Athlete of the Month-- MIKE HATMAKER-- April 2023
Blackbird CrossFit • December 17, 2025
Congratulations to Mike Hatmaker, Blackbird CrossFit's April Athlete of the Month. Mike is the Mayor of Blackbird! He's the friendliest, most welcoming guy. He talks to everyone. He helps new people feel comfortable in classes. He lends a hand whenever needed. He always has a smile and an encouraging word for you. And he sets a positive example for work ethic and attitude. Mike has literally worked his ass off. He was an athlete trapped in a body he didn't recognize any longer at 340lbs. He was struggling with his physical and mental health. So he made some big changes in his life. He's experienced over a 100lb weight loss! In two years at Blackbird he's put on over 10lbs of muscle mass, went from 26% fat mass down to 18%, and lost even more weight on the scale through 1-on-1 nutrition coaching. Mike has used exercise coupled with the Blackbird community and camaraderie to make a positive impact on his mental health, as well! He's made quick work of dialing in technique and adding big weight to the barbell. But by showing up each day and being patient, he has built an engine that can withstand grinding workouts with those heavy weights. And with dogged determination, he's working towards more high-level gymnastics movements. There aren't many who can stand up to his drive and perseverance. He puts in 100% each day in the gym. He comes early to socialize and stays late to work on skills. He has been such a positive influence and blessing to the Blackbird Community and we're so grateful to have him. He's feeling good and looking good; a perfect combo. Check out his inspiring CrossFit journey...
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT??
I started CrossFit because I was tired of doing the same old things at a regular gym. Once I met with Matt for the introductory one-on-one, I knew BBCF was going to be my new gym.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING BLACKBIRD CROSSFIT?
The biggest thing I've learned over the last 2 years at BBCF is to be patient. It's very easy to see people with more CrossFit experience go out and crush some cool lifts/movements and think "I'll never be able to do that." But fitness takes time. I also learned to challenge myself with heavier weights, more advanced scaling options, and to give the workout my all.
WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
I've met some incredible people at BBCF. The positivity and support from the BBCF family has helped me live a more positive life. Coming in for workout is a highlight of my day. The feeling after completing a challenging WOD is just awesome. I have dealt with depression for most of my life, especially when I was 340lbs. BBCF has become a positive outlet for me to feel better about myself and to have a more positive outlook on life. This may sound cheesy, but you guys have impacted me and my life in such a big way and I don't know if I can even put it into words.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
I'd say one of my proudest moments was hitting 305lbs on back squat. This may not seem like a crazy accomplishment, but this is something I haven't done since I was in high school. This was a goal of mine to hit by the end of the summer and now it's time to set a higher goal.
WHAT CROSSFIT GOALS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING TOWARDS?
I like to set small achievable goals like getting dubs or chest to bar pull-ups. I have those now, so my next goal is bar muscle-ups. I'm so close to getting them. I know that I just need to keep on practicing. Lifting heavy weights is always something I want to achieve. This takes time, but I like to challenge myself with it. My goal for this year is to start working on the rings that are not attached to rig. I have to get myself outside of my comfort zone in order to learn some new stuff like ring muscle-ups.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BLACKBIRD?
I've participated at 2 other CrossFit gyms and there is something special about BBCF. The family atmosphere and the support from the amazing coaches and members. Sometimes it takes someone to believe in you to do something great and to push harder. BBCF definitely has it!
WHAT IS ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR NEW TO CROSSFIT?
One tip I would offer someone new to CrossFit is fine a place that makes you feel comfortable. If you're not comfortable in the environment, you may not be successful. My other tip is "consistency is key" and trust the process. Coaches know what they're doing (at least at BBCF they do) and will help you get to your fitness goals. Fitness is not achieved overnight.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIFT, MOVEMENT, OR WOD? LEAST FAVORITE?
Favorite CrossFit type of workout is definitely an assault bike, heavy barbell movements, and definitely double unders. Least favorite is running. ????
