After a few amateurs vying for a spot on Day 1, we finally received our first worthy candidate in Jacob Reeves:
Jacob Reeves: Jacob had a great story about his disabled daughter being his inspiration for the course. His story was one that you surely thought would carry him through. Within two blocks of the first obstacle, The Quad Steps, Jacob slipped and fell into the water. His reaction: "I had all the right reasons to be trying and just didn't get it done." So true, yet so sad.
Stephen Krophl: A hometown volleyball star, Krophl had the mindset and physique to advance, and looked to be in good shape as he was the first competitor to conquer The Curtain Slider. Unfortunately, his lack of experience in dealing with The Warped Wall showed and he was unable to get up in his three attempts.
James Hardin: After almost overshooting his practice attempt on the trampoline leading to The Jump Hang, James easily beat The Curtain Slide and made it to The Warped Wall. His first attempt led to a busted lip but he was able to rebound with a perfect wall climb, our first ninja to compete the course.
Johnathan Morin: As is often the case, Morin had a pretty good backstory. "Jumbo" (the nickname given to him by his youth group) is a youth pastor from Grand Rapids, Michigan who had never heard of ANW. When his group stumbled upon the course, his kids encouraged him to attempt - Jumbo defeated the course with ease and (assuming qualification) is one to root for in the Finals Round.
Stephen Volcko: The most seasoned veteran in the Midwest Region, Volcko of Ames, Iowas was very highly touted before his run of the course. Unlike a couple competitors in the Southwest Region, Volcko lived up the hype and, going into day 2, is the ninja with the fasted time - 1:18:86
Going into Day 2, 75 have tried but only 6 have finished the
course. Here is a list of the noteworthy Day 2 competitors:
Aaron Branch: The rock-climbing pilot from Nebraska flies quickly
through the first four obstacles, Branch makes a mess of The Curtain Slider and,
after fighting it for a good thirty seconds, falls into the water.
Philip Michou: Straight edge mohawked pare core expert flies
through the first four obstacles. Fails after 3 attempts despite being within a
fingertip’s length on each try.
Arthur Skov: Minnesota native gymnastics coach nearly died
from a disease that stemmed from a mosquito bite. Despite being in a coma
months ago, Skov battled through the course, coming up just short on The Warped
Wall.
Will Dodd: The cartoonist from Wisconsin was smooth through
the first four obstacles, but also came up just short in the end. His quick
time through the first four will hopefully help him out.
Matt Laessig: A dedicated ANW fan, Laessig was extremely
confident through the first part of the course. After barely getting through
The Curtain Slider, he struggled in his inability to conquer The Warped Wall.
Andrew Lowes: After a great start, Lowes flew through The
Jump Hang and Curtain Slider. After 2 failed attempts, Lowes climbs The Warped
Wall and is the seventh to finish the course in the Region. However. his
overconfidence during his post-run interview is a bit upsetting and makes him
an easy one to pass over when trying to decide favorites for the Finals Round.
Joshua Grant: An engineering student and (surprise!)
gymnastics coach, Grant showed his athleticism throughout the course and
finished on just his second attempt of The Warped Wall. To this point, his time
is the best of the Region. A likeable competitor, Grant celebrates with a backflip
on The Warped Wall platform.
Brent Kelly: An NCAA fencing athlete, Brent is very slow in
the first obstacle. His tactical precision is characteristic of his entire run
and although he isn’t able to get up The Warped Wall, his run up to that point
should help him qualify for the Finals.
Matthew Derouen: A computer tech from St. Louis, Derouen is
a longtime fan but first time ANW competitor. The self-described “nerd” seems a
very capable ninja throughout his entire run and jumps up The Warped Wall on
the first attempt and right into first place. This rookie is one to keep an eye
on.
Andrew Karsen: A former Detroit Pistons cheerleader, is
clearly a favorite, which is apparent from the hype throughout the episode. Karsen
tried out last year but came up just short. The divorced father displays his
ANW aptitude as he scales The Warped Wall on his second try and wraps up the
Midwest Regional Round in the top spot.
Only twelve competitors completed the course in this region,
but thirty will advance to the Region Finals on NBC. Only Kelly listed above
did not advance. My favorites going into the Final Round (judged almost solely on story/personality as all are capable ninjas) include: 1) Matthew Derouen, 2) Joshua Grant, 3) Johnathan "Jumbo" Morin, 4) Arthur Skov, and 5) Will Dodd
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