During his final skills scenario in lifeguard Training class, sophomore Stephen Post odministers CPR to a mannequin as J. D. Yingling, professor of kinesiology ond director of aquatics, oversees the test Dec. 8. Post was required to rescue a submerged victim, remove him from the water, and g ive core based on the condition of the victim. ·Jonathan lindsay Faculty form teams in their own version of the popular TV show IIIIIIII111111111111111111111111111111111111III III1111\mllll\\\\III\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\WIIII After kinesiology faculty members watched the "Big– gest Loser," an idea was sparked. NBC's hit show from the 2005 spring season featured 14 people, male and female, in the ultimate weight loss competition. :meWeb site's show description said, "[The show] challenges and encourages overweight contestants as they compete for a grand prize of$250,000 in a safe aJ,ld recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise." Faculty and staff members started their own competition that ran from (anuary until Spring Break 2005. Stephen Burks, assistant professor ofkinesiology and wellness coordinator, directed the program and said because of the success of the show, he decided it would be a good idea to carry the contest over to the entire faculty and staff. The fall contest began Oct. 3 and lasted eight weeks, ending before the Thanksgiving holiday. The entire faculty and staff received an e-mail that an– nounced the contest and encouraged participation. Mote than 175 people formed 23 teams and set the goal of a one-ton weight loss. On the fitst week of the competition, everyone weighed in and submitted their numbers. They continued to do the same every Monday following that week. Participants weighed-in every week, and their weight loss in pounds was converted to percentages. The group with the highest petcerrtage at the end won. Unlike the television show, the award was not $250,000, but instead wasT-shirts and prizes donated by local businesses. Alicia Adams, library circulation assistant and member ofthe library staffs team, said she participated in the COntest as a way ro prepare fot running the Race for the Cure in Little Rock Ocr. 22. "It gave me a little more incentive ro go out and train for the race," Adams said. "Finding our who wins every week is an encouragement to help you do better." Offices all ovet campus ror teams, including Human Resources, Financial Aid and the business office. "The purpose of the wellness progr:lm is to promote goodhealthamong fuc,tityand staff," Bmks said, "This competition has had great participation." Lisa Ritchie, assistant professor of Family and Consumer Science, presented a "Lunch and learn" session. Participants could come and bring theit lunches and learn about nutrition while they ate at the session. There were also training sessions in the Ganus Athletic Center available to those who wanted to learn how to use the machines. The only rule was weight loss could not occur as a result of surgery. Contestants were free to use any diet they wanted and were encouraged to eat right and work out. Along with the competition, the wellness program posted special weight room hours for staffand faculty members and provided a list ofpersonal trainers whom people could contact individually. The contest ended Nov. II with the II -member team from Aramark in first place. "We really worked at it and tried hard to do a good job," Melanie Grady, food service manager, said. "We kept each other motivated, accountable and encouraged." -Morando Abercrombie kinesiology /exercise science iff....
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