The event, named in honor of 7th Infantry Division Medal of Honor awardee, PFC Henry Svehla pitted the contestants against each in order to determine the maximum weight lifted in comparison to their bodyweight.
In order to calculate the results, the BWAP cadre used the Wilks Formula, a formula used to measure the strength of a contestant while accounting for the contestant’s bodyweight.
“This is so we can compare a Soldier who weighs 250 lbs. lifting 400 lbs., to one who weighs 180 and lifts 225,” said Lt. Col. Scot Tebo, 7th Inf. Div. surgeon. “Using the formula, the lighter Soldier would have the most Wilks points and would be the winner.”
Weighing in at 122 lbs., 16 year-old, Justin Madarang, a civilian dependent, won the competition with an impressive deadlift of 425 lbs.
Through hosting events such as the Svehla, BWAP hopes to further instruct the Bayonet Soldiers. Its focus is to increase Soldier motivation, not only so they habitually train on their own, but to be able to perform all aspects of their mission to fight and win in combat.
“We want to build a foundation of fitness,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Helton, 7th Infantry Division command sergeant major. “We want our Soldiers to not only have the spirit of competition, but also to promote a culture of health and wellness.”
BWAP is a two-part initiative through a “train the trainer” model. The organization and course teaches aspects of personal fitness – to include proper execution of exercise, proper nutrition, and proper recovery, in addition to implementing a comprehensive fitness program for Soldiers and family members across the installation, complete with healthy lifestyle choices and ensuring progression, fitness, and readiness.
The course is taught at the Bayonet Academy throughout the year. The forty-hour course is broken into lecture and practical application, and is recommended for squad leaders, platoon sergeants, and leaders.