Jack Rozema: From Collegiate Wrestler to CrossFit Games Competitor and Army Attorney
"I love using the PX2 AIRWAAV for all my training. It helps my jaw remain stable and keep my breathing regular throughout aerobic exercises. I'm also a big "clencher" when I'm hitting big lifts, so having the AIRWAAV to bite down on really helps me maximize my power and explosion when lifting heavy. You'll never find me training without it anymore." - Jack Rozema
Jack Rozema's journey to becoming a CrossFit Games athlete is one that blends athletic skill, military discipline, and a drive for excellence in every aspect of his life. As an active-duty Army attorney and former Ohio State wrestler, Jack brings a unique perspective to the sport of CrossFit, balancing his demanding career with elite-level training. In this blog, we’ll explore his sports background, rise through the ranks of CrossFit, and how AIRWAAV has become an integral part of his performance.
A Multifaceted Background: Jack’s Athletic and Military Foundation
Jack’s path to CrossFit started long before he stepped into a box. A multisport athlete in high school and a collegiate wrestler at Ohio State, Jack built a strong foundation that would later help him in CrossFit. “I had a good strength and conditioning base from being a multisport athlete through high school and wrestling in college,” Jack says. “Wrestling is also a very mentally demanding individual sport, so a lot of things like toughness, resilience, and ownership translated well to CrossFit for me.”
In addition to his sports background, Jack’s experience in the military as an active-duty Army attorney has further refined his discipline and focus. His ability to balance his Army career with his CrossFit training is a testament to his work ethic and time management skills. “My priorities are faith, family, fitness, and career, in that order,” Jack explains. “If something doesn’t align with my goals and priorities or is generally a waste of time, I do my best to cut it out of my life completely.”
Climbing the CrossFit Ranks
After being introduced to CrossFit in 2017, Jack began training seriously in 2019. His progression in the sport is reflected in his impressive Semifinal results:
- 2024 North America East Semifinal – 6th place
- 2023 North America West Semifinal – 13th place
- 2022 CrossFit Atlas Games – 15th place
- 2021 Granite Games – 15th place
Jack’s athletic career took a significant step forward in 2024 when he qualified for the CrossFit Games for the first time. Reflecting on that achievement, Jack says, "I was just glad the work paid off and I executed well enough to qualify. I had complete confidence in my preparation over the past year, so it was just a matter of going out and claiming my spot. I was extremely grateful for the support others had given me and felt blessed."
How AIRWAAV Became a Game Changer for Jack
In his pursuit of excellence, Jack continually looks for ways to enhance his performance, and AIRWAAV has become an essential tool in his training routine. “I saw other Games athletes using it and did my own research on what it was and how it allegedly helped them,” he explains. His primary interest in AIRWAAV stemmed from his tendency to clench during heavy lifts, and he wanted to see if the mouthpiece could make a difference in his overall performance.
The results have been clear. “My breathing is definitely more consistent throughout any kind of ‘bracing’ that I have to do,” Jack shares. This consistency in breathing is particularly important during the physically taxing moments of competition, where every movement counts.
Jack prefers the PX2 mouthpiece, noting, “I like the snug fit on my bottom teeth and for it not to move around at all.” His advice to those hesitant about trying the AIRWAAV mouthpiece? “Give yourself a week of trying it with an open mind, and experiment with it in different types of workouts. You’ll be surprised how quickly you adapt to it.”
Balancing Training, Military, and Life
Managing a demanding career as an active-duty Army attorney while training for the CrossFit Games isn’t easy, but Jack’s commitment to his priorities makes it possible. “While it’s true we only have 24 hours in a day and good sleep is a necessity, I think many people lack the ability to be forward-looking and backwards-planning,” he explains. Jack’s ability to cut out unnecessary distractions and stay focused on his goals has allowed him to succeed both as an Army officer and as an athlete.
When it comes to competition, Jack thrives on the individual aspect of CrossFit. “Individual 100%. I like the accountability and ownership that comes with it,” he says. Although team sports can be fun, Jack is committed to realizing his maximum potential as an individual.
Looking Forward: Future Goals
With his first CrossFit Games appearance under his belt, Jack remains laser-focused on improving his performance and continuing to compete at the highest level. “My goal is to continue competing and improve in the sport as much as I can,” he says. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Jack is also working toward business goals, showcasing his determination to excel in multiple areas of life.
Jack’s Go-To Gear
For those looking to emulate Jack’s success, he has a few key recommendations for gym essentials:
- AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece
- Strike MVMNT shoes
- CrossFit Mayhem apparel and sweatbands
Jack also incorporates the AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece into his routine for better sleep. “Like the performance mouthpiece, the recovery one took a few days to get used to. But now I notice a difference in feeling more rested when I wake up,” he says.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Athletes
As someone who has overcome numerous challenges, Jack offers this advice for anyone looking to push their limits or start a fitness journey: “Ask yourself what really matters in life, and go chase it relentlessly. Most people overestimate what they can do in a day but underestimate what they can do in a year.”
Jack Rozema’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with dedication, balance, and the right tools. From his days as a wrestler at Ohio State to his current role as an Army attorney and CrossFit Games competitor, Jack exemplifies what it means to excel in both sports and life. With AIRWAAV as part of his training toolkit, he’s well-equipped to continue raising the bar in the years to come.
