"A Community that SWEATS Together, STAYS Together."

We want to provide a safe, encouraging, and positive environment for adults, kids, and athletes of all ages to learn, improve, and reach their health and fitness goals. Most importantly we want to be a place that people leave healthier and happier than when they walked in.


January Athlete of the Month- Elaine Beth


Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.



Up until recently I was a hard core city girl spending most of my life in Manhattan and San Francisco. In 2012 I had a big shift in my thinking and a realization that it was time to reconnect with nature. Today, we live in Banks, on a hill surrounded by tall trees, have chickens, bees and a view of Mt. Hood. I love it here. There is no going back.

As for work, I have been a project manager in a multinational law firm and have written my own organic sleep program (I know a lot about sleeping naturally so come talk to me if you need some help). Today, I create videos and help people get up and running on YouTube.

How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join?


I heard about BCF when my daughter was visiting from LA a little over a year ago. I was complaining about feeling out of shape and was shocked to discover there was a Crossfit right in Banks! At first I was hesitant to go because I had heard it was “extreme” and “really hard” but Crossfit had just been in the news and I was really impressed by the principled stand they had taken. Once I met Trevor and the coaches they were so warm and welcoming and knowledgeable. I knew I was in the right place.

What motivates you to come to the box week after week?


I love the mental and psychological benefits I get from working out at CF. It helps me stay grounded and internally peaceful. I also look for “micro changes” physically. A little more strength here a little faster speed there. At first, I would feel embarrassed that I was “lesser” of an athlete than everyone else. Today, I give myself a pat on the back each time I notice a tiny improvement. I know that small steps lead to big wins in the long run.


What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?


I remember the feeling of being able to push my body athletically. Although I practiced yoga for many years off and on, I hadn’t been to the gym in eight years. My goal is to get past the feeling of having to be “cautious” in my workout and return to the ability to push past my current limits.

What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?


 Sumo dead lifts for sure. They make me feel soooo powerful. On the other hand, I really really dislike running. My body’s not made for it!

What is your proudest CF moment?


My proudest CF moments is when I first jumped on a 12 inch box and landed with both my feet. I literally told everyone I knew repeatedly like I’d just won the lottery.

What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit? 


For anyone new or interested in CrossFit I would say that Banks Crossfit has it all. Forget those boring gym workouts where you do the same repetitive workout month after month and go no where. If your goal is to be healthy, boost your immune system and be happy, regular CF can help get you there. If your goal is to push yourself physically to the next level, Trevor is always changing up the program, and the coaches know how to fine tune your movements so you actually improve over time. Plus in this small gym atmosphere you get to be part of a kick ass community. I highly recommend.


Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?


CF makes me feel strong. Now, whenever there is a 50 pound bag of anything to be carried, I grab it, sling it over my shoulder and I’m off. My mother who grew up in Manhattan keeps saying “would you have ever thought...?!” HA!

Free write: (anything else you want to mention or say)


Want to give a special thank you to Trevor, Bethany and the entire BCF community. In a year that required so much zigging and zagging, you held it together with humor and grace. Much appreciation and love to you.

November Teen Athlete of the Month- Cade Buchanan

Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc 



 I am currently a Senior at Banks High School and have gone to school my entire life at Banks. I’m not quite sure what I plan to major in but I have a few ideas in mind. I have lived at the same house in the nearby town of Forest Grove for 17 years. I have one sister who is currently attending Warner Pacific to play Volleyball and a dad and a mom who work at Banks High School and at the NWESD (school services), respectively. Some of my hobbies and interests include playing football and basketball, playing video games, hanging out with friends, reading, and of course, lifting! Some of our family activities include going on walks, watching movies, and going out to eat.

How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join?


 I heard about CrossFit from Tyler Exline in 7th grade, and started going to classes with him later that year. I had also heard from my dad who was doing CrossFit how intense and effective the workouts were, so I figured I would give it a shot.

What motivates you to come to the box week after week?


 My motivation stems from wanting to be the best athlete and version of myself I can possibly be. The opportunity awaits me every week at the gym, and I have to take it.

What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?


