North West Region Sends 17 Masters to Games

“As we get older, there are stronger, faster athletes competing in my age group. This makes the Open very stressful and the Games very rewarding.” ~Tony Kubitschek

With 15 masters athletes on their way to the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games in Carson, California, the North West Region certainly has its share of mighty and mature competitors.

Mike Ford: Giving 100 Percent

Mike Ford, 47, feels blessed to make it back to the Games.

“As a masters athlete in an increasingly difficult field, I feel blessed to have been able to make it back for a third year,” he said. “It doesn’t get any easier each year, and I rely on the support of my wife, family and the entire Beaverton CrossFit community to motivate and inspire me to train hard.”

Ford injured his left knee on the first day of the 2014 Open. It has been a healing process, and he hopes he will be able to perform at his highest level regardless of the setback.

“I just want to be able to go to Carson and give 100 percent,” Ford said. “And leave it all there, no regrets. I hope the WODs are squat friendly.”

Ford said he’ll have a personal cheering section in Carson and at home.

“My wife and two daughters and a handful of peeps from the box will be there,” he said. “It’s a lot to ask people to take time off work to fly down to watch. They can watch live for free from home, and I’m OK with that. I know they will be screaming at me.”

Dawn Sibilia: Choosing Focus Over Fear

Dawn Sibilia, 48, of CrossFit Fort Vancouver cannot hide her excitement for her first trip to the Games.

“It has been a very valuable journey for me, which means this is big,” Sibilia said. “There is a load of investment that I and others have put into me qualifying to go to Carson, and that is what makes it so valuable.”

Sibilia admitted there is fear involved as she faces competition.

“There has to be a clear destination, a plan, dedication, support, perseverance, drive and just trusting the process,” she said. “Fear comes in many forms, and I didn’t have the time to address them all, so I chose to focus all my energies into visualizing successful movements. Doing this, regardless of standings, I can be proud to know that this was my best.”

Sibilia has many supporters who will be cheering her on.

“Attending will be my husband, best friend, daughter, another friend from Oregon and a number of people from CrossFit Fort Vancouver,” Sibilia said. “My mom and dad are coming in from Michigan, and my brother and three nieces from California. I feel well supported.”

Janice Spray: Packing a Punch, Pound for Pound

Four-time Games competitor Janice Spray of Lake Hills CrossFit is looking forward to some tough competition.

“I’m honored and humbled to be able to attend for the fourth year alongside athletes from around the world,” Spray said. “At the Games, we as masters, can show the world that fitness at any age, and any size, is possible.”

Spray comes in at 4-foot-11 and 105 lb.

“It’s intimidating to compare yourself against the athletes who make it to the Games,” she said. “Some are so big and strong! I need to figure out how to take advantage of my size and survive some of the WODs that are better for bigger people.”

Spray knows her cheering section will extend near and far this year as she faces the Games events.

“Since this is my fourth time to the Games, I’ve made lots of friends from all over the world who will be there,” she said. “My husband Kimo, son Daniel and daughter Kayci, will attend, as well as at least one gym member, Andy Cho.”

Rhonda Hodgins: Unadulterated Determination

Rhonda Hodgins, 46, of CrossFit Marysville has had a challenging season, but that hasn’t stopped her from qualifying for the Games.

“For me, being a working and coaching mother with minimal time to devote to training during the Open and regionals was also impacted by never-ending injuries to my back and right knee as well as three bouts of sickness,” Hodgins said.

Hodgins said she feels like she’s playing catch-up this year. After the Masters Qualifier she had to take a month off from any barbell work to recover from an injury.

“I expect it to be challenging in all capacities,” she said of the Games. “I also expect to meet some very special people.”

Despite her challenges, Hodgins won’t let anything stop her.

“I have achieved what I thought to be previously unattainable,” Hodgins said. “It is evident that perseverance, the capacity to suffer, and unadulterated determination have paid off.”

Hodgins has a crew of supporters who have seen her through her more challenging moments.

“My husband and children—Maci, 12, also a CrossFitter, and Hannah, 10—and the athletes and coaches from CrossFit Marysville … have been, simply put, amazing,” she said.

Ken Idler: Passion for Fitness

Despite opening his affiliate in February, 50-year-old Ken Idler qualified for the Games.

“I work full time and my wife and I opened our own affiliate, CrossFit Unrestrained, this year,” he said. “The new gym has provided us with an awesome opportunity to share our passion for fitness and get to know some awesome people—but it has also changed my focus from training for myself to coaching and supporting others in achieving their fitness goals.”

