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 he 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 2022 Iron Buffalo recipients, Jacki De Los Santos and Josiah Smith. Congratulations you two! We’re grateful to have you as a part of this team and this family.
Jacki De Los Santos
When did you join the CFA community?
2018
What is one of your most memorable moments from your early days at CFA? Any ‘newbie’ stories you’d like to share?I
Always being nervous! I remember one time I saw the previous class doing double unders and turned my car around and said, “NOPE!” I did eventually turn back around though and once I got comfortable with more people I was less anxious to do things I wasn’t good at.
What is it about CFA that you love or that is different from other sports/programs you’ve tried?
Well duh, it’s the community! No, but for real even before I started crossfit I always admired the camaraderie of the professional athletes in the sport. I had no idea how much of an impact the cfa community would have on me when I started but I’m so happy I found it!
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to when you first started CrossFit?
Stop worrying about what everybody else thinks and just do the work! Ain’t nobody worried about how you look in your workouts.
What was your initial reason for starting (your ‘why’)? How has that ‘Why’ changed?
I was ready to get serious about getting healthier and I had been wanting to try crossfit for a while. One day I just decided to start looking for a crossfit gym and welp, the rest is history baby.
How did you create long term fitness/CrossFit success for yourself?
There is something about pushing my body to the limit for a hour that really just hits different for me, it’s almost addicting so it’s easy for me to come back day after day so discipline has never been a problem for me. Knowing how much better I feel when I’ve worked out also helps, sometimes if I miss a day it messes up my whole day. 🙁
What makes you come in and train on days when you don’t want to?
F R I E N D S 🙂
Recent PRs?
105# bench, 40kg snatch, and a sub 30min 5k!!
Current training goals?
Training for the Austin Marathon! I’ve always loved running so I’m super excited to see how far I can push my body!
Tell us about an obstacle you have had to work through in your training. How did you work through it?
Pregnancy for sure! I was very lazy and sick most days so navigating that new space was such a challenge for me and one I was particularly successful at. Taking my time coming back with Heidi’s BirthFit classes were such a huge part of my successful comeback postpartum, as well as taking it easy until my body was more healed and ready.
What is your cheat meal go to?
That depends on the day, but I love to bake and I realllllyyyy like to stress bake so any homemade bread/tortilla/cookies/etc are a problem for me
What does the Iron Buffalo title mean to you?
Putting in the work and always showing up even for the hard stuff.
Thoughts upon winning the title?
It’s just awesome to know others saw all the hard work I put into 2022. Ready to conquer my next quest next!
How will you use your new found Buffalo Strength?
First, to train for the Austin Marathon (half) and probably do at least one CrossFit competition and another weightlifting meet!
What are you most excited about in the upcoming year? Gym related and/or personally?
Growing, healing, and becoming a better mother 🙂
Leave the fine folks of CFA with some parting wisdom.
Don’t you ever worry, not even a little, about what other people think about you. You are amazing just the way you are.
Josiah Smith
When did you join the CFA community?
January or February of 2019.
What is one of your most memorable moments from your early days at CFA? Any ‘newbie’ stories you’d like to share?
Getting my form corrected and critiqued by Austin Coover on my first day and trying to keep up with Aaron Garza and being humbled. Still probably couldn’t beat him.
What is it about CFA that you love or that is different from other sports/programs you’ve tried?
I appreciate the focus on functional and practical fitness that translates to a lifetime of fitness and not necessarily focusing on the “elite athelete” growth.
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to when you first started CrossFit?
Don’t be so hesitant to adapt a growth mindset when it comes to your definition of being in shape/fitness.
What was your initial reason for starting (your ‘why’)? How has that ‘Why’ changed?
Originally i was getting tired of the traditional gym and wanted a more “extreme” workout
Now I come for the focus on total body strength, long term health, and community.
How did you create long term fitness/CrossFit success for yourself?
By making fitness a priority of every day. Regardless of if that’s crossfit, running, yoga or just going on a walk.
Continually changing my challenges and keeping track of progress
What makes you come in and train on days when you don’t want to?
Knowing I’ll feel better after I do it. It’s always worth it after starting
Recent PRs?
Just ran a 25k trail run that had over 3500 ft of elevation change under 3hrs. Pretty happy with that.
Current training goals?
Not look like a scrub at The Fittest Experience at the end of the month. Come watch!
Tell us about an obstacle you have had to work through in your training. How did you work through it?
Actually had my first real injury earlier this year deadlifting at 60% max, still did the WOD and made it worse. I had to take a hard look in the mirror and shift my focus to rehabbing it and modifying which wasn’t easy mentally. The idea of longevity and not acute gains helped.
What is your cheat meal go to?
Pizza forever and always
What does the Iron Buffalo title mean to you?
Although we’re not coming to CFA for the recognition, I was very humbled and honored to be recognized by the coaching staff and gym. It makes all the effort and hard work at the gym have a lovely physical and emotional reminder. Always grateful for all the people who have made me a better person and athlete.
Thoughts upon winning the title?
Sayyed texted me in Costa Rica and told me I won. I thought he was joking with me and I didn’t hear from anyone else so I kinda just ignored it haha but I was very happy to hear it!
How will you use your new found Buffalo Strength?
I’ll just keep doing the things I’ve been doing and if that continues to demonstrate Buffalo Strength then I’ll be happy with that.
What are you most excited about in the upcoming year? Gym related and/or personally?
Gym: the fittest experience
Leave the fine folks of CFA with some parting wisdom.
Thank y’all for being an extended family. Love seeing all the new faces at the gym and watching it grow!
