Florida Grid League History · October 17, 2016

GRID 6 couple, interview of Ann Musselman and Alex Lefcakis

If you followed the MIA classic, then you have seen the name Alex Lefcakis. Here he is Clean and Jerking 418lbs as part of a 325kg total easily qualifying him for the American Open in December.

A video posted by Alex Lefcakis (@lox2123) on Oct 16, 2016 at 4:51pm PD

Alex and his fiancé Ann Musselman are also veterans of the first ever GRID 6 in Fort Myers on team Real Fitness. One of the unique and fun aspects of GRID is that since it is a coed, team sport… it lends to couples playing together on a team more so than other sports. We wanted to catch up with Ann and Alex to hear about how the experience of playing together was.

In addition, since Alex trains exclusively as a weightlifter, hearing his feedback on how those specific skill sets translate on a GRID team is an interesting and unique dynamic as well.

FGL: Could you tell us a little bit about your athletic backgrounds and accomplishments?

Ann: I participated in practically every sport offered at my small school, starting at age 5 with softball, followed up by basketball, volleyball, track, and cheerleading throughout my school years. As an adult I used to love training Muay Thai, JKD and running on the beach. Per Alex’s encouragement I started CrossFit almost two years ago and have made that my primary athletic activity. My most recent accomplishment (outside of CrossFit activities) was running the Pittsburgh marathon and loved every step of it!

Alex: My primary sports were basketball and baseball which I was fortunate to play throughout college. CrossFit led me to Olympic Weightlifting which has been my passion for the last few years. I’ve managed to win the Southeast Classic at 94 kg and compete in the A session at the American Open in Reno last year.

FGL: What was your experience with GRID prior to GRID 6? And how would you describe your first experience playing GRID?

Ann: I had zero experience with GRID and quite honestly had not heard about it before a fellow teammate sent a request to join the team. After reviewing a few videos, I was still uncertain on the logistical pieces and how it would all come together as a race but committed with low expectations.

Phenomenal! Every component to GRID 6 was exceptionally well managed and we had an absolute blast strategizing on the various events and how to execute them properly. It was so much easier to understand in person and the adrenaline levels were high!

Alex: None, but I loved it! It was shorts bursts of high energy lifting movements and I thoroughly enjoyed spending the weekend doing what I love to do, lifting. I’ve continued to rave about it and I’m intrigued with other GRID events and levels.

FGL: What is the difference between a more traditional fitness competition and a GRID 6 competition in your mind?

Ann: In our opinion the greatest difference is your role on the team. For a traditional fitness competition, you could be utilized for several segments of the workout such as body weight movements, cardio, lifting and contribute overall to getting it done. However, in GRID 6 you’re utilized very specifically for your skill set and only a small piece to the puzzle of each event. Since Alex’s skill is anything strength related he would only expect to contribute to strength movements and that exclusively. At one point (in a certain race) during GRID 6 Alex even commented he sweat more during the warm up than during the actual event because he was only used for a small portion of it.

FGL: How would you describe the opportunity to compete on the same team together as a couple? Did you take anything out of that experience?

Ann: Unforgettable! For good and not so great reasons :0). GRID 6 was on my birthday so competing together was my birthday request (it took a little convincing for Alex to accept the role) and a fabulous way to spend the weekend together. I had a lot of anxiety about doing well since it was my first team competition and was concerned about letting him down more so than anyone else. It meant so much more to have him compete alongside me and encourage one another in action.

Alex: We are both very, very competitive so that drive can bring out the best or worst sides of people. Fortunately, it brings us closer together because we can relate to the passion and dedication necessary for constantly training. I would encourage other folks to compete at least once as a couple and look forward to the next opportunity for us to do so.

FGL: What are your athletic goals upcoming? What should people know about you and where can they best follow your progress?

Ann: Strength, strength, strength! I would love to develop better technique and overall strength however will have to balance training time in addition to a full time job, raising a 6-year-old daughter, two dogs and planning for a May wedding as priorities.

Alex: I’ll be competing in the Miami Classic on October 16th to attempt to qualify again for the American Open (Alex since easily qualified). My ultimate goal is to execute a 150 kg snatch (330 lbs) and 190 kg clean and jerk (418 lbs) for the American Open in December this year. I’m not shy about sharing my progress on social media so Facebook or Instagram @lox2123 are easy ways to keep up with my progress.

Learn more about putting your own team together for GRID 6 Miami. Click here for more information or watch the promo video below: