need Help with my contest

[Elliot_Storey]

As most of you know, I'm organizing the OVERCOME Strength Challenge to benefit cancer. The contest is set for July 7th at Westbrook High School in Westbrook, ME. I'm being allowed to use the track and part of the field that is directly in front of the main bleachers, but I have to devise ways not to damage anything.

First order of business is the truck pull. I'm not allowed to use the track. Should I do it in the parking lot, then move everyone inside, or scratch it altogether?

next, Plywood will work for tire flip, farmers, and yoke on the track. But I need suggestions on how to drop a fire hydrant and load stones and kegs on grass while causing minimal damage. Should I build something similar to a deadlift platform? Plywood? We can use the long jump pits for the hydrant, but they are too out-of-the-way for me. I think the hydrant is the most crucial. I don't want to do it in the long jump area, but that thing will do major damage when dropped while running, especially being so oddly-shaped.

Thanks in advance!

PS - I sent the sanction form today.

[Elliot_Storey]

I also wanted to post what I was thinking of for weights to get some feedback.

Log-Clean once - LW-220, HW-280
Farmers-100 w/turn at 50 - LW-260, HW 300
Medley - LW-hydrant carry 50', 3 flips of 650 tire, load 3 kegs (150, 180, 200)
HW-hydrant carry 50', 3 flips of 900 tire, load 3 kegs (180, 200, 220)
Yoke-50/60 feet - LW 700, HW 800
Stones-Platform Height=60, 56, 52, 48, 44
LW-260, 280, 300, 330, 360
HW-280, 300, 330, 360, 380

If i do decide on the truck pull, should I drop the yoke?

[Nikhil Rao]

given the theme you might think about making the truck pull some kind of beginning exhibition thing. Just have one or a couple firemen do a pull with it themselves as kind of an opening ceremony dealie.

[Ryan Rhodes]

PS - I sent the sanction form today.

When you're sanctioned, you have resources; call Dione or your NAS state chair when you have questions or need advice. They'll help you with almost anything.

[Kevin Cronin]

Elliot, for what it's worth, I think the log is too light. At jersey in June and Philly in Dec they had clean every rep with 230 for the LWs. At 220 w/ one clean and press away, it'll be rep-tacular.

If the parking lot is within sight of the field I think having the truck pull is a great idea. If it's much over a 300 yd walk away ... well, I dont think too many of us like moving during a contest. I would also test the truck. If it's too light (liek the hummer in jersey) it becomes a footrace. On the other hand if its heavy or if the parking lot has a slight incline that can make it impossible...

But if you have the option, I would say definitely do all 6 events, i think thats much more attractive than 5 events. I've even seen some contests with only 4. If you think that would take too long and want to take something out, either log farmers or yoke would do; all are strongman staples and anyone can do them at any contest. If you can get a truck tho, it makes for a nice theme with teh hydrant. Man this looks like it will be a fun contest

[Elliot_Storey]

"Should I do it in the parking lot, then move everyone inside, or scratch it altogether?"

This means inside the field complex, not inside a building, to avoid future confusion. it looks like truck pull is in so far. It could be in one of two parking lots. One is across the field from the main bleachers, and the other (smaller) is behind them. Keep the good ideas coming. I think I like six events too.

Kevin, not all lightweights go 280 on the axle with ease. Nationals was 240. If that's what the mob wants though, then the mob shall have it. how about heavies?

[Mike Beyers]

Elliot,
Just my 2 cents, but I would do the truck pull in the parking lot, in keeping with the Fireman's theme, and scrap the yoke. Cameron Gardener had a fire truck pull in Sept. '05 (36,000 # we were told) and it was TOUGH, the heavies only had to go 50 feet, and not many finished. ALSO, 5 events is much easier to score at the end....less chance of a tie, and having to break it with an extra event, or by some other means. Also, will the competitors be flipping the tire, and/or walking with the yoke(if you decide to keep it) along pieces of plywood place over top of the track? A recipe for disaster, unless you are going to somehow screw them all together to keep them from sliding, or seams opening up.

