On Saturday evening we celebrated with our friends and family 2 years of CrossFit Scottsdale. It seems like just yesterday when we moved in to our current location, one year later we are stronger and more focused than ever. Thank you to Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, The North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Calisto Bistro, Cruz Tequilla, lululemon athletica our students, friends, ambassadors, CrossFit Scottsdale Connections members, local business’ and community members that attended our Anniversary Party and Celebration. It was a fun time and a huge success. Through the raffle, we raised close to $300 for Arizona Baseball Charities (6 kids now have equipment to play Little League this season). We also took a few minutes to recognize our students and community. Here is a recap of the awards given:

CrossFit Scottsdale Team Awards (voted on by the student body):
Best Attitude: Hallie Flood
Best Teammate: Dwight Peck
Best Dressed: Erica Picard
Best Undressed:  Ted Sweeney
Best Burpee: Ilana Fisher
Best Pull-up: Melissa Einbinder
Most Burpee Penalty: Marguerite Robinson
Best Smile: Tia Wise
Best School Spirit: Bob Hisle
Best Form: Nick Rini
Most Intensity: Matt Blanton
Best Legs: Jill Haaser
Sweatiest: Paul Zetah

CrossFit Scottsdale Super Hero Awards (CrossFit Kids):
Zachary Schawelson
Amanda Weber
Paxton Tatum
Laura Weiner
Rachel Weiner
Kanon Kayyem 
Hanna Vange

Coaches Awards:
Show Up Don’t Quit: Jeff Zuhl
Most Improved: Alison Nocks
Student of the Year 2010: Myrna Atha
Most Dedicated: Marc Lutz
Spirit of CrossFit Scottsdale: Don Wong
Most Determined: Dani Moudry
CrossFit Scottsdale Old School: Richard Shields

Students training at the gym for a year or longer. If you weren’t at the party, see a Coach next time you’re in.

Myrna Atha
Brett Bartlett
Stephanie Binch
Matt Blanton
Reed Connally
Skip Divelbiss
Liz Farnlof
Mike Gillis
Natalie Gillis
Bill Gold
Tom Gorman
Brian Gubernick
Bob Hisle
Katie Hunt
Kristen Johnson
Shannon Johnson
Jon Kaufman
Reem Kidess
Raj Kukunoor
Tracey Latham
Marc Lutz
Dani Moudry
Betsy Nagy
Alison Nocks
Erica Picard
Tom Rietz
Marguerite Robinson
Zachary Schawelson
Richard Shields
Chris Tousley
Devra Tousley
David Tousley
Tina Vange
Mark Verhamme
Erin Wellendorf
Mike Wellendorf
Sean Whiteman
Tia Wise
Don Wong
Jeff Zuhl

1 comment

1. Ashley Ulinger
   What a great event! THANK YOU to everyone who came out to make the evening and celebration so special!

“I AM AN AMERICAN SOLDIER” Nolan Bonnstetter

“Nolan”
200m sprint
10 pull-ups, 20 push ups, 30, sit ups
400m sprint
10 pull-ups, 20 push ups, 30, sit ups
800m run
10 pull-ups, 20 push ups, 30, sit ups
1 mile run
10 pull-ups, 20 push ups, 30, sit ups
800m run
10 pull-ups, 20 push ups, 30, sit ups
400m sprint
10 pull-ups, 20 push ups, 30, sit ups
200M sprint

#20 Vest for warriors

For those of you that do not know who Nolan is. Check out http://crossfitscottsdale.com/homeblog/2010/02/nolan/  for everyone else…

“Hooah”

10 comments

1. Kuiv
   Nolan congrats on becoming a soldier. Also congrats on having one of the greatest Crossfit workouts out there. ...

Don
Some people may call me crazy. I think that I am just honoring those who sacrifice for me. ...

Katie
Nolan I am so happy for you. You have my upmost respect. Love you tons. Please stay ...

Coach Luke
WHAT DO I FIGHT FOR? Everyone of you! Let me start with Don "MFN" Wong. 8am he did it in ...

Sean W
Great WOD. Great honor to do it for Nolan. Hooah!

I was introduced to CrossFit Scottsdale a year ago, at a time in my life when I was facing many challenges that I honestly did not think I would get through. I was down and out.

It started out that I was given this (CrossFit Scottsdale) as just something to do. Now, it is so much more…

CrossFit has given me confidence. After doing some of the workouts, I go out and face any challenge with a smile. I just got through a tough workout, what can be harder than that?

There isn’t anything that I can not accomplish if I just put my mind (or body) to it.  CrossFit has also made me a stronger person, both mentally and physically. I walk tall now. I am a strong, confident woman and I want the world to know it. It has been an amazing transformation. One that I am grateful for every day. Before starting at CrossFit Scottsdale I could never run a mile, I am proud to say that this year with the support of my teammates and the Coaches I was able to complete the Pat Tilman Run (4.2 miles).

