Mentor High School Teacher Competing In CrossFit Games

The first time Scott Panchik trained at a CrossFit gym, it was on the suggestion of his father about three years ago.

Panchik -- a health and physical education teacher at -- was a running back at the University of Mount Union; and, despite needing three reconstructive surgeries on his knee, was in great shape.

However, that day, his father left him in the proverbial dust.

"He beat on me in the first workout," Panchik said. "As a competitor, my first instinct was 'I got to beat Dad.'"

Now there aren't too many people in the country who can beat on Panchik when it comes to CrossFit.

He is one of the 45 finalists competing in the Reebok CrossFit Games from July 13 through 15 in Carson, CA.

He is ranked 15th overall and was culled from more than 50,000 competitors.

Panchik is in the midst of two-a-day practices that will prepare him for the Games, which will be televised on ESPN.

However, he does not know exactly what events he will need to compete in because they are kept secret until the start of the games.

To help raise money for Panchik's trip, the Mentor Redline Club held the Cardinal Dash Saturday in which people competed in many of the CrossFit exercises that Panchik has mastered. About 15 teams of four people each competed in the event.

In addition to being a teacher, Panchik is also the strength and conditioning coach for the Mentor Cardinals football team. He said he uses CrossFit techniques all the time in their training.

"Everything in CrossFit is an explosive move so it translates well to the football field," he said.

Panchik added that while the CrossFit Games are a competition, the training itself is focused on health and fitness.

"There are people who go to the gym to look good. CrossFit is more about feeling good," he said. "Some people want to get into shape. CrossFit is more about showing that you're in shape."