 Some of my personal goals were to improve all of my lifts and overall strength, increase my speed and power, and improve my appearance and overall health.

What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?


 My favorite lift is definitely regular stance deadlift. My least favorite lift has to be a tie between overhead squats and thrusters.


What is your proudest CF moment?


 I wouldn’t say I have a specific moment that is my favorite but rather getting to see the results from the hard work and effort I have put in is what I really enjoy.

What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit?


Leave everything you have in the gym, and always go 100%. You won’t regret it.

Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?


 Being able to be a better athlete and lead a healthier lifestyle.


Thankful for the opportunity that BCF gives me to be a better athlete!

November Athlete of the Month-Jennifer Terry

Tell us a little about yourself and family‐ Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc. 


I grew up in Gresham and then moved to SE Portland where I lived up until about 4 1⁄2 years ago when I
moved my boys and I to Vernonia to be with my boyfriend. My sons are ages 15 & 22 and are complete opposites of each other. I also have a wonderful step‐daughter who just turned 21 & step‐son who is 18. I am lucky enough to work from home as the commercial lines account manager for an insurance agency who I’ve been with for 25 years. One of my favorite places is the beach. I love going camping and spending time with my family.


How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join?


Jennifer Kimmel. I did Crossfit years back before moving and really missed it.

What motivates you to come to the box week after week? 


The people and how it makes me feel. Even though I’m tired and usually sore afterwards I always feel good.



What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic? 


To continue to get stronger, more fit and more comfortable with some of the lifts. One of these days I would like to be able to do a handstand & then move to handstand push up. I can do wall walks but for some reason the handstand makes me so nervous.


What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?


Honestly I don’t know if I have a favorite. I do know I don’t like burpees.

What is your proudest CF moment? 


Probably running the mile without stopping and my time not being too terrible. I’ve never been much of a runner so that felt good.

What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit? 


To try it. No matter what your fitness level anyone can do it.




Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life? 


My overall health and fitness. It’s amazing how it even helps with my mental health.

October Teen Athlete of the Month- Jorja


Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.




Hi. My name is Jorja Peyton and I am in the Teen Athletes class (JV). I am 10 and live with my mom, Grandfather, dad, my dog Hollie, and my 3 goats--Penelope, Cassieopia, and Winnie White Butt. Some of my interests are books and learning about other places. My hobbies are swimming (I swim for the Hillsboro Heat swim team), volleyball (I like playing volleyball just for fun), and I also really like playing Lacrosse. And of course Crossfit. I also enjoy traveling to other states and countries.

How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join? How long have you been with BCF?


I heard about Cross Fit at the old location. My first class was with Ally for the gymnastics class, and they let me in even though I was 8 years old! I wanted to join because it seemed like a fun thing to challenge myself. Also, I had previously done gymnastics when I was younger.

What are your goals? Personal, professional, and athletic?


What motivates me is that extra challenge at the end of the day. Also, it makes me a stronger swimmer and athlete. I am so glad I have such good coaches.
My goals are to always improve in the way I exercise.
My second goal would be to always do my best in school, Cross Fit, and at swim practice.
My last goal would be to lift heavier and heavier weight as I improve my movements.



What is your proudest CrossFit moment?


My proudest Cross Fit moment was at the JV class. We were doing 3 burpee 3 kettlebell squats with a push over your head. You would add three each time. I got to 27 reps of the burpees and the kettlebell squats. We had one minute to complete the 6 total reps.


What is one tip you would give to someone who has never done CrossFit before?



One tip I would give to new people who are joining Cross Fit is that you will sometimes improve and other times you will not. And if you don't, you just have to remember that there will be tomorrow to do it, Or whenever your next class is.

What is the biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?



The biggest impact CrossFit has made in my life is probably making me stronger and more fit. I definitely couldn't do this a year ago.

October Athlete of the Month- Tony Soldati


Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.


Married, 2 kids ( 9year old,4 year old),fishing, crabbing, clamming, hunting just about anything outdoors. Grew up in Vancouver, Wa and work at Intel.



How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join? How long have you been with BCF?


Friend from work told me about BCF. The community and how friendly everyone is.