September ‘09: 175 lbs —-May ‘10: 145 lbs  (30 pounds down so far and 4 dress sizes)

~Dani Moudri

6 comments

1. Steph B
   Wow you look amazing what an inspiration to all of us!

Laura M.
Thanks for sharing your story. You are truly inspiring! Walk tall girl!

Katie
Love ya Dani! So impressive. Thanks for inspiring us all to be strong confident women!

Ted Sweeney
This is awesome. I'm siked you've had this much success. Keep it up!

Patty S
Great job Dani! You are amazing!!

The 2010 Southwest Regionals will be taking place this weekend at UC Irvine in Irvine, CA. For those of you who are not familiar with the CrossFit Games, THIS IS OUR OLYMPICS!!! The Southwest Region (Hawaii, California, & Arizona) is believed by many to be the most skilled and most competitive region in the world. We’d love to have a big support crew in CA to cheer on EP, Sarge, BK and our Affiliate Cup Team. Tickets for spectators are $50 – that gets you tickets for 2 people for both days. Register as a spectator HERE.

We could not be prouder of our 3 Regional Qualifiers.

NAME: Erica Picard
Nickname: “E”, “E.P.” “Eazy E”

Age: 27
Weight: 135

Born: Foster, Rhode Island
Occupation: haridresser/coach
Started CrossFit: Aug. 2008

Why do you CrossFit? I love the community and competition. Even after a year and a half i still see progress and results using the  Crossfit method. Hot boys with their shirts off…need i say more?

Favorite WOD: Every WOD BK programs
Favorite Lift: deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Kelly
Least Favorite Lift: front squat or snatch

Fran: 5:54
Helen: 10:55
Karen: 6:36
Filthy Fifty: 26:31
500m Row: 1:47
Baseline: 4:21

Deadlift: 230
Press: 85
Back Squat:175
Front Squat : 165
Clean & Jerk:130

 

NAME: Jeff Brennan
Nickname: “SARGE”

Age:  31
Weight: 190#

Born: Port Jefferson, Long Island New York
Occupation: Police Officer
Started CrossFit: 10/2009

Why do you CrossFit?  Because I’m a masochist.

Favorite WOD: FRAN
Favorite Lift: Back Squat
Least Favorite WOD: F.G.B.
Least Favorite Lift: SNATCH

Fran: 2:33
Christine: 9:53
500m Row: 1:28
ANNIE: 6:02
Mcghee- 26 rounds

Deadlift: 365#
Back Squat: 365#
Clean & Jerk: 245 clean, 225 jerk
Max Pull ups: (in the 30’s…)

NAME: Brian Kunitzer
Nickname: BK
 
Age: 30
Weight: 180
 
Born: Saginaw, MI
Occupation: Professional Athlete
Started CrossFit: June 2009

Why do you CrossFit? I do it for the kids.
 
Favorite WOD: Murph
Favorite Lift: Back Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Eva
Least Favorite Lift: Bench Press
 
Fran: 3:00
Angie: 16:43
Linda: 162
FGB: 359
100 Burpees: 5:29
 
Deadlift: 355
Press: 145
Back Squat: 295
Snatch: 165
Clean & Jerk: 225
Max Pull ups: 25

1 comment

1. Brian Ferris
   Thanks to all the great folks at Crossfit Scottsdale for hosting Nick and I this weekend. We were in town ...

The Southwest Regional, which goes down May 8-9th in Irvine, CA, is going to be an epic competition. There were over 550 men competing in the four Sectionals (Northern California, SoCal, San Diego/AZ, and Hawaii) leading into this event, on top of the prequalified athletes from the 09 Games. Now, only the top 64 are set to compete next weekend.

On the women’s side, 230 women competed in the four Sectionals, and we have 53 competing next weekend. In the Affiliate Cup competition, 70 teams are competing. Only four men, four women, and eight teams will advance to the Home Depot Center in July.

The Southwest is the hardest place in the world to qualify for the CrossFit Games. If you are anywhere near Orange County, CA on May 8-9, you should come by to witness the battles first hand.

If you aren’t, we have great news. We are going to do a live webcast of the entire event starting approximately 8am on Saturday and ending around 4pm on Sunday. We’ll have four cameras covering all aspects of the competition, with  announcers Marty Cej from in Toronto, Justin Judkins from CrossFit Radio, and Miranda Oldroyd from CrossFit 801. Jason Khalipa will also make an appearance as guest announcer from time to time. CrossFit Games

 

Be the first to comment!

It is with great pleasure, timing and comedy (see video below) that we announce the signing of Coach Brian (B.K.) Kunitzer as a FULL TIME Coach on the CrossFit Scottsdale team . Brian has come a long way in 10 months of training with us. From thick, stocky and 20 lbs over weight and only training 1x a week to a lean, mean CrossFt Games Regional Qualifier with 5.5% body fat.

