Athlete of the MonthFebruary

Sam Crane

Feeling Better Both Physically and Mentally!

Congratulations to Sam Crane, the February 2023 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
Prior to training with BSC I was exercising most days of the week which consisted mostly of weightlifting and a minimal amount of cardio. I have always been active and loved to exercise but I was getting very bored, mostly going through the motions without much inspiration. I didn't have the motivation anymore to push myself to a limit that was necessary to improve. I had considered CrossFit type gyms and regimens multiple times in the past but I felt like it was mostly for younger stronger people. I happened to meet several of my patients who, although much younger than I was, convinced me that there was a place for everyone. That was BSC. Now, I am having a ton of fun even when the workouts are very hard. I am feeling much both physically and mentally then I have in a long time.
What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
My goal was to get inspiration again, have fun and make positive gains again in fitness. BSC has made fitness and hard exercise fun again. It is inspirational and motivational every day. I'm getting stronger but even more important that my overall physical fitness is greatly improved. Even areas that were injury prone in the past are now much more resilient due to more balanced strength and improved flexibility.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
The culture of BSC and my results keep me coming back. It is truly a place where every level of athlete can excel together. The mix of trainers helps keep it interesting as well.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
My "ah ha" moment was actually the very first week. I thought I was in decent shape for a 46 yo guy but I was getting my butt kicked and realized why my boring exercise routine was not working well. But seeing the performance of such a diverse group of athletes was proof positive.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Honestly all my trainers and fellow members inspire me. If I had to choose a favorite member it would be Kim from the Burn class. She is always extremely positive and motivating for all her classmates. She is an impressive athlete and makes the gym an extremely welcome and positive place. I'm proud to be part of this gym and appreciate everyone's positive feedback.

Athlete of the MonthJanuary

Nam Viswanath

Her Happy Place!

Congratulations to Nam Viswanath, the January 2023 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
Before BSC, I was running behind my kids and that was an activity/sport (greatest joy) for me. Taking fitness as priority was always on my mind. BSC is the first step in my fitness journey, what started as one day at a time is now a YEAR. Fitness and nutrition have become a part of my life.
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
I did not have a big goal. I started looking for an activity that would help me grow from a mom to a fit mom. One goal I had for that, was to show up consistently and trust the process. I have been able to achieve so much with the guidance and motivation from every coach.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
The coaches and the community! BSC is my happy place. I have always felt better after workout on any day. All the positive encouragements have helped me push my limits. I see myself growing stronger every day.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
There have been many! One such big moment was when I started lifting heavier weights. I remember my first deadlift workout with training weights(wooden). In few weeks of time I was at 100+. This will always be special. Others are like continuous 8+ wallballs, box jumps, 1min planks and recently running 5k nonstop.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
EVERY COACH has inspired me!! Derick always makes sure I understand movements/technique and do them correctly, I have learned a lot. Joey helps me push my limits effortlessly. Mike makes Flex Friday workout fun until my arms start feeling sore the next day. Sasha gives wise tips on movements and stretches which are helpful in recovery. I appreciate their motivation, guidance and support. I must give a shout-out to my dear friend Kim, for her fitness and enthusiasm. Our post workout cool down time are the moments I will always cherish.

Athlete of the MonthDecember

Maureen Buenviaje

Positive Energy and Dedication

Congratulations to Maureen Buenviaje, the December 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
I have always been active in one way or another but was never a weightlifter and has zero gymnastic skills. Now, I’m proud to say that I’ve learned a lot about weightlifting and some basic gymnastic skills.
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
I did not really have a big goal upon starting at BSC. I set small goals here and there like lifting a little heavier or learning a new skill and I have achieved some of those goals but there are still plenty to work on!
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
The community for sure! BSC is such a welcoming place whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, somebody is always there willing to help and cheer you on!
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
I never thought of being able to do a pull up ever. I think my ah ha moment was when I was able to actually do one strict pull up! It seems to be an easy skill for many but for me it was a difficult skill to accomplish.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
All the excellent coaches motivate me. Special mention to the 11:30 crew who inspire me and push me to work harder. :)

