Smith Gym events planned for 2014

Photo By Brian Parker | Marines play dodge ball at Company Battalion physical training at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Nov. 6, 2012.  

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, UNITED STATES

12.10.2013

Courtesy Story

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

By Rhonda Apple
Pentagram Staff Writer

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - With the holiday season in full swing, Cliff Holcomb, facility manager at Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, is already planning new, fun-filled fitness events for 2014.

"These are all new programs we're incorporating here. When people start those New Year's resolutions in January, instead of coming to the gym, lifting weights and working out on cardio, [cardiovascular exercises], I wanted to give [gym patrons] something different to do," Holcomb said. "These activities are fun and free as well as healthy alternatives to playing video games or watching TV in the barracks."

A bench press competition is the first event planned for 2014. The competition will be Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at Smith Gym. Holcomb said registration, which is required, starts Dec. 7 and ends Jan. 7.

"Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in each weight class," said Holcomb. "This event and all monthly program offerings are open to all service members from any branch of service, dependents ages 18 and older and all Department of Defense and non-appropriated fund civilians."

Holcomb explained there will be a men's competition and another for women. Weight classes for men are: lightweight (up to and including 169 lbs.); middleweight (170-184 lbs.); welterweight (185-195 lbs.) and heavyweight (196 lbs. and over). Weight classes for women include: lightweight (up to and including 130 lbs.) and heavyweight (131 lbs. and over). There also will be a master's bench press for both men and women for entrants over 40 years of age (one class for each gender).

For anyone wanting to participate in the bench press competition and needs help preparing, Holcomb said they can schedule an appointment to "increase your bench press" with him on Dec. 13, 20, or 27 and Jan. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

February's event at Smith Gym is a basketball free throw contest on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 at 12:30 p.m. Registration begins Jan. 28, and ends Feb. 11. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers.

"Participants will have one minute to shoot 15 basketballs from the free throw line. The contestant who makes the most shots will be declared the champion," said Holcomb. "If there is a tie, the contestant who makes the most consecutive shots will be declared the champion."

Dodge-ball players will look forward to the six-on-six single elimination dodge ball tournament March 14, at 12:30 p.m. Registration will start Feb. 25 and end on March 11.

"The object of the game is to eliminate all opposing players by getting them 'out.' This may be done by hitting an opposing player with a live thrown ball below the shoulders or, catching a live ball thrown by your opponent before it touches the ground," Holcomb explained.

He said teams will consist of six to 10 players, with six players competing on a side and others available as substitutes. Substitutes may enter the game only during timeouts, or in the case of injury.

Those who have shooting skills like NBA free throw percentage leaders Ray Allen, Reggie Miller and Jason Kidd, can test their ability in the three-point-shootout contest April 11, at 12:30 p.m. Registration begins March 25 and runs until April 8. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers.

"Participants will have one minute to shoot 15 basketballs from behind the three-point line at three different locations," said Holcomb. "The first four baskets on each rack are worth one point, with the last ball on the rack worth two points. The contestant who has the most points will be declared the champion. In case of a tie, there will be a shootout with all contestants in the tie-breaker."

May 15, a 300-pound bench press club will take place at Smith Gym at 12:30 p.m. Participants must successfully bench press 300 pounds two consecutive times.

"T-shirts will be awarded to the first 20 participants that register in advance and successfully complete their lifts," Holcomb said.

Registration for the event begins April 29 and ends May 13.

For questions or more information about these program offerings, phone Smith Gym at 703-614-7214 or email: [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 12.10.2013
• Date Posted: 12.11.2013 16:23
• Story ID: 118057
• Location: JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, US