WHEN YOU?RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
My favorite thing to do is fishing and hunting. I like to try and get my own protein in the wild.
WHAT IS ONE FUN THING WE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a second degree black belt and I've one 2 national sparring titles (when I was 14 and 15).
WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
My diet is much better now than it has ever been. I worked with Steve for 1-on-1 Blackbird Nutrition Coaching for three months. Having those check-ins with him just opened my mind about the things I was eating. I used to just put food in my body because I was hungry, but now I use food as fuel. I'm eating 212 grams of protein per day and I'm eating more veggies than I probably have in my entire life. ????
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORKOUT FUEL? WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPECIAL TREAT?
I typically workout in the morning (0930 class) and I make 2 eggs with protein bread (from Aldi), 1 avocado, blueberries, and a an Oikos Pro Greek yogurt. My weakness is definitely Reese's peanut butter cups.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
I'm not 100% sure on weight, but I was sitting around 236 when I started and the last time I weighed in I was 224. I have gained over 10lbs of muscle mass since starting and went from a 26% fat mass down to 18%. Results for me aren't necessarily numbers. I start to notice little things about myself. Feel a different muscle that I didn't notice before. I'll notice some movements have become easier for me to do. My biggest test for results is how my clothes fit. My shirts are tighter in the arms and looser in the abdomen. My pants are loose around the waist but tight in the thighs (big leg problems ????).
FRE
EWRITE:
This is such an honor that you all picked me. This means so much to me. BBCF is a big part of my life and I just can't thank you all enough for what you do for me. I cannot imagine my life without you guys!
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Our May Athlete of the Month is none other than John Leach! John has been a fixture at Blackbird for the last decade - proving that longevity and intensity can be achieved with the right formula of consistency, nutrition, and body awareness. As many of us were, John was introduced to CrossFit by a coworker, and the rest is history. Most recently, John’s drive and dedication has landed him in the 2026 CrossFit Games Semi-Finals after finishing in the top 200 competitors worldwide in his division during Quarterfinals. When John started CrossFit in 2016, he was looking for a way to engage his daughters in a healthy lifestyle and quickly developed into a passion for functional movement, a love for the intensity, and the joy of finding his people. Nowadays, John uses his hour in the gym to center himself from life’s stresses, push himself through long workouts, and working out with and competing together outside of Blackbird with his fiancee Michele, another resident Blackbird powerhouse. By smartly managing aches and pains, dialing in his nutrition, and balancing strength, speed, and intensity, John truly exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded, intelligent athlete. You can catch John in the evenings, popping some Sour Patch Kids and giving it his all. Congratulations John! You raise the bar at Blackbird, and we love having you a part of our community. MEET JOHN... Tell us about yourself! Hi, I’m John Leach, 50 years old. I joined Blackbird in February 2016. I’m engaged to Michele Fetter and have three daughters—Jayden (21), Madi (19), and Sydney (Michele's) who’s 16. I was born and raised in Maryland, originally in PG County before moving to Sykesville in 2009. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Finance. I’m currently the President/Partner of HBW Construction in Rockville, MD. What made you start CrossFit? What has kept you doing it? Has your motivation changed from when you first started? I had a co-worker who did CrossFit and I had watched the CrossFit Games, so I knew a little about it. One day I drove past the sign and noticed CrossFit Kids. Wanting to get my girls into deliberate exercise, I decided to stop in and see what it was all about. After realizing that CrossFit was not just for Games-level athletes, I signed up both my daughters, then 11 and 9, and myself. After a few months I canceled my membership with Athens (I was still going there on the weekends) and was hooked on CrossFit. What have you learned about movement, fitness, and yourself since joining Blackbird? You can't outwork a bad diet, and a good diet can dramatically improve your performance. And take rest days! I've learned that after 3-4 days in the gym, my body needs a break. What is your proudest moment in the gym? I'm not sure I can pinpoint an exact moment. Maybe now, being AOTM? Making Semi-finals this year? There are so many things I've been proud of over the years. But truthfully, I hope that moment hasn't happened yet. What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Is