Bing faculty member is an international CrossFit champion

Sheryl (Sherrie) Yacalis had no idea that when her friend suggested trying a CrossFit class a decade ago, it would one day propel her into the international spotlight.

“I had never heard of CrossFit and was intimidated by it,” Yacalis admitted. “But I immediately fell in love with it because it challenged me much more than anything I had done before.”

Yacalis, an adjunct lecturer in Binghamton University’s Division of Health and Wellness Studies, ranked 12th overall in the Masters CrossFit Games held in Alabama this summer. She achieved three top-10 finishes during the international event, representing the highest CrossFit competition level.

This year’s games were held in Birmingham from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1. To qualify, athletes must complete three steps, starting with the CrossFit Open, which takes place in February and lasts for three weeks. In this first phase, the top 25% of participants advance to the quarterfinals. The top 10% of quarterfinalists move on to the semifinals. Finally, the top 20 semifinalists earn a spot at the CrossFit Games.

The CrossFit Games consisted of eight events over the weekend. Various abilities were tested, including deadlifts, running, max front squats, snatch ladders, rope climbs, pull-ups, toes-to-bar and power cleans.

Yacalis joined Binghamton’s Division of Health and Wellness Studies almost six years ago and teaches Health and Wellness through Weightlifting. CrossFit gives her short-term goals to work toward, and preparing for competitions, like the open or semifinals, helps keep her motivated.

While she enjoys training for its own sake, having the pressure of an upcoming qualifier or competition adds an extra layer of excitement.

“CrossFit has helped me get stronger and fitter as I’ve gotten older,” said Yacalis, who competes in the Women 60-64 category. “I’ve learned that I CAN learn new skills; with CrossFit, I feel like I’m never finished — there’s always something I can improve on!”

Yacalis said competing at a high level in CrossFit is physically and mentally demanding. It involves gymnastics skills, weightlifting and powerlifting movements, and cardiovascular endurance, and the training required is time-consuming.

Having the self-assurance to compete at the games was also a challenge.

“From day to day, my confidence wavered. Some days, I knew I deserved to go to the games, but others, I was just as certain I had no business going,” Yacalis said.

She worked hard to change her mindset and eventually relaxed a bit and enjoyed the experience.

“I was really happy with a couple of events, which gave my confidence a major boost,” Yacalis said. “The support from friends and my home gym (CrossFit Sona) also helped tremendously.”