CrossFit Athletic Group

Without exaggeration, this is probably the toughest decision I have made in the past 6 months. How can I vote against Katie Bromm training through a surgery as well as she did? Or how can I vote against Ricky Carey for the where-the-hell-did-this-come-from effect he had this winter? Well, apparently when Jason Withorn is in the mix, it’s possible.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe Jason missed a single day this winter. He decided not to wrestle this winter in order to focus on his training for Track. And his numbers backed it up:

• Helen – 8:28 as rx’d
• Filthy Fifty – 19:16 as rx’d
• Fran –5:10 as rx’d
• CrossFit Total – 695 pounds (including a 325 lb deadlift)
• Max pull-ups – 41

Aside from the benchmarks, Jason’s form became very consistent – so much so that he developed the ability to coach himself during the workout. And he would bring this mentality to every single workout – which, of course, led to him routinely using rx’d weight. Another steady improvement we have seen is his ability to “let the form slide” a little bit when he has to move fast. While it is still a work in progress, it is a good skill for him to have should he ever need to go there.

But more importantly than his workout results, Jason’s mentality this winter is what sets him ahead. Bottom line, Jason has become a leader. Not vocal. But he is leading by example – and according to Brian, that can be the most contagious. The athlete-side of this is obvious. But as a prospective coach, Jason quietly does many of the little things that help this place run smooth (similar to Murley). Without being asked, he will routinely clean, record times, upload pictures, or jump in to help with an over-run session if he feels there is a need. The without being asked part is the important element here. And since he spends all freaking day at the gym, he makes an effort to strike up something resembling a conversation with many of the new kids on the block. And despite his recent onset of the flu/groin poison, he still comes in to help any way he can.

Jason is the Tim Duncan of the Champions Club. Not super flashy or vocal, and sometimes awkward. But Jason brings it every time he comes into a session. And he has earned this award, and whatever ones will come his way this spring Track season.