[Elliot_Storey]

if you think the plywood should be screwed together, I can get it done. It makes sense. My carpenter friend said it wouldn't (shouldn't) be necessary. He has trained strongman with me before, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. As for the truck pull, I'll get on it as fast as possible and keep you guys updated. How about the weights on everything else? Notice Kevin wants a heavier log, but I didn't want 300 farmers. Just teasing Kevin. :N:

if five events causes scoring problems, maybe I could add the yoke to the medley? Or make a yoke/farmers medley?

[Jakki McGuffin]

Elliot:
Do you know any one who would have heavy rubber mats . like they use in industries or horse trailers. for the hydrant carry to prevent damage to the ground surface in case they are dropped. Dont know if my suggestions help any but I'm trying.

[Elliot_Storey]

Jakki,
Mats may still cause divots in the grass, but you got me thinking about High jump mats...hmmm...

[Jakki McGuffin]

Glad I could help some way. hows your dad?

[Elliot_Storey]

The good news is he's home from the hospital after being admitted for a week and a half with severe bone pain. He's taking radiation better each time (5 rounds so far) and he seems to be moving better too. The bad news is that now that he's out of the hospital, he can't lie on his back to sleep, and his bones are strong enough yet for kyphoplasty which will take the pressure off the nerves in his back and hopefully leave him pain-free. If all goes to plan, radiation will shrink the tumors, bone-building calcium therapy will allow him to have kyphoplasty and keep other bones from crumbling, and he can lead a somewhat normal life if the cancer becomes dormant. Multiple myeloma is incurable however. He's certainly a fighter, and the strongest man I've ever known, so we have that going for us.

thank you all for your prayers and kind words. i probably don't even realize how much you're helping me through this.

[Kevin Cronin]

Kevin, not all lightweights go 280 on the axle with ease. Nationals was 240. If that's what the mob wants though, then the mob shall have it. how about heavies?

haha dude, very funny. :B: How did I suddenly become known for my pressing? :confused: I dunno, like I said, 230 clean and press every rep the winner at jersey got 8 (I think?) and in Philly Matt Keller won with 9, so that's what I was basing the rep comment on. But hey, every contest is different, and theres no law against the winner of an event getting double digit reps (although there should be. anything over 8 is cardio. :C: ) (I think I jsut set a new pr for "number of emoticons in a single paragraph) I know New Mexico is having a log clean once and press away with 275, although that is a pro am, it still might be worth checking out.

The yoke/hydrant/keg medley could be cool. This is shaping up to sound like a really fun contest, and for a good cause, which honestly is something I like about strongman. I really dont wanna look too far ahead, especially since this is the 3rd contest in 6 weeks I'm interested in ... but I dunno ... I'm gonna hafta see.

On a more serious note I'm glad that (it sounds liek?) your dad's doing better. I say 'sounds like' because i dont completely understand what you typed about his condition, but clearly from all you've written here he's getting a lot of family support, and I'm sure that counts for A LOT

[Jakki McGuffin]

I had a friend who had the same type of cancer. He was able to do every thing that he wanted to do right up until the time he died. Which was around ten years after being diagnosed. He said the busier he kept the better he felt.

[Garrick Daft]

I can't make it out to help, but I would like to do whatever I can...so PM me with ways I could help, or just post it in this thread. Hope your dad starts feeling better soon, or at least gets some happiness knowing that you are doing this for him.

[DaneGarreau]

Elliot,

Whatever you decide make sure you test everything out beforehand. If your gonna have a truck pull you really need to test it out on the exact spot and with the exact vehicle.

For the stones, why not just have them on the track? Put a few stall mats down, with plywood underneath, that should work.

Good luck.

[Elliot_Storey]

kevin,
I may actually make events lighter to encourage more participation...obviously not though if enough people want it to be heavier.

dane,
Good idea. I think I was more concerned about the kegs though. Wait...idea! I'll make a drawing in paint. It's going to be terrible, but hopefully get the point across.

