Mike Barnes, John Burks, Jim Coll, Jerry Defatta, Keith Barrett, Vicki Copeland, and Robin Ryder competed to be crowned the Pine Belt’s strongest endurance athlete.

 Under the watchful eye of strongman Mike Villalonga, the competitors pounded out as many reps on the bench press as possible.  Males lifted 90% and females lifted 70% of measured body weight.  Contestants aged 40+ were awarded 20 seconds a rep. and those under 40 were awarded 15 seconds a rep.

 Time deduction awarded from the bench press competition:

 Robin Ryder                 3 minutes 30 seconds

John Burks                   6 minutes

Jim Coll                        3 minutes 30 seconds

Mike Barnes                 6 minutes 40 seconds

Jerry Defatta                 3 minutes 30 seconds

Vicki Copeland            1 minute 20 seconds

Keith Barrett                6 minutes

 

After completing the bench press portion we all moved over to the trail for the 5k.  5k times were:

 Robin Ryder                 16:59

John Burks                   28:12

Jim Coll                        19:36

Mike Barnes                 19:29

Vicki Copeland            23:59

Jerry Defatta                 22:48

Keith Barrett                21:28

 

Judge Villalonga tallied the results as:

 Mike Barnes                 19:29-6:40=12:49

Robin Ryder                 16:59-3:30=13:29

Keith Barrett                21:28-6:00=15:28

Jim Coll                        19:36-3:30=16:06

Jerry Defatta                 22:48-3:30=19:18

John Burks                   28:12-6:00=22:12

Vicki Copeland            23:59-1:20=22:39

 So, Mike Barnes now can lay claim to being the Pine Belt’s Strongest Endurance Athlete.  I’m sure this title ranks high on the list of his many outstanding athletic accomplishments. © Robin Ryder