CrossFit-Springfield

Jessi Grove

Co-Owner,  Founder CrossFit Springfield

• My belief is that fitness is a monumental part of health and we are responsible for our own health. At CrossFit Springfield, we are giving our members the opportunity to hold their health in their hands. I played Rugby for the Springfield Women’s Rugby team for five years and quickly developed a passion for training hard. I have since been involved with developing and implementing programs at the YMCA for members that were intense and effective. When the opportunity to create CrossFit Springfield presented itself, the idea of taking those programs, theories of training and bringing CrossFit to Springfield fell into place. I have been group training for over 8 years, personal training full time for three years, CrossFitting for over two years and I am CrossFit Level I and CrossFit Olympic Lifting certified. I am also an ER nurse at Cox South, and love every minute of it! I am overwhelmed with the talented trainers that I am able to work with and I am inspired daily by our hard working members that have made CrossFit Springfield a dream come true! My passion is not only fitness and CrossFit, but watching our CrossFit community realize, work for, and achieve goals they never thought possible.

 

Jeremy Mhire, ATC

Co-Owner, CrossFit Springfield

•  My passion and calling is to partner with my clients and assist them in obtaining their full potential with regard to overall fitness, health, mental and spiritual well-being. I am a Level 1 CrossFit Coach, CrossFit Football Certified Coach, Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), a National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) Certified Personal Trainer, and I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Sports Medicine & Athletic Training from Missouri State University. In May of 2009, I had the honor of competing with some of the best CrossFitters from Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana at the 2009 Southwest Regional CrossFit Games Qualifier in Fort Worth, TX (33rd place out of 115 male athletes).  In March of 2010, I competed at the 2010 CrossFit Games Midwestern Sectional Qualifier (13th place overall out of 145 male competitors) and qualified to compete at the 2010 CrossFit Games North Central Regionals (30th place overall out of the 65 qualifying male athletes). Aside from my faith in God, my beautiful wife, Jenny, and my almost-always-smiling-son, Vin, are my most prized possessions. I can be contacted at 417.763.2096 or by email at jeremy@crossfit-springfield.com . You can visit my training blog at http://jmhire.blogspot.com/ . 

Melissa Wistrom

Co-Owner, CrossFit Springfield

From childhood throughout high school I was involved at a competitive level in gymnastics, cheerleading and diving.  I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in Business Administration-Management Information Systems.  Immediately after college I became certified through National Academy of Sports Medicine and began personal training.

For a short time after moving to Seattle I worked for the parks and recreation teaching fitness to the 50+ community.  Since returning home to Missouri I have completed the CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Olympic Lifting, and CrossFit Gymnastics Certifications.  I am committed to using the Crossfit method to teaching functional fitness to all people at all fitness levels.

2010 CrossFit Games OK/NM/AR/N.TX Sectional Qualifier: 21st Place

2010 CrossFit Games South Central Regional Qualifier: 9th Place

  

 Grant Wistrom

Co-Owner, CrossFit Springfield

 Grant began his football career in Missouri, where he played for the Webb City High School football team, the Cardinals, as a defensive end and tight end. While at Webb City, he was chosen as a first-team All America selection by Super Prep, Blue chip and USA Today. He also earned Top 100 Honors from Scholastic Coach Magazine. Grant also played basketball and competed in track.  His statistics on the football field include:
. As a defensive end: 122 tackles, eight sacks, six fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and a blocked punt
. As a tight end: caught 30 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns and rushed 11 times for 115 yards and three touchdowns
. Led the Webb City to two class 4A championships

Following his All-American performance as a Cardinal, Grant was heavily recruited by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he helped anchor the Husker defensive line. During his career, the Huskers compiled a 49-2 record from 1994 to 1997, winning three national titles in that span (1994, 1995, and 1997). 

Grant still holds the record at Nebraska for tackles for loss with 58.5 for 260 yards and ranks second with 26.5 sacks. His jersey number 98 was retired during the 1998 season. His career totals include 206 total tackles, 26.5 sacks for 178 yards, one interception, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Collegiate Honors include:
. College Football Hall of Fame member (2009)
. DE on the All-Time Cornhusker team
. Lombardi Award (1997)
. Bill Willis Award winner (1997)
. Consensus All-American(1996,97)
. All-Big 12 Conference First-Team (1996,97)
. Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (1996,97)
. Consensus Academic All-America (1996,97)
. Academic All-Big 12 honors (1996,97)
. Third-team all-America honors by Associated Press (1995)
. First-team all-American honors by Associated Press (1996,97)
. All-Big Eight Conference honors (1995)
. Newcomer of the Year by Big Eight conference (1994)

Grant was selected by the St Louis Rams as the sixth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.  Grant spent six seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances, with the St. Louis Rams.  He spent the last three years of his nine year career in Seattle making one Super Bowl appearance with the Seahawks.
After retiring from football Grant completed his Level 1 CrossFit certification and his CrossFit Football coaching certification.

