AHS teacher and coach is world-class athlete
For most people, teaching classes, coaching multiple sports, and managing a busy family life would be more than enough to fill a schedule.
For Arlington High School teacher and coach Chris Reil, it’s only part of the equation.
When Reil is not teaching Money Matters, coaching Arlington High School’s boys soccer teams or working with quarterbacks on the football field, he can often be found training for one of the most demanding fitness competitions in the world: the CrossFit Games.
“Since about 2013, it’s been my go-to,” Reil said. “I was flipping through ESPN one day and saw CrossFit and thought this is really cool, I might really like this.”
CrossFit combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and endurance exercises into constantly changing workouts designed to test strength, speed, stamina, and mental toughness. The CrossFit Games are considered the pinnacle of the sport, bringing together elite athletes from around the world to compete in a series of rigorous events. Athletes must first advance through multiple qualifying rounds before earning a coveted spot at the Games.
Arlington High coach balances teaching, coaching, and competing on the world stage at the CrossFit Games
Reil achieved that milestone for the first time in 2021 when he qualified for the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin. Although an injury during the second event cut that experience short, he remained determined to return. Following surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, Reil worked his way back to competition. In 2023, he narrowly missed another Games appearance, finishing one spot shy of qualification. The setback only fueled his motivation.
Five years after his injury, Reil punched his ticket back to the CrossFit Games by qualifying through a semifinal event in Birmingham, Alabama.
“It was exciting to finally get back,” Reil said. “It’s one thing to say you did it once, but now I can say I’m a multi-time qualifier.”
This summer, Reil competed in the men’s 45-49 division and finished 18th in the world among approximately 15,000 athletes who began the season.
“I guess I can say I’m the 18th fittest 45- to 49-year-old in the world,” he joked.
Reaching that level requires an immense commitment. During football season, Reil typically squeezes in 60 to 75 minutes of training each day before turning his attention to practices, games and classroom responsibilities. During the offseason, his training volume increases as he finds additional opportunities to work out around soccer matches and school commitments.
His commitment has not gone unnoticed by students and colleagues. Teachers and coaches at Arlington High have supported Reil throughout his CrossFit journey, often purchasing T-shirts to help offset travel expenses associated with competing. Students regularly ask about competitions and are fascinated by the dedication required to perform at such a high level. For Reil, that support serves as an opportunity to lead by example.
“I wouldn’t ask kids to do things that I’m not willing to do myself,” Reil said. “If I’m asking them to work hard and do hard things, hopefully they can see that I’m doing the same thing.”
While Reil’s accomplishments in CrossFit are impressive, he is quick to credit his support system, especially his wife, who he describes as his unofficial coach, travel coordinator, and biggest advocate.
As he looks toward the future, Reil says he plans to keep training and competing, even if another trip to the CrossFit Games is not his primary focus. For now, he is content balancing the roles of teacher, coach, husband, and athlete while continuing to pursue excellence in each.
Whether he’s preparing students for life after high school, coaching athletes on the field, or testing his own limits in the gym, Reil approaches each challenge with the same philosophy: Movement matters. Hard work matters. And growth comes from showing up every day and finding a way to get better.