Every year, we’ve chosen a male and female that stood out to us and exemplified the things that we look for in members of our community. We call this award The Iron Buffalo. The athletes chosen were not limited to physical ability alone, although both of these athletes are quite talented in their individual areas. The award also encompasses their ability to connect with their fellow CFA members, their continuous drive, and their commitment not only to this community, but to their own longevity, health, and overall being.
As we were considering the elements of this award, Tim turned to his own family and his own history. The Buffalo has been a symbol in his family for many years. From family homesteading a ranch in Buffalo, Texas where he and his brother made many childhood memories, to his hometown in Bartlesville, OK where Buffalo statues line the intersections of the city. Even the company formed to purchase the gym, The Buffalo Collective, uses the symbol.
The Buffalo, in Native American culture symbolizes a spirit of abundance and friendship. As a totem it symbolizes earth-centeredness, selflessness, and the power of a team unit. The buffalo itself is a symbol of power. It has the strength the carry heavy burdens, not just physically, but in all aspects. We find all of these qualities to be what we looked for in our athletes of the year and could not be more proud to call them the Iron Buffalo recipients.
These athletes exemplify all of these amazing qualities and more. They lead by example. They work hard. Their family and friends are a priority in their lives and they uplift and encourage those around them. We are so honored to share the interviews of our 2023 Iron Buffalo recipients, Melissa Barker and Matt Cleaver. Congratulations you two! We’re grateful to have you as a part of this team and this family.
MELISSA BARKER
When did you join the CFA community?
September 2020
What is one of your most memorable moments from your early days at CFA? Any ‘newbie’ stories you’d like to share?
I joined the Thirsty Thursday crew during my early days at CFA and got to make new friends in a social setting after the 6 PM class.
What is it about CFA that you love or that is different from other sports/programs you’ve tried?
The coaches are the best, and the onboarding program with a Coach For Life (shout out to Dylan!) is unique and a great way to start at the gym.
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to when you first started CrossFit?
Don’t focus on what everyone else is doing around you. It is most important to learn technique and move well before you start adding weight to lifts and progressing in gymnastics movements.
What was your initial reason for starting (your ‘why’)? How has that ‘Why’ changed?
I started doing CrossFit because I wanted to get stronger and that is still my goal – there is also something new to chase.
How did you create long term fitness/CrossFit success for yourself?
I have been consistent in my training and I try to always make time for workouts in my days. It is so good for both my physical and mental health.
What makes you come in and train on days when you don’t want to?
I know that I will always feel better after I have finished a workout. I also look forward to coming in to see friends and catching up on our days.
Recent PRs?
I recently PRed my clean and jerk as well as my snatch. That was really exciting after being stuck at some numbers for a long time.
Current training goals?
I’m trying to focus on my technique and moving well. I have been spending more time with the Olympic weightlifting classes and have started to see that pay off.
Tell us about an obstacle you have had to work through in your training. How did you work through it?
I have had a few injuries that forced me to take some time off or modify movements and workouts. It is really hard for me to take time away from the gym, but I have learned how important it is to listen to my body especially for longevity.
What is your cheat meal go to?
Definitely Taco Bell and champagne
What does the Iron Buffalo title mean to you?
The CFA community is unlike any other that I have been a part of, and winning the title this year is so special. It is such a great crew to be included with.
Thoughts upon winning the title?
I was surprised and truly honored to be recognized as the 2023 Iron Buffalo. Tim almost made me cry with that speech!
How will you use your new found Buffalo Strength?
I will continue to be consistent in the gym and help to welcome new people to the community. I hope that everyone feels connected whether it is during class time or at the social outings – always come say hi to me!
What are you most excited about in the upcoming year? Gym related and/or personally?
Personally, I’m looking forward to plenty of travel this year and getting to visit new places. Also more pool parties this summer!
Leave the fine folks of CFA with some parting wisdom.
Call your mom…
MATT CLEAVER
When did you join the CFA community?
March 2020…yeah….perfect time to join a new gym with Covid looming.
What is one of your most memorable moments from your early days at CFA? Any ‘newbie’ stories you’d like to share?
