Nicky Rodgers is an 11th-grade student at New Castle High School.  Nicky, as everyone calls him, is a nationally ranked CrossFit athlete, and is one of the best in the state of Pennsylvania. 

This past weekend, he traveled to Texas to participate in an event competing against competitors from all over the world.  I hope you enjoy the interview- Josh 

Q: How would you describe your experience in Texas?

A: It was very fun and different.  I have never been out West before, so it was definitely an experience.  I also got to catch up with some family that live in Texas.

Q: What is your daily routine and training?

A: On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I train twice a day.  I have an hour-long session in which I typically do before school. Then, I have another training session that typically lasts from 4:30- 7:30-8 o’clock.  Saturdays I only have the afternoon session from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.  Thursdays and Sundays are rest and active recovery days. 

Q: What do you eat to maintain your weight and improve your muscle tone and physique?

A: This might come as a surprise to people, but I eat whatever I want.  Typically before an event I will cut out processed sugar, but other than that I eat freely.  

Q: A lot of people don’t necessarily know what CrossFit is, can you explain it to us?

A: It is a mix of gymnastics, olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, calisthenics, aerobic capacity, and monostructural conditioning. People compete to see who can do a set amount of work the fastest, or whoever can do more reps.

Q: Did the Texas heat affect you?

A: Yes, the Texas heat affected me a lot. Going from -9 in Pennsylvania to 70+ in Texas was a huge difference.  A moment in the competition that really stuck with me was after the third event of the weekend.  It was outside on a blacktop, with 70+ degree weather and nothing but the sun shining. During the event something felt off, and while I kept going, I was tunneling out. It was probably the worst amount of pain I have felt in my entire life. I had to lay in a shade tree for over an hour, and by the time I was recovered enough to walk around, I had to row 3,000 meters about 30 minutes after. This was a point in the weekend where I really thought about withdrawing from the competition.  

Q: What was the best thing you ate in Texas?

A: A double cheeseburger from P. Terry’s in Texas.  

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in New Castle?

A: Los Amigos.  

Q: How has becoming a baseball state champion helped with CrossFit?

A: It has given me a champion mentality.  It makes me think that I can do anything against all odds.  

Q: How do you balance CrossFit and baseball?

A: During baseball season it is very hard.  But right now, baseball is only from 3-4 and sometimes 4:30, which allows me to go to practice and still train.  

Q: How long have you been participating in CrossFit?

A: I’ve been participating in CrossFit for about 3 years, but only been seriously competing for about 2 years.  

Q: Do you plan on attending any events in the future?

A: I am going to try and qualify for 2022 Noble Crossfit games in Madison, Wisconsin.  

Q: Who were some people you met that you will never forget?

A:  I met a famous CrossFit athlete named Luke Parker. He trains at CrossFit Mayhem with 4x Fittest man on Earth, Rich Froning. He talked to me a lot during the weekend and was rooting for me. Another person who I will never forget is a famous coach named James Townsend, a former NFL wide receiver. He talked to me after the last event and was asking me if I was interested in a coach, and how the season was looking for me. The final person is a guy in my age group named Aaron Merritt. He is a fantastic athlete, and we battled all weekend and pushed each other. I hope to see him at the CrossFit Games in Madison Wisconsin this summer.

We wish Nicky the best of luck in any of his future endeavors.