The 2014 CrossFit Opens at VBC

A message from Vagabond CrossFit owner, Kevin O'Malley, on his gym's participation in the 2014 CrossFit Opens:

"With the 2014 CrossFit Opens finished and in the books, I sit back and reflect on how in awe I am of this group. We came together for 5 weeks in a row and competed, fought, and supported each other in true Vagabond style- with drive and compassion.

The CrossFit Opens, which took place over the past five weeks, is the first phase of the Games which is a global competition to find the fittest person on the planet (the regionals are up next, followed by the CrossFit games). There were 80 Vagabond members officially registered for the Opens and dozens more who popped in and out each week for the workouts- record numbers for the gym. Vagabond was in the top 15 for most sign-ups for affiliates in the Northeast region out of approximately one thousand gyms.

This was the first year that Vagabond had an official team for the Opens and they finished in the top 40 out of 400 teams in the Northeast region, missing Regionals by only a few spots. Carolyn Regan, Kat Austin, Kate Morgis and Kathleen Morrissey were all first timers at the Opens; Coach Corrin Lemieux and Coach Heather Dunlap had each previously competed in the Opens before. Each of these woman brought strong value to the team and performed incredibly. Coach Andrew Constantino placed 80th out of 9,000 men in the Northeast region- absolutely amazing. Keith Derba (first time at the Opens), Coach John Morrissey, Coach Mike Dillon, and Chris Desousa all placed extremely well and killed it at the workouts. Even with my injured back, which has held me back immensely over the past six months, I managed to contribute to 4 out 5 workouts for the team. We had three impressive Master level athletes (CrossFitters over the age of 45)make it to the second round for Master athletes: John Dunlap, Susan Antonucci, and Bruce Caldwell. Countless other memories: the Matt Auger face, the brute force of Lucas Murphy in each workout, the power of Sarah Clift, the scaled group who pushed their own personal boundaries each week, the sheer determination from people like Jesse R., Erin S., Dave E., Joe I., and so many more- too many to mention!

Our members all worked incredibly hard-through blood, sweat, torn hands, injuries, and aches and they fought with so much heart and determination. I can never say enough how proud I am of this ever growing, ever evolving group of people." --Kevin O'Malley

Vagabond CrossFit is a fitness community located in Easton, MA dedicated to ongoing achievement of health and fitness goals. Vagabond is a place of strength and conditioning that will enhance one’s life through sport, fitness and support. Through a well thought out program, Vagabond will put you on the right track for sport, fitness, or simply a healthy lifestyle.

15 Hampden Drive, Easton, MA 02375

www.vagabondcrossfit.com