CFS. With her one year anniversary just passed, she is performing in the games sectional like a much more experienced athlete. We look forward to seeing her make her mark in the CrossFit world in the weeks and years to come!!!
Kristine Casarella, March 2013 We asked Kristine a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month” Rick Mancuso
February’s Athlete of the Month has a real knack for turning goats (weaknesses) into strengths. This is no accident, it is without a doubt due to his relentless dedication to punishing his weaknesses. Tech did not miss one day during the double under challenge and now the sound of his rope is the one turning heads. His scores have become the ones to beat as each athlete enters the box and looks at the board for their “carrot on a stick.” As this years open approaches, the coaches at CFS are very excited he will be representing the box in the quest to determine who is the Fittest on Earth. We are sure he will do more than hold his own with the worlds firebreathers. It is athletes like this that are going to put NEPA on the Fittest Map! Thanks Tech!!!!
Rick Mancuso, February 2013 We asked Rick a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month” Lou DeGennaro
Our first athlete of the new year is setting the bar high for all of the 2013 AOTM’s to follow. With only 4 months of CrossFitting under his belt, he has made his mark at CFS by showing improvements in every single aspect of fitness. It’s a good thing CrossFit is tough, because if it wasn’t then he would have conquered it by now! He is completely dedicated to improving, so much so that you will find him at the box most Sundays working on strength, skill, or making up a WOD he may have missed. He brings a smile to the face of every athlete and coach he comes in contact with, but when the clock goes off he is all business until the very last rep. CFS is truly blessed he has chosen our box to improve his fitness and is very proud to call him this months Athlete of the Month!!!!
Lou DeGennaro, January 2013 We asked Lou a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month” Justin Davis December’s athlete of the month brings to mind the phrase that “there is nothing we are so good at that we can’t strive to get better.” He came to CFS already at a good to high level of all of the 10 aspects of fitness, but he is not easily satisfied. Developing a consistent and technical training regimen has not only brought him to the top of our daily scoreboard on countless occasions but has also led to him breaking club records along the way, including winning a secret bicep curl contest one quiet Sunday SHHHH!!! It should not go unmentioned that he created a fashion trend in the box with his signature orange moisture wicking headband! CFS is lucky to have such a hungry competitor in our midsts, as it brings all of us to a higher level of fitness when we chase him or his scores! These are just some of the reasons why Justin is our pick for AOTM!!
Justin Davis, December 2012 We asked Justin a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month” Karen Pocius
November’s athlete of the month is a coaches dream because of her relentless dedication to be better than yesterday. Whether it be staying late to practice skill and work on mobility or her consistent strength training, she leaves no stone unturned when it comes to improving. She also has an excellent nutritional foundation as proven by her winning the body fat challenge, I mean who else would freeze their birthday cake until they have achieved their goal?? If you happen to attend the 6pm class, she is the perfect athlete to try to keep up with if you are looking to push yourself to the limits that day!!! For these reasons and many more CFS is proud to name Karen Pocius as this month’s AOTM.
Karen Pocius, November 2012 We asked Karen a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month” Noah Munley
October’s Athlete of the Month has experienced in a few short months what it takes most of us years of CrossFitting to do. It seems like whatever he sets his mind to he accomplishes, enjoys the victory, and then quickly heads for his next goal head on. He is a trainers dream because of how coachable he is. He makes adjustments on his way to perfect technique as fast as the coaches can speak the words. A “no excuses” athlete he started attending the 6am class when the school year started, which made him and his father two of the most dedicated early morning athletes that we have…and we all know how difficult that can be!! CFS is truly honored to have this young “Fire Breather” as a member of the family…Thanks Young Jedi for your dedication!!
