– My fellow athletes – I felt welcomed at The Hill from the very beginning and to this day I still get excited to leave work and come to the gym to see everyone, even if it’s just a passing “Hi” between classes. – The programming and structure – it’s deliberate and scalable to all skill levels – The coaches and staff – they all know our name, take the time to understand who we are as individuals and really create a warm and inviting atmosphere Many of the same reasons that everyone else comes back: I planned to go to a different gym each night that week, but after one class at The Hill I knew where I belonged! Honestly, The Hill was the first gym on Erin (Matyak) Fajen and I’s list to check out after River Market CrossFit closed simply because it was the closest to work at the time.

Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill?.

I started CrossFit the Tuesday after Labor Day in 2014, so just a little over two years ago. It was at this moment I felt the true effects of what CrossFit can do and that night is what got me hooked. After I finished with five seconds to spare I felt amazing! It felt so good to finish the workout and have everyone cheering me on till the end. Anyway, I got to the set of 9 with two minutes left and really wanted to just stop, but everyone else in the class was done and they and the coach came over and cheered me on till I finished. There were about 20 of us in the class that night and in that gym it was super cramped. Then, in my third month we had a WOD of 21-15-9 burpees over boxes and thrusters with a time cap. I was not sure I liked it or if I wanted to stick with it. My first couple months at River Market CrossFit were hit and miss.

What was your first experience with CF?.

class, being picked last for kickball at recess and finishing last in the mile run! Other than golf, I was the kid that dreaded P.E. My dad is a PGA Master professional and manages a golf course near the Legends/Kansas Speedway (Sunflower Hills G.C.). I have played since I was five years old and I spend a lot of time at the golf course during the spring and summer. My athletic background is limited to just the game of golf. – His niece and nephew Take a moment to get to know this quality guy and The Hill’s featured athlete!

Crossfit softball throw fail