Ed Sealy

CF-L2, USAW-L1, TPI Certified, BrandX PYCC

After a 15-year career as a golf professional, Ed returned to CTF as an athlete in July of 2015.  With all that coaching experience in golf, it wasn’t long before he approached then owner and founder of CTF, Craig Hysell about the opportunity to do more at CTF and the timing was perfect.  Craig was about to start his intensive CTF Coaches Prep Course and Ed jumped at the opportunity.  By spring of 2016, Ed had earned his CrossFit Level 1 and had begun coaching regularly. 

With CTF becoming his full-time focus, it was an easy decision to transition into the ownership role in Fall of 2018.  Since then, Ed has remained focused on both continuing to lead CTF the best way possible as well as continuing to hold education as a high priority for both himself and the staff.  

CTF is truly Ed’s “Home away from home.”  Spending portions of almost every day at the gym, he can be found doing almost everything, from coaching classes, to personal training, cleaning and chatting with members and staff.  If you have questions, he’ll find your answer.  Email him at ed@convictiontraining.com for all of your needs.

Brandon Duffner

Coach Brandon started his CrossFit journey in 2012 at one of the lowest points in his life.  CrossFit and Jesus became the things that pulled him out of that hole physically, mentally & spiritually.  Since then, he has become more involved in the sport of Weightlifting, but still loves everything that CrossFit has to offer the everyday person. 

 Since coming to CTF in December of 2018, Coach Brandon has been passionate about two things: Weightlifting and youth fitness and mentorship.  He is now the Director of Olympic Weightlifting and Youth Athlete Development at CTF. 

 As Head Coach of Conviction Barbell, he oversees the programming, training, and competition coaching of our official USAW barbell club.  He has coached our athletes to the American Open Series at The Arnold Sports Festival, The Masters National Championships, and The Masters Pan-Am Championships.  His dream is for the sport to continue to grow on the island and to see our athletes compete at the highest level.

 On the Youth Athlete Development side, Coach Brandon oversees the programming and training of our Brand X Youth Class.  This is a class for youths aged 13-18 and is aimed at developing well rounded athletes through strength and conditioning.  Coach Brandon has also had much success working 1 on 1 with youth athletes through personal training to improve their strength base for sport.  A stronger athlete is a better athlete!  The thing that Coach Brandon really loves about working with youth, is the ability to mentor them through these teenage years.  At the heart of every interaction, is the question of “what is best for this young man or woman?” 

 Education & Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University (2004)

USAW L1

USAW Club Coach/Director

SafeSport Certified

Brand X Youth Professional Coach

CrossFit L1

Aaron Angel

CF-L1, USAW-L1

Coach Aaron began CrossFit in 2010 and later joined CTF in the winter of 2011. Before he began CrossFit, Aaron competed in wrestling and cross country in highschool and continued to wrestle during college. Aaron began as an intern under Coach Craig in May of 2012 and would clean the gym in exchange for taking a rigorous coaching prep course, where he could only ask one question per day. Aaron officially got his red shirt in 2012 and has proven himself to be an excellent coach

Katie Campbell

Katie Campbell, CF-L1, USAW L1, Precision Nutrition L1, South Carolina licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

Coach Katie began doing functional fitness in 2010 and joined CTF in 2015. From being a pro-am long boarder and winning the junior world championships to competing in a body building competition, she’s both a master of dedication and decision. Specializing in personal training, nutrition, and physical therapy, Katie can take an experienced athlete to the next level or help someone clean up their diet to lead a cleaner and healthier lifestyle. With over 10 years of experience as a PTA, Coach Katie has led numerous athletes and patients on the path to recovery. Coach Katie also works with youth athletes in both physical therapy and sport specific training. If you’re trying to hit a fitness goal or looking to lead a healthier and longer life, Coach Katie will give you the push you need and keep you on track.

Natalie Esparza

Coach/Personal Trainer, CF-L2, CrossFit Gymnastics, Striking, and Jump Rope

 Originally from the west coast in Santa Rosa, California, Coach Natalie made her way over to the east coast and began her fitness journey in November of 2012 and fell in love with CrossFit.  Coach Natalie joined the CTF family in June of 2017 and she has since become the resident gymnastics coach and helps athletes work on their technique and strength to excel in all gymnastic movements ranging from handstands to muscle-ups.  Coach Natalie knows how to push every athlete to do their absolute best both in personal training sessions and in a class setting.  When she is not coaching athletes, she can be found actively crushing workouts or doing accessory work to prepare for an upcoming CrossFit competition.

Shaun Poole

Coach, CF-L1, USAW-L1

Coach Shaun began CrossFit in the Fall of 2018 when he joined the CTF family as a cleaning guy.  With no previous experience in any sports, it was a rough start, but with time, effort, and a lot of encouragement from the awesome CTF Army, Shaun was able to advance quickly and safely.  With a couple of years of experience under his belt, Shaun began talking to Coach Ed about beginning the coaches prep course in the Spring of 2020. Coach Shaun would go on to earn his CrossFit Level 1 in August and was given his official red coaches shirt in December later that year.  Shaun loves coaching and seeing the extraordinary progress in athletes whether it be a 20lb PR or seeing a slight increase in the range of motion for an athlete. Coach Shaun still takes pride in keeping the gym clean and can also be seen helping at the front desk in the mornings early in the week.