2013 CrossFit Games Preview: Central East Region

With the 2013 CrossFit Open just weeks away, we thought we’d take some time to preview every region taking part this year.

Today we take a closer look at the Central East Region.

The Central East is widely regarded as the toughest Region in the CrossFit world, especially in the men’s division.

The last three male titles have come out of the Central East with Rich Froning claiming the past two, and Graham Holmberg winning the Games back in 2010.

In addition, the 2011 CrossFit Open winner Dan Bailey also comes out of the Central East, as does 4th place finisher at the 2012 Games, Scott Panchik.

The Central East also had two runner-up’s at last year’s Games with Julie Foucher finishing 2nd in the females half, and SPC CrossFit placing 2nd in the Team comp.

Here is a look at some of the main individuals and teams to look out for as we approach the 2013 CrossFit Games:

Men

At last year’s CrossFit Games, all five male qualifiers from the Central East finished in the top 10, including the overall winner, Rich Froning.

It’s fair to say the Central East is the standout Region in the men’s division.

In 2013, Rich Froning is clearly the man to beat. After claiming his second straight CrossFit Games title in 2012, Froning has broken a number of PRs this year and looks set for another dominant season.

However, he will have plenty of competition in his own Region, with former Games champion Graham Holmberg also a big chance to claim the Regional title.

Training partner Dan Bailey will also be up there, as will Marcus Hendren (4th at 2012 Regionals) and Scott Panchik (5th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Rich Froning
2. Dan Bailey
3. Graham Holmberg
4. Marcus Hendren
5. Scott Panchik

Women

The female section in the Central East is wide open this year with 2012 CrossFit Games runner-up Julie Foucher set to take a break from the sport in 2013.

Last year’s Regional champion said she would not be competing at the Regionals in 2013 so she could concentrate on her studies.

That leaves the door open for Lindsey Smith (2nd at 2012 Regionals) and Heather Welsh (3rd at 2012 Regionals) to claim the title this year.

Other names to watch out for include Michelle Kinney (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and Lindsey McDuffie (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Julie Foucher
2. Lindsey Smith
3. Heather Welsh

Team

SPC CrossFit should be there team to catch in 2013, after finishing 2nd at the 2012 CrossFit Games.

CrossFit Maximus, who finished 19th at the Games last year, will also be a chance to claim the Regional title in 2013, as will 3rd place finisher at last year’s Regionals, Rogue Gahanna.

Other teams to keep an eye on include Jacked and Tan, who missed out on Games qualification by a point last year, and CrossFit Faith (5th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. SPC CrossFit
2. CrossFit Maximus
3. Rogue Gahanna