CrossFit Athletic Group

In her Senior tribute, Emma left out three of the most important Seniors of all. Being the kind and generous individual that I am, I will not let their efforts go unnoticed.

On the outside, it would seem that there aren’t many things Lamphere High School can brag about. They have a hill and they have a pool…and that’s about it (both of which Bishop Foley probably uses more than they do.) However, due to the word of mouth bug, the Champions Club has managed to find four “Lampherians” who would change our community forever. Jesse and Jay Junkin, Marianne Carney, and Meghan Versele have been pleasant additions to the Champions Club. Jesse graduated last year and enjoyed his time at Grand Valley this year. Upon his return, he immediately picked his training back up and helped out with the track team as well.  While he enjoyed his time back, the other three were finishing up their high school careers.

Jay Junkin is a man of few words. Like very few words. He, along with his brother Jesse, were our first Lamphere athletes to commit for the summer 2011. Being my neighbors, I have known them almost as long as I can remember. Jay has developed into a nice athlete with a lot of upside. Squats, deadlifts, and gymnastics don’t come easy to someone who is 6’3 ¾”. Jay’s commitment to form from day one has really helped his in the long run – as his technique on most lifts is dialed in now. Jesse has come a long way as well. Their collective efforts have also brought fellow Lamphere Senior Jacob Augustine in for the summer. Although his days as Lamphere’s ace pitcher are over, he still has a lot to look forward to this summer. Who knows, maybe CrossFit will help him win a Championship in our Mitchell Guist Memorial Mario Baseball League this summer. But I doubt it.

Meghan Versele joined the third day of the summer through her cousin Nicole Murley. She was promptly introduced to one of our good friends Nancy, and has been hooked ever since. Throughout her time in the Champions Club, Meghan has proved that it is possible for someone to be coordinated, but not athletic. Regardless of her occasional bloopers, Meghan probably has the best overall form out of anyone in the Champions Club. Her consistency and dedication is matched by few people, and she constantly tries to recruit new people for us. As a result of her great work ethic, Meghan has garnered an invite into the advanced session.

Marianne Carney came to us sometime last winter. She is the only one of Meghan’s recruits that has stuck it out thus far. Marianne has really come into her own as an athlete this spring. Gone are the days of pull-ups with a band, pushups on the knees, singles on the jump rope, and the lack of confidence from her pre-Champions Club days. Marianne is a legit CrossFit athlete now. Look for her at the 9 am session this summer.

Thank you for being open to joining this environment. The Bishop Foley students see you guys as family and hopefully you see it the same way. The Champions Club would not be the same without you guys, and everyone knows that. Keep spreading the word folks! You’re setting a trend.

Lamphere Seniors of '12. Left to right: Jay Junkin, Marianne Carney, Meghan Versele.