INSTRUCTORS

Tony- Owner and Founder
- CrossFit Level 1 Certified
- CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
- CrossFit Running & Endurance Certified
- CrossFit Nutrition Certification Course with Robb Wolf
- CrossFit Nutrition Certification Course with Dr. Barry Sears
- USA Weightlifting Club Coach Course

I was a member of the US Army Special Forces and have deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom .  I have instructed soldiers, both US and foreign, in many different skill sets.  My military career taught me much about being a teacher and how to develop and maintain fitness.  Over the years I have trained for different goals and challenges and have been, with varying degree, successful at each.
Along with maintaining the requirements for mission readiness, I was an avid triathlete and raced cross country mountain bikes.  I also grew up racing motocross.  In the military I lifted weights, swam, ruck marched, and ran… a lot. Too much probably. But none of it prepared me physically as CrossFit does.
I was introduced to CrossFit in 2004. I immediately recognized its benefits and was humbled by the demands of CrossFit.  CrossFit was the physical training I was lacking.
I enjoy owning and operating CrossFit Wilmington. Helping others to get themselves fit has become my passion and focus. The personal reward I get from being a part of a member’s success is indescribable.
I follow the training and nutrition guidelines I give to my members. I feel it is my responsibility to “set the example”.  I know too many “coaches” that can’t do the workouts and don’t follow the diets they give their clients.  The members of CrossFit Wilmington know they can trust I practice, test, and adhere to the same recommendations I give.  I have the best interest of my clients and their families in mind in the all I do at CrossFit Wilmington.
-t.

Josh – Lead Instructor and General Manager
-UNC – Wilmington with a degree in Physical Education.
-National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer
-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
-Over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry working with children, seniors, athletes, business professionals, and special need individuals.
-Coordinator for CrossFit Wilmington Youth program.
-CrossFit Level 1 Certified
-CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
-Olympic Weightlifting Seminar w/ C.J. Stockel
-CrossFit Gymnastics Seminar w/ Jeff Tucker
-CrossFit Basic Barbell Certified

Julie – Lead Instructor and Administrative Director
-CrossFit Level 1 Certified
-CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
-CrossFit Running & Endurance Certified
-CrossFit Nutrition Certified
-10 years training experience
-National Strength and Conditioning Association member

Darren – Lead Instructor
-US Marine Corps: 2000-2004
-Over 10 years of experience in the martial arts, fitness and boxing industry working with   children, seniors, athletes, business professionals.
-Over 10 years of sports completion at various levels
-Marine Corps. Martial arts program graduate
-CrossFit Level 1 Certified
-CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
-CrossFit Concept2 Rowing Certified
-Olympic Weightlifting Seminar w/ C.J. Stockel

Dawn – Lead Instructor and “2009 Fittest Women in the World”
-31st place at the 2009 CrossFit Games
-3rd place at the North Carolina CrossFit Challenge
-2010 CrossFit Games Afflitliate Cup Competitor
-CrossFit Level 1 certified
-CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
-Olympic Weightlifting Seminar w/C.J. Stockel
-CrossFit Gymnastics Seminar w/ Jeff Tucker
-10 years gymnastics and cheerleading
-Cheerleader at UNC Charlotte

I am a recent college graduate from UNCW.  I obtained a degree in Psychology and plan to continue my education. Athletics have always been a part of my life. At age 5 I began gymnastics, and in middle school began cheering.  I spent 2 years Cheering at UNC Charlotte.  I also competed in track and field events in High School.
When I first was introduced into Crossfit, I was not interested in the least bit. I finally put in the effort, tried it at CrossFit Wilmington in February 2008 and became hooked. August 2008 I got my CrossFit Level 1 Certification and began instructing at CrossFit Wilmington soon afterwards.
Crossfit has changed my perception of fitness and nutrition. It has given me many opportunities I thought I would never get to do and pushed me to limits that I never thought my body could reach. Crossfit Wilmington is a remarkable program that gives everyone a chance to meet there health and fitness goals in a friendly environment.
-Dawn

Abby - Lead Instructor
-CrossFit Affiliate Owner: CrossFit Olympia
-Level 1 CrossFit
-ACE/ACSM Personal Training Certified
-Crossfit Barbell Cert
-Wolf Nutrition Cert
-CrossFit KB Cert
-Division 1 soccer, 4 years – University of Wyoming

