Under that charming smile and energetic personality, there could be something crazy! Maybe. To find out we sat down to investigate.
From torching the soccer fields with Beckham like skills for 20+ years to crushing WODs like Fran – Coach Brad knows a thing or two about what it takes to live a healthy life. He has had a passion for helping people his entire adult life and that can be attested by the the students he teaches, the crossfit athletes he trains, the collegiate athletes he coaches, and the many youth he has mentored as a Young Life leader.
Check out what he has to say in our interview….
“Your only competition is yourself, now go become a better you!” Coach Brad
What got you into CrossFit?
At the time I had been running for over a year and was getting bored with it. My wife went with some friends to check out this CrossFit thing and she said that I had to try it. My first day the workout ended up being 100 burpees for time…but I still came back because of the people. Having a group to share in the suffering helps a ton.
In what way has crossfit impacted your fitness?
CrossFit has allowed me to keep up with my kids and my college soccer players at William Jewell. I think I’d still make the squad.
What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud that I’ve stuck with CrossFit for over 6 years.
What were some of your current goals?
As I have aged my goals have changed. Nowadays, I just want to be able to move at the end of the workout and come back tomorrow. If I can do that, I’m happy. Oh, I’d also like to be able to do a handstand walk.
What motivates you to keep going?
I want to be able to live longer so I can see my grandkids…if my kids decide to have them.
what is one adversity you’ve had to overcome in your life (doesn’t have to be fitness) and how did you handle it?
My adversity comes from my early days of CrossFit and trying to do TOO MUCH. I hurt myself a few times. At first I would be really bummed out, but then I would just modify the workouts so I could just keep moving. It’s pretty hard when you hurt your wrist. Because of these injuries I now have my current goal.
If you had to identify 1 key element you’ve found that has helped you achieve your fitness goals, what would they be?
Consistency. Just keep showing up and good things will happen. A close second is form.
what inspired you to start coaching?
I’ve been coaching since I was in high school. For my 18th birthday I got my soccer coaching license. I also have been a Young Life leader (both volunteer and as a job) and am currently a teacher. Overall, I just like helping others achieve their goals. Coaching CrossFit has given me another avenue to do this.
If you could put one message on a billboard, what would it be?
‘Take care of each other’, it’s what Jesus told us to do.
What do you do with your free time?
Snuggle up to my wife, hang out in the living room with my kiddos, and try to keep my dog from eating my food.
Name 1 hidden talent you have
I’m an okay guitar player. (So modest. Jimmy Hendrix would bow to B-rad if he heard him jamming on the guitar)
Name 1 talent you wish you had
I wish I was a handyman so I could fix stuff in my house. I’m pretty sure my wife wishes this too.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about trying crossfit?
Don’t think about all the other people when you start CrossFit. Think of CrossFit like swimmers or track athletes think about their sports. They don’t talk in terms of who they beat, they usually talk in terms of personal records. Your only competition is yourself, now go become a better you!