[Elliot_Storey]

if I can fit the keg platform, tire, and hydrant drop zone all on the track, I will.

[Tom Mutaffis]

Looks like a pretty good contest so far...

One thing you have to keep in mind is that people could drop that hydrant before they make it to the "pit". I would just completely scratch the yoke as well since that is most likely to damage the surface. Try to find some bumper plates for the log and farmers and you can basically do it right on the track without having to worry (put some mats down just to be safe).

Best advice I have seen in here is to somehow get your hands on a bunch of rubber mats to use as the surface. We train every week on them with yoke / tire / farmers and never a problem, will not mess up the track or grass as long as you don't leave them on from the night before or anything.

Not sure what the driving distance is but let me know if you need help and can try to get a few of the NJ guys to head up there. Out contest is the following week down here and there is a pro-am in Indiana same date as your event I believe.

Hope everything works out with your Father; I've been there - it can be tough... just stay positive.

-- Tom

[Jakki McGuffin]

Elliot,
Check at a feed store near you to see if they will lend you some solid stall mats they are about 3/4 inch thick and very stiff so horses cant gouge through them.they also interlock to prevent tripping same with trailer mats.
Ps what is kyphoplasty I havent heard of that before.

[Elliot_Storey]

horse mats sound like they'll work, thanks Jakki. Anyone have any experience with these?

Kyphoplasty involves taking pressure off the nerves and spinal cord by inflating a balloon between pressure points. Then bone cement is inserted to fill the gap. it's relatively non-invasive and has a great success rate, but his bones are not yet strong enough.

Tom, it would be great to have some Jersey guys there. I wouldn't ask anyone to compete two weeks in a row, but if anyone can do it, you guys can. The drive is probably 6 hours depending on the amount of stops you need to make for food, gas, bathroom, etc...

If I were able to get free cots set up at the armory across the street, would anyone take advantage of that? Or should I just look for a hotel to work a deal with?

[Jakki McGuffin]

Thanks for the info I hope your dad is strong enough soon. let him know we are thinking of him and praying for him.

[Kevin Cronin]

Not sure what the driving distance is but let me know if you need help and can try to get a few of the NJ guys to head up there. Out contest is the following week down here and there is a pro-am in Indiana same date as your event I believe.

Hope everything works out with your Father; I've been there - it can be tough... just stay positive.

-- Tom

Tom, this is set for JULY 7th, so almost a month after the Jersey show.

Elliot, you might have a point about lighter events. Goodness knows I've never promoted a comp - maybe you could market it heavily to the local gyms in the area, see who wants to give it a try? A novice division would proabbly be very helpful for this, I would've been much more hesitant to do my first contest if it hadnt had a novice bracket with novice weights. And anyway, for your purpose you just want the most paying competitors and spectators out there as possible, it's not like this is a pro am and somebodys getting his card. Yeah, I withdraw my earlier suggestion about the axle. Whatever you think elliot, no wrong answers here.

[Elliot_Storey]

Novice division sounds like a great idea. And a women's division too? I'm not sure there would be local interest in it...any members from the board interested? Also, should I have open novice or weight classes? How about Masters?

I want to make this event run smoothly and be as simple as possible, but entry fees are potentially my biggest source of income for donation.

what about weights for novice and women?

Log: women-120? novice-180? Masters-same as LW?

Farmers: women-150? novice-180?

Medley: Just tire and kegs? both lighter. What are good tire weights? I only have 650 and 900+ currently.

Yoke: women-??? novice-400-500?

Stones: I don't currently have a 17" mould, so the lightest stone I can possibly make is around 200.

As always any suggestion is welcome, thanks.

[Eric Jett]

Novice division sounds like a great idea. And a women's division too? I'm not sure there would be local interest in it...any members from the board interested? Also, should I have open novice or weight classes? How about Masters?

I want to make this event run smoothly and be as simple as possible, but entry fees are potentially my biggest source of income for donation.

what about weights for novice and women?