Noah Munley, October 2012 We asked Noah a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Kayla Gabriel This month’s CFS AOTM deserves one of the loudest shout outs to date, beginning her CrossFit venture only 6 short months ago she has completely transformed herself….loosing close to 50 lbs!!!! This all due to her perseverance and focus on the goals she set forth for herself as a new CF athlete, she is one of our greatest success stories and proof of that fact that ‘every rep counts’! Cubz is not only one of our strongest female athletes but also has the ability to maintain intensity throughout heavy loaded WODs, this is simply amazing to watch and one of the reasons she has been titled athlete of the month. Speaking for all CFS coaches, I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the next 6 months, she is hands down….unstoppable!!!
Kayla Gabriel, September 2012 We asked Kayla a few questions regarding sher CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Katy Gonzalez There is not one person, coach or athlete, at CrossFit Scranton that has yet to be impressed with the skill level of this month’s AOTM….she is hands down one of the most versatile athletes our box has the pleasure of working with!!! To find something our Latin Assassin can’t achieve on first attempt is definitely far and few between….as rare of an occurrence as that is she is at the box every Sunday to work on the skills that may present difficulty, there is literally nothing she can’t do when she puts her work ethic behind it! Working hard very clearly comes naturally to Katy, combined with her ability to adapt to any movement regardless of the difficulty level it’s earned her this month’s AOTM award….so very well deserved!!!!
Katy Gonzalez, August 2012 We asked Katy a few questions regarding sher CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Geoff Baumes I assume most athletes are thinking that EZ’s sporadic mutton chops were a big deciding factor in him being awarded AOTM as they clearly deserve recognition…..however, they truly had no barring on this decision.
Geoff Baumes, July 2012 We asked Geoff a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Pat Debiase June’s athlete of the month has been such a gift to CFS….this being said due to his thirst for knowledge in conjunction with his desire to become a better athlete everyday! To watch this young man unfold into one of the most driven athlete’s we’ve come to know is indescribable, the time and effort he’s put forth to tackling his weaknesses must be commended. In just 4 short months he’s pushed himself to the point of being able to master one of the toughest moves in the box, a bar muscle up!!!! His ‘go get him’ attitude has paid off tremendously, only increasing as time passes. Keep driving forward Pat….we’ll continue to watch on in amazement
Pat Debiase, June 2012 We asked Pat a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Jessica Bachman This is a very special AOTM award as we’ve been given the opportunity here at CrossFit Scranton to work with our first pregnant athlete!!!! It has been nothing short of amazing watching Cymbal’s belly grow in size only to be matched with an increase in performance. Most would take pregnancy as a time to take it easy, although required to scale back a little more on weights and some movement…she DOES NOT slow down! Pre-pregnancy Cymbal was a force, during pregnancy she is a CrossFit role model, post pregnancy she will be a fire breathing momma! Cymbal, your pregnancy has pushed us all to a higher level of achievement, working with you has been a blessing to all of us…watching you push through the toughest WODs throughout your pregnancy has been a great source of motivation, we appreciate and celebrate you for all your hard work and dedication through one of the most special times of your life!
We asked Jessica a few questions regarding sher CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Steve Marino Any athlete at CrossFit Scranton would have an endless amount of positive things to say about this month’s AOTM as we’ve all had the pleasure of getting to know him on a personal level which has been quite the treat. Although there is much to speak of regarding his personality and likability, there is much more to speak of in regards to his insane performance day to day as an athlete! If you’ve had the opportunity to work next to him, you’ve likely PRd on that WOD trying to keep up with him….likely getting dusted at some point but it’s the push he gives you that matters!
Steve Marino, April 2012 We asked Steve a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Gina Kuloszewski This month’s AOTM award could not have gone to a sweeter athlete, always showing the highest level of enthusiasm no matter what the WOD calls for! Her nickname was derived from the calm before the storm….she walks in with the sweetest little grin and then sets fire to any task laid in front of her. Solidly consistent since CrossFit Scranton opened it’s doors, we are proud to honor her as an athlete of the month! Keep working hard QS!!!!
