Interview with Tommy Hackenbruck
Tommy Hackenbruck is a father, husband, coach, gym owner and an athlete. He's an all around great guy and in our opinion a role model. He's capable of balancing all aspects of life and achiving greatness in everything he does. Over the past two years we've really gotten to know Tommy. We all consider him a friend and are happy to have him officially on the SFH team!
We conducted a brief interview with Tommy, so everyone who doesn't already know this amazing guy, has the opportunity to get to know him a little better.
What is your athletic background?
Prior to CrossFit, I did a little of everything but always gravitated toward the sports that required the most danger and risk. I had no official gymnastics training but learned to tumble at a young age and remember doing backflips in my football pads in the back yard (I was practicing my touchdown celebration for the NFL when I grew up). In high school I played basketball and football, as well as competing in pole vault, javelin, discus, hurdles, and triple jump on the track and field team. Football was real love from a young age and I was fortunate to go on to play linebacker for the University of Utah, ending my career with a Fiesta Bowl win on the first ever BCS Busting team.
When did you decide to start competing in Crossfit?
I started in a CrossFit gym in January of 2009, about 2 weeks into it I decided that it would be "fun" to compete in the sport and train for the CrossFit Games.
How did you transition from being an athlete to being a coach?
My father coached HS Football for 30 years and my Grandfather coached HS Basketball for over 50 years, so I've always had a passion for helping and teaching others. Throughout my life I've taken every opportunity to help coach youth sports teams, mentor younger teammates I've played with, and now I coach clients on a day to day basis as well as program workouts and coach CrossFit Games Athletes.
Where do you see yourself going with Crossfit and coaching?
I know as an athlete my time will come, but the passion I have for helping people will keep me coaching for the rest of my life. I am blessed to have some amazing athletes to work with in Utah, and will continue to develop and train people in all sports. I would love to coach athletes in the CrossFit Games every year as individuals and on teams, and someday hope to train my son and daughter for whatever they choose to pursue in life.
How do you see your coaching helping people?
As a coach there is nothing better than celebrating the victory's and successes of your clients. I have seen people overcome nagging injuries that have troubled them for years, transform their bodies, and achieve levels of fitness they never had at any stage in their life. The most rewarding thing as a coach is hearing a client brag about being the fittest and happiest they have ever been, and they are over 50 years old.
How do these skills apply to your life outside of competition?
As a competitive athlete I know the value of a great coach. I was blessed to have an amazing HS coach (my dad) and College coach in Urban Meyer. Those men taught me lessons about hard work, setting goals, and having a positive attitude that have helped me succeed as an athlete and as a business owner. I hope that I can provide that leadership and influence to all of the athletes that I work with, and create a culture in my business of hard work and positivity that trickles down to all of our clients.
Competition Record:
2009- 2nd Place in world
2010- 9th place in world
2010- Coached affiliate team to games
2011- 23rd place in world
2011- coached Taylor Richards-Lindsay 24th place in world
2011- coached affiliate team 9th place in world
2012- Affiliate Team member and coach, 1st SW Regional
2012- CrossFit Games July 14-15
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to grow a business that promotes fitness and wellness through competition, proper training, and nutrition awareness. I worry that too many people get the wrong message, or mixed messages about fitness and wellness and end up looking in the wrong places. By promoting fitness through intense, functional training, coupled with proper nutrition choices I believe we can make a huge difference in the health of our community.
Where to find Tommy:
Website: http://utecrossfit.com/
Twitter: @UteCrossFit