This past weekend, WildFire CrossFit celebrated a major milestone: 12 incredible years of building a fitness community that has grown stronger and more united with every year. Since we first opened our doors in 2012, we have been committed to fostering an environment where fitness, family, fortitude, and fire come together, not just inside the gym, but beyond its walls.
Reflecting on this journey, we are filled with immense gratitude for the members, past and present, who have made WildFire CrossFit what it is today.
From the beginning, we envisioned WildFire as more than just a place to work out. We wanted to create a community where people felt supported, encouraged, and challenged. A place where personal records are broken, not just in fitness, also in the bonds we form, the goals we achieve, and the growth we experience together.
And thanks to all of you—whether you've been with us since day one or joined our family more recently—WildFire has become that and so much more.
As part of our tradition, we take time each year to recognize those who embody what WildFire stands for. Two awards symbolize the essence of who we are and what we strive to be: The Spirit of WildFire Award and the Athlete of the Year Award.
These awards are each named after an athlete and coach that has made an extrodinary impact on WildFire CrossFit and it's community.
The Tom Casella Spirit of WildFire Award
This award is for the spark of our community. It's for the individual who lives and breathes the core values of WildFire: Fitness, Family, Fortitude, and Fire. They inspire others with their dedication and passion, not just during workouts but in every interaction they have. They are the heart and soul of WildFire, igniting a fire within those around them and driving others to be the best versions of themselves.
The recipient of this award doesn’t just show up—they make their presence felt in everything they do. They embody resilience, encourage others through tough workouts, and spread positivity that lifts up the entire community. We are so fortunate to have these sparks of light who remind us that WildFire is more than just fitness—it’s about finding strength, support, and passion in each other.
This award is named in honor of Coach Tom Casella who was our first Athlete of the Year winner and showed us truly what it meant to have that spark of life. To live in a way that inspired others to level up their fitness and how they show up in the world. In 2015 Tom had a stroke, his way of life changed and yet his spirit and his spark never did. In fact his presence of positivity and love of life grew because of it.
2024 Tom Casella Spirity of WildFire Award Recipient:
Kate Vecchi
The Damian Walker Athlete of the Year Award
The Athlete of the Year Award is given to someone who not only exemplifies the Spirit of WildFire, but has also pushed themselves to new athletic heights. This person has up-leveled their skills, shattered personal records, set new goals, and, perhaps most importantly, stepped outside of their comfort zone to embrace growth.
This award recognizes an individual who has shown what’s possible when you combine the values of WildFire the humbleness to be coached, the determination to follow through and the grit that comes with life in general. They have achieved new milestones, demonstrated incredible progress, and served as a living example of what it means to be not only physically strong but mentally resilient. Their journey reflects the transformative power of the WildFire community and fitness.
This award is named in honor of athlete and Coach Damian Walker who in 2023 lost his life in a tragic accident. He brought passion and fire to everything in his life and one of his superpowers was seeing each person's best most authentic self and help them see it and bring that best self out. His athletic ability was matched by his passion for helping others discover what they are capable of.
2024 Damian Walker Athlete of the Year Award Recipeints:
Mike Fazekas
Ariel Correira
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on 12 years, we can’t help but look ahead with excitement and anticipation. We are deeply thankful for every member who has been part of this journey and to those who continue to help build our community into something extraordinary. WildFire CrossFit wouldn’t be what it is today without each and every one of you.
We look forward to many more years of fitness, family, fortitude, and fire. Together, we will continue to push our limits, break barriers, and inspire one another.
Thank you for making WildFire CrossFit a home for so many, and here’s to many more years of growth and greatness!
— The WildFire CrossFit Team
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