September's Athlete of the Month
Time to highlight one of our spectacular athletes! What makes up an Athlete of the Month? Not RX’ing every workout or lifting the most weight. This athlete exhibits consistency and a hard work mentality. Every time they come to the gym they have a good attitude and give their all. This person is also welcoming of others, helping make CFHD the best community there is. Each month we choose a different athlete and post some fun facts about them to help y’all get to know them better.
Congratulations to Matt Poppert! He is quite possibly the hardest worker we have ever met. As a former Marine, his hard work mentality is unlike any other. Even when he's out of town he always makes time for a workout... a very hellacious WOD at that. He doesn't just bring his seriousness to the gym, though. He also brings his positive attitude and always welcoming to an unfamiliar face. When the clock starts though, you have to watch out, because Matt Poppert doesn't quit!
Name: Matt Poppert Hometown: Watertown, WI Age: 45 Occupation: owner of a dental practice transitions firm Tell us a little bit about yourself: I'm a 19 year old Marine trapped in the body of a 45 year old business person. I love adventure and I love risk. I believe that on your death bed there should be no regret because of missed opportunity. Chief Tecumseh said it best "When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."
What were your goals when you started CrossFit? Improve my athleticism and conditioning. How long have you been doing CrossFit and how did you get into it? 4 years. My brother and I use to run marathons and half marathons together. I started having knees and ankle issues and then Paul started at a Crossfit gym and he thought I might like the intensity of it. I blew him off for a couple months and then one day walked into a Crossfit gym in Atlanta and signed up after the first workout.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing we do in CrossFit? I love the competitiveness of Crossfit. I love competing against myself and knowing if I am getting better. I also love the long grueling hero woods. I like seeing a workout and knowing it will challenge me as much mentally as physically and then going to that dark place and coming out on the other side knowing that I crossed the finish line.
There isn't much that I don't like about Crossfit but my least favorite thing is the gymnastics part.
How has CrossFit H Dub positively affected you? The people are great! Trey and Lacee really care about their athletes. What advice do you have for newcomers? Don't focus how how far you still need to go, every once in while stop and look back at how far you've come, and never quit. Every day you are at the gym your one day closer to reaching your own goal. The days you don't want to go to the gym are the most important days to go. What is something no one at the gym knows about you? I was named Marine of the year - Pacific in 1993 and was given the opportunity to raise a flag on Mt Suribachi on Iwo Jima. I am the 46th American, Post WWII, to have honor. Who are 3 people you would have a meal or drink with dead or alive? Sun Tzu, General Lewis B (Chesty) Puller and Bret Favre
If you had an intro song when you walk into the gym what would it be? Kid Rock - American Badass Favorite Sport? NFL Football If you could have one super power what would it be? To fly What is your favorite cheat meal? Big Cheeseburger with fries