I am a mother of two and the wife of an Army Special Forces soldier. I have been an ACSM certified Personal Trainer since 2002.  Prior to that I played Division 1 Soccer for the University of Wyoming for fours years. I have been an athlete my entire life.
When I found CrossFit six years ago, I loved it! I attended the Level 1 certification in 2004, and quickly followed up with the Kettlebell Certification, Barbell Certification and the Robb Wolf Nutrition Certification. I opened my own affiliate, CrossFit Olympia, in Olympia, WA in 2008.  My husband was restationed to North Carolina, but I am still an intricate part of the business and its members successes!
I know ANYONE is capable of doing CrossFit at a level that they would have never dreamed. CrossFit has changed my life and I love being apart of helping others change their lives.
-Abby

Andy – Primary Instructor
-CrossFit Level I
-Wilmington Fire Dept – 8 years
-EMT Basic / CPR
-Member-Tactical Rescue Team
-NC Level 2 Fire Instructor

Crossfit has helped me keep up with the demanding physical challenges of my job. Since becoming a member at CFW, I have seen an increase in my strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance. I play recreational team sports, Crossfit helps me maintain a competitive edge, and I have experienced far fewer injuries as a result.  – Andy

JJ – Primary Instructor
-CrossFit Level 1 Certified
-Wilmington Fire Dept – 12 years
-NC Fire Services Level I Instructor
-EMT Basic / CPR

Thomas – Primary Instructor
-CrossFit Level 1 Certified
-Olympic Lifting CoachingSeminar w/ Wilkes Weightlifting
-CrossFit Wilmington Olympic Weightlifting Course Instructor
I grew up on the coast of North Carolina.  I surfed, swam, went scuba diving and skateboarded every now and then.  It was not until I moved to Wilmington that I began my current path towards being fit.  After moving to the area I joined a local “Globo-gym” and began my goal of losing as much fat and gaining muscle as I could.  After 3 years of hanging out in a gym for hours I started to lose interest.  My weight started going back up as I was becoming bored with working out.  This is when I met Tony and Darren, and was introduced to Crossfit Wilmington.  After my first Intro I knew this was exactly what I needed to become healthy and fit.
After doing Crossfit for 8 months I decided I wanted to help people the same way that I had.   I attended the CrossFitCertification and since March of 2009, I have enjoyed instructing CrossFit Wilmington members.  I am now attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for my Bachelors in Exercise Science.  I also work at the health nutrition store GNC.  Both of these continue to give me more education and tools that help me become a better instructor.  I now have a greater understanding of exercise and nutrition’s impact on the body.
I have been doing Crossfit Wilmington workouts for 2 years andI still find it fun and extremely challenging.  I am now 70lbs lighter than when I first began here. I am faster and stronger, both physically and mentally.  I continually set new records for myself and surpass my personal goals.  If you are looking for a gym that will constantly motivate you and keep you breaking through barriers that you never thought possible, Crossfit Wilmington is the place for you.  It has personally changed my life and I have met some of the best friends I have since becoming a member and part of the staff.
-Thomas

Caleb – Primary Instructor
-CrossFit Level 1 Certified
-2010 CrossFit North Carolina/South Carolina Sectionals Competitor, 12th place
-2010 CrossFit Southeast Regionals Competitor, 22nd place
-2010 CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup Competitor
I have been active in athletics from a very young age. I started doing gymnastics in preschool, and played football and baseball throughout high school. When I got to college at UNCW I wasn’t satisfied with my workouts and couldn’t find anything to match the competitive drive that I felt participating in sports.
My brother, Tanner (also a CFW Instructor), introduced me to CrossFit in November of 2008 and I have loved it ever since. I attended the CrossFit Certification course because I love coaching at CrossFit Wilmington and I enjoy helping people to reach their goals every day.  After college, I intend to put my certification and the experience I gain from teaching at CrossFit Wilmington into opening my own CrossFit Affiliate.  I look forward to being a part of your training at CFW.
-Caleb

John Z. – Primary Instructor
-B.S. in Applied Mathematical Economics, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, May 2005
-CrossFitting since July 2008
-CrossFit Level I Certified, May 2009
-CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified, June 2009
-CrossFit Roselle Trainer, Roselle, IL, May 2009-November 2009
-2010 CrossFit Carolina Sectionial, 17th Place
-2010 CrossFit Southeast Regional, 32nd Place
-2010 Garage Games 1st Place

Tanner – Instructor
CrossFit Level 1 Certified
2010 NC/SC Sectionals competitor
2010 SE Regional Affiliate Cup competitor
2010 CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup competitor

I grew up playing sports and very active. I started with gymnastics and shifted to football and baseball in high school. I discovered CrossFit in late 2008.   I had gained about 20 pounds of unwanted weight. I was seeing no results with the traditional chest and tris/back and bis/shoulders/run and light cardio every now andthen bodybuilding type routine. In less than one month of CrossFit I began experiencing results. I was hooked.

