Professionally, I am the nurse manager of a neuroscience unit. I oversee 90 employees—including nurses, technicians, and secretaries—across three levels of acuity, ranging from step-down care to the ICU. Personally, I am a husband and father to two young athletes, Graham (9) and Caroline (6).
What led you to try CrossFit?
I first became interested in health and fitness at 16 to improve my strength for wrestling. Over time, my focus evolved from powerlifting and bodybuilding toward becoming more functional and versatile. I began incorporating Olympic lifting and metabolic conditioning into my routine and eventually started following the CrossFit main site workouts around 2012.
Why do you continue to CrossFit?
I have always wanted to push the limits of what I am capable of. While I initially pushed too hard—often increasing the prescribed weights and training through "rest" days while preparing for a half Ironman—CrossFit has remained a constant for me. Even after a broken humerus and a torn pectoralis major led to surgeries and a prognosis that I’d never lift heavy again, I used the sport to prove that hard work and the right mindset can overcome those limitations.
Describe how your attitude towards health and fitness has evolved since you began your journey.
I’ve learned the hard way that you can only push your body so far before it breaks. As a Masters athlete, my perspective has shifted toward longevity. I’ve learned to listen to my body while still enjoying how the sport constantly challenges me to improve on my weaknesses.
Share a memorable CrossFit moment that makes you laugh or puts a smile on your face.
Aside from the feeling of finishing a tough workout, it has been seeing my kids develop their own drive and work ethic to succeed in their own sports.
What are you proud of and why?
I am proud of my resilience. After being told I wouldn't be able to return to my previous level of fitness following my injuries, I proved that with time and discipline, you can make it happen.
What's your advice for other CrossFitters or people looking to start?
Consistency and mindset are everything. Listen to your body, but don't be afraid to put in the work to see what you are truly capable of achieving.
Why the coaches chose Ray as Titan of the Month:
Ray is an outgoing, encouraging, and friendly presence who brings a fun competitive edge to community events. He came to Titan with a robust background in lifting weights and strength training; during workouts he often sets a high bar with his performance, then encourages others to challenge themselves to keep up.
Since he’s been here, Ray has worked hard to improve his gymnastics skills, always open to feedback and looking to improve. Even outside of classes he keeps up a steady intensity, and had an incredible CrossFit Open season. Though he narrowly missed out on qualifying for semifinals, he pushed through all five grueling semifinals workouts anyway - a testament to his dedication.
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