Founder & Chief Knucklehead

Mark McIntosh

Mark McIntosh is a long-time Denver media personality having served as an award-winning sportscaster and show host for CBS4 and KUSA. He continues to work in the media, is the author of multiple inspirational books and provides, through Victory Productions, encouragement and consultation for national and local companies in helping them reach and sustain peak performance. Victory’s consulting work includes helping non profits, faith-based organizations and educational entities raise money, awareness and morale. Recently, Mark was named Leukemia & Lymphoma’s Rocky Mountain Chapter’s “Man of the Year” for his efforts in raising money for blood cancer research. In 2014, Victory created the community outreach movement, A Stronger Cord, in an effort to unite communities with wellness. ASC utilizes exercise, relationship building and community service to encourage Americans to become more fit, connected and giving. The father of two grown children serves on the board of Rocky Mountain Human Services, SLAM Academy/Colorado,  and Court Support Jeffco. In addition, the life-long athlete devotes many hours to a variety of community causes in the Denver area and beyond.

ASC Leadership Council

John Ware

Without John’s unwavering support, ASC would not have such a wonderful working relationship with the Denver Rescue Mission. John is the “Program Candidate” chaplain for the mission’s “New Life Program.” ASC works closely with the men in this program and offers them numerous opportunities throughout the week to exercise, build relationships and perform community service. The Iowa native, long ago, embraced ASC’s “More fit, connected and giving” philosophy and continues to be its biggest advocate. A real champion!

Ryan Sand

The Chicago native is a big hoss with a tender heart for others and a real talent for leading fun workouts. His words: “Living and working in the city is where I want to be!  People, community and a ton of diverse life.  In Colorado it is not hard to find active things to do, but my favorite part is finding favorite people to share them with.  The landscape architect adds: “I love the ‘full life seeking’ mentality of everyone involved with ASC.  It has started with a workout but has become much more a part of my life!”

Rachel Kroncke

Also a Chicago native (Ryan’s her brother), Rachel is a licensed physical therapist who has been involved in sports and fitness throughout life. She enjoys sharing that passion to motivate others to achieve their own personal health and fitness goals. Her strong work ethic is evident by a passion for individualized patient care, dedication to lifelong learning, and an overall commitment to excellence. Rachel loves to stay active and be outdoors and is always looking for new adventures. ASC is lucky to have her!

Shawn Lechuga

Born in Denver, Shawn grew up with sports and physical activity being a part of daily life. Participating and coaching in competitive and recreational sports including football, baseball, basketball, and bowling instilled in him a strong foundation of the positive aspects of teamwork and healthy competition. Shawn still enjoys competing and coaching in these sports today but his passion is physical fitness and in helping others attain their fitness goals. His words: “I believe that being fit is such an integral part of living a good life, and when we are physically fit, all other aspects of life are better. I feel strongly that each of us must be our own advocate in terms health and fitness. What I strive to do is to help others work hard to become stronger, more healthy, and the most fit individual they choose to be.” Certifications: NCCPT – Certified Personal Trainer; NCCPT – Certified Weight Management Specialist; Regis University – Bachelor of Arts in Organization Development; Regis University – Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Specialized training areas: Athletic performance, strength training, HIIT training, core strength, circuit training and nutrition counseling.

Angie Tims

Probably the most competitive person you’ll ever meet this Minnesota native keeps the A Stronger Cord movement in line during Wednesday workouts at Phoenix Multi Sport. This dynamo works for the Denver Rescue Mission at its downtown Denver location on Lawrence Street. This is ground zero to the Mile High City’s growing problem of too many isolated, vulnerable and displaced community members. Angie’s got a servant’s heart and a real competitive spirit. ASC loves her!

Sonja Steward

Sonja Steward is owner of 5280Fit, http://5280fit.com/. She has two amazing girls following in her footsteps teaching what they love! Morghan, attending CSU; and Haelin teaches fitness classes for 5280Fit during the summer and Mesa University where she is studying exercise science/physiology and personal training. Sonja grew up in a farming community. Her words: “I learned at a very young age that you work until the work is done, you never give up, and you persevere to achieve dreams. Over the last 18 years in the fitness industry, I’ve built my business from a passion to help others as I was once helped after having children. For 15 years, I trained with Tae Bo® Master Billy Blanks and his daughter Shellie. I can never thank them enough for not only teaching me about physical fitness, but also spiritual fitness! I credit Billy for opening my eyes and receiving Jesus into my life!  I’ve been in several Tae Bo® videos over the years, built a team of certified instructors and became a Master Elite trainer for Billy.”In 2016, I created a new program: Gateway to Group Fitness to help those that want to get healthy and fit but are not comfortable walking into a gym or group fitness class. I’m really enjoying seeing clients progress from our gateway program to group fitness classes!

Sara Downey Robinson

Sara Downey Robinson is the founder and Executive Director of Rise Up Yoga, a nonprofit dedicated to providing underserved populations with trauma-informed yoga. Downey Robinson’s biggest focus is bringing yoga to low-income schools to provide scholars with the opportunity to build stress resilience. She designed and wrote the school curriculum to incorporate mindfulness, math, science, language arts and social/emotional learning into yoga classes. 
 
For adult populations, her classes are designed to help students become more mindful and aware of their body. Slower flows focus on mindfully targeting muscle groups and practicing yoga asana safely for any student’s unique body. 

Andrew Brough

Andrew is a fitness instructor who works for Phoenix Multisport, a national non-profit helping those who suffer from substance abuse disorder. Andrew is a CF-L1 and weightlifting coach. His specialty lies in the realm of strength and conditioning, but he has a passion for fitness and helping others in all aspects of life. Andrew is a believer in strength as a metaphor for life because when we overcome any adversity we get stronger mentally, physically and spiritually.