“The Open is certainly a proving ground for advanced athletes, but it’s also that for new ones. They are trying things well outside their comfort zones.” ~Chad Edwards
Photos courtesy of Kelly Edwards
In an effort to build community spirit and introduce less experienced CrossFit athletes to competition, CrossFit Local owners Chad and Kelly Edwards established teams among their members to encourage participation in the 2014 Open.
“Kelly and I were looking for ways to get new people involved in the Open,” Chad said. “Many of our members aren’t likely to have the opportunity to (compete at) the regional, and they may not see the value of doing the Open.”
The couple fielded 15 three-person teams, each comprised of a beginner, intermediate and advanced athlete. Each athlete’s Open score contributes to the team score. Chad said he thought the approach would motivate members by having “some skin in the game.”
Stephanie Harrell has been doing CrossFit for about two years and is competing in the Open and participating in Local’s team event as a beginner. She said she feels encouraged by her teammates and hit a PR during one of the workouts.
“Being on a team makes you more accountable and your team really gives you that push when you need it,” Harrell said. “In 14.2, I wasn’t able to get any of the chest-to-bar pull-ups, but I did get 10 of the overhead squats at a weight I’ve never moved before. It’s really cool to have advanced athletes cheering for you, too. It doesn’t matter if we win. I just love being part of a team.”
Every Saturday morning, the teams gather to perform the Open workouts while longtime gym member and DJ Uzoma Nwosu spins the tunes. Fellow members describe the atmosphere as “fun with an amazing energy.”
Coach and experienced competitor, Audrey Poindexter, described it as a community builder.
“People fall into a routine with their workout times based on their schedules. The teams for the Open help mix it all up,” Poindexter said. “We’ve got 6a.m.-ers paired with a 9-a.m. mom and a regional competitor. It’s a fun way to get to know the people you may not ordinarily (work out) with. Connections are made and the community grows just a little bit stronger with each rep.”
The Edwards’ designed this event as a way to have advanced athletes mentor the novices and help bridge the gap between the different levels of competitors. It’s been well received.
“This has made the Open more accessible to the less experienced (CrossFit athlete),” member Lily Avery said.
Avery began CrossFit in June 2013 and this is the first time she’s competed in the Open. She said she feels energized during the Saturday-morning workouts and knows her team is counting on her to do her best.
“(Open Workout) 14.1 was only the second time I’ve gotten double-unders. There was a reason to work harder—it was make it or break it time,” Avery said. “I like having an advanced athlete to go to for help on a technique or movement. My goal for the remainder of the Open is keep improving and be able to do all of the workouts.”
Poindexter said athletes push harder during the Open versus a regular class.
“By adding the team element, you’re doing it not only for you, but for two other people. They need you,” she said. “When you have two other people cheering for you and pushing you to get that last rep, you’re going to get it,” Poindexter said.
The advanced athletes of Local are benefitting from the team environment, as well.
Sarah Cheever has been doing CrossFit since 2007. She said the Saturday mornings are like an in-house competition and make this an exciting time for all members, even those not aspiring to compete at another level.
“My favorite part of this has been watching the new members get those first chest-to-bar pull-ups or double-unders,” Cheever said. “It’s great to watch the people that have a shot at regionals, but I like watching people try something new.”
The Edwards’ are excited about the impact the 2014 Open experience has had on their members.
“The Open is certainly a proving ground for advanced athletes, but it’s also that for new ones,” Chad said. “They are trying things well outside their comfort zones.”