I obtained my CrossFit Level 1 Certification in the summer of 2009. I have enjoyed coaching and teaching since then. I enjoy seeing new folks come in and make progress on the way to their fitness goals. CrossFit has dramatically changed my view of fitness and the capabilities people have. I am constantly learning and adding to my knowledge base, my goal is always constant improvement, for myself and everyone I have the privilege to train.
-Tanner

Matt H. – Instructor

Rachel P.
-Crossfit Level 1 Certified
-Crossfit Kids Certified
I have always had a passion for helping people, especially children. I have worked as a Radiologic Technologist and have seen first hand the negative effects of poor nutrition and limited physical activity. When I first started crossfit 2 years ago I knew right away I wanted to help children start at a young age how to take care of themselves.  I have a lot of fun training people, but when I see kids able to lift correctly and have fun working out, it makes me smile and I know that we are on the right track in achieving a more healthy and fit community.
-Rachel

Don O.
-Crossfit Level 1 Certified
-US Army / 82nd Airborne
-Wilmington Police Officer, 17+ years
-NC Law Enforcement Instructor Certified
-Bomb Disposal Technician
-CPR Certified

Matt “Fitz”

Taylor – Instructor and KickBoxing Conditioning Instructor
-CrossFit Level 1 Certified

Nick – Instructor
-Crossfit Level 1
-NSCA in progress
-Current Senior at UNCW for my BA in Exercise Science
-Junior Black belt in Tae Kwan Do
-Experience of volunteer work in several gyms
-CPR certified

I played sports and trained Tae Kwan Do throughout my youth. Like most young athletes, I played sports for fun, but had no idea about health, nutrition, andproper training. Before attending UNC Wilmington, I was enrolled at Cape Fear Community College.  I met Zach Brock (CFW member) in a biology lab andhe talked me into joining CrossFit Wilmington.
Crossfit Wilmington, my fellow instructors, and it’s members have taught me more about myself than I could have ever known. The intensity, heart, and dedication the people of CrossFit Wilmington haveis amazing.
Crossfit Wilmington’s program can be beneficial to anyone. We offer more ways to enjoy getting fit than any other gym in Wilmington. We take great pride in helping our members to do to achieve their personal goals while making them feel like family. I know because like all my fellow instructors at CrossFit Wilmington, I was a member first.
-Nick

Meagan – Instructor and Yoga / Pilates Instructor

Matt M.
-Crossfit level 1 Certified
-Power-lifting seminar with Will Kuenzel
-Basic Life support Certified
-Advanced Life Care Life Support certified
-5 yrs Licensed Registered Nurse

I have been a registered nurse since 2005 and a Crossfit certified trainer since June of 2008. In my down time I enjoy surfing, hiking, and anything outdoors, as well as hanging out with my wife and dog, and all things Crossfit.
I’ve always enjoyed sports andbeing active, but Crossfit has allowed me to push my limits and offers endless progression. It is unlike anything else that I have experienced . It is something that never gets boring for me and is always challenging. The Crossfit community inspires andpushes me to work harder both for myself and as a trainer.
During my time with Crossfit I have had the opportunity to experience other Crossfit gyms and would have to say that Crossfit Wilmington offers the best coaching and overall fitness experience, hands down. I’m always available to answer any questions and to share all the knowledge that I have.
-Matt

Aaron “Sensei”
-CrossFit Level 1 Course

My entire life I’ve been an extremely physically active person. I’ve a passion for learning new physical abilities. I have been training andteaching Jui Jitsu for 15 years.
When I found CrossFit Wilmingon, I was amazed at the emphasis placed on functional technique, form,  power, and most of all, the positive atmosphere in which to refine these attributes in its programming.
I am honored to be a part of teaching and training this program!
-Sensei