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.
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 18.4What 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!
April Athlete of the Month- Ali Asman
Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where
you grew up, occupation, etc.
Well hi there! A little about myself: I grew up on what I like to jokingly refer to as a “Hippie
Farm” out in Gales Creek. The love I have for the outdoors stemmed from my childhood days
romping around outside, toes in the dirt, playing with our goats and chickens, gardening,
exploring the acres of woods and using my wild imagination as I constructed elaborate fairy
houses under the full moon. I currently live with my mother, husband, and spunky toddler back
out in my childhood home. We made the decision to move and help my mom out on the property
after my father passed away last February and it has been such a blessing to be back out in the
country. Besides anything to do with the outdoors, I love cooking and baking, long drives, being a
carefree weirdo (or at least, I try to be), spending time with my family and friends, creating (art,
music, writing), lifting heavy S!*%, and trying to always have a positive outlook on life.
I currently work as a Personal Support worker for someone on the Autism spectrum. I also
nanny. I was a teacher before I became a mom but do not think I will be going back into that
profession. After we’re done having kids I want to pursue going back to school for physical
therapy.
How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join?
After we moved out here in May last year, I knew I wanted to find some kind of group exercise
experience. I randomly found a Groupon for BCF and decided to try it out for a month. I didn’t
know anyone who went to the box and was apprehensive at first but after the first day I was
HOOKED and the rest is history!
What motivates you to come to the box week after week?
I think what motivates me the most, besides the amazing community and coaches we are blessed
with, is the excitement and mental/physical pump I get from seeing just how hard I can push
myself. I love those insane workouts that make you feel like you’re dying, lungs screaming,
muscles numb from exhaustion, and the inevitable feeling of accomplishment and strength that
comes after.
What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?
Short term: Feeling confident enough to take my shirt off during a workout as well as handstand
walking by the end of summer! And maybe some muscle ups somewhere in there too.
Long term: Compete! And on the professional level, I dream about going back to school and
getting my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. CrossFit helped me realize this dream as well!
What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?
Any type of grunt work. The heavier the better! And Deadlifts.
Least favorite? Long cardio WODs
What is your proudest CF moment?
Probably competing in the CrossTown ThrowDown after only being at the box for a couple
months. I had the best partner (shoutout to Coach Ally) and could not have asked for a better first
time experience! It made me itch for more.
What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit
or new to CrossFit?
Honestly, less thinking, more doing. It’s one of those things that you just need to dive into. If I
had let fear or overthinking get to me I may not have had the courage to come here by myself, and I would have missed out on what has turned into a life changing and wonderful
community/opportunity.
Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?
CrossFit has made me feel more confident than I ever have before. It has helped me overcome so
much body image struggle I’ve had since my daughter was born 2.5 years ago. I’ve met the best
people here and could not imagine life without the Farm!
Free write: (anything else you want to mention or say)
What the community at BCF has done for not just me, but everyone who walks through the doors
is beyond a blessing. I cannot thank the Exlines enough for the work, care, and love they put into
the Farm and it does not go unnoticed. Although, we are all experiencing some crazy times full of
uncertainty, the solid connection, sense of community, dedication to excellence and genuine life-
force that is life at BCF is shining powerfully. I can’t wait to see just how far I can go with the
box as my backbone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)