Meet Jack!

Jack competed in the 2018 CrossFit Open, in the 60+ age group, and finished 83rd in the WORLD. Once Jack realized he placed in the top 200, and would be moving on to the age group qualifier workouts, he put in countless hours of work to perfect his lifting technique and work on his weaknesses.

Jack’s hard work paid off. He achieved his first handstand push up and did 6 consecutive in one of the qualifier workouts. He practiced handstand walking and completed 30 feet on the third workout. And, Jack’s old personal best for the snatch was 115 pounds and he completed 3 reps with ease during the qualifier.

Jack went from 83rd place to 49th place by the end of the qualifier! His secret? Hard work, consistency, eating well and attention to his recovery routine.

About Jack

I live in Sudbury with my wife Laurie. My oldest son Jack is engaged and lives in Southie with his fiancé Nicole. Jack does CF at Crossfit Southie. My middle daughter Mallory got married last fall to Ryan Andrews (another Crossfitter). They live in Charlestown. My youngest, Caroline, recently graduated HC and works at Mass General in Boston. Luckily for us, she still lives at home while she saves up some money. Last but not least we have a 10 month old Golden Retriever named Skipper.
 
I guess I have been doing Crossfit now for about 3 and a half years. I was lucky enough to be able to retire early and quickly realized I couldn’t golf every day so I found myself spending more and more time at the gym. I first tried CF while in Jupiter Florida and quickly became addicted.
 
1. What keeps you coming back to CrossFit each day?
That’s easy – the people. Like minded people. At DayBreak, from the very first day I showed up, Mel, Rap, Michele and everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming. I usually attend the 8:30 class with a bunch of great people. How can I not have fun – I am welcomed every day by the Mayor of DayBreak  – Mr. Jim B!

 

2. Tell us about competing in the Masters Regional. Has this been a goal of yours since you started CrossFit?
Doing the Open this year and moving onto the Qualifying weekend was an incredible experience. I can flat out say I never would have gotten as far as I did without Mel. As everyone already knows, but I got to experience firsthand, she is an amazing Coach. She taught me how to do things over the last two months that I never thought were possible. Her enthusiasm and belief in me (even when I doubted myself) made all the difference in the world. We are so lucky to have her here as the head coach at DayBreak. Her knowledge and experience base is endless. 
 
A little over a year ago I had rotator cuff surgery. When the 2017 Open came along I was 4 months post surgery but I figured I would give it a shot and only do the workouts that I thought I could. Turns out I could do 4 of the 5 workouts – not the one with snatches. Somehow I ended up finishing 295th in my division.  So when 2018 came along –  yes I set a goal to do the Open and try to finish in the top 200. As mentioned earlier, with Mel’s help
 I was able to finish The Open at #83. Now that the “Qualifier weekend” is over I will wait to see where I end up. I hope I hold my position (that was our new goal) but either way, I learned a lot about myself and all my weaknesses but more importantly I had a great time competing . I will know where I finished in a few days. 
 
3. What’s your athletic background? Have you always been a competitor?
Enjoy all sports. Today, In addition to Crossfit I love Golf.  Played multiple sports in high school. Attended Holy Cross on a football scholarship as a wide receiver.  
I enjoy competing even if its just with myself. That’s why I am sure  I like Crossfit so much. There are so many things to work on. 
One of my all time favorite quotes that’s gets me going every day – particularly at my age- as it relates to Crossfit:
“There will come a day I can no longer do this. TODAY is not that day!”
 
4. Tell us something cool about you that most people don’t know. (Such as a secret talent, exotic hobby, etc.)
Shark fishing with my son, brothers and nephews. 
 
5. What’s your spirit animal (an animal that represents you)?
 Just going to go with a Bear.