Athlete of the MonthNovember

Justin Galicia

The Strong Silent Type

Congratulations to Justin Galicia, the November 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
I first started CrossFit in 2013 when I was living in the Bay Area (GO Niners, Giants, and Warriors!). I wish I could’ve continued it non-stop over the last decade, but different life events such as moving, going back to school, and the pandemic got in the way. I continued to lift weights at globo gyms during my time away from CrossFit, but it wasn’t the same, and I am glad to be back at it.
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
My first WOD at BSC was the Capacity Test #1. I don’t remember my exact time, but I do remember it took me around 7 minutes to complete, and I only used a 35 lb kb. My goal was to beat that time at the RX weight, and I was able to do that the other day by shaving close to 2 ½ minutes off my original time. Now I need to work on getting my double-unders, muscle-ups, toes-to-bars and pretty much every other gymnastics movement.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
What keeps me coming back is everyone at the 11:30 class and the coaches. Every coach has given me tips that have helped me PR on a lot of my lifts.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
I haven't had an “ah ha” moment yet, but it will probably happen when I’m finally able to string together 10 double-unders or get a muscle-up.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Along with all of the coaches for the 11:30 class, I also have to give a shoutout to Joe V for pushing me to lift heavier on those days when I am doubting myself.

Athlete of the MonthOctober

Monica Delgado

Community, Coaches, and Classes! She loves it all!

Congratulations to Monica Delgado, the October 2022 Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
I started CrossFit in 2016 in Houston TX and when I moved up here first thing I did was find a new box. That one shut down during COVID and Raminder would never shut up about BSC so we finally went to our first class in February 2021. It was love at first class. I’m still here! Rolling out of bed right into the 530am class and having a great time!
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
I need my early morning workouts or I get really irritable during the day. Mostly my goals are to just get a good workout and feel good. I also have a strict pull up goal that remains out of reach, but still working on it.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
The community! The coaches! The classes! You name it I love it!
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
The anniversary competition last year, my first one. It was so cool to see everybody try their best for four super hard work outs. Just super supportive and fun environment, made me realize how great this gym is!!
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
The 530am crew!! The consistency is amazing and everybody is so freaking strong and fast I have to try my best to keep up.

Athlete of the MonthSeptember

Bryan Chou

Humble and Coachable

Congratulations to Bryan Chou, the September 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to CF about 4 years ago in Seattle and have loved it ever since. Now, I have just transitioned to living and working full time in Oregon and BCF is my newfound home.
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
My goal list is still rather long but as of this year, with the help of Coach Derick, I was able to improve quite a bit on my DU and upper body strength. Having a more precise and efficient bar movements is next on the list.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
The community is great. The early schedule also fits perfectly with my personal/work schedule allowing to both do my other training programs while also the regular CF classes.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
I haven’t had a huge “ah ha” moment yet this year but I will have to say I admire all the coaches’ work ethics. Especially coach Mike, seeing him putting in consistent hard out daily is very inspiring.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Echoing my previous statement, huge kudos to the whole coaching staff. Everyone has been great not only making BCF a very welcoming environment but also continue to share knowledge and help improve our fitness levels. Thanks!

Athlete of the MonthAugust

Jack Peterson

Dedicated and Driven

Congratulations to Jack Peterson, the August 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
Before BSC I was trying to find an activity or sport that I enjoyed doing. I participated in a recreational swim team, skateboarding classes, golf and tennis. Now I am doing CrossFit five days a week and The Burn on Sundays.
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
My first goal when I started at BSC was to do the CrossFit classes in the morning with my dad and brother. Another goal I had was to not be nervous doing certain movements that I had not done in the burn classes before such as the snatch and overhead squat. I think that I have achieved both of those goals.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
Something that makes me keep coming back to BSC is knowing that every day that I come improves me and makes me stronger and more proficient at the movements. Another thing that makes me keep coming back is my family. They are always there pushing me and being supportive.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
My “ah ha” moment was the 2022 Open. Even though I scaled the weights for some of the workouts, it gave me goals for the following year, and showed me ways I can improve. Another way this was my “ah ha” moment because it really gave me a feel of what it is supposed to feel like to push yourself.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
My whole family inspires me. My dad because it shows that CrossFit keeps you strong and moving throughout your whole life. My brother because he shows that working hard pays off in the end and that CrossFit can become more than a sport if you try. Finally, my mom because she shows that anybody can do CrossFit even when you are injured, you can adapt the workout and stay moving.