Idler has had to find some creative ways to manage his time as a new gym owner while still getting in training time.

“Fortunately, I have a great support group around me,” he said. “Some are willing to join me in my late night and/or early morning workouts.”

Facing his trip to Carson, Idler will use his strong work ethic as he faces the Games events.

“I’m going to work hard in each event and give myself the best opportunity to perform well alongside my peers,” Idler said. “Qualifying for the Games is very gratifying in that it requires a lot of hard work and discipline to prepare for, and it is a great feeling to know that I get the opportunity to compete with other athletes that have the same passion for fitness as I do.”

Even though there are only a few supporters that can make the trip to cheer for him in person, Idler said his crew will be supporting him and cheering from Tri-Cities, Washington.

“My wife, children and grandchildren are my biggest supporters, and then there is the CrossFit Unrestrained community as well as other community members that can make the trip,” Idler said.

Tony Kubitschek: Consistently Returning

Tony Kubitschek faces his third consecutive trip to the Games, and the 52-year-old admitted that with each year, the competition gets more intense.

“As we get older, there are stronger, faster athletes competing in my age group,” Kubitschek said. “This makes the Open very stressful and the Games very rewarding.”

He knows consistency and planning will help him attain some of his personal goals.

“Last year, I was very inconsistent from the first workout to the sixth,” he said. “This year I need to be more consistent throughout Games week. It sounds easy and hopefully I am ready for what is put in front of us.”

Kubitschek credits his wife, Trina, with much of his drive and success.

“Trina has been so helpful each year from coaching to keeping me in the right place at the right time,” he said. “It is pretty awesome to be in the middle of a workout and see and hear someone you know from the stands, and I am very fortunate that my wife has been able to make the trip.”

Joey Lochner: Finishing the Games

Lochner, 52, of Central Oregon CrossFit in Redmond, Oregon, will make his second trip to the Games this year.

“It’s my second time making it, so it’s just as exciting this time, if not more exciting than when I made it in 2012,” he said with a laugh.

Lochner was injured at the Games in 2012 during the Snatch Ladder, resulting in knee surgery and recovery that was very much unplanned and disheartening at the time, he said.

“To make it after my surgery, this year, and doing more workouts is really special for me because I wondered after my knee surgery, ‘Is that it? Is this injury the one to put me out?’ … And it didn’t!” he said.

This year, Lochner’s goal isn’t for the podium, but just to finish the Games and remain healthy.

“I’ve learned to mentally stay tough and to know that it’s not ended until it’s done,” Lochner said. “In my mind and in my heart, it’s like, ‘Joey, be smart with this. Go out, work it, get it, get after it, but to finish knowing that’s a victory.’”

Fellow gym member Cody Anderson will be competing at the Games this year, and Central Oregon CrossFit owner, Greg Bridge, will attend the Games to cheer as well as four or five other couples.

“The rest of them will be streaming online,” he said.

Sue Habbe: In the Moment

Sue Habbe knows going to the Games is her chance to represent her home gym, Zootown CrossFit in Missoula, Montana. The 52-year-old said she considers this her lucky chance.

“I feel very fortunate to have made it this far,” Habbe said.

Habbe has had her share of moments of doubt and elation. She said her biggest obstacle heading into the Games has been a combination of two things: “My head and my body. Not always in that order. I plan to represent my CrossFit family as best I can and to stay in the moment.”

Habbe will certainly have a good support team around her.

“My coach John Petroff will be traveling down along with his wife, Sarah, and my psycho training partners, Ostrom and Cam,” she said. “Yep, they will be there.”

Don King: Inspired by Those Around Him

Last year, Don King of CrossFit Tacoma finished in fourth place in the 55-59 Division. This year, the 56-year-old isn’t concerned about securing a place on the podium; he said he wants to be satisfied with his efforts and how well he executes the events.

“If I do that, I’ll be happy with wherever I finish,” he said.

The husband and father of two said making it to Games for a second year in a row reflects how much he’s learned from his coaches, training buddies and fellow athletes.

“I get inspired by the efforts that I see, by the incredible expertise that’s out there, and by the willingness people have to share what they have learned with others,” he said.

Though he considers himself his greatest obstacle, he said he listens well and surrounds himself with “many great people.” Some of those people will be cheering him on including members of CrossFit Tacoma, his wife, Kelly, and coaches Morgan Blackmore, Jared Williamson and Jonathan Brown.

