Hero WOD Hotshots 19: Honoring the Granite Mountain Crew

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Written By Bryan White

Honoring the Granite Mountain Hotshots

On June 30, 2013, tragedy struck Yarnell, Arizona, as the Yarnell Hill Fire claimed the lives of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite crew of wildland firefighters. These men represented courage, grit, and brotherhood, standing on the frontlines to protect their community.

The Hero WOD Hotshots 19 was created to memorialize their sacrifice. Every squat, pull, clean, and run you complete is not just a workout—it’s a living tribute to their memory.

The Fallen Heroes

Jesse Steed (36), Wade Parker (22), Joe Thurston (32), William Warneke (25), John Percin (24), Clayton Whitted (28), Scott Norris (28), Dustin Deford (24), Sean Misner (26), Garret Zuppiger (27), Travis Carter (31), Grant McKee (21), Travis Turbyfill (27), Andrew Ashcraft (29), Kevin Woyjeck (21), Anthony Rose (23), Eric Marsh (43), Christopher MacKenzie (30), Robert Caldwell (23).

The Workout: Hotshots 19

6 Rounds for Time (40:00 Cap):

  • 30 Air Squats

  • 19 Power Cleans (135/95 lb)

  • 7 Strict Pull-ups

  • 400-m Run

  • 40:00 min Time cap

🔹 Intermediate (Scaled)

  • 115 lb (men) / 75 lb (women) Power Cleans

  • Kipping Pull-ups

  • 400-m Run

🔹 Beginner (Accessible)

  • 20/10 lb Dumbbell Power Cleans

  • Box Squats

  • Ring Rows

  • 200-m Jog

Training Advice

Before tackling Hotshots 19, prepare both your body and mindset:

  • Warm-up: Dynamic hip mobility, light barbell cycling, banded pull-aparts, and a 200-m jog.

  • Movement Standards:

    • Air Squats: Full depth with heels down, stand tall at the top.

    • Power Cleans: Strong hip drive, elbows through fast, keep the bar close.

    • Pull-ups: Maintain full extension at the bottom. Scale early if needed to preserve form.

  • Mindset: Remember, Hero WODs are meant to be gritty. It’s not just about finishing… it’s about honoring. Approach each round with composure and respect.

Performance Strategy

Hero WODs are long and difficult. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

  • Break Squats Into 2 Sets: 20 + 10 to avoid leg blowout.

  • Barbell Cycling: Hit 5-7 reps at a time on cleans, rest briefly, repeat.

  • Pull-ups: Small, consistent sets. Strict form will fatigue grip quickly… don’t go to failure.

  • Run Pacing: Keep runs steady. Use them as active recovery instead of a sprint.

  • Hydration & Recovery: Drink small sips before the run each round. Afterward, focus on stretching quads, hamstrings, and lats, and consider mobility work..

Stimulus

Hero workouts honor fallen service members and first responders by demanding grit, resilience, and respect. Hotshots 19 blends bodyweight endurance, heavy barbell cycling, strict gymnastics, and running volume to test every domain of fitness. Expect muscular fatigue in the legs, lungs, and grip. Push hard, but move with purpose, remembering the 19 men who gave everything.

Bryan White
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