BTSCF Newsletter - May 2020
If nothing else, we can say this Spring has been a weird one. Stay at home orders have still been in place as we inch towards being able to re-open, social interaction has largely been through a screen, and we have seen weather ranging from sunny in the 80’s to cold and snowing. But we move forward. Here is what’s going on at the quarantine version of Burn the Ships CrossFit this month.
BTSCF T-Shirt Design Contest
We asked everyone to submit T-Shirt design concepts for our next T-Shirt. Once submitted, our trainers narrowed down the submissions to three designs, and then opened up a vote on social media to determine the winner.
Congratulations go out to Shane W. for his submission. We have our designer preparing the final artwork and we can’t wait to show off our new T-Shirt. When we print the new T-Shirt, Shane will be awarded one for creating the winning concept.
Closer to Re-Opening
We are excited to see that Pike County will be moving to Yellow. This signals the first phase of re-opening. While that doesn’t mean we are there quite yet, we are one step closer to being able to have our doors open and our athletes training under our roof again. Keep an eye on our blog and socials for updates and protocols. We can’t wait to get going!
Memorial Day Murph
We would like to take a moment to give all of our athletes who completed Murph on Memorial Day Weekend a huge shoutout. Murph is a Hero Workout named and completed to honor United States Navy SEAL LT. Michael P. Murphy who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. LT. Murphy knowingly exposed himself to enemy gunfire in an attempt to call in help for his team.
This workout is long and grueling and our athletes look forward to completing this workout together each year. This year, Murph looked a little different with our athletes having to complete the workout away from the gym. They had to improvise and adjust the workout based on the equipment and space available to them. As prescribed, the workout is:
1 Mile Run
100 Pull Ups
200 Push Ups
300 Squats
1 Mile Run
The workout must start and end with the run but the middle portion may be partitioned as the athlete wishes. A 20 lb vest or body armor can be worn while completing the workout.
Congratulations to all of our BTSCF Athletes who took on this challenge.
Fun & Games
Have you run out of things to do at home yet? Looking for an activity to do? Print out this word search and see how fast you can complete it.
Coach’s Picks
Each month we will feature a different coach and their picks on a given topic as a way for you to get to know them a little more. Each coach will provide their Podium Picks, “Dark Horse” Pick, and “Spirit of the Games” Pick.
The Dark Horse Pick is that one that could come out of nowhere and end up on the podium at any time. The Spirit of the Games is a solid Pick that’s good, but won’t ever end up on the podium.
This month, we asked BTSCF Owner Mike Simmons for his picks for chicken wing flavors. Here’s what he had to say:
Spirit of the Games
Any BBQ flavor. They’re good, yummy, and reliable, but they’re never going be a podium finisher.
Dark Horse
Thai Curry. Depending on my mood, they could overtake the entire podium.
The Podium
3rd Place : Mild Buffalo. This is the “Vellner” of Chicken Wing Flavors. Good but not going to be at the top of the podium anytime soon.
2nd Place: Parmesan Garlic. This was a tight race but it’s easy to see why this would be #2.
1st Place: Medium Buffalo Style. This one goes with anything, anywhere.
BTSCF Feature Athlete
Meet Kevin “Bub” Mesnick
With encouragement from everyone around him, BTSCF Feature Athlete Kevin Mesnick attempts a jerk during the BTSCF Summer Throwdown.
When did you start CrossFitting?
I started in November of 2018. Burn the Ships was having a food drive so I got to try it for free with my Dad because he brought in cans.
What brought you to CrossFit?
A red Honda, but seriously my Dad was doing it and he inspired me to do it. When I was little, I watched my parents doing CrossFit and I thought it looked cool and it made me want to try it.
What have you learned from doing CrossFit?
Mental and physical strength and how to deal with tough times.
BTSCF Feature Athlete Kevin “Bub” Mesnick on the final uphill stretch of the PJ Stone Challenge.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting CrossFit?
You should definitely try it because the community is the key to CrossFit and it makes you want to come back. The people at CrossFit are really nice to you.
What do you like to do in your free time?
CrossFit, play basketball and baseball, and torment my sister.
What sports do you play and how has CrossFit helped?
I play baseball and basketball. CrossFit helped me because I’m more athletic, have more agility, and I am stronger so I can hit the ball over the fence. I have way more confidence. I believe in myself now where I use to not. CrossFit showed me I can do hard things.
What grade are you in and how has CrossFit impacted you at school?
I am in 6th grade. CrossFit has taught me how to make fast decisions. I can think about things and make adjustments like I would with a hard workout. In my school, I am stronger and faster than kids my age.
“What started out as a simple training plan to help get him ready for baseball season turned into a passion for CrossFit. The thing I notice about young Kevin is his reserved nature yet you can tell there is a fire inside. He works hard, very hard for a kid his age. He has made tremendous progress in his form as well as his weightlifting. One of my saddest moments of this COVID crisis was knowing he would miss the kids competition he signed up for. I am extremely proud of his accomplishments and look forward to what the future holds for him.”
Lightning Round
Q: What super power would you give yourself?
A: Super Strength
Q: What's your favorite healthy food?
A: Bananas
Q: What's your favorite not so healthy food?
A: Milkshakes
Q: What TV show family or group would you be a member of?
A: SpongeBob
Q: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
A: Winning the CrossFit Games
Q: If you could write your own fortune cookie fortune, what would it say?
A: Don’t let the fear of striking out get in your way!
Q: If you were a professional wrestler, what would you finishing move be called?
A: The Punisher
Q: Who do you look up to for inspiration at BTSCF?
A: My Dad
BTSCF Feature Athlete Kevin Mesnick working out with his role model and father.
Q: What is your favorite movement?
A: Deadlift
Q: What is your least favorite movement?
A: Overhead Movements
Q: What is the one thing you've done at BTSCF that your old self wouldn't ever believe?
A: I can do so many pull-ups and a 185 pound deadlift!