SATF coach starts CrossFit program

February 17, 2026

Inspired by Avenal State Prison, a coach at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) recently started a CrossFit class for the incarcerated population.

Physical Education Instructor Chris Costello said the SATF program was inspired by Coach Eskew’s success at Avenal.

“Here at SATF, we run CrossFit classes on A and B yards on separate days and times. What started as a little inspiration, seeing what Coach Eskew built at Avenal, turned into something far bigger than I expected,” Coach Costello said.

First, Costello checked with the incarcerated population to gauge interest.

SATF finds supports for CrossFit program

Large group of people at a CrossFit class at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran.

“The list of (interested people) quickly grew beyond what we could accommodate,” he admitted. “Because of equipment limitations, safety concerns, and the responsibility to properly coach movement, spot flaws, and maintain the flow of class, we had to scale the group down. But what we have now is consistent, committed, and only continuing to grow.”

One of the long-term goals is to provide the opportunity for participants at SATF to earn their CrossFit Level 1. This is patterned after Coach Eskew’s successful program at Avenal.

The Office of Correctional Education Headquarters Coach Heidi Wippel has witnessed the CrossFit movement expand at multiple institutions. Now, SATF is offering an opportunity to the incarcerated population to be a part of the CrossFit community behind the walls.

“CDCR Coach Costello took the initiative to build a sustainable program utilizing his expertise and passion combined with an interest from the incarcerated population he serves,” she said. “The product is an engaging fitness program supported by volunteers who have used CrossFit as a tool for rehabilitation both inside and outside the walls of prison.”

With this vision in mind, Costello reached out to Courtney Rife, a CrossFit Seminar staff member. Seeking guidance, he explained the concept and she immediately thought of Nick Wells, who then joined the next virtual meeting. From there, they started planning.

Wells visited SATF Jan. 27-28 for some hands-on assistance and to share his own story of incarceration.

Story of incarceration

“I have lived and experienced incarceration and addiction, having been in and out of the criminal justice system from a young age. I struggled with methamphetamine addiction from my teens into adulthood. In 2008, I was sentenced to 60 years in prison and ultimately served 14 years and nine months before being granted clemency by the Governor of Colorado,” Well said. “While incarcerated, I founded Redemption Road CrossFit at Limon Correctional Facility in 2016. (There, I began) using fitness and community as tools for accountability, discipline, and personal transformation. Since my release, I have served as president of Redemption Road CrossFit, growing the organization from four to 10 affiliates and leading expansion efforts into California, Massachusetts, and Texas.”

In the community, he now works as a peer recovery coach and CrossFit coach, teaching life skills. He also teaches healthy habits to those in reentry facilities

“(I’m) helping others build structure, purpose, and sustainable change,” Wells said.

Incarcerated men doing exercises at SATF in Corcoran.

According to Costello, SATF continues to focus on rehabilitation through recreation.

“CrossFit inside these walls is more than a workout. It’s structure, accountability, discipline, and community. And for some, it’s the first step toward redemption. We are just getting started,” he said.

Submitted by Lt. K. Cade

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