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A new tradition is building momentum at Eureka High School.
On Tuesday, the Loggers hosted their third annual Murph Workout to promote a healthy mindset and honor a fallen hero.
The Murph, as it is commonly known, is traditionally performed around Memorial Day all across the country in honor of U.S. Navy Seal Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
The CrossFit workout includes a one-mile jog, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and an additional mile run.
And this year’s event at Eureka High attracted 42 Eureka students, as well as five staff members, six firemen and one active duty Marine.
The event also included a post-workout barbecue.
“I like to work in a group with so many people working so hard,” said EHS junior Manuel “el Guapo” Ambrocio, who was competing in the event for the second year. “When you do things by yourself, it’s harder to find motivation. So many people are working so hard today, it was easy to be motivated. The post Murph barbecue was great as well.”
Eureka senior Will Defenbaugh took first place with a time of 36 minutes 32 seconds.
This was Defenbaugh’s third Murph at Eureka High and his time was the fastest in the three-year history of the event.
It was a challenge for all of the competitors.
“I really wanted to quit, but I didn’t quit,” said Eureka junior Issac Harris, who was competing in the event for the first time. “I shut that soft voice off and I finished. I’m proud of myself.”
According to a press release from Eureka High, “Ultimately, the workout is done around Memorial Weekend to honor Mike Murphy and all service members for their sacrifice, and the times completed by competitors come second to completing something difficult, working hard, and honoring service men and women.”
Eureka High PE teacher Jeff Bird has helped to organize the event since its inception in 2024.
“The Murph was great today,” Bird said. “Thank you to Humboldt Bay fire for working out with our local high school students and being such great mentors to them. I had several students talk to me about becoming firemen in the future.
“Also, thanks to Lunch33 — a community school funded lunch program that funds various activities for Eureka City school kids — for the planning, the funds for the barbecue, and helping make events like this happen throughout this school year.
“Our students really enjoyed it and I love (to) see them working so hard and having fun.”
Organizers plan on continuing the event next year and expanding it to include alumni and community members, as the Loggers get set to open their new track at the newly-renovated Albee Stadium.
“Next year we’ll be running on our brand new track,” Bird said. “We’d love to get pull-up bars in Albee Stadium and complete the whole workout there next year.”
Anyone interested in getting involved in funding the workout and/or participating, can contact Bird (birdj@eurekacityschools.org) or Cameron Saso (sasoc@eurekacityschools.org).