Log: women-120? novice-180? Masters-same as LW?

Farmers: women-150? novice-180?

Medley: Just tire and kegs? both lighter. What are good tire weights? I only have 650 and 900+ currently.

Yoke: women-??? novice-400-500?

Stones: I don't currently have a 17" mould, so the lightest stone I can possibly make is around 200.

As always any suggestion is welcome, thanks.


If you still want a hydrant to be part of it, you could make them load a hydrant inteads of one of the kegs. Or make it an odd-object load, and use a keg, hydrant, and maybe a heavy firehose to keep with the theme.

[Jakki McGuffin]

Hey Elliot: How are things shaping up with your competition, And how is your dad? Have'nt heard any thing about them for a while.

[Elliot_Storey]

Hey Elliot: How are things shaping up with your competition, And how is your dad? Have'nt heard any thing about them for a while.

Well thank you for asking Jakki. My dad is back in the hospital right now, but it'sa a good thing. He had a couple great days last weekend, but then became nauseous to the point where we brought him in to receive intravenous fluids. I believe it was a nasty cycle of his pain medication making him sick, then taking more on an empty stomach, so his pain meds are being switched. We also found out his cancerous M-Protein Cell count is down to 8 from 10. I'm not sure what that means, or even if it's the right words, but I guess he's 20% better already. It's not miraculous, but it's definitely a good sign I think. His health and spirits have come back since being in the hospital, but he's going to stay until Tuesday, which I think is good.

The contest is shaping up nicely. I believe there are at least a couple entries in the mail already. I am still trying to get a truck pull. I would say I'm a lot closer now, so train it if you can, but it's still not a definite. I'm also trying to book the armory across the street as a rain location as my insurance won't cover anything in the rain-even though everyone signs their life away on the waiver. I'm also a lot closer to obtaining the fire hydrants so I can weigh them. Before I just knew I could get them, now it's actually happening. Hopefully I can post those weights on the entry form soon. I'm hoping to solve my tire problem this weekend as well. The "900+" I have is around 1450 I think. Now I'm proud to only get it 6 inches off the ground instead of ashamed. Any votes on whether the yoke should stay or go once I get the truck pull are welcome in this thread. My vote is for stay, but I'm very democratic. Also, if anyone doesn't have a NAS membership card, and my contest will be your first, I recommend buying it the day of because I'm hoping to host another competition next summer, but earlier so you won't have to renew before it.

Happy Easter/Passover/whatever else you may celebrate/any birthdays out there/happy foot of snow for most of Maine yesterday

[Matt Burns]

Elliot, keep the yoke in! Contest looks good, I like the heavy weights, there right on, if anything a tad higher please.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Elliott,
This is my first time reading this thread. Since you're worried about damaging the property, do an event with sandbags. I just thought of a sandbag event that would also pay homage to the firemen...."The Firemans Carry & Load Medley".

Place sandbags on the ground, a certain distance away from a loading platform. Each sandbag must be shouldered, to simulate the fireman's carry. Then, run/walk to the platform and load the sandbag, run back for the next, etc. You could go even further by building a platform and painting it to look like an ambulance.

Yeah, I have too much time on my hands right now.

[Elliot_Storey]

That's not a bad idea Paul. We could do it like the final event in '83 (see applicable JPS video on youtube..The Viking 3) I didn't get a chance to test anything this week because I'm still waiting on a lot of stuff, so I won't know for sure until I can do that. I hope it's not too late if I have to change anything, but the entry form does say, "events subject to change".

[Dana clipper]

I know you have at least one entry in mail!!! :D This will be my first comp. and I can not wait to do it!!!!!

As for changing the events, what ever makes the most sense works for me. The sand bag idea sounds good, would make less of a problem for property you are going to use.

Any thing I can help with let me know, im only a hour away.

[Jakki McGuffin]

Thanks for the update Elliot it sounds like things are going well. Think of m-proteins as fat cells that you want to get rid of. It is a very good sign to me. Too bad about the pain meds though.