By now, you've probably heard that Rockford, MI will be invaded by some of the nation's top American Ninja Warriors on October 10th and 11th. But just who are these top competitors that will be joining us for Rockford Ninja Warrior? Here are some details about what makes these men and women so special:
Elet Hall
Elet Hall is a ski lift operator from Cavetown, Maryland who has competed on American Ninja Warrior for two seasons and recently represented the US in "American Ninja Warrior: US vs The World." In both attempts, he made it to Stage 2 of Mt. Midoriyama. He is a freerunner, personal trainer and writer when he's not on the slopes. Nicknamed "The Naturalist," Elet trains in the woods on nature's greatest obstacles and is dedicated to healthy living. When he runs the course you'll hear him yell "Send it!" before he begins to pay homage to his snowboarding background.
Drew Drechsel
Drew Drechsel is a professional Ninja, personal trainer and freerunner living in Houston, TX. He has become a common household name when it comes to American Ninja Warrior after competing in three seasons with great results. Drew has made it to Stage 2 of Mt. Midoriyama twice and set the fastest time in qualifying last season. He also does parkour and was tied for 5th in the World Parkour Championship. His fluid approach to the course makes it look easy!
Ryan Stratis
Ryan Stratis grew up in Putney, Georgia and was a wrestler, soccer player and swimmer. Staying active was a top priority for Ryan, which led him to enroll in JROTC in High School. He attended North Georgia College, where he pursued a commission as an Army Office in the Georgia Army National Guard. The obstacle training in his military background is what drew him to American Ninja Warrior. Ryan was a hardcore fan who went on to compete on four seasons of American Ninja Warrior, showing significant improvements in strength and agility each time. He also enjoys doing other extreme fitness competitions like Tough Mudders and has gone so far as to train in Japan for Ninja Warrior-style competitions.
Kevin Bull
Kevin Bull is a walk-on that competed in American Ninja Warrior's Venice Qualifying. In the Venice Finals he was the first contestant to complete Cannonball Alley and used an approach so astonishing that fans and fellow competitors could hardly believe that he had been able to finish. By grabbing onto the hanging ball with his legs Kevin was able to swing upside-down and dismount with a flip onto the platform. He later made it to Stage 1 of Mt. Midoriyama. It is his creativity and refusal to give up that make him a promising contestant to watch in the future.
James McGrath
James McGrath is a five time American Ninja Warrior that got his start as a walk-on after camping out in a van to get a shot at the course. He has made it to Stage 1 of Mt. Midoriyama once and Stage 2 of Mt. Midoriyama twice. James has also represented the USA in the Ninja Warrior competition "US vs Japan" where the Americans came away victorious.
Mia Lazarewicz
Mia Lazarewicz is an American Ninja Warrior competitor and an NSCA Certified Personal Trainer that specializes in flexibility, bodyweight strength training, core strength, balance training and gymnastics-based training.
Andrew Karsen
Andrew Karsen is a six time American Ninja competitor that is proud to be Michigan born and raised. He trains hard, encourages fellow competitors and inspires everyone he meets! As a fellow Michigander, we are proud to have his support!
David Schwartz
David Schwartz is a dietician and American Ninja Warrior competitor who attributes his success on the show to eating right and maintaining a healthy weight. His wife is also a dietician, which means that in his house, they put a lot of emphasis on using fresh produce that they grow themselves and creating healthy recipes that will fuel their bodies properly. David also combines strength training with regular cardio to provide a balanced workout.