there something you dread seeing on Wodify? My favorite WODs are the long, chipper style. The ones that not only test your conditioning but make you question your sanity for why we choose to do this to ourselves. My least favorite, the Bike. What I absolutely dread is the Bike and Box Jumps in the same WOD. What do you enjoy most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general? The constantly varied workouts and the challenge they bring are what keep me coming back. But what really makes the difference is the coaches and the people—the support, energy, and community are second to none. What impact has CrossFit had on you inside and outside of the gym? It definitely has me in the best shape of my life, but the biggest impact has been what it does for me mentally. It gives me an hour each day to step away from the stresses of life and clear my head. What are your CrossFit or fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them? Be consistent and try to defy age as long as possible. And one day learn to do handstand walks. It's the only CF skill I have not been able to do. When you are not in the gym what is your favorite thing to do? Without a doubt, traveling. If that’s not in the cards, I enjoy hunting, hiking, relaxing by the pool or firepit with friends, or just grabbing a drink at 1623. What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet? My daughter Madi and I travel to different cities to watch the Capitals. 7 cities down, 24 to go. And yes, we saw Ovi break the goals record in NY. What is the one tip you would give someone considering CrossFit or new to CrossFit? Just give it a try for a few months. Everyone starts somewhere. Focus on consistency, listen to your coaches, and don’t compare yourself to others. The results will come if you show up consistently. What was your experience like working with a Blackbird Nutrition Coach? I did 3 months of coaching back in 2020. It taught me how to meal prep and track macros. It's amazing how much dialing in your nutrition can not only help you lose weight but also improve your performance. What is your favorite workout fuel? What’s your favorite indulgence? Sour Patch Kids! I eat a few before every workout. Favorite indulgence(s) - Bourbon, craft beer, ice cream, Pizza, cake......... Have you rehabbed an injury? If so, what takeaways or insight into training for longevity has that taught you? Has your long term approach to your training changed as a result of your experience? Yes, shoulder surgery in 2022 as well as many other aches and pains over the years. I still enjoy pushing myself to my limits but understand now that you don't need to do it every day. Scale when you need to scale. Whether it's the movement, weight, or you just don't feel great that day, there is nothing wrong with scaling a workout. Let's celebrate some of your wins! Tell us about any results, milestones, or moments that made you proud! If I had to pick one, I’d say making the podium at Vector with Michele—we finished 3rd. It was my first competition outside of Blackbird. Blackbird has been a huge part of my life for 10+ years. It’s helped carry me through some of the toughest chapters of my life, while also bringing the best person into it. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it and looking forward to what's to come in the next 10 years.
Our April Athlete of the Month - Jami Karper - brings a lot of tenacity, determination, and a phenomenal sense of humor to the gym with her every day! When Jami joined Blackbird, she was looking to convert some unintentional weight loss into the start of habitual progress, and boy has she delivered! Coaching Jami is a joy - she consistently pushes herself while also making smart choices, and takes care of herself outside of the gym too. You can often find her doing supplemental mobility and PT exercises to keep her body moving with comfort and ease. After taking a few swings at finding a routine that fits her lifestyle, Jami now trains for longevity and the sense of connection and control with her body. Jami is one of our 6:30 am regulars, despite a busy schedule at her job and raising two teenage sons with active extracurricular calendars. But when she happens to hit snooze a few too many times, you can find her at evening classes as well! Family, and community, are both important to Jami. That's just as apparent when she helps promote local fundraisers for our schools as it is when you’re near her for a lift and she offers you the camaraderie of sharing a rack and her support. Kind, witty, and perhaps a future Blackbird pottery clinic teacher, Jami is one of a kind.We are so happy that Jami decided to give Blackbird a shot - despite knowing Coach Chris from the neighborhood beforehand - and are so proud of how she has managed to create healthy, sustainable habits that will continue paying dividends for her in the future. Read More About Jami Below! Tell us about yourself: My name is Jami (no e). I was born and raised in Western Maryland before going to UMCP. I have been married for 20 years (in October) and have two