“After spending 9 years in the NFL I believed I had been exposed to every type of training to enhance my athletic performance, until I was introduced to CrossFit. I firmly believe that CF can help anyone improve their performance in any arena and also the quality of any person’s life. Due to the wear and tear of football, I am thankful for CF. With the diverse range of practical exercises that we perform an a daily basis I have been able to increase my flexibility, range of motion and return to a normal body weight.”

 

Brian Lewellyn

Played football for (Southwest) Missouri State University for three years. Trained under one of the best strength and conditioning coaches who focused on form and technique for power/olympic lifting. Had my football career halted when a tractor trailer crossed the line on the highway breaking my back. It was a blessing in disguise as I turned to coaching as an outlet for my passion for sports. I have been coaching football and wrestling at Parkview High School since 2003 and been actively involved in the summer weight and conditioning program every year. Recently received my CrossFit Level 1 certification, my CrossFit Football coaching certification, and my personal training certification under the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am also an amateur MMA fighter for the Springfield Fight Club. I love training and putting my body through grueling workouts that almost make you sick because they are not for the light hearted. “Can’t” is a word that I have eliminated from my vocabulary. Where the mind goes, the body will follow. You’ll hear my famous training catch phrase “Rock it Out” more than once throughout the day.

2010 CrossFit Games Midwestern Sectional Qualifier: 10th Place

2010 CrossFit Games North Central Regional Qualifier: 39th Place

  

Mel Farrales

Mel was born in Guam, USA and moved to the continental United States at age 20. Mel has his CrossFit Level 1 Coaching certification and he is an AFAA certified personal trainer.  Having always been active and aware of fitness, Mel trained under Master Tong of the Midwest Mhuy Thai Association and competed as a kickboxer in the WKA from 1990-93. Mel is also a former competitive indoor vollyball player, at one point representing Guam in the South Pacific Games. Mel graduated from St. John’s School of Nursing in 2005 and has worked in the St. John’s E.R. since then.  Mel and his wife, Jacinda, have 4 children, Rachel, Caleb, Elijah, and Jessi.  If you have interest in personal training or Mhuy Thai/ Kickboxing you can contact Mel at islandpyrorn1967@sbcglobal.net

 

  

Jen & Macy Mitchell

Jen

Originally from Bonesteel, SD where she grew up with three brothers and sisters on a dairy farm. She graduated from Evangle Unitversity in 2005 with a degree in Social Work. Jennifer’s passion for sports, fitness, and nurtrition led her to earn a National Certification in Personal Training, while currently working on her Master’s of Science in Holistic Nutrition. Jennifer is married to the love of her life, Macy Mitchell. Jen’s favorite quote:  “This too shall pass…” Because when you are continually pushing your body to the next level, it is a good reminder that the pain is temporary!

Macy

I am originally from Oklahoma, but now reside in Springfield, MO where I met my lovely wife Jennifer, while attending Evangel University.  I graduated from Evangel with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Biology in 2005. With a deep history in athletics, I funded my college education with a Track & Field scholarship, in which I won the National Championship in the 400 Meter Dash in 2003, as a sophomore.  While qualifying for all 8 National Championship Meets (indoor & outdoor) during 4 years of college, I had pursued the medical field, as well as made a stake within our family business, where I am employed now.   I have my National Personal Training Certification, and am interested in Nutrition, so I can coach friends, family, and clients on daily health & fitness. 

Being self motivated in fitness, almost to a fault, I have always searched for a radical fitness program.  Crossfit has become a new and enjoyable challenge, where I feel I can be used not only for my fitness addiction, but to motivate others to achieve their goals.

 

Jen Cochran

 

After growing up in St. Charles, Missouri, I relocated to Springfield to attend (then) SMSU, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I later switched my focus to Nursing, and am now an RN in the ER at Cox South, where I have worked for 12 years. Growing up, I trained as a dancer at The Performing Arts Centre in St. Charles for 15 years, and performed as a principal dancer with The Dance Company of St. Charles during that time. I now reside in Ozark with my husband, Erik, and son, Cameron—both of whom I love and adore with my whole being. My philosophy for a full and honorable life is to love God, love my family, maintain my health and fitness, and to give my personal best to all that I do. I have been a Crossfitter for nearly two years now, and it has changed my life. I am so honored for the opportunity to now share my passion and love for this lifestyle with others who are seeking to achieve an optimal level of health and fitness. I recently completed my Crossfit Level I Coaching course in Allen, Texas.

