ARMY LAWYER JACK ROZEMA IS AN ELITE CROSSFIT ATHLETE
If you had to pick the most in-shape person in the U.S. Army, where would you look? Sure, it makes a lot of sense to look at the Army Rangers, Green Berets, or Night Stalkers. You may even look in the SEALs, but that’s a mistake on your part and hopefully one you never tell a Soldier. Regardless, while your instincts may have had great intentions, it’s actually the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) where you’re most likely to find the right Soldier. Jack Rozema may be a lawyer for the military but he’s also an accomplished wrestler and one of the best CrossFit athletes in the entire world.
Jack Rozema May Just Be the Most In-Shape Army Lawyer Out There
While Jack Rozema continues to practice law as a part of the Army’s JAG Corp, his hustle doesn’t stop in the courtroom. Rozema competes in the CrossFit Games. He isn’t just athletic by normal terms but ranked 25th in the men’s finals. Simply put, the Soldier who is in the best shape out of anybody is likely a lawyer. Representing the Army Warrior Fitness Team, Jack Rozema’s CrossFit journey is a consistent representation of the military and shows what Soldiers are capable of. The administrative lawyer for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command runs sprints after lifting heavy objects, can likely do more burpees than you, climbs ropes, hits intense cardio routines, and plenty more in training and during events. CrossFit Open is open to thousands of athletes; however, it comes down to a few dozen who compete in the finals. Rozema understands how it feels to be on the outside looking in as he barely missed the cut in 2023. However, 2024, was kinder to him, though nothing was given. Intense dedication provided Rozema with a path to the finals. All of this while maintaining his position as an active duty judge advocate. Army fitness tests don’t stand a chance against Jack Rozema as he continues to train for the CrossFit Games. Though his final may be over, Rozema posted online his training, which involved a 10-mile run and 150 burpee pullups. Known as a Clovis, the workout routine is named after 2nd Lt. Clovis Ray. He was unfortunately killed in action in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan.
The Evolution of the CrossFit Games Continues
These days, the CrossFit Games is a large competition drawing viewers to a number of ESPN channels. They pit some of the most athletic people in the world against each other in the ultimate test of endurance and strength. Athletes like Jack Rozema must train for a variety of exercises and sports while competing to earn a place in the finals. Events aren’t released until the time of the CrossFit Games. If you’re going to earn the title of the “Fittest on Earth," along with its cash prize, you’re going to need to be comfortable with heat. Founded in 2007, the Games are typically held in the summer in locations, such as California and Texas, though Madison, Wisconsin, has also hosted the event. The 2024 season marked a big step for the CrossFit Games, taking place in the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth; however, the unfortunate death of Lazar Đukić of Serbia left a black eye over the event. Many athletes withdrew, including both 2023 champions—Laura Horvath and Jeffrey Adler. Although Jack Rozema didn’t withdraw from the CrossFit Games, he did make sure to pay tribute to Đukić. Additionally, he has called for “aggressive, appropriate action” to increase safety for future events.
Jack Rozema’s Wrestling Career Helped Build His Fitness Foundation
There are several cases in which the military helps inspire greatness in others; however, fitness has been an important part of Rozema’s life for quite some time. While he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, Rozema has been an accomplished wrestler. He is also a CrossFit coach helping others reach their goals. Rozema has been a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet, earning a scholarship along with a wrestling scholarship to the Ohio State. During his time as a Buckeye, Rozema would earn his degree while also being honored as a part of the Academic All-Big Ten selection. He is an Ohio State Scholar-Athlete, and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. However, all of this took place as he was one of the wrestlers to do something nobody else had done before or since. Rozema helped Ohio State win the 2014-15 national wrestling championship as a sophomore. Jack Rozema continues to prove that he is a man of many talents. It’s exciting to watch his career, both in the military and as an athlete, continue to unfold. Suggested reads: