Athlete of the Month January 2012: Zuli B.

Zuli, what can we say?  You are one tough She Beast!!  Zuli first came to CF Jaguar over a year ago.  She was very petite, quiet and while she had good endurance she was not used to lifting weights.  Fast forward several months later and this kitten had turned into a tigress.  She packed on muscle, endurance became even better and she loved the feel of being under the steel and what it did for both her body and mind.

She excelled even further during our 16 week training prep for the Tough Mudder.  And when it came time for the challenge she was ready.  Around mile 5 ish Zuli slipped off the balance beam and when I arrived shortly behind her I saw a bone bulging although the skin was still intact.  The look on her face was not one of pain but of anger at not being able to continue.  Not one tear was shed but several curse words spewed forth.  We all waited for the medics to arrive and still no tears and we know she was in incredible pain from the apparent break in both her tibia and fibula.  I recall the medic asking her if she was in pain and she said her “pain was the disappointment of knowing that she could not complete the race”.   She wanted to finish.

As if that was not bad enough on route to the hospital the ambulance was hit by a train.  No, I am not joking; fortunately for all no one was hurt.  Zuli finally made it to the hospital and had surgery a few days later.  She is now on the mend and can’t wait to be back at CF again.  And yes, she is planning on the Tough Mudder this year, she has a score to settle and settle it she will!  CF Jaguar proudly salutes Zuli as January’s AOM

Athlete of the Month December 2011: CrossFit Jaguar Tough Mudder Team

Athlete of the Month November 2011: Steve L.

Steve and I have been friends since the early 80′s. In our wild, impetuous youth many late nights of “celebrating” with friends took place. We both grew up over the years and Steve came to CrossFit Jaguar before we were CrossFit about 6 years ago. He was tired, early health issues, on some meds, a little overweight and just didn’t feel good. We bartered a month of private training for some electrical work. Steve couldn’t do more than 3 push ups without stopping, a bodyweight squat was challenging and a 400 m run near impossible without stopping for air.

Well, that was just the beginning. After that first month, Steve didn’t stop, he kept coming 3-4 times a week. He kept getting stronger, he began going longer on the runs without stopping, the weight started dropping off, his energy soared, he changed his diet, he got off the meds, he looked a lot more like the Steve I knew in the 80′s.

Then along came CrossFit and Steve decided to give it a try–he had already changed his lifestyle. We needed to get rid of machines and fill the place up with functional equipment and finances were limited. Steve built us pull ups bars, he built racks for the balls, paralettes, dip stands and boxes, he hung rings–I don’t know what we would have done without him. He helped on the weekends tearing down walls when we needed more room as we grew, he patched dry wall with all the holes we made in the fragile walls and hung plywood over them.

Through all of the years Steve’s fitness level continued to evolve. He’s hung through workouts that often crush those 2 decades his junior. He climbed 42 flights of stairs in under 12 min at the 2010 Fight for Air and his wife, 4 children and 2 grandchildren find keeping up with him difficult if not impossible. At 57 he has more energy and endurance than he did at 37. Long overdue my dear friend but CF Jaguar salutes you, Steve Lopez as November’s AOM!

Athlete of the Month October 2011: Dawn W.

Dawn,

What can we say? We will miss you dearly. You came to us almost 2 years ago and your personal transformation both both inside and out has been amazing and an inspiration to all. You have gotten stronger, faster and fitter all around. You have NEVER not finished a wod even that extremely long/hard one on your very first day (1/1/10), you encourage until the last person is finished, participate wholeheartedly in all CF Jaguar events and give your all on any given day.

We wish you all the best that life can offer as you travel to your new location and know that you are on this journey of health and fitness for the long haul and will be welcomed into another fine CF family. Yet you will remain a part of our family and hope you visit often. It is with great pleasure that we salute you as CF Jaguar’s October AOM!

Athlete of the Month September 2011: Robbie H.

CrossFit Jaguar salutes Robbie Holsopple as September’s AOM.  Robbie has been with us for 2 years and has made amazing strides in his strength, endurance, power, speed, agility etc. . .in every aspect of fitness.  It it most evident in his performance on the obstacle course.  Not only is Robbie preparing for the Tough Mudder with us in December but he is also training for the Men’s Obstacle Course Competition and fitness skills this October on St Pete Beach.  At 42 years of age Robbie is able to tackle the 160 yd obstacle course with the speed, agility and power of those many years his junior.  We look for him to make quite an impression this first go round.

Not to mention Robbie’s great attitude, team effort and the generous contribution of his 6 ton truck to push around the parking lot.  Sept’s AOM–well deserved Robbie!

Athlete of the Month August 2011:  Lizette Y.

Lizette has been with CrossFit Jaguar almost from its inception in January 2009. She started that March at 170 lbs and quickly dropped 40 lbs through consistent exercise and a complete overhaul in her diet. She could not run 200 m without stopping to walk and used a 15-25 lb bar as she learned each lift. Fast forward to the present and she hasn’t stopped improving with a 7:23 min mile, strength gains in every lift including a 205 lb deadlift, 100 lb power clean and a 455 lb CrossFit total not to mention she’s maintained her loss of bodyfat.

Lizette’s consistency of efforts, hard work, dedication and discipline in efforts make her an exemplary example of what can be achieved with the right mindset. CrossFit Jaguar proudly salutes Lizette Yao as August’s AOM!

Athlete of the Month July 2011:  Pierce L.

Pierce has been with us for well over a year and the gains he has made in strength and endurance are impressive to say the least. Pierce loves to pull and it shows. He PR’s on his deadlift and weighted pull up almost monthly. But he’s a balanced guy and the improvements he’s made in other areas are right along with it. His endurance continues to improve along with his speed.

Pierce’s nutrition wasn’t exactly as it should’ve been and we often joke with him about the totally honest food log he turned in during out last fitness challenge listing all his “indulgences”. But make changes he did, he learned to incorporate vegetables, reduce sugars/grains, plan meals and think before intaking. He ended up losing over 3% bodyfat and gaining lean muscle. CF Jaguar salutes Pierce as July’s AOM–you’ve come a long way baby. . .

Athlete of the Month June 2011: Misty M.

Barbie with balls. When I first met her that is what I thought; and for those who know me that was meant as quite a compliment. Beauty, brawn and brains this girl’s got it all and CF Jaguar salutes Misty McCall as June’s Athlete of the Month.

Misty has been with us for over a year and a half and continues to astound us with her skills and performance. After an amazing debut in the Women’s Tri Fitness obstacle course competition last November Misty’s strength, speed and power seem to have no limits. At 5′ 3″, 115 lbs and a 220 lb deadlift–she can also knock out hspu’s like there’s no tomorrow. Look for this stick of dynamite to dominate the fall Tri Fit competition.

Misty–CF Jag’s June AOM–you wear it well!

Athlete of the Month May 2011: Bill R.

WE’LL MISS YOU BILL!!

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CF Jaguar salutes Bill Rodriquez as May’s Athlete of the Month. Bill came to us fairly strong and flexible but he hadn’t worked out for some time and “didn’t run”. Nine months later–he’s lost over 35 lbs, his endurance has shot through the roof, he runs circles around some of the younger CFr’s and he’s stronger than before. No matter what the challenge of the wod Bill refuses to quit and always finishes with a smile on his face as well as encourages the others to finish and has become quite the Team player. Bill has moved to Brandon and we wish him well in his new locale.

Bill, we hope you drop in as often as you can. You have come so far and we will dearly miss seeing you on a regular basis. I will especially miss our conversations. The best of luck as you continue on your fitness journey–you better stay in touch!!

Athlete of the Month April 2011: Victor A.

CF Jaguar salutes Victor Amuso as April’s Athlete of the Month. Victor has been with us a mere 4 months yet he has lost over 40 lbs, is one of our strongest/most powerful members, his endurance has shot through the roof and he won Most Stunning Transformation in our Look Good Naked Challenge. On a serious mission he took less than a week “off” and dove right into out Swimsuit Challenge with ramped up efforts as he is often seen midday for a second workout.

Victor does not know the meaning of the word “can’t”, would never quit, is consistent, disciplined, dedicated and full speed ahead with all his efforts. His nutritional intake is spot on, definitely part of the plan and passes with glowing colors even the strictest eyes (mine:)

This month we celebrate Victor, are most proud to have him as part of our family and we all could learn a thing or 2 from the examples he sets.