What are your goals? Personal, professional, and athletic?


To better myself and get healthy for the family.


What is your favorite movement? Non-favorite movement?


Deadlift, handstand anything just because I can’t do it yet.

What is your proudest CF moment? 


Just showing up everyday!


What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit
or new to CrossFit? 


Just go for it, you will not regret it and stay positive

Wednesday’s 9/16 classes

 Adult classes are a go! Teen classes are TBD. We will send an update about the teen classes before noon tomorrow. If you're not comfortable coming don't worry, we will still have an at home workout available for you on Wodify.

Please go to The Farm page or the Teen page on Facebook for more details!! 

All Tuesday's Classes are Cancelled!

All classes on Tuesday 9/15 are cancelled. Please see Wodify for an at home workout, and go to The Farm page or theTeen page on Facebook for movement details. 

Tuesday 9/15

Tuesday's 5am, 6am, 9am, and noon classes are cancelled. I will send out an update around noon for the second half of the day. Please check Wodify for another at home workout and go to The Farm Facebook page for clarification.

Monday 9/14

All classes are cancelled on Monday, 9/14! Please see Wodify for an at home workout:)

Sunday Kids/Teen/Football Classes Cancelled!

As you can all probably guess the air quality in the box is not safe. We have to cancel all classes today! 

Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!

Closed Friday & Saturday!

 BCF,

We are going to keep the box closed today, and cancel all classes on Saturday. Please stay SAFE and indoors!

~Bethany 

Friday 9/11

 BCF, 


Based on the current "Unhealthy" air quality and the grim chance of things clearing up enough to be at a moderate level by morning, we are going to cancel the 5am, 6am, 8am, 9am, and Noon classes. We will reassess at 3pm and make a final decision for the afternoon and evening.


Please BE SAFE and let us know if YOU or ANYONE you know NEED's HELP!


~Bethany and Trevor

Thursday 9/10



BCF,


As of this morning our air quality has risen to 85. With the projected weather today, I don't foresee this getting better, but worse. At this time we are moving all adult classes inside and CANCELLING ALL Teen, Football, and Kid classes for today!


If the air quality reaches 100, we will be cancelling Adult classes as well! Please, before you come to class check Facebook, Instagram, our website, and your email box for updates.


Stay SAFE!
Bethany

Tuesday 9/8 Afternoon & Evening Classes

All afternoon and evening classes are a GO! The air is clear and the High wind advisory has been cancelled, but the Wind advisory is still in effect until 7pm tonight. Please just watch your surroundings. 


Thank you!

Tuesday, September 8th

 BCF Fit Fam,

With the strong wind advisory and the terrible air quality, we are going to cancel these classes tomorrow (Tuesday, September 8th): 5am, 6am, 9am, and noon classes. Then tomorrow, around noon, we will reassess the wind conditions and air quality for the evening classes. Please be checking the announcements on Wodify, your email, bcfcrossfit.com, or social media for updates!


Thank you!

Bethany 

September 2020 Newsletter

 

📰📰📰📰📰🗞🗞📰📰📰📰🗞📰

September Athlete of the Month-Kaci King


Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri. We have moved around a lot but ended up in Forest Grove about 6 years ago. My husband, Brad and I have 4 awesome kids. I am a stay at home mom but I prefer domestic engineer with minors in culinary art and psychology. 
I love to shop, eat good food, spend time with friends and family and workout.

How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join? How long have you been with BCF?


I met Alise a few years ago and we did a few workouts in her garage and she told me about BCF. I was intimidated so I waited a few months and then decided it was time. It will be 3 years December 11. I absolutely LOVE the community and all the things. I drank the kool-aid... best decision EVER. 


What are your goals? Personal, professional, and athletic?


Goals.... well I always have a personal goal to become better at setting goals and reaching them  Athletic goal is a pull up within the next year 


What is your favorite movement? Non-favorite movement?


My favorite movement would be the power clean. Non favorite movement would be anything SNATCH related.


What is 1 thing that people would be surprised to find out about you?


I have an identical twin sister. Who also loves CrossFit 


What is your biggest motivation in life?


