Priest trys for American Ninja Warrior

Published March 1, 2018

Father Stephen Gadberry, administrator of St. Mary Church in Batesville and St. Cecilia in Newport, has been accepted to the regional qualifying round of the NBC reality show “American Ninja Warrior.” The show puts contestants through challenging obstacle courses, ending with national finals in Las Vegas. Those interested in becoming contestants were required to submit an application and video.

Father Gadberry announced on his Instagram account that he would be traveling to Dallas in March to qualify, adding “Let’s see how my @crossfit training helps out.” The competition will be filmed and those who make the city round, round two, will be shown when season 10 premieres. 

Father Gadberry, 32, was featured in the Jan. 13 edition of Arkansas Catholic for his love of fitness and CrossFit training and to share tips on how to maintain physical and spiritual health. He said in January if he was cast on the show, he wanted to win, but also to show God is with his children no matter the obstacles they face.

The series does not have a broadcast date as of press time.