2013 CrossFit Games Preview: North Central 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 North Central Region.

The North Central has been one of the most consistent Regions in the CrossFit world, boasting a number of top athletes over the past few years.

Five-time CrossFit Games competitor Matt Chan has claimed a Regional title in the North Central area, as has podium finisher at the 2012 CrossFit Games Kyle Kasperbauer.

In the females half, names like Stacie Tovar, Elisabeth Akinwale and Deborah Cordner Carson keep the Region extremely competitive.

Here is a look at some of the individuals and teams to keep an eye on as we approach the 2013 CrossFit Games:

Men

After claiming the Regional title in 2012, and then finishing third at the CrossFit Games a few months later, Kyle Kasperbauer is the man to beat this year.

The CrossFit veteran is arguably in the best form in his career and will be one of the few competitors able to challenge Rich Froning for the Games title this year.

2012 Regional runner up and 28th place finisher at the Games, Phillip Kniep will be a chance to upset Kasperbauer, as will 3rd place finisher at the 2012 Regionals Justin Allen.

Others to watch out for include Brandon Pastorek (4th at 2012 Regionals) and Jared Stevens (6th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Kyle Kasperbauer
2. Phillip Kniep
3. Justin Allen

Women

The Women’s division in the North Central Region is arguably one of the toughest in the world. In 2012 all three female qualifiers finished in the top 15 at the CrossFit Games.

Reigning Regional champ Elisabeth Akinwale remains the woman to beat after her 7th place finish at last year’s Games.

However, Stacie Tovar showed plenty of improvement last year to finish 12th at the Games and will be a real chance to re-claim the Regional title in 2013.

Deborah Cordner Carson, who finished 3rd at the 2012 Regionals, is full of confidence after taking home the Spirit of the Games award last year, and will be another competitor to look out for.

Others include Ginny King (4th at 2012 Regionals) and Kelly Jackson (5th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Elisabeth Akinwale
2. Stacie Tovar
3. Deb Cordner Carson

Team

With an 8th place finish at the 2012 CrossFit Games, CrossFit Kilo looks to be the team to beat this year.

2012 Regional winners CrossFit Jenks will also be up there, despite a poor performance at last year’s Games (35th).

Other teams to look out for heading into the 2013 CrossFit Games include QCCF Awesome (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and CrossFit Omaha (4th at 2012 Regionals)

2012 Regional Results:

1. CrossFit Jenks
2. CrossFit Kilo
3. QCCF Awesome