In 2018, John Myron Coffee tragically lost his life at age 19 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Two months later, friends and family organized a scholarship fund and held a fundraiser in his memory.
The John Myron Coffee Memorial WOD (CrossFit parlance for Workout of the Day) took place that first year and has continued each year since. Next week will be the fourth year of the competition.
Coffee played football for the Coffee Trojans and wore #63. He was a true Trojan at heart. Proceeds from the event will provide a $1,500 scholarship for a Trojan football player “who likes to work hard and has the biggest heart for his team.” Coffee Trojans are also given a chance to compete for a $1,000 scholarship to a program of their choice, with the winner of the workout of the day earning the funds.
The CrossFit-style event consists of a day of intense exercises, including 19 tire flips, a 200 meter run, 63 pull-ups, 19 burpees, a 400 meter run, 63 hang cleans (95/65), 19 burpees, a 400 meter run, 63 wall-ball shots (20/14) and (10’/9′), 19 burpees, 200 meter run and 19 tire flips. The reps are numbered 19 for his age at the time of his death and 63 for the number he wore.
Registration for the memorial is underway, with a $50 signup fee for a team of two Coffee High School students, a $60 fee for two non-CHS students, and $40 for an individual registrant. T-shirts are also for sale for the event and cost $25. Shirts will be included in the registration fee for all athletes.
Organizers also state that teams can consist of two males, two females, or a male and female pair. Anyone who does not want to sign up for the event but would like to donate is welcome to do so. The JMC Memorial Fund WOD will take place December 17 at the CHS weight room starting at 9:00 a.m. For more information, contact Amanda Coffee at (912) 381-4448, Mike Booth at (912) 325-5037, and Katy Lott at (912) 381-5158.
Registration fees and funds for t-shirts can be sent through Venmo to @JMC-memorial. Organizers ask that you include your t-shirt size in the description.