In honor of the NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation National Fitness Day, Lander University's Department of Campus Recreation and Intramurals hosted a strength challenge, where students could compete for the title of "Strongest Bearcat."
For the competition, participants were challenged with three lifts; squat, bench and deadlift. In all there were 12 participants, six male and six female. Grand prizes were awarded to the male and female participants who lifted the most weight, pound-for-pound. This was determined by dividing the participants' total weight lifted by their body weights.
The overall winner in the male category was Nathan Jones, of Augusta, Ga. Taking the honor in the female category was Mariana Martins, of Coimbra, Portugal. Awards were also given to those who won in their specific weight classes.
The winners didn't walk away with just the honor of being recognized as the "Strongest Bearcat." Prizes for the winners were made possible by a local business.
"GNC donated quite a bit of product for our event," said Matthew Gilstrap, Lander assistant director of Campus Recreation and Intramurals. "The local store donated several items for us to use as prizes and giveaways. We were very grateful for their generosity and hope to collaborate with them again in the future."
The GNC donation consisted of mixer bottles, bags of protein, flavored and regular water, and several bags of promotional pre- and post-workout supplements. Supplements were checked to be sure they were safe and could be used by the general population. According to Gilstrap, the business was pleased to participate because they have several Lander students who are regular customers in their store.
Happy with the turnout for the competition, Gilstrap said, "This is the first time we have held this event, but it is something we look forward to continuing."
For information on this and other Lander University opportunities, visit www.lander.edu.