2013 CrossFit Games Preview: Mid Atlantic 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 Mid Atlantic Region.

Plenty of big name CrossFitters have competed in the Mid Atlantic Region over the past few years.

The likes of Spencer Hendel, A.J. Moore, and Becky Conzelman have all come and gone, while stars like Ben Smith, Nate Schrader and Jenn Jones remain in the Region.

The Mid Atlantic Region also boasts 2009 CrossFit Games champion Tanya Wagner, and a number of competitive Teams including RAW Training, who finished 5th at last years CrossFit Games.

Here are some of the individuals and teams to keep an eye on heading into the 2013 CrossFit Games:

Men

For the past two years we have seen a great rivalry brewing in the Mid Atlantic Region with Ben Smith and Nate Schrader going head to head.

In 2012, Smith claimed the Regional title by winning five of the six events over the three days of competition. Schrader finished second, 15 points behind.

A few months later at the 2012 CrossFit Games, the two could barely be separated with Ben Smith finishing 11th, and Nate Schrader 12th.

It’s fair to say these two will be the men to catch in 2013.

Other names to look out for include Brian Quinlan (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and Steve Pinkerton (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Ben Smith
2. Nate Schrader
3. Brian Quinlan

Women

After finishing 11th at last year’s CrossFit Games, Christy Phillips appears to be the woman to catch in 2013.

Phillips was one of the consistent performers during the Games week in Carson, California, and will be eying a return to the Home Depot Center this year.

2012 Regional Champion Jenn Jones will also be one to watch, as will 3rd place finisher at last year’s Regionals Gretchen Kittelberger.

Tanya Wagner, who won the CrossFit Games title back in 2009 finished 5th at the 2012 Regionals and should also be in the mix again this year.

2012 Regional Results:

1. Jenn Jones
2. Christy Phillips
3. Gretchen Kittleberger

Team

It’s always hard to make predictions in the Team division, but RAW Training should be favourites to claim the 2013 Regional title.

After finishing 3rd at the Regionals last year, RAW Training secured a 5th place finish at the 2012 CrossFit Games.

Other teams to look out for include 2012 Regional Champions CrossFit Greensboro and runner-up CrossFit Wilmington.

2012 Regional Results:

1. CrossFit Greensboro
2. CrossFit Wilmington
3. RAW Training