As most of you know, we were out in Denison Texas this past weekend to support Big Mike. He was pursuing his quest to become the Nation's strongest man under 231lbs. The weekend started with a bang! Joe and I immediately conquered North Main BBQ within the first 5 minutes of being off the plane. After eating to the point of exhaustion, we were enroute to Smitty's Bar and Grill for Day 1 of the competition.
Day one consisted of 4 events in the following order:
1. Axle OH Press for reps at 275lbs. Big Mike absolutely smoked this event with 12 reps tying his training Partner Tom Yanuzzi for First place overall!
2. 700lb frame carry for 50ft. This event is about foot speed and core stability with Mike finishing in the top 5.
3. Car Dead lift for Reps. In this event a mid-size sedan is loaded up onto a lever system attached to 2 neutral grip handles. Mike was able to hit 7 reps for another top 5 finish.
4. Keg load to 1,000lb wheel barrow carry. In this event each keg is staggered 75ft, 50ft, and 25 feet from the wheel barrow. Each keg needs to be loaded in a wheel barrow and then wheeled 75ft to the finish line in under 90 seconds total. Mike dominated the keg load and on the wheel barrow carry slipped at the 741/2 foot and was unable to regain his balance to finish thru. The controversy here is that the judge unofficially said he had crossed the line until the line judge ran over and said he had another 6 inches to go! Mike lost a total of 20 points which negatively affected the overall outcome.
Despite the wheel barrow mishap, Mike retained the number 2 overall spot heading into day two. After the competition we headed out with the crew for a some dinner and a shopping stop at gander mountain. With the cowboy hat purchasing finished we were ready for day 2!
Woke up Saturday morning to 37 degrees and Sunny, definitely not ready for this type of weather. Got our fill at Ihop (not transformation friendly) and we were back to Smittys for Day 2 of the competition. The second day consisted of the following events:
1. 730lb Super Yoke carry for 50 ft. Top 5 finish in this event.
2. Overhead medley of a 300lb log, 230lb keg, 275lb axle, 180 Circus DB. Mike went 2 for 4 on this event barely missing the axle press as time expired.
3. 15ft stone carry's of 270lbs, 300lbs, 330lb - Top 5 Finish "Video"
Although Mike did not accomplish his ultimate goal of obtaining the pro card and being crowned the Nations Strongest man, he still was able to finish in the top 10. What became very evident is that he Belongs there and WILL obtain the card sooner rather than later.
To everyone that sponsored his event, we all truly appreciate the support. Big Mike is the definition of consistency and that rubs off on everyone he knows. His determination and will power is unmatched and I'm proud to be a part of Team Capriglione!
Be sure to check our facebook page for more photos from the event.
-Dan
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