CrossFit Athletic Group

by, Jaylee Hall

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Hi everyone, it’s Jaylee. Chris has once again asked me to write a post for the website so I will be doing just that. This time I will be writing about our recently graduated seniors. These seniors have all motivated me to be the best I can be and have been great role models for myself and others. The role models I am speaking of are Emma Lang, Josh Van, Nick Banet or aka “Moustaache”, Kate Robinson, Tea’, and Madison Bettys. All of these members of the Champions Club have had an impact on my life.

First, starting off with Emma Lang. Emma Lang was brought in with my recommendation. I first met Emma playing rec softball in the 4th grade. Since middle school Emma has been a great athlete. She was an excellent forward on our High School basketball team and an amazing left fielder and pitcher on our softball team. This year during our High School softball season, Emma led us to many victories including our district championship. High School politics aside, Emma was our true MVP. In the gym, Emma definitely knows how to get a laugh out of you. Whether she is reminding Chris how he is on the naughty list or playing volleyball in the back on the turf, she can always make you smile. Not only is she a friendly face to have around but she is focused. During a workout, you can find her sprinting past me on a 800. She is always giving it her all and she has grown so much since her first day at the Champions Club. I can’t wait to see what Emma will accomplish in the future. Congratulations Emma!

Summer 2020

Next up is Josh Van. Don’t worry Josh I will try not to embarrass you too much. As some of you know, Josh Van and I are cousins and we grew up together. I still can’t believe Josh is a senior. Josh has been a part of the Champions Club since before covid. His family are the ones that somehow convinced me to join CrossFit. Josh is also the one who gave me my competitive edge. At a young age, we always appreciated some friendly competition. We would stay outside for hours playing corn hole except our only goal of the game was to see who could get all the bags in the hole first and once you did, you could sign the board. Of course, Josh beat me within the first couple tries. This applied to Mario baseball, actual baseball, Mario Cart, Just Dance, Go Fish, etc. No matter how many times I lost, I always enjoyed playing those games with Josh and he would always teach me all of his tricks. This even applies in the gym. During the workouts, I always take a glance at Josh to see how he does things. Although I have not beat him on the 800 yet, hopefully eventually I will be able to pick up on his tricks and work ethic and finally beat him at something. Josh Van not only excels in the gym but he is a great baseball player. Congratulations Josh on all of your accomplishments and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

January 2020

Next is Kate Robinson. I have known Kate since elementary school and first interacted with her during Girls on The Run. If you don’t know what Girls on The Run is, it is a group of young girls that train for a 5K by running around people’s neighborhood wearing identical neon pink shirts and sparkly headbands while doing it. But beforehand you would sit in a cult-like circle and have meaningful talks about not bullying. I know what you're thinking, this does not sound like a club Jaylee Hall would join but I did. For 3 years. I think Girls on The Run is actually my villain origin story for running. That is a different story for a different time. Kate has always excelled and pushed herself at everything she has done. At Girls in The Run she was always the first one done with the 5K. At recess she would always be on the soccer field making all the boys contemplate whether or not they should ever touch a soccer ball again. During the High School soccer season, she led her team to many victories. She even broke the school record for goals made in a single season and made the national dream team. I remember Kate’s first day and she looked very uneasy about joining and quickly she excelled at the Champions Club. Congratulations Kate on everything you have accomplished and I can’t wait to see one of your soccer games at Eastern!

Summer 2022

Another newly graduated senior is Tea’ Rettig. Tea’ was a part of the group that I first worked out with during covid. She was there rain or shine working hard. Tea’s hard work and work ethic always intimidated me. I would watch her kick the soccer ball in the back and knew she was a force to be reckoned with. I have never seen Tea’ in a game, but I don’t have to. I recently worked out with her and Mya and discovered not only is she a hard worker but she is also friendly competition. Although I didn’t beat her once on planks, handstand holds or L sits, I enjoyed working out with her. She not only pushed me but she put up with my annoying and terrible trash talking. Congratulations Tea’ and I know you will achieve everything you want in college.

Summer 2019

Next is Nick Banet or as many know him “Moustaache”. Nick Banet is, in my opinion, one of the best athletes in the gym. He is not only hard working, an outstanding runner and competitive but he is also a team player. Back in December of 2020, he and I were at the same 6:30 session and I had to make up a workout that involved a mile run. It was pitch black and freezing. Instead of running by myself, Nick willingly ran the mile with me. Although it was way slower than his regular pace and was his version of a walk, he  encouraged and talked to me the entire time. Nick Banet is not only a great athlete in the gym but he is also a great cross country runner. I used to say that running just runs in the long line of Banet DNA but I do not think this anymore. Hard work runs in their DNA. Nick is going to achieve many things and the entire gym and I will be rooting him on.

Summer 2019

Lastly, Madison Bettys. I saved the best for last. Madison is a beast to say the least. She is attending the University of Toledo and received a scholarship to play soccer there. There is not a single time I have watched her work out where she “just checks the box”. I have not talked to Madison much but I have learned so much by just watching her. Last summer, during mobility, I remember watching Chris help Madison with her drop step for basketball. I observed and watched each correction she made. She picked it up quickly and she continued to practice it the rest of the session. Later in the year I decided to play basketball again after taking a year off. Partially due to the fact Faith Stinson and I made a deal if I played basketball, she would play volleyball but also because I had nothing better to do with my time. At tryouts, I remembered Madison doing her drop step at the gym and tried my best to mimic what she did at my tryouts. It probably wasn’t as good as hers but I am so thankful that I paid attention to Madison that day and owe her a thanks for unknowingly helping me make Varsity. Congratulations Madison! I can’t wait to see what you will achieve of the University of Toledo!

Summer 2019