CrossFit Athletic Group

What was done in the Champions Club from the Babies session of 2017 to Summer 2018 set us up for what has truly been the best two years of our existance. The "veteran" families we have - Bennis, Nevarez, Colussi, Kuiper, Hana - have mixed with the newer crew - Vans, Webster, Malak, Pfannes, Burton, Browder - to create the most harmonious organized chaos we could hope for.

One of the things that constantly ping pongs in my head, though, is how to balance spotlighting the new superstars and the old superstars. Because as much as we see, for example, that 2018 crew as being staples in the gym, they've only been here for 2 years and some change. Almost every CrossFit gym owner I've talked to says that's about how long they expect a member to stick around before leaving to do something else. As you can guess, I've always had a certain response to that.

As I was writing Kroll's 10-Year Anniversary post it dawned on me the number of 10-year posts that are going to be coming up in a relatively short time: Jay and Ricky in 2011, Bromm and Mr. Carey in 2012 (might include Jacob in there, too), The Banets, Aaron Sexton, and Shannon in 2013. I might even be missing some.

There is a fact I think about every time I unlock the doors for the first session of the day: the Champions Club has a history. A legit, rich, exciting history.

Is it more awkward seeing Jay look awkward on a clean, or me saying "Gooooood" after it?

Ricky was the first person that made me wonder whether I was looking at a rounded back or back fat

Bromm was Baby Deer Legs and Perfect Attendance before Jaylee Hall

Mr. Carey was part of the crew exiled to Jarrod's gym

This is the Banets using 25 lbs and Aaron Sexton using 15 lbs.

Shannon was always Shannon; our GHD was not always our GHD

I really value longevity. I operate best when I'm staying in the present. The history of this place can really give you guys a perspective that will help you stay for 10+ years. If it's pushed onto you guys in the same tone Michigan Football pushes "most wins of all time" then it probably creates more resentment than perspective. The artistry of this thing comes from knowing what doses of history are in good taste; it's something I constantly ask myself.

...........

One of the ways a CrossFit affiliate is encouraged to become endearing and enduring to the members they serve is to make superstars of their athletes. There are two main ways we've done that: displayed in the gym and recorded on our website. Athletes who are consistent for over a year can get the blessing to sign the floor, and one lucky duck gets their name in the rafters at the end of the Summer. And this website... whoa boy, you guys know the work that goes into it. (And we used to do Athlete Profiles too.)

I've learned that there is a risk in making superstars of our athletes: not everyone feels like they get made a superstar. This is a risk I'm willing to take. We are over 10 years into this thing! I am going to miss featuring you when you do something sweet. A lot. There are not only all the people currently in the gym who compete for AOTS banners, floor spots, and website features, but also about 50 or so who aren't current members but are every bit as important to the Champions Club as anyone on our roster right now. Dillon Sharp and Jessica Suchta are as good at this stuff as any Banet, Bubs, or Bromm that has ever walked in here over the last 10 years... but it's also worth reminding everyone that the Banets, Bubs, and Bromm were really freaking good at this stuff.

So, like I said, I use the best judgement I have at any given time to decide when to spotlight what's going on right now and when to dip our toes in the history books. The alternative is being ordinary and boring. I have no interest in that.