2013 CrossFit Games Preview: North West 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 West Region.

Over the past few years, the North West has had a number of top CrossFit individuals, and teams, compete in the Region.

Competitors like Chris Spealler, Zach Forrest, Cheryl Brost and Masters winner Susan Habbe have all featured at North West Regional events, as has 2010 Affiliate Cup winners CrossFit Fort Vancouver.

While the Region might not be as strong as some other divisions in America, the North West still has plenty of depth, with many athletes capable of qualifying for the 2013 CrossFit Games.

Here is a look at some of the names to look out for in 2013:

Men

The men’s division is wide open in the North West Region with nine different athletes finishing on the podium over the past three years.

Last year, just three points separated 1st place from 3rd place at the Regionals, with a further nine points separating 4th place finisher Jesse Disch.

2012 Regional Champion Yurli Hanson will go into this year’s Regionals as one of the main contenders to qualify for the 2013 CrossFit Games, as will Kevin Simons (2nd at 2012 Regionals) and Austin Stack (3rd at 2012 Regionals).

Other names to keep an eye on include 2011 Regional Champion Ben Stoneberg and Noah Pester (8th at the 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results

1. Yurli Hanson
2. Kevin Simons
3. Austin Stack

Women

Unlike the men’s division, the females division has a bit more consistency with three-time CrossFit Games competitor Cheryl Brost hailing out of the North West Region.

Having won the past two Regional Titles, Brost will be the woman to beat in the Region this year, despite being old enough to qualify for the new Masters division (40-45 years old) at the 2013 CrossFit Games.

Other names to keep note of include dual CrossFit Games competitor Samantha Petersen, Allison King (3rd at 2012 Regionals), and Ashleigh Moe (2010 Regional Champion).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Cheryl Brost
2. Samantha Petersen
3. Allison King

Team

After winning the Affiliate Cup in 2010, CrossFit Fort Vancouver have been the team to beat in the North West Region over the past few years.

In 2013, we can expect them to be at the top once again, especially after their impressive performance in the Big Bob Winter Challenge at the Ranch in Aromas.

Other teams to watch out for this year include 2012 Regional Champions CrossFit Intensify, Spokane Valley (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and Jet City (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. CrossFit Intensity
2. CrossFit Fort Vancouver
3. Spokane Valley