Meet the Team
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John Tanner
Owner, Head Coach
Alabama native, Coach Tanner grew up here on the Gulf Coast. After graduating from Gulf Shores High School, John played soccer for Spring Hill College from 2008-2012 while earning his B.S. in Marine and Organismal Biology, and began CrossFit while training for the soccer program. After college, John worked for the Alabama Coastal Foundation until he moved to Breckenridge, Co to pursue a snow boarding career. In 2015 John returned to his roots and began coaching for CFOB. Currently, Coach Tanner is involved in youth athletics as the Athletic Director for the City of Orange Beach Expect Excellence Program, and the Mako Academy. John is committed to the fundamentals of functional fitness and to teaching all ages the importance of health and fitness.
BS Marine Biology
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
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Elizabeth Burgreen
Coach
Elizabeth grew up in Athens, Alabama where she developed the sweetest, southern charm but has resided on the Alabama Gulf Coast since 2016. She received both her bachelor's degree and master's degree at The University of Mississippi and currently works in marketing in higher education.
She spent most of her younger years as a gymnast, so naturally CrossFit sparked her interest. When she’s not working out or coaching at CFOB, Elizabeth spends her afternoons at Gulf Coast Tumbling sharing her gymnastic expertise with the young, aspiring gymnasts and cheerleaders of our community.
BA in Journalism; MS in Integrated Marketing Communications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
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Chris Whitley
Coach
Meet our newest Coach, Chris Whitley! Chris began competing in 2018 and quickly became addicted to the sport. At CFOB, he has found a supportive community and is excited to share what he has learned with our athletes.
Favorite Movement: Bar Muscle-Up - “It used to be so challenging, but its now nice to string a few together. Definitely a work in progress!”
Favorite Workout: MURPH - “Because of its tough mental challenge.”
Chris’s dedication to his own fitness is inspiring and his coaching reflects this passion. Chris has never met a stranger, and is known for always making our visitors feel right at home.
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
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Blake Hartley
Coach
Orange Beach Native, Coach Blake started working as an Orange Beach Surf Rescue life guard in 2007 while a junior in High School. It was here that Blake fell in love with fitness and developed a desire to help others with their own fitness pursuits. After graduating, Blake attended the University of South Alabama earning his BS in Emergency Medical Services and went on to work with the Orange Beach Fire Rescue as a firefighter/paramedic. Blake’s interest in health services led him to go back to the University of South Alabama where he recently graduated with his BSN. Coach Blake currently works full time with the fire department and part time as an emergency room nurse. Coach Blake has truly developed a passion to help others improve their health, fitness and overall quality of life.
BSEMS
BSN
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer