This month’s member spotlight is shinin’ bright on the two and only Michelle and Alan DeVall! These two work so hard, day-in and day-out, and aren’t afraid of any challenge that comes their way — whether that’s triathlons, taking up a new hobby (ice skating, anyone?), running long distances in Texas at any point of the year, or otherwise.. They are also cat people and band teachers (at different schools), so that’s neat and adorable.
Let’s get to know Michelle and Alan!
What is the #1 thing that got you hooked on CrossFit?
Michelle: We were members of a regular gym that closed for remodeling. A group of teachers I ate lunch with kept talking about the CrossFit they went to nearby. I decided to check it out while our gym was closed. I really liked that I could attend classes at any time of the day and still get the same workout. I kept going back because I liked the challenge.
Alan: I got hooked on Crossfit through Michelle. In the fall of 2013 we were living in Fort Myers, FL. Michelle tried it out and told me I would like it. She was right and I was hooked. We moved to Austin 6 months later and decided we definitely didn’t want to give it up.
What made you both want to be band teachers?
Michelle: I was on the student leadership team when I was in high school marching band. I enjoyed helping other students learn how to march and play better. Teaching music seemed like a natural fit.
Alan: I was always involved in Music growing up (playing piano, guitar and trombone). My high school Band director was the main inspiration for me deciding to become a music teacher.
What is the most ridiculous thing a student has done in your time as teachers?
Michelle: I’ve been fortunate to not have too many bad things happen. The worst I can think of is that two students go into some kind of discourse, and one threw a drum stick at another.
Alan: The craziest thing that ever happened to me as a teacher was in 2013. I had two students break into the band hall after I had left. They then proceeded to climb into the drop ceiling to try to hide something, but instead they fell through causing the ceiling tiles and lighting to collapse. They had to pay a couple thousand dollars worth of damages.
Were you teachers pets in school or rebels?
Michelle: Not really either. I mostly kept to myself and just did the work.
Alan: I’m not sure I tried to be a teacher’s pet when I was in school, but I’m sure other people thought I was. I just tried to do my best. As a trombone player we always sit in the back row, so I have seen all the ways people can goof off (even as adults). Now I use it as leverage when my students goof off.
There you have it.
They CrossFit, they music, and they mold the minds of baby children to raise up the next Mozart! They are a pair of joys and if you don’t know ‘em, introduce yourself the next time you’re in the gym…
because they will most likely be there.
