Elite Cedar Falls Team and Iowa Farmer Make A Splash On Hit Show
A father-son duo, an inspirational jean clad farmer, and a pet sitter were representing the Hawkeye State on the hit competition show.
Iowa has been well represented on the hit television show 'American Ninja Warrior.' For the past few seasons, we've seen an Iowan pop up on the competition obstacle course program.
Last season, Levi Enright of Waverly turned some heads during his run. The fitness instructor finished the Semifinals course with the fastest time of the night.
Season 15 of 'American Ninja Warrior' premiered in early June and we finally got a glimpse of some Iowa Ninjas during the most recent episode. Four Iowa natives made their first appearances of the season on Monday night.
Scott and Ben Behrends a father and son duo out of Cedar Falls navigated these obstacles on the same global stage.
Scott is the owner of the Ninja U gym in Cedar Falls, and this competition has become a family affair for him. This father of three has competed with other contestants from his gym and even his own nephew and sons.
Behrends competed on seasons 11 and 14 of the show.
A few years back, 16-year-old Ben made his first Ninja Warrior appearance on 'American Ninja Warrior Junior' with his brother. He returned to the stage last season on 'American Ninja Warrior' but his run did not air.
The episode aired on Monday, June 26th at 7 PM Central Time on NBC. It's available to watch on Peacock.
SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE EPISODE
Cade Perkins
The first Iowan on the show was a farmer from Boone named Cade Perkins. He is better known as the "blue jean ninja."
At the age of ten-years old Perkins was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that took away his ability to walk. Now, he's able to compete on a competition as physically challenging as American Ninja Warrior, while wearing jeans.
He ended up slipping during the bells.
Scott and Ben Behrends
Scott appeared around the halfway point of the episode. Behrends raced through the course and ended up being the first contestant to hit the buzzer that night. So, he automatically moves onto the next round of the competition.
Cameras panned over to the gym owner's family cheering him on off to the side. His son and fellow competitor Ben was visibly emotional at the sight of his dad smashing the buzzer button.
The teen ended up making it through to the next round as well, but he fell after almost completing the bells section of the course. So, father and son will be seen again later on this season.
Jackson Twait
Jackson Twait a University of Northern Iowa grad who also has a connection to the Ninja U gym in Cedar Falls. He is a professional pet sitter and has travelled all across the country.
Twait ended up falling short just before the mega wall.
Luckily ALL of the contestants will be advancing to the semifinals.
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