“By definition, ‘mayhem’ is violent, but its meaning runs deeper in relation to the box. It fits the CrossFit methodology and life, too ... but the fact that a word such as this can also have a meaning of deep love and devotion shows what these guys are really about.”
CrossFitters and spectators from all over Tennessee traveled to the small town of Cookeville on Dec. 8 to support the world’s fittest man, Rich Froning and the grand opening of his box, CrossFit Mayhem.
CrossFit Mayhem is the new face and name of CrossFit Cookeville, a former affiliate owned by Chip Pugh. While classes have been running since October, the grand opening event simply made it official.
“I always thought it would be cool to have my own box, but I never knew how I’d find the time with everything I have going on, particularly with my training being my number one priority,” Froning says.
Froning says he is thrilled with the turnout and thankful for the hard work and support from his friends, family and staff. In the middle of shaking hands, signing autographs, taking pictures and judging workouts, he sat down in a strength room in the back to reflect on the past few years.
“I tinkered around with some of the workouts for a few months and added them into my regular chest/back and bi/tri routine, but it wasn't until my Level 1 (Seminar) that I saw just what I was missing,” he says.
CrossFit Mayhem was originally founded shortly after Regionals in 2010. However Froning and cousin, Darren Hunsucker, quickly dissolved their affiliate as Froning’s relationship with Tennessee Tech began to develop.
“I was getting busy with my full-time job as a strength coach with college athletes at Tech and it just made sense to partner with CrossFit Cookeville since the affiliate location was right on Tech’s campus,” Froning says.
While he stepped away from the business side of things, Froning continued to juggle the coaching and competing. However, before this year’s Regionals, Froning decided to resign his coaching position at Tech in order to focus on CrossFit.
“I felt like I wasn’t really growing with everything going on or able to devote myself 100 percent to everything,” he explains. “I was even only able to coach one class at night at CrossFit Cookeville.”
Froning’s choice paid off with a first-place podium spot for the second year in a row in Carson, Calif. As this year’s Games season came to a close, Froning felt like it was the right time to rethink opening his own affiliate.
“Rogue came to me with the idea of opening the gym and said they would sponsor everything, so I couldn’t turn it down,” he says. “It was the perfect timing.”
The word ‘mayhem’ comes from the movie “Fight Club,” which was a favorite of Froning’s cousin and Hunsucker’s brother, Donnie. He was killed in a car accident at a young age. Mayhem, in essence, is a reminder of him.
“By definition, ‘mayhem’ is violent, but its meaning runs deeper in relation to the box. It fits the CrossFit methodology and life, too, which can both be violent at times and disorderly, but the fact that a word such as this can also have a meaning of deep love and devotion shows what these guys are really about,” coach Lauren Neal says.
“I am so lucky to have the help of some really great people with something so important to me — everyone from the gym manager, Yvette, to Lauren who coaches and does the web, my wife Hillary helps with the logistics of the business and takes pictures for the site,” Froning says. “Darren, my cousin, is the head coach and is really helping run most of the business. I coach a class or two most days of the week, and do a lot of the programming, but for the most part I am fortunate to be able to train quite a bit.”
CrossFit Mayhem’s grand opening workout was a partner version of DT: 155-pound deadlift for 12 reps, 155-pound hang power clean for nine reps and 155-pound push jerk for six reps. Two-athlete teams completed a 12-minute AMRAP, one athlete working at a time.
“I drove five hours for the event,” Rick Weems from Morristown, Tenn., says. “When I met Rich, I told him that he and I have a couple of things in common. We are both the same height and same weight, and unfortunately that's about it. Being here today has motivated me to continue to work hard. I started CrossFit two months ago and I love it. Rich and Dan are amazing athletes, so inspiring.”
Darrell Lawson, 34, showed up because of the impact Froning has had on him.
“The reason I started CrossFit in the first place was after watching the 2011 Games on TV last year. When I saw Rich win, it inspired me to give it a try. I’ve been hooked ever since,” Lawson says.
Julia Brown and Jordan Johns, both from Cookeville and both students at Tennessee Tech, also say they have learned a lot from Rich since starting CrossFit. However, instead of watching videos, they have the opportunity to learn from him in person. Both are members of CrossFit Mayhem.
“I started last March, training on Tech’s campus when Rich would coach a class over there,” Johns says. “Since starting, I have seen so much improvement and Rich has given me some great pointers for my technique. For instance, I split jerk 125 lb. now — it used to be 55,” he says.
“To us, they are just Rich and Dan. Great athletes, but everyone here at Mayhem sees them as people — not all the hype,” Brown says. “It’s really cool, our coaches and members are all very down to earth. Very supportive of one another, cheering one another on and working hard.”
During the day’s worth of first impressions and workout demonstrations, the crew is repeatedly hit with the same questions. You can tell they have answered them dozens of times and yet they smile.
“It’s the same one everyone always asks: How do I train and what is my diet?” he says. “Training is my full-time job, and of course, lots of peanut butter and milk. My goal with opening CrossFit Mayhem is really just helping people get better and having a place to train, not about making money or getting the most members possible.”
Friend, co-coach and training partner, Dan Bailey, says he’s in it for the same reasons.
“It’s a great way to reach fitness goals, improve one’s quality of life,” Bailey says. “It’s amazing to see all the heart that Rich has poured into Mayhem and into his community.”
Watch video coverage of the grand opening of CrossFit Mayhem.
