SunUte trainer Abel Velasquez bends the bar during the king of squat challenge.

Fabian Glasses from Many Farm, AZ. traveled to Ignacio to compete at the Strong Warrior Competition at the SunUte Community Center where he won king of bench and squats in the 55+ Masters Division.

Cody Yazzie from Farmington, N.M. pushed through the pain during the Strong Warrior Weigh Lifting Challenge.

J.R. Houston stays focused during the king of squat challenge.

Goldie Tom from Gallup, N.M. pushes her limits during the queen of squat challenge while guest judge Loren Anthony spots her.

King of squat and strongest overall king — Aaron Velasquez takes home the title during the Strong Warrior Weight Lifting Competition. Velasquez lifted 1,395 lbs. total in the three lifts.

Samantha Jones traveled from Farmington, N.M. to compete and took home the overall and light heavy weight queen of squat title.

Arrianna James pushes 165 lbs. during the challenge.

Local competitor Charlie Price challenges himself during the Strong Warrior Competition, Saturday, August 5.

Tyson Thompson competed in the king of bench during the Strong Warrior Competition.

SunUte Community Center Director, Ian Thompson, showed his talents and won the King of Bench in his weight class.

Overall and Heavy weight king of the Bench Christopher Bitsuie lifted 395 lbs during the Strong Warrior Competition.

Ashley Young from Kayenta, AZ won the overall Queen of Deadlift. She was also the strongest overall queen lifting 860 lbs total in the 3 challenges.

Photo Credit: Maria Rivera | The Southern Ute Drum

Bending bars, breaking PR’s

Friday - August 18, 2017 by Maria Rivera | The Southern Ute Drum

The Strong Warrior Society made their first appearance at the SunUte Community Center Saturday, August 5, where some of the strongest competitors traveled to participate in the event. The events included king/queen of squat, bench and deadlift where the contestants pushed their limits in each category.