We asked Gina a few questions regarding sher CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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Athletes of the Month,
Teresa “Aramis” Roche AND Maureen “Athos” Roche
This month we’ve switched up the AOTM program just slightly in choosing two athletes to honor as our top athletes for the month of February. Aramis and Athos are the “Goddess” sisters, as we refer to them, and they’ve sincerely lived up to their CFS assigned nicknames. We were lucky enough to have these women walk into our Open House event early last year, during that WOD it was very clear they were ready to make a commitment to change their lives around for good and they’ve sure been proving it ever since! To watch the physical changes in these women has been overwhelming but is nothing compared to the self esteem and confidence they’ve built up this last year. In these last few months they’ve been taking their nutrition to a new level that has truly complimented their work ethic, this will not go unnoticed and unrecognized. Aramis and Athos…..you’re amazing, you continue to impress your coaches and fellow athletes, you’re both so very deserving of this title!!!! Keep it up Goddesses, we’ll be here rooting for you indefinitely!!!!
Teresa “Aramis” Roche AND Maureen “Athos” Roche, February 2012
We asked Aramis and Athos a few questions regarding their CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community! What is your Occupation?: Aramis; Teacher Athos; Quality Auditor for Geisinger What is your fitness background?: Aramis; The CrossFit Open House. Before that I did very little. Athos; I’ve worked out at home, belonged to Curves and Plant Fitness….and then I found a REAL gym. How long have you been CrossFitting?: Aramis; Since the open house on March 28, 2011 Athos; Since the open house on March 28, 2011 What is your favorite aspect of CrossFit?: Aramis; The people here are amazing. The trainers are so knowledgable and supportive and the other athletes make me want to work harder. Athos; The trainers. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. They push me to go further everyday. What are you goals?: Aramis; I really want to keep getting better. It’s funny, I always thought that I was a strong person, but I’ve realized now that I’ve been hiding from alot. CrossFit helps me face the feeling of accomplishing something I thought I couldn’t. Athos; To consistantly be able to jump on a 20 inch box. Favorite WOD to date?: Aramis; 12 days of Christmas Athos; Murph. Because I finished it. Least favorite WOD to date?: Aramis; Any with long runs, but my resolution is to not complain about them! Athos; Anything with Wall Ball to the beam…but I’ll get it. Thoughts after first CrossFit experience?: Aramis; Wow! I could actually do some of that, and I think I’m going back tomorrow. Thanks Maria and Julie! Athos; After the Open House, Teresa, Stacy, and myself got in the car and said “We’re joining”.
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“Athlete of the Month”, Keith Rutkowski Ok, the AOTM award at CrossFit Scranton is not a popularity contest…if it was, our boy City would be making the cut every month. City is one of the most social, intriguing athletes we have on the roster….whats become different recently is his drive and performance as a CrossFit athlete have now morphed into something much more intense then his extremely outgoing personality. Always a top performer, City as been with our box before we were CrossFit affiliated! We’ve had the pleasure of watching this man completely transform over the past 2.5 years!!!! Not only in his physique, which is off the charts, but more importantly in his strength, mobility, speed….well, let’s just leave it at “all aspects of fitness” because he’s become the epitome of a CrossFit dubbed “Fire Breather”!!!! City, you’re the man in so many more ways than just a WOD Killa, but today and for the month January we honor you for being the CFS AOTM, you sure have earned it! Keith Rutkowski, January 2012 We asked Keith a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Tricia “Rogue” Strugala Ok, this one’s going to be difficult…having to sort through this woman’s strengths to find the right things to say about her in order to make sure our readers can truly understand what an amazing athlete she is proving to be tough!!! We can start by just naming the key aspects of fitness she excels at….cardiovascular, stamina, strength, power, speed, coordination, accuracy, flexibility, agility and balance…and