teenage boys, a velcro dog, and a lot of family in my life. What made you start CrossFit? What has kept you doing it? Has your motivation changed from when you first started? I had some health issues that caused significant weight loss. I thought I wanted a way to maintain a lower weight but I quickly realized that I really wanted to feel in control of my body. What have you learned about movement, fitness, and yourself since joining Blackbird? Consistency is the most important thing for me. I failed many times to create a fitness habit. I learned that I just had to show up, follow direction, and trust the process. What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Is there something you dread seeing on Wodify? I can never pick favorites but I will take lifting over cardio any day. I do not look forward to running or pushups, but if there are snatches I might sleep through my alarm. What do you enjoy most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general? I appreciate how supportive and accepting the Blackbird community is. What are your CrossFit or fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them? My goal everyday is to show up for myself, try my best, and listen to my body. I am working on a lot of different things at the moment. When you are not in the gym what is your favorite thing to do? Board/card/tabletop games with my family and friends. What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet? I've taken up pottery as a hobby fairly recently. My husband and I got into it together and things snowballed into a garage studio pretty quickly. What is the one tip you would give someone considering CrossFit or new to CrossFit? Don't be afraid of failing. Failing is a sign that you are pushing yourself, so if you don't fail occasionally, you should work harder. What is your favorite workout fuel? What’s your favorite indulgence? I can't eat before working out, but I like mixing chocolate protein powder with cold brew and oat milk after a morning workout. I have no self control when it comes to ice cream and donuts. Have you rehabbed an injury? If so, what takeaways or insight into training for longevity has that taught you? Has your long term approach to your training changed as a result of your experience? A box tried to take out my tibia and my rotator cuff was tweaked. In both cases, I kept showing up and scaling workouts. The shin just needed time (so much time!) but the mental impact was larger. I took a break from box jumps and then slowly worked my way back up. For the rotator cuff, I did my PT and then keep doing it. I still run through a few accessory exercises at least once a week just to remind those little slacker muscles to pay attention.
Kyle Nagy will joke that his PhD in Mechanical Engineering has been “absolutely no use” in his current role, but if you ask him, being a full-time stay-at-home dad to three kids requires plenty of problem-solving. At 43, Kyle spends his days holding down the fort while his wife Regina works an intense schedule as an OB/GYN. About a year and a half ago, when he transitioned into dad-duty full time, he realized two things: he wanted to improve his fitness, and he needed something to do outside his home to keep his sanity. As it turns out, walking into Blackbird was exactly what he needed. Since then, Kyle has made incredible progress! He has lost more than 40 pounds and completely shifted how he thinks about health. What started as a weight-loss goal has evolved into a new mission: building strength, adding muscle, and passing on the importance of making incremental changes that make a big impact to his children. Along the way, he’s learned that what happens outside the gym matters just as much as what happens during a workout. One week in particular stands out to him, when several things he’d been working on clicked at once - and those moments reminded him that progress shows up when you stick with it. These days, Kyle loves rope climbs (even if he says he’s “not very good at them yet”), along with deadlifts, back squats, and any workout that involves running. Snatches? Not so much. Rings and double-unders? Still in the courting phase. After tweaking his shoulder during Murph last summer, he’s become more intentional about listening to his body and training for the long haul. Outside the gym, he dreams of tropical getaways, squeezes in the occasional gaming session, and treasures family game nights. His advice to anyone new to CrossFit is simple, but wise: don’t compare yourself to anyone else, and focus on your own steady progress. For Kyle, it’s not about getting to hit the RX button every day - it’s about getting a little stronger and setting a healthy example his kids can grow up watching. We love having such a kind and funny family man as a part of our community! Read More About Kyle... Tell us about yourself: My name is Kyle Nagy. I’m 43, and I have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, which has been of absolutely no use in my current role as a full-time stay-at-home dad to our 10-year-old son, our 9-year-old daughter, and