I first met Jeremy and Jessi, the co-owners of Crossfit-Springfield in the summer of 2008. I had read a little about Crossfit but was not about to abandon my traditional style of lifting. Chest and Tri's on Monday, Back and Shoulders on Tuesday, Legs and Bi's on Wednesday then repeat the cycle. I was strong. I was fit. So I thought. I was two months out from my first MMA match and had been out of the gym world for a month or so, spending that time focusing on my standup and ground game for this match. I approached Jeremy about sponsoring me as a fighter and return I would put the Crossfit logo on my butt while I was in the cage.
At the time, Jeremy and Jessi asked me to sign up for a 'friendly' competition they were holding that weekend called "Fight Gone Bad." Jeremy further pushed it by saying that this workout was designed for MMA fighter BJ Penn. I was in. I thought it would be a good warmup before my practice later on that morning. After 17 grueling minutes I was on the ground. My stomach was in my throat. My throat was in my lower intestine. I was whooped. And I was hooked. I changed up my whole training regimine to include Crossfit workouts. Jeremy and Jessi asked me to join their team as a trainer. I started training the 5 and 6 am classes that winter and have been with them ever since.
I am married to the love of my life Shanna. She supports me in whatever I do, whether that be fighting (from which I am currently retired), Crossfit competitions, or anything. She is also an avid Crossfitter herself and is looking to compete in the competition. I am the (step)father to the other love of my life Jalah. J Bug is a diva, sometimes she's hard. sometimes she's soft. But one look into her beautiful big brown eyes and you can't help but to fall in love. Little Jaxx is on the way and is expected to join the family in September.
