Syracuse, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2020 ­­­­­– Last weekend, the Warrior Factory hosted

a National Ninja League Qualifier where athletes competed for a spot in the

National Ninja League Worlds held in Charlotte, North Carolina,

this February. Ninja is a rapidly growing sport that participants are saying

bring communities together at the local and national level. 

            The National Ninja League is a nonprofit organization that promotes

the sport of ninja obstacle courses across America. Many athletes inspired

by the TV show “American Ninja Warrior” flock to local gyms sprouting

up across the country. Since 2017, The Warrior Factory has opened locations

in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse, New York. 

            Ninja has transformed into a sport where people of all ages can

participate. The event was divided into the following age groups:

Kids (6-8), Mature Kids (9-10), PreTeens (11-12), Teens (13-14),

Young Adults (15-17), Adults (18+) and Masters (40+). Each of these

age divisions ran a course designed for their size and skill. 

            Anyone was able to compete in the event with no prior experience or

league affiliation. Rachel Franz, who placed first in the adult female division,

said, “I love the sense of community. Everyone cheers for everyone no matter

who they are or their skill level.” Franz, who works at The Warrior Factory in

Buffalo, described growing up an athlete and the sport of ninja making her fall in love with fitness again. 

            Kayla Voorheis, a spectator at the event, said, “It is truly a family dedicated sport.” Voorheis was in attendance in support of her husband, Kyle Voorheis, who finished sixth overall in the adult male division, and two daughters, Reyne and Marni Voorheis. Her husband, along with her four children, ages ranging 1-7, all attend ninja classes. Voorheis’ family commits to traveling over an hour twice a week to attend classes. Kyle Voorheis has sent in a video to the “American Ninja Warrior” show and is waiting on a response.

            Finishing the course proved difficult for numerous athletes. Franz said, “By the time you get to the end of the course, your arms are completely shot.” Of the 94 competitors, 18 were able to finish their designated course. 

            The list of athletes advancing to the National Ninja League Worlds is as follows:

• From the Kids division: Caden Mahler, Kash Loomis, Jackson Ferguson, Skylar Smith, Reyne Voorheis and Avery Young.

• From the Mature Kids division: Liam Stoos, Jaazib Ismail, Zach Germain, Briar Hinds, Josslyn Siembor and Dani Duke. 

• From the Preteen division: Peter Stupplebeen, Julius Evans, Noah Daul, Arianna Wood, Zoie Whelan and Taylor Richards.

• From the Teen division: Charlie Kowalski, Andrew Santiago, Bobby Melcher and Autumn Mathisen.

• From the Young Adult division: Aiden Snyder, Ryan Rummenie, Evan Wenzinger and Graciela Vieira.

• From the Adult division: Anthony Eardley, Darren Wojcicki, Matt Strollo, Rachel Franz, Sara Cottone and Nikki Perella. 

As the National Ninja League community continues to grow in size and support, it is worth keeping an eye on in the upcoming future. 

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