
Gretchen Stramel
Head CrossFit Trainer and Director of Operations
Certifications
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, CrossFit Kids, USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach Certified, CrossFit Powerlifting, CrossFit FootballEducation
University of St. Thomas – Elementary Education & Communications 2001 Rosemount High School 1997Interests
Watching and supporting my kids in their activities. Spending time with family and friends.Coaching Philosophy
The absolute best thing about CrossFit is that anyone with an open mind and a positive attitude can succeed, no matter their age or fitness level. CrossFit Templar’s dedication to observe, teach and communicate effectively to the athlete allows this simple yet ever changing fitness to produce challenges and results, keeping the athlete coming back for more.
Katie Griffin
CrossFit Kids Trainer, CrossFit Trainer
Certifications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, CrossFit KidsEducation
University of St. Thomas – K-12 Physical Education Waseca High School – 1993Interests
Tennis. Watching my kids play various sports. Spending time with friends and family.Coaching Philosophy
The beauty of CrossFit is that it is 100% scalable so every workout can be modified making each WOD possible, regardless of skill level. When you become a member of the CrossFit community it makes you want to spread the word to everyone you know. I have set out to mentor our athletes to establish and attain their goals, making each and every person a better athlete. I believe Crossfit is a lifestyle, not just a “fad” or “diet” and my ultimate goal is that everyone goes home feeling better about themselves and the progress that’s been made. I want each and every athlete to accomplish something that they never thought possible! Just knowing and seeing the dramatic changes in myself, my family, and the athletes in our gym have made me a firm believer for life!
Heidi Hilliard
CrossFit Trainer
Certifications
CrossFit Level 1 TrainerEducation
University of St. Mary’s: Master of Arts in Education University of St. Thomas: Elementary Education; 5-8 Science Eastview High School 1999Interests
Spending time with friends and family. Reading.Coaching Philosophy
Exercising can and should be fun! CrossFit is a way to challenge yourself mentally and physically while being a part of a community of great people. Each workout is an adventure. My goal as a coach is to guide you through the adventure so when you’re finished you feel accomplished and exhausted.
Teri Lynn Chesek
CrossFit Trainer
Certifications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, CrossFit KidsEducation
Marquette University – Electrical Engineering, DePaul University – MS in NetworkingInterests
Reading, running, CrossFit, traveling, spending time with my family.Coaching Philosophy
Maximum effort on a daily basis is the only true way to reach your full potential. Take extra time before or after class to practice your skills, strengths, and most importantly, your weaknesses. That is the only way you will achieve your goals.
Jon Ruiz
CrossFit Trainer
Certifications
CrossFit Level 1 Certified, CrossFit participant since 2010Education
Dartmouth College: BA with Majors in Computer Science & Psychology, The Blake SchoolInterests
Family, friends, lifting, running, triathlons, programming, movies, reading, video gamesCoaching Philosophy
I’m 45 and in the best shape of my life! I started at 30 as a runner and triathlete which helped my cardio and weight, but it wasn’t until CrossFit that I learned what it means to be fit physically and mentally. Just going to the gym wasn’t enough to improve. I needed a trainer to motivate. That’s part of the magic of CrossFit – your coaches and fellow athletes are fantastic motivators. Combine that with a variety of movements and modifications and it never gets dull. There’s always something to work at, something you’re improving at and people to share it with. I became a coach because I love the gym and community, and wanted to help others achieve their own personal best.
Maggie Martin
Coach
Certifications
Crossfit Level 1 TrainerEducation
University of Northwestern B.S., Organizational AdministrationInterests
Family, weightlifting, reading, house projectsCoaching Philosophy
My goal as a coach is to create an encouraging environment that no matter what your age, skill, or fitness level, ensures you get a great workout and have some fun in the process. When I first walked in the door of Crossfit Templar many years ago, I hadn’t done much for physical activity since college, was significantly overweight, and had never touched a barbell in my life. Since then, I’ve discovered a love of lifting, improved my fitness, and have met many new friends in our amazingly supportive community. I’m excited to have the privilege to come alongside athletes and empower them in their fitness journey.
Dave Trembath
Coach
Certifications
Crossfit Level 1 TrainerEducation
Concordia College Moorhead, BA in Accounting & Economics St. Thomas University – MS of AccountancyInterests
Weightlifting, CrossFit, Mountain Biking, and board/tabletop games.Coaching Philosophy
My goal as a coach is to help people live their best life physically. I believe that through proper nutrition and movement people can be healthy and active regardless of what their starting point is.