My biggest motivation in life is my kids. It sounds cliche but it’s true. I need to be better and do better for them so they know they can do hard things and be stronger because of it.

August Athlete of the Month- Jesus Andrade


Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.

I grew up in a small town in Michoacan Mexico until 2006 when my family and I moved to Oregon. I have 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother. I went to school for a few years and got my associates degree from PCC in business. I have been working in manufacturing since I moved to the US. However, I would like to continue my education in welding to further my career. I am also interested in learning more about human and exercise physiology, so that I can coach athletes of many disciplines in the future like soccer, strength and conditioning and OLY lifting. I really enjoy coaching soccer as an assistant coach, and look forward continuing that after the pandemic is under control.


How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join? How long have you been with BCF?

I took my car to the mechanic and saw a group of people working out in the building across from the mechanics. So I called the number that I found online and Trevor called me back a few hours later. I  had played soccer for several years and was looking to get in shape after being a couch potato for a couple of years. It took me some time to get adapted to the US since everything was new, even the language. I've been a BCF member since 2015 I believe.
 

What is your favorite movement? Non favorite movement?

Non Favorite movement is bench press because my left shoulder is f***ed! Favorite movement, assault bike because it is so hard to walk after max effort after an all out sprint! 


What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

One thing people would be surprised to find out about me is that I had dreadlocks before joining the box! 

What is your biggest motivation in life?

Biggest motivation in life is my parents. They have taught me that hard work and honesty are key to finding success and reaching any goals I might have in life.


July Athlete of the Month- Frank Goovaerts

Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.



I was born and raised in Mechelen, Belgium, my parents still live there and are in their late 80’s and mid 90’s. Went to school in Leuven, Belgium where I received an MS in Electro Mechanical Engineering. I moved to the US in 1981 and became a US citizen in 1994. Married in 1984 to my wife Lynda, we have two children Luc and Sam. Sam, 21, is a senior at UofO and a coach at BCF. Luc, 28, is married and working as a brewer at Ruse Brewing. I’m an engineer and spent most of my career at Tektronix, for the last 8 years I have been a career advisor at Portland State University in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

My hobbies include running (more about this later, I’m sure), gardening, brewing kombucha and baking bread. I also enjoy taking photos.


How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join? 

Well, first Sam, then Lynda … that’s the end of the story. For me to partake in the dinner discussions I pretty much had to join and learn the CrossFit lingo.


What motivates you to come to the box week after week?

Sorry, no secret sauce here. I understand it helps me get/stay strong and healthy, that’s about all the motivation I need.



What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic? 

Keep active! In the near term I aim to do a bar muscle up … still needs a bit of work, but hopefully by the end of the year.

What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?

My favorite lift is bench press, not quite benching my body weight but soon! My least favorite has to be putting up with the music, it’s a stretch sometimes. Like, there really never is anything playing I can say I like (granted my taste is different)!

What is your proudest CF moment?

The fact that I finally seem to be getting kipping pull-ups down (work in progress, it’s getting better)

What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit?

Don’t give up. Everything can be scaled. Don’t make it a competition.

Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?

Putting some meat on my ultra runner bones.

Free write: (anything else you want to mention or say)

My athletic passion is long distance running, especially trail runs (typically does not involve blaring music). Still aspire to run a 50mi race sometime (50k, 32mi is my longest to date). But I like CrossFit and the variety it offers.

June Athlete of the Month- Lucy Plews

Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.

 I was born in Michigan but was meant to be an Oregonian. I am the oldest of two (but everyone thinks we are twins), and the whole family has been a part of BCF at one point. My dad and I are the only current members at BCF as of now. I will say getting to do workouts with my dad has been one of my favorite things I have gotten to do since I came back to BCF. I love swimming, hiking, surfing, rafting, and of course working. Being busy is basically how I role. I love being a firefighter and EMT and would spend every minute training if I could. Oh, and I am a senior (finally) at Pacific University finishing a degree in Kinesiology.


How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join? 

My brother and Dad have been doing CrossFit for a long time. I just took a long time to come to my senses and try it out. I spent so long competitively swimming and playing soccer that I thought they were the only sports I could play. After quitting swimming and spending a year feeling out of shape, I got talked into competing in the 2019 Cross Town-Throw Down, and I don’t plan on ever quitting! 