Athlete of the MonthJuly

Lyndsey E

Super Strong and Mother of 5

Congratulations to Lyndsey E, the July 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
I got into lifting weights as a teenager. I am a self-taught athlete. I used to go the gym and lift weights and then do cardio. Then worked out in my garage for a few years. This is the first time being at a CrossFit gym and it’s been a nice, fun, and challenging experience.
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
My goals are to just move my body every day and stay fit enough to adventure with my family.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
I love the community and coaches at BSC. Everyone has been so friendly and supportive.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Everyone at the gym inspires me! Just getting to the gym some days is a huge accomplishment. If you’ve showed up, I’m inspired.

Athlete of the MonthJune

Curran Wong

Community and Friendly Competition

Congratulations to Curran Wong, the June 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
Before BSC, I was just trying to stay fit on my own with no real guidance from any coaches at the time. Now I think I am a little bit fitter than I was before I joined BSC. All thanks to the coaching staff and their knowledge on functional movement.
What were your goals when you started, and have you achieved any of them?
I really didn't have specific goals when I started. But over a year I started thinking about what I wanted to work on to improve my fitness level. So, I focused on movements that I disliked or avoided to see if it would help me in the long run. Over time I improved on my rowing, biking, and wallballs. But I am still working on my double-unders, dumbbell box step-overs, and ring muscle-ups.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
The thing about BSC that makes me keep coming back is the community and competing against Damascus and Brandon.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
I have not had my "ah ha!" moment yet.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Derick Shoda inspires me by showing me that even if your short/small you still can be strong and move efficiently through any workout.

Athlete of the MonthMay

Kirstin Killen

Friendly, Humble, Hardworking

Congratulations Kirstin Killen the May 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!

Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
I have been participating in Crossfit for about seven years at different locations. My fitness journey can be divided by before 2020 and after 2020. During 2020 when gyms closed down I continued to try to work out at home in my garage. I really missed the push I received from being in a structured class with a coach. I joined the “comfort-food eating club" during that year and also began having extreme pain and both hips. Towards the end of 2020/beginning of 2021 I had bilateral total hip replacements and began my journey back to trying to be as active as I had been. 4 months after my second hip replacement I decided it was time to get back into eating healthier and finding a new Crossfit location. I was looking for a place with excellent coaches, coaches who knew what they were doing and would help make suggestions for me in my recovery process.
What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
My goals when I started at BSC were to try and gain the strength back I had lost after my surgeries. I am not quite there yet but I feel like it is attainable.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
What I am really enjoying and keeps me coming back are the coaches, the programming and the community. It is so hard to push yourself in the way that we do in class if you are by yourself. The support we receive from others here is motivating and seeing others learn and strive to do their best is inspiring.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
My “ah ha” moment was shortly after first starting Crossfit. I have always tried to be active, jogging, spin class and traditional weight training. I always felt this pressure to look your best. After starting Crossfit I felt that pressure begin to subside and what I loved was the switch from feeling like workouts were “physique driven” to “performance driven.” I loved learning new skills and striving to do better just for myself. I learned that rather than restricting calories, it is better to eat for your health. I’m 56 years old and I think it is great that no matter how young or old a person is, there is a place for you at BSC. There is always a way to modify a movement and complete the workouts here.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
I am inspired by the young athletes we have in our community. The dedication they have to learn, the way they push themselves at such a young age and the respect that I see from them for others is admirable. I am also truly enjoying the coaching staff. Each one brings fresh ideas, great warmups and a little humor to the class. I always leave class knowing I had a great workout. Thanks BSC, I’m so happy to be a part of this community!