Tell us a little about you…
Born and raised in California. Skateboarding and Baseball were my first passions. Moved to New Hampshire to play college football at UNH. Had a "cup of coffee" with the Jacksonville Jaguars before spending the next 7 seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts.
Where did your fitness/athletic journey begin?
On a skateboard in Southern California.
What’s your favorite part about your sport?
With a team sport like football, you can rely on talent, teammates, skill, or even luck to win. With competitive fitness, what you display on the floor is a direct reflection of hard work. Nothing else. It's not just a reflection of your training program, it's your lifestyle.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Once upon a time I was the MVP of the Grey Cup, Canada's "Super Bowl."
You're a coach, too?
I have the honor of coaching at Cfdc. It's the original CrossFit affiliate of Dallas, run by Spencer Nix (CF-L4). He's created an environment for athletes to grow at all levels and for coaches to work full time. That's pretty rare if you ask me!
What’d your favorite kind of dessert?
Nothing too sweet, but just a little sweet. I routinely eat a granola type cereal with almond milk and some fruits/peanut-butter thrown in there.
What’s been your most memorable time as an athlete?
I have to say the 2020 Australian CrossFit Championship. Amazing trip. Awesome people. I loved the way the event was put together.
What have been some trying times in your athletic career and what have they taught you?
In 2013, practicing for the Eastern Final, my ankle got so twisted up I saw my foot "falling off my leg." Ha! I mean, it was almost 90º twisted. This took just shy of 2 years to recover well enough to get back on the field. Guaranteed to never have full range in my left ankle, it presented a challenge with some functional movements like the Overhead Squat and Pistol. The desire to compete fueled the discipline to maintain therapy and mobility. It ain't perfect, but the pistols haven't slowed me down too much! Every obstacle has its lesson, in this case, it's to take responsibility for your own progress.
Tell us a little about your accolades
- 100th Grey Cup MVP. Toronto Argonauts.
- 2019-2020 Sanctionals: SouthFit, ACC
- 2021 Semifinal: West Coast Classic
- 2 Event Wins at the Australia CrossFit Championship.
- CF-L3
What does your diet/nutrition look like? Any advice to others on things that you've had to learn the hard way in this are of your health and fitness?
Learning how your nutrition effects your performance and how you feel is a process. If you want to speed up that process, down a Mountain Dew and a Cheeseburger and go run a mile. Then take notes. But seriously, as long as you're observant of how you feel after eating, it makes it easier to make the right decision for you. I eat real meat and veggies at every meal. If I'm still hungry after my 3 balanced meals, that's where the unsweetened almond milk and granola come in. And gluten-free pancake mix with eggs, bananas, and protein powder.
Tell us a little about your training regimen - do you follow specific training program(s), coaching/coaches, etc.? How do you prioritize your training over other aspects of life to reach this level of competitiveness?
I follow The Overboard Program. Its foundation is Cfdc's group training, which is written by Spencer Nix. Then I program a complimentary design for our athletes that desire a more robust level of fitness. Both of these tracks combine to become The Overboard Program, which is only offered as a customized program for individuals. The great thing is, it still works in a group environment. When competitions get close, Spencer Nix is my advisor. I reach out to make sure I'm doing the right work and have accountability. I try to keep my training windows the same each day during the season, but remind myself that the root of the sport is the "unknown" so changes and interruptions to routine should be welcomed on occasion.
What’s the biggest piece of advice that you’ve been given, that’s made an impact on you as an individual, that you wish to share with others for their journey?
“First say to yourself what you would be, then do what you have to do.” -Epictetus “Stop talking about what it is to be a good man, be one.” -Marcus Aurelius Because the sport of competitive fitness is a result of your lifestyle, the philosophy of action, also known as Stoicism, aligns very well with a mindset of progress. When it comes to decision making, ask yourself if it will bring you closer to your goals or distance yourself from them, then make your decision.
Why do you choose Swolverine?
First, the products are clean, not pumped with fillers. The fact that they taste good is just a bonus. I want what I need and nothing more. Second, they offer a wide range of products, all researched and proven to be effective for their intended purposes.
What are your favorite products to use from Swolverine?
The proteins and BCAA's are great. I was happy to learn about and use the CLEAN CARBS. I sometimes run out of time to have a meal, so these come in real handy on those busy days or during those longer sessions
