2013 CrossFit Games Preview: South 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 South Central Region.

While it may be regarded by some CrossFitters as one of the easier Regions to qualify through, the South Central Region still has a number of top class athletes.

Competitors like Aja Barto, Candice Ruiz and Bryan Diaz have been consistent performers in the South East over the past few years, while names like Azadeh Boroumand and Jason Hoggan have also made a lasting impression.

Here are some of the athletes to look out for in 2013:

Men

After winning the Regional title in 2012, Bryan Diaz remains one of the favourites to takeout this years crown. However, his poor performance at last year’s CrossFit Games (43rd overall) has exposed his weaknesses.

2011 Regional Champion and 21st place finisher at the 2012 CrossFit Games, Aja Barto, is also one to watch out for. The 6 foot 5 beast has been one of the most consistent performers over the past few years and on his day, can mix with the best.

Other names to keep an eye on in 2013 include, Aja’s brother Ayran Barto, 2011 Regional runner-up Zeph Littleton and Paul Smith (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Bryan Diaz
2. Jason Hoggan
3. Aja Barto

Women

Azadeh Boroumand came from nowhere in 2012 to claim the South Central Regional title. After finishing 6th at the Regionals in 2011, Boroumand won five out of the six events last year to claim victory in one of the most devastating performances.

Despite finishing 18th at the CrossFit Games last year, she remains a real podium contender for the 2013 CrossFit Games and should be the one to catch at this years Regionals.

Other names to watch out for include, dual CrossFit Games competitor Candice Ruiz (2nd at 2012 Regionals), Kelley Hennigan (3rd at 2012 Regionals), and Whitney Welsch (6th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Azadeh Boroumand
2. Candice Ruiz
3. Kelly Hennigan

Team

The Team division in the South Central Region has been dominated by four teams over the past two years.

CrossFit Dallas Central (2012 Regional winners), Bayou City CrossFit ( 2011 Regional winners), CrossFit Central Competitors (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and CrossFit Waco (2nd at 2011 Regionals) have all finished in the top four over the past two years.

We can expect to see all these teams back up there again in 2013. Although other teams to keep and eye on include Body Armor CrossFit (5th at 2012 Regionals) and CrossFit Cedar Park (5th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. CrossFit Dallas Central
2. Bayou City CrossFit
3. CrossFit Central Competitors