Brad Hightower: Box Coach

Brad graduated from AUM with a degree in Kinesiology in 2005.  He has always been involved in athletics and his interest in fitness has not waned since.  Brad is a member of the 2002 Columbus State University Division II National Championship baseball team.  Although he has remained “active,” Brad says he has always felt that there was something missing from his training.  He found that missing link once he started CrossFit training.  Now Brad says he is in the best shape of his life and currently weighs less than he did in his Sophomore year in college, a time that he was in tip-top athletic condition.

Brad strives for constant improvement and has recently become a valuable Box Coach at the Forge.  His future goals include securing his Level  1 certification with other certifications certainly to follow.

Contact Brad at:  htower19@yahoo.com

Brannon Wyatt: Director of Tactical Training Division, LMC

A.K.A. - RED BEARD

Brannon started CrossFit training in the fall of 2009.  After a few sessions, he convinced his wife, Jennifer, to come out to the gym and join him.  Brannon and Jennifer had been trying for several years to conceive and after hearing of the success rate others had had after CrossFit training and Paleo based eating, both were willing to give this a whirl.  After just three short months, Brannon and Jennifer found out that they would be welcoming their first child into this world!  Now how is that for results?

Brannon is a very focused individual and is whole-heartedly dedicated to building The Forge, because he knows how it can change lives.  He worked as Dr. Chuck Hartzog’s orthopedic technician for  many years before joining the Spine Division of Synthes, a leading developer of implants and instruments for the treatment of fractures, tumors, deformities, and degenerative diseases of the spine.  His knowledge is unmatched.

Much of the credit for work done at the Forge is due Brannon. 

Brannon is CrossFit Level  1  and CrossFit Gymnastics certified.

Chris Dorpema

Chris was introduced to CrossFit by Damion in 2007.  He received his CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certification in February 2008.

He is a Former United States Soldier and has trained in Mixed Martial Arts for over 15 years with an emphasis on Brazilian Ju-Jitsu for the past three years. He fears no creature with seven or fewer limbs.

Contact Chris at chris@crossfitsaintsforge.com

Damion Roop: Director of "Partials," Theoritician, Owner, LMC

Damion began CrossFit training in 2007.  He received CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certification in February 2008.  Damion also holds the following CrossFit certifications:

• Running and Endurance

• Gymnastics

• Basic Barbell

• Olympic Lifting

• Nutrition

• CrossFit Kids

• Dutch Lowy's Training Seminar

• CrossFit Level 1 ANSI Certified
• Paleo Solution Seminar
• CrossFit Kettlebell

Damion has a 3^rd Degree Black Belt in Dragon Kenpo and has Mixed Martial Arts Training in Japanese Ju-Jutsu, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate and KickBoxing. He is a Former United States Marine with a diverse background in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Information Technology.

Damion has been training people in the CrossFit methodology for over four years and was responsible for bringing it to Wynlakes Golf & Country Club where he has successfully run two CrossFit-based group classes for over 2 years.

He introduced CrossFit to both Chris & Josh when he realized he would never go back to any other training style. Damion has a serious inflammatory autoimmune hyperactivity disease (you can read about it in the nutrition section or on Robb Wolf's blog) and confers credit for his survival and subsequent success to CrossFit, Paleo and Ketogenics.

He is extremely irreverant, very charismatic and highly outspoken. Having no inner filter, he often says exactly what is on his mind. This combination gives rise to an enormous amount of passion for what he does and translates into there being no limit to his efforts and personal involvement when helping his clients achieve their goals.

Contact Damion at damion@crossfitsaintsforge.com

Jeff Cowden: Box Coach

Jeff Cowden was born and raised in Montgomery and has always been passionate about health and fitness. He was introduced to CrossFit in 2006 with a desire to improve his performance in the different sports he participated in, such as the 100 meter, 200 meter and long jump for the Auburn University Track and Field. Jeff also played competitive football, track and was a member of the 2006 State Championship Baseball team at Saint James High School. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Health Promotion and was also a member of the Naval ROTC program. He is currently training for enlistment in the Navy.

Kenny Bennett: Box Coach

Nancy Gunter: LMC

A.K.A. - GUNS

 

Nancy has been an integral part of The Forge since its inception. Having degrees in Biology, Chemistry and Medical Technology, Nancy is keenly aware of the biochemical as well as the enzymatic changes induced by CrossFit training and is a recipient of its effects as well. "I am perhaps in the best shape of my life and am so glad to have found CrossFit. It has made a huge difference in my life. I am forever grateful."

Nancy's "day job" is working for the Oncology Division of the world's largest biotechnology company, Amgen. "I love working for Amgen because it is a company that 'strives to serve patients by transforming the promise of science and biotechnology into therapies that have the power to restore health or even save lives. In everything we do, we aim to fultill our mission to serve patients. And every step of the way, we are guided by the values that define us.' "

Most evenings you can find Nancy at The Forge, training.

Nancy holds the following CrossFit Certifications: CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Kids, Movement and Mobility and has atttended Dutch Lowy's Training Seminar.  Additionally, she has participated in Robb Wolf's Paleolithic Nutrition Seminar.

Contact Nancy at: nancydgunter@gmail.com or 334-657-9991