Tom Clark: Scared But Skilled

Ten years ago, Tom Clark and a co-worker did Cindy. That’s when the firefighter from Ellensburg CrossFit realized he wasn’t as fit as he thought.

“I was hooked after Day 1,” he said.

Clark and his wife, Heather, have been to the Games in 2010, 2011 and 2012, but only as spectators. This year, the 55-year-old will be on the competition floor, and he’s feeling the pressure.

“It’s scary,” he admitted. “My conditioning has improved over the years, but I never really thought I’d make it to the Games. It has been a lot of pressure trying to up my game these past couple of months, so I’ll see if it has helped or not.”

Clark said his greatest strength is familiarity with all the CrossFit movements, but he expects to place in the middle to lower half of the pack.

“But that’s why we have the competition—because you never know what can happen,” he said.

His cheering squad includes his wife, his co-worker Mark Buenting and his son, and Ellensburg CrossFit owner/head trainer, Taylor Clark.

“He will definitely be yelling something at me,” he said with a laugh.

Kirby Doyle: Shooting for the Top 10

Kirby Doyle just missed Carson last year. He came in 24^th place after the Open, and that just made him work even harder to reach his goal of going to the Games.

“I put in a lot of hard work focusing on my weaker areas this past year, and it paid off,” he said. “I can now do muscle-ups, and I’ve also greatly improved in my mobility.”

Doyle, has been doing CrossFit for four years and said he’s a well-rounded athlete and consistent in all areas of CrossFit, but his real strength is in the longer chipper-style workouts.

The 56-year-old father of seven and grandfather of six looks forward to going to the StubHub Center with his wife, Cathy, who is his “physical therapist, nutritionist, and my greatest motivator and supporter,” along with his coaches Mike and Christine Ford.

“I hope to come in the top 10,” he said.

Lisa Long: A Hard-Earned Privilege

This will be Lisa Long’s third trip to the Games, and she has her sights set on first place.

“Going to Carson a third time is a hard-earned privilege,” said the 56-year-old Rainier CrossFit competitor. “An athlete can do the ultimate to prepare for the Games, but life can throw you a curve ball and all the hard work gets dashed. I am so, so blessed to be going again.”

Long has been focusing on mobility, strength and speed over the past year.

“I did achieve a new movement this year: bar muscle-ups,” she said. “I would love to be able to string them together.”

Citing CrossFit experience, a powerful God, a strong body and a broad skill base as her greatest strengths, Long admitted her greatest obstacle is the things she says to herself.

“I never thought of myself as a CrossFit competitor,” Long said. “It started in 2010 when my friend Kristin at the gym walked me over to a huge white board to write down my strength goals and sign up for a 4-k mud run. She made me step out! Later that year our box owner Kurtis (Bowler) suggested I train for the 2011 Open. I dared to say yes. It all bloomed from just saying, ‘Sure, I’ll do it.’”

Long’s pep squad includes her family, including her daughter Rory Zambard, her partner, and her CrossFit friends.

“I always expect to have a blast,” she said. “With my family and friends there, I’m guaranteed another memorable time.”

Holly Arrow: Already a Winner

Two-time Games competitor Holly Arrow sat in 41^st place after this year’s Open, but her strengths—including her Olympic lifting skills and handstand push-ups—carried her through the Masters Qualifier and on to a third trip to the Games.

“Throughout both stages, I was bolstered by the support of my workout partners and fellow athletes at Eugene CrossFit and fellow CrossFitters from the North West,” she said.

She’s thrilled to connect with and compete against friends and fellow athletes.

“All of us who make it to the Games have already won by attaining a level of fitness unusual among women our age,” said the 58-year-old research psychologist and faculty member at the University of Oregon. “Together, we are exploring the boundaries of what fitness can mean in the second half-century of life.”

Arrow’s goal is to land within the top five. Her workout partner, coach and friends will be cheering for her Carson, while her Eugene CrossFit friends will be rooting long distance.

“Depending on the nature of the workouts, I might conceivably have a shot at the podium this year,” she said.

Stephen Angove: Tax Preparer Tenacity

Stephen Angove of Thorbeckes CrossFit works as a practicing CPA. The Open happened during tax season. Despite the IRS deadline madness, Angove made it to the Masters Qualifier, ultimately earning a ticket to the StubHub Center.

