Justin Perkins – co-owner and head trainer

I discovered CrossFit from a fellow firefighter. He was using it to train for the Firefighter Combat Challenge. I tried a couple of the WODs and knew this was the way I wanted to train. I have competed for 12 years in the Combat Challenge, placing as high as 15^th at the World Finals.  My all-time PR of 1:35 was the direct result of CrossFit training.  I also train for, and compete in, powerlifting and strongman competitions.

I love CrossFit because it gives me an opportunity to push myself both physically and mentally every time I walk into the gym. There is no such thing as just going through the motions of a workout. CrossFit trains me to be able to handle any situation that is thrown at me, in firefighting or just in life in general.

Black Hills CrossFit opened its doors in September of 2009. The interest and support we have received has been more than we ever imagined. The type of people you find in a CrossFit gym are above and beyond anything you will ever find in any other gym. Their character and willingness to help others is incredible. My greatest accomplishment is watching someone achieve a goal they have worked so hard to get – and knowing that I had a small part in helping to make that happen.  As a coach there is nothing better.

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer
• Coach’s Prep Course
• ACE/IAFF Certified

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Keith Trojanowski – co-owner and trainer

I am a Firefighter/Paramedic for Rapid City Fire Department. I have been an active CrossFitter now for three years. I have always been active in the outdoors. As soon as I got into the fire service I was seeking a fitness program that would fulfill my needs in becoming a more efficient firefighter. Luckily a few of my fellow co-workers introduced me to CrossFit. My first WOD was Cindy.  As soon as I was done (six rounds) I was hooked. I strive to be a better coach as well as a better CrossFitter.

 

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer

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Cari Southards – trainer

I have always loved sports. Throughout my childhood I tried every sport and athletic endeavor that I came across! Unfortunately, I was terribly uncoordinated and asthmatic so I spent most of the time on the bench. CrossFit has helped me develop the coordination, endurance, stamina, and strength necessary to enjoy sports I previously abandoned.

I have been doing CrossFit since July 2010. I started out without a coach, learning from the mainsite with my husband as a collaborator. In June 2011 I started at Black Hills CrossFit at 6 months pregnant. I made incredible gains in performance through the last months of my pregnancy and had a quick and easy labor and recovery.

As an athlete I feel that I have truly come from the bottom and have worked my way to becoming fitter than my wildest expectations. As a trainer that journey is what helps me drive and motivate others.

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer

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Kelly Bruhn – trainer

I am a chronic runner who turned into a CrossFitter.  I initially joined CrossFit to supplement my marathon training.  It took a few months for me to swallow the kool-aid, but anyone that knows me knows that I am now “crazy” about CrossFit.  I will never forget my first prescribed Fran, the first WOD that I actually “got” Dus, and more recently, my first muscle-up.  I continue coming to CrossFit each week because I have FUN – and I cherish the life-long friendships that I have developed.

My professional background includes a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of North Dakota and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health Sciences.  I work as a physical therapist at Regional Rehabilitation Institute.

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer

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Michael Cornista – trainer

I have been a CrossFit trainer for two years now. I enjoy working with new, intermediate, and advanced athletes. I believe that if a person leads an active lifestyle, they will reap the benefits – not only physically, but mentally as well. My goal is to guide, coach, and encourage the athletes of Black Hills CrossFit to push themselves harder and faster than ever before. I want to push you out of your comfort zone and into an area where “I can’t” turns into “I will!”

“Stronger people are harder to kill than weak people, and are more useful in general.”  — Mark Rippetoe

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer

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Rob Southards – trainer

I grew up as a sports and fitness enthusiast, being mostly involved in soccer, skateboarding, running, snowboarding, and some powerlifting. My motivation to help change peoples’ mindset and make a healthier/fitter world started in my first year of USAF tech school. There my instructor said to me, “It’s sad to see someone in superior shape like you leave, but I hope you get out there using your experience and attitude to help change people.” Five years later I found CrossFit while deployed. Instantly I became hooked; I had found the intensity, competitiveness, and community that I had been looking for. Now I’m not only a proud member of the CrossFit family, but I also help train a couple hundred people in the Air Force multiple times a week. The things that drive me are: achieving personal records, playing competitive sports, attending and participating in competitions, watching people continue to grow physically and mentally, and seeing the smile someone gets for getting a new PR.

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer
• CPR/AED, Adult & Child

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Susie Marcks – trainer

I started CrossFit in June of 2010 when I could no longer stand my husband talking about it nonstop and didn’t have the slightest idea what he meant when he said things like “WOD” and “snatch” and “burpees for time.” I ended up loving it and eventually coaching.

 

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer

Will Williams – trainer

I love playing sports – always have, always will. Just about anything involving a ball or a puck, or a stick, bat, or racquet. CrossFit gives me the opportunity to play a sport on a daily basis, and once I discovered that, I was hooked. Best of all, I get to play this sport with the great group of people and athletes at Black Hills CrossFit.

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer
• CrossFit Mobility Certification
• CrossFit Powerlifting Certification

Kelie Willson – trainer

I have been a Black Hills CrossFit member pretty much since they opened the doors! My only claim to any kind of athletic ability before starting CrossFit is my 8^th place swimming ribbon from when I was in 5^th grade.  However, in the two years I have been doing CrossFit, I have come to love it as a sport and as a community.  As a trainer I love working with people to reach their goals, whether it be getting stronger, training for a 5k or marathon, becoming more flexible, or just getting the body back that they once had!

In addition to being a trainer, I also own a weight-loss company – The Ideal Weigh.  If I am not at the gym or my office, I can usually be found hiking, biking, or enjoying the outdoors in one way or another with my husband Jared, and my kids Micah, Mia, and Isaac.

Certifications:

• CF-L1 Trainer

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Jacque Powers – trainer

I started Crossfit in 2010 with a friend in hopes of “getting into shape”.  I couldn’t do pullups, pushups, or clean and jerk an empty barbell.  I really didn’t even know what that meant!  As I learned, I stayed committed to my training, determined to be better.  With the trainers constantly encouraging me to do “one more rep”, I found new limits to what I was actually capable of, which was way beyond what I thought I was capable of.   I never fathomed I would fall in love with lifting weights, but some of my favorite movements in the gym are those with a barbell.   Crossfit has completely changed my outlook on life.  I am stronger and healthier, and I have found that with a little sweat and dedication, I can overcome any obstacle.
I grew up in Rapid City, blessed to be surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills.  When I’m not at Crossift I enjoy running, hiking or kayaking.  I chose to become a trainer in hopes of inspiring and supporting the individuals I meet, the way my coaches have, and still do, for me.

 

Certifications:

• CrossFit L1- Trainer

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Randy Hoover – trainer

Certifications:

• CF L1- Trainer

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Joe Bak – trainer

Certifications:

• CrossFit L1 Trainer
• CrossFit Gymnastics Certification

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Richie Amisone

I grew up in household with a father with a decorated sports pedigree. At the age of 62 he still runs and does his bodyweight workouts in the morning, and plays tennis after work.  My 3 brothers and I grew up knowing our father’s reputation and of course tried our best to live up to it.  In high school I played basketball, rugby, football, baseball, and soccer.  In the summer we would play tennis and softball to supplement playing the other sports because apparently it wasn’t enough. I played collegiate Rugby for the Air Force Academy and currently playing for the active duty AF Rugby team (2009-present). In 2011 I was invited to play Hooverball with a few BHCF people.  It was awesome playing under the lights in the summer but I was always the odd man out because I don’t “Crossfit.” Finally in August of 2011 after the constant pressure from Paula I gave in and joined. Coaching at BHCF is an honor because I have the privilege to work with great friends and help them reach their goals.  BHCF athletes have more potential than they think. Don’t be afraid to push your limits. I’ve met great people at BHCF and I’m proud to be part of a special family!

 

Certifications:

• CrossFit L1 Trainer
• Master Trainer (ISSA)

* Master Trainer (Certified Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Specialist in Strength and Conditioning, Specialist in Senior Fitness, and Youth Fitness Trainer)

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