October 2018 Athlete of the Month - Matt Amato

As October flew by, I didn’t have an athlete of the month ready to announce. I had a couple names that stood out but I wanted to hear who the other coaches and staff members felt was most deserving. This is no lie. Every single one of them had Matt on their list. So that was a decision the team made and we could not be more proud of Matt’s efforts and achievements.
Congratulations Matt! You are the youngest member to be Athlete of the Month.
Matt is almost 17 and started crossfit a few years ago to get in shape for wrestling season. I later learned that he was a track & field athlete as well. I am jealous that you started doing CrossFit in high school. There are numerous members who are in the same boat as me wishing we had this structured training at the high school age. Enjoy it and continue to take full advantage of it, Matt.
Other than being a two sport athlete, Matt refs soccer games as well. He is always a pleasure to have in class. The kid workouts his ass off every time he comes to the gym and trusts his coaches. There is no hesitation to ask how much weight he should lift for a workout. He knows we have his best interest in mind and we are here to help him succeed. By the way, Matt can back squat almost 300lbs. I’m sure he will hit it next time he tests the lift. He’s got some raw strength.
Make sure you congratulate him when you see him in class. At the end of this month he be taking time off from the gym until the summer July because of wrestling and track & field seasons. 
Keep working hard Matt!

Written by: Coach Rob Moloney

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Q&A
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing CrossFit?
I have been a member and have been doing CrossFit on-and-off for three years.

What is your favorite thing about the gym?
My favorite thing about the gym Is learning new movements using the barbells.  

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
The biggest challenge that I've overcome in the gym is being able to run longer distances and still being able to function doing other movements. 

What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
My favorite moment at the gym is when we do the annual barbells for boobs event at the gym. This event is a great way to do something nice for a great cause. 

What's your favorite "cheat" food?
My favorite cheat food is late night ice cream 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
I would say that at first it's pretty rough, but eventually you make improvements and feel great after each class.

What drives you?
What drives me is making steady improvements at many different movements 

What is you biggest fitness goal right now?
My biggest fitness goal right now is being able to do strict pull-ups and improving my hand stand position.