Laughs, music, and tough talk were displayed at the John Cotton Bench Press Competition Thursday. But when all the competitive banter ended, only seven people came out as winners.
Chip Heimbach, fitness and wellness coordinator, said the competition had a good turnout this year.
“The competition was really good,” Heimbach said. “It was an exciting turnout with motivated competitors. I would like to see it done in Lee Hall next year.”
Adewale Adelakun was in the 150 pounds and under category and won the competition after lifting 280 pounds.
Adelakun said he was looking forward this year’s competition.
“When it came to lifting a lot of people shut up,” Adelakun said. “[I] wish more people would come out. The more people that come out, the more events the Recreation Center would hold.”
Charles Daniels was in the 166-179 pound category and won with a weight of 320 pounds. Daniels said he was not pleased with his performance in the competition.
“I was disappointed with myself,” Daniels said. “I felt like I could have done better.”
Some students on the other hand were pleased with the competition.
“The competition went pretty well,” said Kecendra Pittman, a junior elementary education student from Fort Lauderdale. “I was looking forward to seeing the participants lifting 400 pounds and more.”
Bryan Dunbar was in the 180-194 pound category and won with a weight of 315 pounds. Dunbar said it was more competition this year.
“I should have done 320 pounds,” said Dunbar, a junior biology student from Tampa. “Advice for those next competing next year is to stay in the gym and be confident. Either go big or go home.”
James Vaughan won the staff and faculty category with a weight of 405 pounds.
Vaughn’s goal was to have fun.
“This competition is great! It should inspire Rattlers,” said Vaughan, security for president James Ammons. “The competition is good for the university.”
Alister Loblack won the 230 pounds and up category with a weight of 460 pounds.
Quinn Outing won the 151-165 category with a weight of 225 pounds. His goal was 280 pounds.
Women’s division winner was Renita Canady and she won with a weight of 65 pounds.