Holloman members showcase strength in lifting competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Siuta B. Ika
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Members of Team Holloman competed in a Powerlifting Competition at the Domenici Fitness and Sports Center Nov.5.

The competition, organized by the 49th Maintenance Squadron, gave Holloman members an opportunity to test their strength and compete against each other in the squat, bench press and dead-lift.

To determine the winners for each weight class, totals for each lift were added up and the people with the highest of the combined totals were awarded first place.

The event was put on with the sponsorship and support from the 49th Force Support Squadron fitness staff, first sergeants from around base, the Chiefs Group and the Top Three organization, said Master Sgt. Jesse Lawhorn, 49th MXS Assistant First Sergeant and coordinator of the event.

Sergeant Lawhorn added that the event was the second competition that the 49th MXS has put on at Holloman and was done to promote the powerlifting sport.

"This competition and the one we put on in June were new to Holloman," he said. "The event was non-profit and open to everyone over the age of 18. We wanted to promote this sport and provide another opportunity for a fitness event."

For some of the event's entrants, this type of competition was not new.

Airman 1st Class Darrell Xayarath, 49th Civil Engineering Squadron, won the lightweight division with a combined lift total of 1,220 pounds. Airman Xayarath had one the highest lift totals despite being in the lightest weight class.

"I've been lifting for years and have been in competitions as far away as Tokyo, so it's nice to be able to compete right here at home," said Airman Xayarath.

The event also featured a women's division. Kimberly Lawhorn, 49th FSS Installation Test Center manager, was the only woman to enter and posted a combined total of 535 pounds.

Other winners of the competition were: Airman 1st Class Paul Heileman, 49th Logistical Readiness Squadron, 165 to 185 pound weight group; Senior Airman Anthony Sofia, 49th MXS, 186 to 205 pound weight group; and Senior Airman Timothy Griswold, 49th Security Forces Squadron, Heavyweight (205 pounds and up) winner.

For more information on upcoming fitness events, contact the Domenici Fitness and Sports Center at 575-572-2529.