“Participating in the 2014 Games was the furthest thing on my mind when I signed up for the Open in January,” said the 60-year-old father of five. “Having the Open during tax season was not easy. I had very little sleep and little time to prepare. By the time I did 14.5, I was gassed and didn’t do very well.”

Recovered from tax season, he’s refreshed and ready to compete.

“Making it to the Games has been exciting but challenging to get better on everything,” Angove said, adding he has only been doing CrossFit since January 2013. “Everyone at our box has been really excited for me to make it. It's an honor to go, and I hope to be very competitive with all the time I have spent training.”

He’ll have a lot of support in Southern California. His wife, four daughters, son, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, three granddaughters, 82-year-old dad, mom, two sisters and niece will be there, along with his coach and several pals from his box. 

“They are apparently making T-shirts to wear at the Games,” he said. “No pressure.”

Katherine Stojkovic: CrossFit Ambassador

Call Katherine Stojkovic a late-bloomer.

The 60-year-old skipped physical education in high school. She started running and swimming a few days a week in her 30s, but she never did gymnastics until she was 59. She finally found a sport she loves, and she has thrived—and become a functional fitness ambassador for women over 60.

“There are many who are afraid to step out and try this—or anything for that matter—because they do not think they can,” said the CrossFit Industrious athlete, who has been doing CrossFit since October 2012. “I was not a gymnast. I was not athletic. I am not 20, 30, 40 or even 50. I am 60 and I made the Games.”

The 4-foot-11, 114-lb. powerhouse’s strengths are gymnastics centered. She has burpees, running, rope climbs and pull-ups in her wheelhouse, and she loves to do them.

“I have put in my time at the box,” she said. “I’m there six days a week and open gym once a week, and I do local competitions to get me over the fear of competing. I have watched tutorials, read books, and hung around the box to learn from others. Practice and the love of CrossFit and the fun I have doing it have helped me overcome the obstacles. Every day is a celebration—PR or no PR.”

Stojkovic said she can’t wait to meet and work out with other masters women who she already admires and emulates.

“I can learn a lot from them,” she said. “We can from each other.”

Joining her at the Games will be an entourage of family and friends, including coaches Molly Hunsinger and Stephen Hitt, her husband, former daughter-in-law and best friend.

“I retired this past January from Premera Blue Cross where I worked for 31 years,” Stojkovic said. “This is a whole new chapter in my life, and what a way to write the first one!” 

Jerome Perryman: New Division, New Challenges

It’s Jerome Perryman’s fourth trip to the Games, but his first as a master.

“This is a tough and very competitive age group,” said the athlete from CrossFit Fort Vancouver. “But I feel ready and well-rounded.”

At 6-foot-3 and 220 lb., strength is his greatest strength, he said.

“I tend to do better at heavier met-cons and max loads,” he said. “I have good endurance and I run and move well. I am a hybrid athlete, and I can also fight my way through most gymnastics that appear. I’ll once again, probably be the tallest and heaviest athlete, so hopefully the WODs play to my favor, and hopefully I’m competitive in the WODs that are not.”

Perryman is no stranger to the StubHub Center. He competed as an individual in 2009 and 2010 and as part of CrossFit Fort Vancouver’s team in 2013. He said his repeat appearance means he’s still competing at an elite level.

“It means my training and hard work has once again paid off,” said Perryman, who has been a CrossFit athlete since 2007. “It means that even at 40 years old, my fitness level is only improving.”

With the schedule of a firefighter and a 19-month-old son in the house, training hasn’t been easy.

“I may get off a 24-hour shift at work, and go home and enjoy my active son all day until my wife gets off work,” he said. “By the time I work out, it may be 8 or 9 p.m. It’s not uncommon for me to train until 11 p.m. or later at night. So making the time to train is more difficult, and not ideal, but doable, and an adjustment.”

Perryman’s support team includes fellow CrossFit Fort Vancouver athletes and members, as well as his wife, cousins, aunt, brother and mom, and fire station and affiliate friends from the North West via live feed.

Nathan Loren: Experience Rules

A veteran member of CrossFit Fort Vancouver’s 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 teams, Nathan Loren claims experience as his biggest strength.

“I’m happy to be part of the masters competition and I expect to do my best,” said the 41-year-old athlete who has been doing CrossFit since 2007. His wife, mother, grandmother and CrossFit Fort Vancouver team will be there to support him.

“Jerome Perryman and Dawn Sibilia from Fort Vancouver are also in the masters competition, so it'll be nice to have some friends in the athlete area,” he said.