Mentor High School Teacher Reflects On Competing In CrossFit Games

Scott Panchik -- a health and physical education teacher at -- first started training at a CrossFit gym because of his father.

Yes, the elder Panchik brought him to the gym and left his son sucking wind that first day, to hear Scott Panchik tell it.

After that, Panchik decided he would train harder so he could beat his dad.

Well, now there aren't too many people on the planet who are fitter than Panchik.

Panchik last weekend in Carson, CA, with competitors from all over the world. He survived grueling challenges and tested almost every muscle in his body and, when it was over, he won fourth overall from a field of more than 50,000 competitors.

"I was really excited," Panchik said. "It was such a good opportunity to get out there with the world's greatest athletes."

Panchik said his favorite event -- of the many he faced -- was the final one, which paired thrusters (front squats into presses) and pullups. Even though it would leave most men's arms feeling like noodles, he called them "fun."

Panchik is also the strength and conditioning coach for the Mentor High School football team. He said he picked up a few exercises that he'll be sharing with the Cardinals in the weight room.

Panchik added that he hopes to compete in the CrossFit games again next year.

"The goal is to make it back out there and make the podium," he said, "and, one day, win it."

Panchik concluded by thanking his fellow coaches and his CrossFit gym trainers for helping him prepare for the games. But he saved the final thank you for his family.

"Really they were training me for this all my life and I didn't know it," he said.