April 2019 Athlete of the Month - Stu Phillips

Our April Athlete of the Month is a guy who has been on my radar for this honor for a few months. He is a gentleman in every essence of the word. Stu Phillips has been a member here since August of 2016 and has been a regular at the 530/6am classes. He started doing crossfit because he wanted to “break the boring routine of regular gym." I and many others can relate to this. That’s why I decided to join a crossfit too. Being a collegiate middle/Long distance track & field and cross country athlete, Stu came with his comfortable skill set. If you watch Stu run, it looks effortless. This is because he trained for years. Stu is one of a couple members who have run a sub 5 minute mile. That’s impressive!
Stu is an incredible teammate and friend. This is what stood out the most when selecting him for this month’s honor. During the Open, Stu was one of the first athletes to arrive each Saturday and stayed for most of the morning judging and cheering others on during the workouts. He came in Sunday mornings even if he wasn’t working out so that his workout buddies had a judge and someone there to support them when they took on the Open workout. He is a guy who stays in touch. If he doesn’t see someone at the gym for a few days, he’s asking where he or she is or has already reached out to them.
Aside from coming to gym daily, one of Stu’s favorite things to do is race cars. Unfortunately, his close friend and racing teammate Mike Patterson is no longer with us. I know as race season approaches that Stu will be paying tribute to his buddy on the track. I am proud to call Stu a friend and I am grateful that Dr. Jeremy and I are able to provide a place where we all can better ourselves. It takes a great deal of positivity and a firm support system to succeed. Stu is an essential part to this community. Keep up the hard work Stu!

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 joined Crossfit Island Park about 2 and half years ago, and have been doing crossfit for a total of 3 years.

What is your favorite thing about the gym?
The community!!!  You have people with all different types of abilities, strengths, and professions coming together to throw down with an honest hour of real work.  Especially with the 5:30/6am crew!!!  Best way to start the day in my opinion.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Haven't quite got it down yet, but I would  have to say trying to get rid of the "stripper butt" on my olympic lifts.

What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
There have been so many, but I would have to say the most recent is a bittersweet one.  It was with the unfortunate passing of my childhood friend and member of our gym Michael Patterson's wake.  So many athletes from our gym came to show their respects to his family that day.  It really just spoke volumes on how special our community is.  The support reaches far beyond the 4 walls of our gym.

What's your favorite "cheat" food?
Pepperoni pizza

What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
DO IT!!!!  My only regret was not starting this sooner.  Especially here a CrossFit Island Park.  Between the supportive, knowledgeable coaching staff, to the hard working athletes, there is no better place to better yourself.

What drives you?
Knowing that there is always area for improvement.

What is you biggest fitness goal right now?
Keep improving both my diet and my squats!!