with that you see she is one of the most well rounded, profound athletes in our box today…Rogue walked into CFS with the strength of ten men, she now reigns supreme at our box hitting an extreme level of all components to a superior athlete. Upon joining CFS you would find Rogue in the corner of the box punishing a weakness after every WOD, the key driver in her performance level today….any skill she lacked she’s now put hours upon hours into achieving!!! Rogue…..You have, and continue to, inspire us all…CFS would not be the same place without you today, thank you a million times over for choosing us….you are ‘CFS’! Tricia “Rogue” Strugala, December 2011 We asked Rogue a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Tony DePhillips This month’s athlete of the month has that “Go Big or Go Home” work ethic we all strive for, the physical changes this athlete has made in just 4 very short months are simply astounding! Of course with the bonus of a fantastic physique CrossFit training provides his overall performance has gone above and beyond our expectations for a 4 month old CrossFitter…he is hands down the epitome of the reason CFS chose to implement the AOTM, it would be a crime to allow Tony’s persistence and drive to go unrecognized!!!! Tony DePhillips, November 2011 We asked Tony a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Matthew Peterson CrossFit Scranton has become the luckiest fitness establishment in Scranton when it comes to having the athletes with the best work ethic in our area, our boy Matt resides at the peak of that pride! Matt’s fire is something to be experienced first hand, if this boy rests I’ve yet to see it. The extra credit Future puts in pays off in dividends, its no surprise he’s come as far as he has in 6 short months….focusing on all 10 aspects of fitness has its rewards and this athlete is reaping the benefits from every angle!!!! Matthew Peterson, October 2011 We asked Matt a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Brenda “Vanilla” Vaughn The words to best describe September’s AOTM are not part of my vocabulary, there’s a chance the words to describe the level of effort this athlete puts forward WOD after WOD are not even part of the English language yet! Its amazing, to train with Vanilla is to be challenged by Vanilla…if you’ve thought of breaking during your WOD and are lucky enough to be working near her, you’re sure to second that thought and continue moving. She makes the entire community work harder by simply working as hard as she is capable and beyond! Vanilla-you are without a doubt what the spirit of CrossFit is all about, the respect you have for your fitness has spread a wealth of fire across our community. Keep moving…results will keep coming! Brenda “Vanilla” Vaughn, September 2011 We asked Vanilla a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Elizabeth Siekierka We would like to recognize Elizabeth for her dedicated effort over the last few months which has proven to take her to new heights in only a short time. Her commitment has been recognized by all levels of athletes throughout the box as she has inspired us all with her eagerness to learn and become a stronger, faster, more dynamic athlete. Her level of understanding after only 3 short months has taken us all impressed and eager to see her continue to progress. Keep it up Elizabeth, inspiration has touched us all!!!!
We asked Elizabeth a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Sarah “Sass” Hartranft There are endless ways to describe this months “athlete of the month”, all of which are nothing shy of the most positive words you can string together to form any one sentence. Sass has only recently become a part of CrossFit Scranton’s community although it seems as if she’s been part of our team since the day our doors opened. It’s not often you find someone without a very extensive fitness background that comes in and OWNS their fitness immediately. You will find Sass at the box every Sunday to work on technique and tackle her goats, she does not expect results without blood, sweat and tears…and this is what her Coaches love about her the most, she is not afraid to get her hands dirty with good old fashioned HARD WORK!!!! Her dedication is rare , her technique is solid, her drive is fierce, her attitude always positive, and her personality is a bonus on top of all that she offers as an athlete. Thanks to you Sass, for being such a positive impact on our community…and congrats to you, for being one of our most dedicated!!!!
