Kunsan's Biggest Loser competition comes to a close

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Darcie L. Ibidapo
  • 8th Figher Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  The 8th Services Squadron initiated the Biggest Loser competition here from Dec. 3 to Jan. 31 to motivate Airmen to get in the gym and get fit to fight by eating right and exercising regularly.

The eight week competition began with 11 teams. Each team was composed of six active duty members from the same squadron.

Teams were offered a wide variety of exercise classes at the fitness center and nutrition classes with the health and wellness center to help them achieve their weight loss goals.

Each team's progress was recorded during six team weigh-ins throughout the competition.

"It seemed as if all of the teams were working hard," said Staff Sgt. Theresa Ross, special events coordinator for the 8th Services Squadron fitness center. "I think that this competition brought out the best in a lot of them."

The final weigh-in took place on Jan. 31. The 8th Maintenance Operations Squadron's The Losers Club came in first place with a team weight-loss of 74 pounds. In second place came the 8th Operations Support Squadron's Intel with a loss of 38 pounds.

The Losers Club consisted of Tech. Sgts. Sherri Cole, William Rodefer, Brian Mahoney, Staff Sgt. Andrea Penn, Senior Airman Randall Talarchyk and Airman 1st Class Lopanja James.

"I scheduled time on the weekends for us to get together and work out as a team," said Sergeant Penn, The Losers Club team captain. "I talk to each of them about their progress to help keep them motivated."

Intel consisted of Lt. Abby Conlin, Staff Sgt. John McPherson, Senior Airmen Chelsea Early, Christopher Kalb, Travis Rowland and Robin Adams.

The Losers Club will receive a treadmill, a stair stepper, a recumbent bike and an elliptical cross-trainer for their squadron and Intel will receive a treadmill and an elliptical cross-trainer for their squadron. 

Sergeant Rodefer was named the top male with a personal weight loss of 28 pounds and Staff Sgt. Sparanza Urbano was named top female with a personal weight loss of 21 pounds.

"I didn't want to let my team down," said Sergeant Rodefer. "The outside influences motivated me the most."

This was Kunsan's first Biggest Loser competition. The fitness center accredits its success to the members of the Wolf Pack that participated in the competition and those who supported their favorite teams.