Focus on fitness leads to month-long activities Published June 7, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays 434 ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Grissom's Fitness Center sprang into action during May to get base members up and moving and fan competitive flames. "The Air Force designates May as Fitness Month, so along the staff here came up with ideas on what we could do," said Zac Holmes, a Grissom Fitness Center instructor. Holmes met with Bruce Cannady, a Grissom Fitness Center technician, and other staff members, each bringing event plans to the table. "We merged the list and whittled them down into what we thought was a robust schedule," said Holmes. The event was given a giant push with a push up contest on May 2. The winner of that contest was Charlie Coyne, 434th Maintenance Squadron metals technology technician, was the big winner, pumping out 93 pushups in one minute. Kasey Potts, a Grissom Fitness Center instructor, was the female pushup winner, pushing out 32 in one minute. The competitions bounced on May 7 with a three-on-three basketball tournament with a team of Brian Wright, a combat readiness technician, Chris Trigg, warehouse specialist, Matt Maverick and Derek Nolley, both 434th Maintenance Squadron aircraft electrical and environmental systems technicians, taking the hardwood crown. On May 10, the staff hosted a traditional 5K race. Male winners were: - Ages 20-29: Justin Krautkremer, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician - Ages 30-39: Jeremy Beachy, 434th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician - Ages 40-49: Rich Percival, 434th Communications Squadron, telecommunications technician - Ages 50-59: Tim Wood, Honor Guard program manager - Ages 60+: David Hughes, base civil engineer The female winners were: - Ages 20-29: Kasey Potts, a Fitness Center instructor - Ages 30-39: Brandie Vandokkenburg, 434th MXS KC-135R crew chief - Ages 40-49: Cathy Castleberry, 434th Maintenance Operations Flight maintenance scheduler Markus Trouerbach, Detachment 1, Communications Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group inspector instructor here, dominated the men's bench press May 13 pressing 275 pounds; while Torrie Bailey, 434th MSX crew chief won the women's crown with a 115-pound effort. In a one-day racquetball tournament May 15, Stephen Heidrich, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron outlasted Kevin Yeager, 434th CS. On May 16, competitors gathered for a track meet. The Track Day featured a 600-meter relay; 1.5 mile run; 600M race; and a 2400-meter relay. Winners for the 600 were Brian Wright, Zac Holmes and Chris Wiley, a fitness center instructor. The 1.5 mile race was won by Joe Jusino, a Marine from Det. 1. The 600 was won by Javier Medina, a Marine from Det. 1. The 2400 relay was won by Wiley, Holmes, Percival and Cory Walters, 434th CS biological scientist. The events went back to the hardwood on May 21 for a two-on-two basketball tournament where players pulled names from a hat to determine their teammate. Walters and Shawn Boston, 434th Air Refueling Wing military pay technician were paired and scorched the nets on their way to victory. The final event of the Month was a predicted time 5k with Jon Murphy, 434th Force Support Squadron force support officer, nailed his prediction of 21:21 edging Zach Blow, 434th MXS metals technology apprentice who was two seconds off his predicted time of 23:00, finishing in 23:02. "We really had good participation during the course of the month," Holmes said. "And we hope to expand that participation and refine events that draw more people in next time." "We're hoping we can work with leadership and supervisors to maximize participation with people's fitness time," he added. "The whole month went really well," echoed Wiley. "Our events had participation from all sides of our community - reservists, Marines, civilians and dependents. I couldn't have asked for more. That success has both Wiley and Holmes hoping that people see the fitness center staff has a lot to offer. "We're more than just a place with weights and cardio equipment," Wiley concluded.
