CrossFit Athletic Group

While walking home from the gym the other day I arrived at quite a compelling realization: I, myself, have never won an Athlete of the Week award.

I, with great attendance this Summer; I, who can go to "that place" on command and put up a top workout score; I, who is a matchup nightmare on the basketball court; I, who unlock the gym doors in the morning so you measly peasants can cling to the life support I provide; I, whom all the young kids in the gym orbit around. How can such a prominent figure go so long without getting the recognition he deserves?

So it is fitting that the last Athlete of the Week nomination of Summer 2023 goes to me.

Man... where to begin with Chase. Is he a little Chris? Well, no, we're basically the same height. A younger Chris? Yes, that's it. Maybe. Going into my senior season I was so terrified of overtraining that I put CrossFit on hold completely (like, not even 1 single push-up or pull-up) from November through March; not only did I rob myself of a chance of getting stronger and fitter during the season, but also struggled to find motivation to build a consistent workout habit once spring rolled around. But maybe this is why Chase might not be a younger Chris; a younger Chris didn't trust his body enough to work out consistently, while all signs are pointing towards Chase having that confidence.

From a pure CrossFit perspective Chase truly has no weakness. How many of you have seen him work out this Summer? How many of you have had the privilege tosee the intensity he takes himself to? And we all know CrossFit is a short-man's program, not built for over-6-foot-people like Chase and myself. So tell me how it is that Chase can post the best score for a long-distance workout with bear crawls, the second-best score (next to Aaron) in the short-duration kb swing and burpee workout, and hit impressive numbers in max effort lifts?

Chase Kuiper is about as fit right now as any high school guy we've ever had come through our doors, and if he continues the momentum he's build from this Summer, it's going to be fun to watch him continue to crush it during his senior year. In the meantime, he's giving me a lot to think about during this next week.