What motivates you to come to the box week after week? 

I have a couple motivators! I think the people keep me walking back to the box every day! There are few communities that are as close and have such healthy values in the world like the BCF family. Other than the people, it’s my fear of not being able to do the job. Every day I want to be better than the last and be stronger than the last. So, I guess maybe there will be days that will suck and there will be days you want to quit, but I think if you keep trying there will be a reward. 

What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?

 I want to get hired as a firefighter and get paid to do something that I am passionate for. As far as athletically, I just want to be stronger and more capable each day. Being able to actually kip and maybe string some pull ups would be a nice plus.


 What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite? 

My favorite lift/movement is a hard one… I hate but love the assault bike! Dumbbell snatches are always a good time until they aren’t… Burpees can go die, or running. Actually, running is definitely my least favorite.

 What is your proudest CF moment? 

My proudest moment isn’t really at CrossFit, but it was because of CrossFit. I had taken the CPAT (firefighter physical test to apply for jobs) three times and had failed each time. It was because I went back to CrossFit, got motivated and started getting stronger I was able to pass easily. So maybe it took me four times, but I didn’t give up, and I thank the community of CrossFit for being welcoming, encouraging and pushing me!

 What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit?

I would just tell them to do the best they can. If you give your best every day, and you just focus on working hard then the hard work will pay off. 

Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life? 

CrossFit has motivated me, and given me some of the best people in my life. I love that the community is a wholesome community full of people bettering themselves and suffering together through the worst workouts that may be thought of.




May Athlete of the Month- Front Liners

Medical Field "On the Front Lines"


This month we wanted to do something different and special. Spotlighting our own BCF athletes who are out serving our community and who are literally "Essential Workers" fighting the front lines during this Covid-19 Pandemic. We have some amazing athletes we are lucky enough to be friends with and are proud they are doing what they can to truly serve our community and surrounding community.



Jessi Cox, MD Emergency Physician



 What is your proudest CrossFit moment? 


Earning my MD L1. I learned so much about CrossFit, myself and the exceptional program we have at BCF where we really do live Coach Glassman’s quote: 

“The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree, not kind.”

 By the way, Glassman is as much of an insane genius as you would think but he is the sincerest human being you can imagine.

What made you decide to go into the healthcare field?


 I was sitting in a humanities lecture my freshman year of undergrad at Reed College and the idea of becoming a doctor just came to me. That and the inspiration for my first tattoo. I took three years after undergrad to try and find anything else I could do but, in the end, medical school was the only option for me. I like to be in charge and be knowledgeable about what I am doing,
but also like being challenged and thinking outside the box to solve problems. I originally thought I wanted to be a trauma surgeon but when I shadowed one, I realized I loved everything until we left the ER hence my specialty is Emergency Medicine. One thing I think everyone should have is a primary care physician (PCP) because as I tell my patients, I am really good at emergencies but anything beyond that you need a PCP.



Rachel Barters



What is your proudest CrossFit moment?


Open workout 14.5
Had only been doing CF for about 6-7 months and decided I could RX this workout. I knew I wouldn’t be fast (burpees🤦‍♀️) but I did it. My coaches were there cheering me on and I remember one of them saying “you have to finish! You got it. You are doing this the same as we did!”

What made you decide to go into the healthcare field?


I decided to become a nurse after having my first child. I was like wow! I liked these nurses and maybe that would be a cool job. After starting nursing school I wasn’t sure it was for me. It seemed kind of slow. I ended up stopping nursing school and taking an EMT class. I then worked as an EMT for 15 years during which time I also finished nursing school.



Kim Waible



What is your proudest CrossFit moment?


Definitely my proudest CrossFit moment was during the CrossFit Open 20.4 and hitting the 135lb clean and jerk!!

What made you decide to go into the healthcare field?


I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field when I was in high school... as my favorite subjects were math and science. So, I chose to go into nursing. I am completely fascinated by the complexity of the human body and why/how everything works and how disease processes affect the body. I love the everyday variety, challenges, learning, and of course, making a difference in people’s lives!!