During quarantine, our entire athlete congregation met virtually to workout in our home gyms, or patio’s. Watching coach Dylan’s face dug into the camera to watch people’s form through a 1 ½ inch screen is one for memory book.
What is it about CFA that you love or that is different from other sports/programs you’ve tried?
It’s a tad cliché to say, but it holds true – our community. The coaches have cultivated a contagious culture that excites me to come every day. We have such an eclectic group of athletes that makes it differentiated from other gyms. Additionally, each athlete and coach genuinely wants others to grow, and obtain feats that they never thought possible.
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to when you first started CrossFit?
Do more weightlifting with Coach Dylan, and Gus. There’s more to the gym than just CrossFit. They will get you dialed in with technique.
What was your initial reason for starting (your ‘why’)? How has that ‘Why’ changed?
I’ve been involved with athletics my entire life, but I wanted to become a “well-rounded” athlete. Admittedly, aesthetics played a huge roleinto my “why,” but as I am getting older and growing my family, I want to be an example to my kids of the importance of health and exercise.
How did you create long term fitness/CrossFit success for yourself?
Again, athletics have been a huge part of me. I wouldn’t go as far to say it’s my identity, but it’s definitely engrained in my lifestyle. Additionally, it’s just plain fun to get a PR or just a good workout in and walk away feeling “yeah…I freakin’ crushed that WOD today, and I beat Ryan.”
What makes you come in and train on days when you don’t want to?
This circles back to my “why” – I’m setting an example for my family. I have to give a lot of credit to my wife. She routinely encourages me and supports my love for the sport.
Recent PRs?2023, 215# clean and jerk. Also, I had my inaugural HYROX race in 2023. I highly encourage everyone to check it out, and Coach Tim is a heck of a coach for it.
Current training goals?
With baby #2 on the way, my goals for 2024 are simply to stay healthy and prevent getting a dad bod! I’m also still chasing BW snatch.
Tell us about an obstacle you have had to work through in your training. How did you work through it?
As athletes, we are imminently going to encounter injuries. I will encounter the typical lower back and/or shoulder injuries from time-to-time. When this occurs, I simply scale back weight and movements and work on the grueling resistance bands to ensure I gain the strength and mobility back. And shout out to Coach Heidi for her recovery techniques and massages!
What is your cheat meal go to?
Oh man….my routine cheat meal is Raising Canes. Gosh I love their sauce. I’ll also add I’m a sucker for chips and queso, and copious amounts of margaritas. Don’t forget to add the umbrella.
What does the Iron Buffalo title mean to you?
I am beyond honored to be the recipient of the Iron Buffalo award. It’s a reflection of the hard, consistent work I have put in, but I have to give genuine credit to my wife, and my CFA community. They make it a true joy to join them in gym and push beyond our limits. It’s the community and competitiveness that drives us beyond what we think we are capable of.
Thoughts upon winning the title?
I honestly was surprised, but again am very honored to receive it. There are several athletes I can name that are deserving of this award. My hope is that we as a community can all strive for that recognition and have 2024 be saturated with PR’s and excelling in not only the workouts, but supporting each other.
How will you use your new found Buffalo Strength?
I simply want it to encourage others. It’s a true honor to be recognized, and my hope is that encourage others to excel in their results, and grow as a community.
What are you most excited about in the upcoming year? Gym related and/or personally?
I’m excited to witness the folks training for the HYROX races coming in 2024. I know Josiah, Kyle, and Lynn are putting in some great work and am excited to see their hard work come to fruition in their upcoming races. It’s an unbelievable feat, but well worth the finish. Personally, I am mostly excited for the birth of our son due in April. I can’t wait to have another workout buddy.
Leave the fine folks of CFA with some parting wisdom.
There is an opportunity cost with every decision you make – time, money, temporary satisfaction, you name it. However, those sacrifices need to be for something truly meaningful. Find your “why.” This doesn’t need to be gym related. In fact, I encourage it not to be, because there are numerous things larger than it. Your “Why” should be something higher than yourself – God, and your family.