 

Cindi Little, CFS Rowing Instructor

I am a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Vocational Home Economics and Liberal Arts, and a minor in Humanities History. I was a member of the University Modern Dance team for 3 years. I taught in the public school system for 5 years. I became an independent contractor with Home Interiors and Gifts for 26 yrs. And now work as a sales contractor and Sr. National Ex. For Celebrating Home. My husband and I raised 6 children. I coached girl’s slow pitch and assisted my husband in coaching boy’s basketball. I started and directed the “Little Jays” dance team. The team preformed throughout South West Missouri. I was the Spin instructor at the YMCA 6 years. I have also participated in Adventure Racing. Physical fitness has always been of the utmost importance to me. I believe the body is the temple of God and it is our jobs to provide Him with an honorable abode. I believe Cross Fit is the pathway to greater strength both physically and mentally. The limits are boundless that can be achieved. The results you find here affect every area of your life. It is the catalyst for the challenging times we live in. And we have so much FUN, an essential part of the experience!

 

Justin Jones

Justin is a Firefighter for the Nixa Fire Protection District.  He has been a Firefighter for 6 years now.  He has always loved helping people and that is why he became one of the coaches at CrossFit.

The first thing Justin was attracted to at CrossFit Springfield was how everyone was a family.  There were no egos and no one flexing in front of the mirror.  After Justin’s first workout he assumed the position, lying on his back on the ground in a puddle of his own sweat, and of course he was hooked.

Justin first got into CrossFit by entering the Firefighter Challenge held in November of 2009 at CrossFit Springfield.  Justin and his partner finished 3rd in the challenge but most importantly won the Wistrom Award for raising the most money for the Wistrom Foundation.

Justin has been passionate about spreading CrossFit around the greater Springfield area and even into the firehouse where he recently encouraged the Nixa Fire Protection District to purchase workout equipment that included rowers, bumper plates, kettlebells, dynamax balls, etc so they can do CrossFit while on shift.

Justin received his Level 1 Certification in March of 2010 and has been training CrossFit members ever since.  He is fortunate to do what he loves each and everyday, being a Firefighter and training at CrossFit Springfield.

Justin is motivated each day by his great family.  His wife Whitney and two daughters, Kylie and Kayden, keep Justin going.  His number one priority is providing for them and he thanks God everyday for being blessed.

Mary Rogers

I’m originally from Fort Worth, Texas, but I’ve been here in the Springfield area for about 14 years. I now live on a farm in Willard with my husband/best friend/favorite person ever, Patrick, and our three dog children. I don’t have a particularly strong athletic background; I played volleyball and softball in high school, but I didn’t start working out seriously until my junior year at Drury. I became a pretty serious (though slow) runner about three years after I graduated from college; I ran a few races over the span of a couple years before burning out and slowing way down. It was right about that time that I was introduced to Crossfit. I fell in love after the first WOD, and it’s been nothing short of life-changing.

I am a huge, huge believer in whole body health – water, clean, natural foods, and above all allowing the body to do what it was built to do: work. It’s a beautiful, amazing thing to see the energy that’s expended at Crossfit Springfield every day – people pushing themselves to their own personal limits and then going beyond that to set new goals that they’ll exceed the next day. There is so much that’s personally rewarding about Crossfit, but the number one thing for me is watching each personal triumph – seeing someone do what they really thought they couldn’t. I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to come to Crossfit Springfield every day and spend time with so many truly incredible people.

Captain Andy Koch

Originally from the beautiful state of Colorado, I have always led an active lifestyle, and love the feeling of adrenaline coursing through my veins!  (Probably the reason I love CrossFit so much!)  I graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with degrees in both snowboarding and mountain climbing (not really, but that would be pretty cool), and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter.  As a Marine, I have had the opportunity to travel around the world, and have spent a substantial amount of time in the Middle East.  For me, CrossFit is able to produce a tangible feeling of euphoria and alertness that has only been replicated while in combat zones, and it is a wonderful feeling that keeps me coming back for more!

I am married to an amazing woman, Elizabeth, who is not only the mother of our beautiful daughter, Olivia, but also happens to be a certified, Grade-A, BADA**!  I have her to thank for introducing me to CrossFit while we were living in Japan, and for continuously pushing me to work harder.

We have had the opportunity to visit a number of other CrossFit “Boxes” around the world, and I can say without a moment of hesitation that the staff and members of CrossFit Springfield surpass all the others.  I have yet to visit a facility that has such a sense of closeness amongst its members and staff, which is why it is such an honor for us to join the family here.  As a CrossFit Level 1 Coach, I will do my best to always try and push you farther than you think you are capable of going, and to help you with meeting and exceeding your goals.  I look forward to working with all of you, and always feel free to contact me by e-mail at Andrew.w.koch@gmail.com, or by phone at 816-665-2207.  Semper Fidelis!