2012 TAMIU Strongman & Strongwomen Competition

On April 4 and April 5, 2012 Texas A&M International University's recreational sports hosted the Strongman and Strongwoman competition. The event was held at the Kinesiology Wellness and Recreation Center grounds. Competing students were tested physically and mentally as they ran through the obstacle course. The two day event was held under the guidance of Aaron Garza, the Rec Center's Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Participating students had to race against time as they maneuvered through the obstacle course. The obstacle course consisted of activities such as sled pull, sled push, hurdles, and tire flips. Participants were timed during the course and had to showcase both their mental and physical abilities. According to Garza, the course "will challenge your endurance, arm strength, lower back strength and leg strength."

The Strongman and Strongwoman competition was designed to challenge students' abilities through a friendly competition. The student with the best time was declared the winner.  Strongman and Strongwomen champions will retain their titles until the next competition. Garza stated that he tries to hold the event "every semester."

"It was created when I first got here...when I started working in 2009," added Garza when talking about when the first Strong Man/Woman competition was held.

"I invite everyone," stated Garza when speaking about who could participate in the competition.  Throughout the two days of competition, everyone wanting to compete was more than welcomed to do so. "The more the merrier...if one wants to do it for fun or take it serious...I encourage anyone to attend, anyone that is willing to test themselves," he added.

"We are going to try to incorporate more events for next year...here at the Rec we try to teach people and encourage people to be active, be fit and eat healthy," stated Garza.

Students who missed out on the TAMIU Strongman & Strongwoman may still participate in student activities that Recreational Sports has planned throughout the upcoming semesters as well as utilize the facilities available for daily use at the Rec Center. The Rec Center offers access to various pieces of fitness equipment including weights, treadmills, and ellipticals.

For further information about the Rec Center activities, services and operating hours, visit the department website athttp://www.tamiu.edu/recsports

(Ignacio Banda can be reached at ignaciobanda@dusty.tamiu.edu)