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Using CrossFit to Prepare for the Marines

May 21, 2019 by
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The story.

At CrossFit Overwatch in Concord, CA one program stands out amongst the others. High school students who enlisted in the Marines under a delayed entry program come there to train. They’re called “poolees” and they are ”Marines awaiting training” who are getting “mentally and physically prepared for boot camp training,” said Gunnery Sgt. Angel Rodriguez, the Station Commander for the RSS Contra Costa.

Giving back to the military.

But the poolees aren’t the only ones giving themselves to service. Six years ago, CrossFit Overwatch owner Jimmy Greninger started a scholarship that allows Marines to train at his affiliate for free. To be considered, each applicant needs to write a letter explaining why they joined the Marines.

“For me it’s my opportunity to give back and to help any person getting ready to give back,” said Greniger.

Service through training.

Greninger reads the letters himself, selecting poolees that stand out for exceptionally understanding their “why.” Currently, CrossFit Overwatch has 12 poolees attending CrossFit Overwatch regularly.

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