More importantly Brian is now doing what he is passionate about. He has decided to leave his desk job as a CPA and come on board full time as a Coach and Manager.   Feel free to talk to Brian about chasing your dreams and achieving your goals.

Congratulations B.K.!

~Luke and Najla Kayyem

10 comments

1. Jennifer S
   Congrats BK!! Awesome video too - I love the outtakes. Luke - your next challenge is to learn ...

JAZ
Congradulations BK this is great news for all of us who love CrossFit Scottsdale. I will never forget the night ...

Hallie
Congrats BK!! This video is hilarious!!!!

Roger
BK – are you really a CPA? I want proof. – You were made for CrossFit. I’m ...

Ashley
Congratulations!! AWESOME Video I love it~

This month was the 1st time in a long time we had a unanimous decision on A.O.M. Halie Flood has been to 5x classes a week for over a month. With her husband fighting for our FREEDOM over seas. Hallie is fighting to “Bringing sexy back”. This girl does not give up. Everyday… Anywod she is ready for a fight. Hallie has lost another 15# this month and is 100% Paleo. She is also one of Team CFS newest Ambassadors and will be our videographer for events, races and challenges. When you see her in class tell her “Get that sexy back” and give her a high 5!

11 comments

1. Najla
   Congrats Hallie. We are thrilled to have you on the team. Keep up the great work and that positive attitude.

Patty S
Congratulations Haley! You go girl!

JAZ
Very motivating, great job Halie!!!

Matt Blanton
Congrats Halie! Keep your eye on the prize! Remember, you are inspiring others around you.

Keith
5x a week..... much respect.

It was great to stop in the other day and say hello and thanks for getting me ready for my African adventure. Let me tell you, there’s absolutely no way I would have been able to stand up to the physical and mental rigors of the trip if it had not been for you and the staff helping me get my mojo back.

  My roughly month long excursion included 3,200+ miles, 10-14 hour days of riding, little sleep, extreme temperatures and elements, constant risk of one kind or another, and absolutely required 100% mental focus at all times.  Not to be over dramatic, but the mindset required for this trip was exactly the one you preach of “Show Up, Don’t Quit.”  My British riding friends on the trip had their own typically British version stating “No matter how hard it is, best get on with it.”  I don’t want to make it sound like this was anywhere near the level of Nolan or others that are in the service, or law enforcement, but for me, it was a visit back to the days when controlled aggression/assertiveness and a focused determination was the best defense against the situation. 

  I’m definitely looking forward to coming back in, I’ve lost approximately 20-25 lbs, much of it muscle, so I anticipate starting over from square one.  This is OK, I’m eager to start pushing through familiar road blocks, then breaking through the new ones as well.  One of the ways I tried to entertain myself was to wear my CrossFit Scottsdale shirt as much as possible and try to take pictures wearing it in interesting locations.  I’m attaching a few pics, and definitely want to let you know I was representing everywhere I went.  In fact, some of the other riders were asking me about it, several that had done some of the “P90X” or “Insanity” programs prior to coming.  I told them about my experiences and success, and they mentioned it sounded light years beyond their training. Thanks again for everything, see ya soon!!!

Keith Robinson

 

1 comment

1. Sarge (Jeff B)
   Bad ass Keith. I look forward to seeing you in class.

Today’s WOD is named after your favorite young, Scottsdale, single. Who just happens to be turning “24″ today. Jon Kaufman is an intense, passionate, and dedicated adventuresome “Wildcat” who is looking for a focused empathetic women to share his favorite movie with “Love Actually”. Happy Birthday Jonnie Boi. I hope you find…

Warm
10x Jumping Pull ups
10x Plyo Push ups
>5 min
Skill
Squat Clean Thruster
W.O.D
9x Squat Clean Thruster
400 x Meter Run
3-5 x Rounds

3 comments

1. Ilana
   Happy B.Day Youngin! LOVED this wod

JK
Note the sucking in of the Stomach

BK
We call that that trying not to puke position "the Kaufman" .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY JK!

I would like to congratulate the following students for making the 2010 CrossFit Scottsdale “Gamers” team. In 2 weeks these competitors will be in San Diego, CA for the Southwest CrossFit sectionals. We are taking more students than any other school in the state and we would love for you guys to come and cheer us on. The event is two days March 27 and 28. The top 3 male and female athletes will make up our Affiliate Cup Team.

Ilana, Brett, “Sarge”, Doug, B.K, Matt, Angie, Eileen, Erica, Luke. *Not Pictured. *B.G, *Skip, *J.K

3 comments

1. Najla
   Angie- why do you look so mean? lol

Stu
Note to self: If you are ever able to perform at 1/4th the ability level of the above people, you ...

Katie K
Wow that is a hot group! Congrats gamers. You inspire us all!