Sarah “Sass” Hartranft, August 2011 We asked Sass a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Kathy “Pop-Off” Williams We at CrossFit Scranton count our Box lucky to have this women on our team, not only is she an animal who puts every bit of effort forth on every WOD she is also one of the funniest, wittiest women you may ever meet. Even in the midst of not being able to get in a full breath for 30 minutes straight while chipping away at WOD’s as difficult as the Filthy 50 she is goofy in her movement from station to station and yelling things out to herself….hence the nick name she has been graced with: Pop-Off!!!!! We appreciate your spunk and goofiness Pop-Off, but more then that we admire your drive…you are “CrossFit”! Kathy “Pop-Off” Williams, July 2011 We asked Kathy a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Maria “Fire” Rossi “Fire” was the closest nick name we could come up with to explain how fierce this athlete is, coming to CrossFit with a life long fitness back ground she has dominated the board over and over again without fail here at CrossFit Scranton. Maria doesn’t use age or injury to cop out on any WOD, she only works harder to show that drive and determination are the key components to any athletes success. Many of us have been lucky enough to travel this long CrossFit road along side her, on days we could keep up that is, and have watched her go from knee push ups to accomplishments as huge as a 275lb deadlift!!!! Placing 4th overall in the NEPA Fittest Challenge she is and always been an inspiration to all that have gotten to work with and along side her. We commend you Maria, for all that you are, for all that you will grow to be pushing as hard as you do and all that you bring to our community. Maria “Fire” Rossi, June 2011 We asked Maria a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Kevin Amaral CrossFit Scranton has become the luckiest fitness establishment in Scranton when it comes to having the athletes with the best work ethic in our area, our boy Kevin resides at the peak of that pride! Kevin’s fire is something to be experienced first hand, as hard as he works he is the first to be cheering for his co-athletes without even taking the time to first catch his breath once he has crushed the clock. With the perfect “can do” attitude Kevin not only trains hard he also trains smart, always present for the open gym to work on any techniques suggested to him to make for a stronger, faster tomorrow. Kevin Amaral, May 2011 We asked Kevin a few questions regarding his CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community! I’m completely addicted to CrossFit. If I miss a few days I feel like crap.
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“Athlete of the Month”, Rosie Martinelli Its hard to choose the right positive words to describe April’s AOTM because there is so much positive energy dripping off of this athlete it is close to undescribable…..but its our job to give it our best shot. If you have been lucky enough to train or train next to Rosie your opinion could be no different than ours, the amount of fire and encouragement this woman puts out on a daily basis is nothing short of amazing! She has now just recently taken up the CrossFit Scranton Zone challenge and has lost almost 20lbs in just 4 short weeks, her dedication to training and living a clean lifestyle has paid off in every way imaginable. Rosie has the deadlift technique of an Olympian, the burpee technique of a fire breather, and the rowing technique of a state champion! We commend you Rosie, for everything you do and everything you are and have come to be…..you are “CrossFit”!!!! Rosie Martinelli, April 2011 We asked Rosie a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Jimmy Williams We would like to recognize Jimmy not only for his amazing strength and mobility but also for the experience and can do attitude he brings to our box. Having an athlete like Jimmy has been a treat for us all, watching him train is as exciting as watching a televised bout between two top level fighters….except its him and an Olympic bar! Always with a smile on his face and a positive attitude no matter what the “torture” is for the day. We appreciate you Jimmy, thank you so much for joining our family and proving to us all that the harder the work you put in, the faster and stronger you move forward to become a better athlete! Jimmy Williams, March 2011 We asked Jimmy a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Kaitlin Marino We would like to recognize Kate for her amazing effort in all aspects of CrossFit. We have yet to see an area of fitness that Kate does not excel in, she is a coaches dream as she is the type of athlete to go above and beyond on technique perfection. The amount of drive she puts forth is something all athletes should strive to achieve, she is truly the epitome of a “fire breather”. We commend you Kate, your efforts shall not go without recognition!!!! We asked Kate a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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“Athlete of the Month”, Elizabeth Siekierka We would like to recognize Elizabeth for her dedicated effort over the last few months which has proven to take her to new heights in only a short time. Her commitment has been recognized by all levels of athletes throughout the box as she has inspired us all with her eagerness to learn and become a stronger, faster, more dynamic athlete. Her level of understanding after only 3 short months has taken us all impressed and eager to see her continue to progress. Keep it up Elizabeth, inspiration has touched us all!!!!
We asked Elizabeth a few questions regarding her CrossFit experiences and goals that we thought should be shared across our CrossFit community!
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