.png){kind=logo}
Meet Noel Francis Ragos.
He’s 41 years old, a Deputy Sheriff with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and has been a loyal part of the CrossFit North Charleston (CFNC) community since 2015.
Francis doesn’t just wear a badge—he carries a heavy load both physically and mentally in his work. These days, he’s on the Therapeutic Transport/Warrants Unit, helping individuals struggling with mental health get the care they need. And when the day slows down? He’s tracking down individuals with warrants. “Locating individuals who have warrants is so much fun,” he adds with a grin.
But even for someone with a tough-as-nails job, life outside the uniform hasn’t always been easy.
A New Chapter in 2015
Back in 2015, Francis had just started his career with Charleston County. He was looking for something different—something beyond the generic gym routine he’d been stuck in. “I was horrible at training legs and cardio,” he admits.
What he wanted was a workout that could match the intensity of his career. He wanted to lift, move, and push his limits. And he found it at CFNC.
Walking through the doors was a proud moment. It was unfamiliar, a little intimidating—but it felt right.
Finding a Family at CFNC
Right away, the culture at CrossFit North Charleston stood out. “The coaches are great. They’re dedicated to helping everyone get better,” Francis says. One coach in particular, Marika, quickly became part coach, part life mentor. “She likes to loud me out during classes—but I know it’s because she believes in me. That’s what I love about this place—they push you to be better.”
That energy, that accountability, that care... it’s what kept him coming back.
For ten years.
Strength, Stress Relief, and Starting Fresh
While Francis says he was physically and mentally in a good place back in 2015, life hit hard in the last few years.
Losing his father and working night shifts on patrol for over a decade drained him. He felt like life was slipping away.
But with a new daytime schedule and a renewed focus on his health, Francis feels like he’s finally getting his life back.
CrossFit has been a constant throughout. A place to lift, sweat, laugh, and reset. “CFNC has been my stress reliever from everyday life,” he shares.
The Wins That Matter
Over the years, Francis has gotten stronger—especially in his Olympic lifts. His mindset about fitness has shifted too. It’s not just about working out anymore—it’s about staying consistent and staying sane.
Now, he’s setting his sights on weight loss, building on his strength, and continuing to show up for himself.
His Advice for Anyone Feeling Intimidated?
"It may look intimidating, but you can do it. Your health is very important!"
Francis proves that you don’t need to be perfect to keep going. You just need to start—and keep showing up.
Want to start your story like Francis?
Let’s talk about how CFNC can help you get back on track—mentally and physically. 💪
Click here to book a Free Consult!
-Coach James