our 3-year-old youngest daughter. My wife, Regina, is an OB/GYN with an insane work schedule. What made you start CrossFit? What has kept you doing it? Has your motivation changed from when you first started? I started at Blackbird about 1.5 years ago because 1) I was unhappy with my level of fitness and 2), as I was transitioning to being a full-time dad, I needed something outside of the house and family in order to keep my sanity! I’ve since lost over 40 lbs., and I’ve become much more aware of and careful about my diet. My goals have now changed from losing weight to bulking and gaining muscle mass and strength, while limiting fat gain. What have you learned about movement, fitness, and yourself since joining Blackbird? The most important factor when it comes to fitness is diet, and the next important is sleep. You can work as hard as you like in the gym, and while you might gain in strength, your overall fitness goals will be much harder if not impossible to meet. What is your proudest moment in the gym? I had a week where things kind of clicked all at once. I kicked up into a handstand against the wall for the 1st time in my life, climbed a rope about halfway to the top, which I had never even attempted before, and did my first strict pull up. What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Is there something you dread seeing on Wodify? I love climbing rope, even though I’m not very good at it yet. I also enjoy deadlifts and back squats, and any workouts with running. Snatches are very challenging. I usually do level 2 workouts, but if I see snatches are involved, I know I’m lifting at least 20 lbs. less. I hate anything having to do with rings, and double-unders are a struggle. What do you enjoy most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general? I’ve been to a number of different CrossFit gyms throughout my life in various parts of the country, and what always stands out to me is the quality of the coaching, and the overall positivity of the members. I will also say that we at Blackbird are pretty spoiled with our facilities. More often than not, a CrossFit box is an old, converted car garage, where you’re freezing in winter, baking in summer, and finding free workout space among the equipment and other members can be challenging. We have a nice HVAC system, that insane fan, high ceilings, and tons of marked and ordered space! What impact has CrossFit had on you inside and outside of the gym? My overall mood is much better, I have more energy and feel great, and I get some nice compliments on my appearance! What are your CrossFit or fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them? I would love to be able to do Rx workouts, but that seems pretty remote at this point. More immediate goals are gaining overall strength, plus I’ve been doing supplemental body-building exercises post-WODs. When you are not in the gym what is your favorite thing to do? I love to travel anywhere tropical. Puerto Rico and Hawaii are my happy places! Once or twice a week, I’ll find a free hour to turn on my Playstation. My wife has an insane work schedule, so I’m usually by myself with the kids, but some weekends when she’s home we’ll do Family Game Nights, and those are fun and special. What is the one tip you would give someone considering CrossFit or new to CrossFit? Be realistic and don’t compare yourself to others! It might be tempting to compare yourself with people on Wodify, but the reality is that there are people who enter with many different histories and varying levels of fitness, from lifelong athletes to people, like me, who enter later in life, looking to overhaul their fitness. While I’m in awe of what people in the gym are capable of, I’m also aware that I likely won’t be able to reach certain levels of strength and athleticism. And that’s OK, I’m here to have fun, do my best, gain and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and pass that onto my kids. I choose to focus on my performance for each workout, and to make consistent, incremental changes. What is your favorite workout fuel? What’s your favorite indulgence? For daily workouts, I make a concoction of Kaged Pre-workout, BCAA, and creatine powders, and I'll eat a small box of raisins. My favorite indulgence is candy! Holidays, from Halloween to Christmas, are torture for me! Have you rehabbed an injury? If so, what takeaways or insight into training for longevity has that taught you? Has your long term approach to your training changed as a result of your experience? I did the Murph last summer, and aggravated some chronic issues with one of the ligaments in my right shoulder rotator cuff. It is very slowly improving, and I’m very careful with it, especially when workouts involve pushing, such as bench presses. The takeaway is to listen to your body! Leading up to the Murph, I would sometimes feel tenderness, but chose to ignore it, which was not smart when doing 200 pushups and fatigue sets in and form goes to crap. Now, while I push myself each workout, I won’t risk aggravating something if it doesn’t feel right.