Louisa Partain 




What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

I have so many memorable moments, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Probably when Ally and Holden got their Level 1 certificates. Or the day I was able to do a real push up. When I got my first rope climb. Ugh! I can’t pick just one!

What made you decide to go into the First Responder field?

So I’ve been looking for pics of me in my uniform and I have one and only one that’s hanging on my wall. I can't find any other at this point. But I do have a pic of holden when he was in Jr High in my bunker gear. The pic is with a school mate Jessi Wren. Both she and Holden are in the fire service now. I started in the emergency services in 1991 and was the longest serving female in my depts history and the only female officer. It’s a long story about how I got into the service, but the reason I stayed was because I love serving my community. I'm also an EMS Chaplain and have my paramedic license. I served on the dept for 22 years and then went into Public Health for the last 10 years overseeing Washington County’s EMS system. I’m taking a short hiatus from EMS all together and will probably finish my graduate degree in Public Administration. I’d like to go back into public health - we’ll see what the good Lord has planned though.



Stella Scott


What is your proudest CrossFit Moment?

CrossFit with my newborn strapped to me

What made you decide to go into the First Responder Field?


I have always enjoyed helping people and EMS was a natural field for me once I found it. It started out with, "I should have some knowledge for disasters" to changing my degree and going into EMS. Volunteering in Fire was a natural fit for my community.

What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

I have so many memorable moments, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Probably when Ally and Holden got their Level 1 certificates. Or the day I was able to do a real push up. When I got my first rope climb. Ugh! I can’t pick just one!



Stephanie Wahne



What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

My proudest moment thus far in CrossFit was honestly committing to it! I was super hesitant, but I had this draw to the team inspired aspect of it.... so trying it was a big step, but commitment to the gym was HUGE!

What made you decide to go into the healthcare field?

When my two grandmas died my senior year of High School, a new desire started to burn in me and I knew I wanted to help people when they needed it the most. When my last grandma died, I went back to school again for surgery.



Claire Cannetti


What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

Anytime I can beat Erik!

What made you decide to go into law enforcement?

I wanted to combine my love for helping people and be able to legally drive fast! Its the best of both worlds!



Erik Gump 


What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

Crushing Sam in 17.4 and 18.4

What made you decide to go into law enforcement?

I lost a bet.



Lucy Plews 



What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

I don't have a proudest moment at CrossFit, but I am proud of myself for coming back. I really didn't want to. I was super out of shape, felt out of place and was insecure about the idea of going back. As soon as I was back I knew that it was the best choice I could make! The coaching and training are great, but the people we have in this community are truly the best part. And I am grateful to get to work out with such a wonderful people within such a strong community.

What made you decide to become a firefighter?

I am not sure how I ended up deciding to pursue firefighting. I needed something more during my freshman year of college and ended up looking into Banks. I was honestly just doing it to do it when I  first started. I was sure I was going to PA school and just wanted hours for experience. But about two weeks into Academy, I realized that I may have been in over my head and completely out of my comfort zone, but it was something I hadn’t felt in a while. I was motivated! It's hard to pass up opportunities that motivate you to be better yourself and that drive you. After academy I still wasn’t 100% sure and was pretty sure that I had no place in the fire service, but within a couple weeks and after my first fire I was in love. It’s a privilege that I get to be a firefighter and EMT and I am grateful every day that I ended up stumbling upon this passion.



Holden Partain 

What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

Getting my L1 and becoming a coach!

What made you decide to become a firefighter?

 What inspired me: both of my parents were in the fire service and they inspired me to do it too!



Mark Gregg


 circa 1988, less grey hair then!

What made you decide to become a firefighter?

My dad was a volunteer firefighter when I was growing up in Colorado, so I was hanging around the fire station since I was 6. I didn’t realize how much medical I would end up doing in today’s fire service but love the hands on time being able to provide care in the field. Between EMS and fire/rescue, a lot of excitement and no day is the same.

What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

The fact the whole family does it, including both kids after moving out of the house and we can all enjoy it together!