FORT DRUM, N.Y -- Soldiers from across the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade
(10th MDSB), 10th Mountain Division competed in 10th MDSB Holistic Health & Fitness’
(H2F) first-ever “Get a Grip” Competition, Sept. 9, 2022.
The competition, which was centered around ‘getting a grip’ on mental health, pushed Soldiers
in four different grueling exercises specifically designed to test grip strength.
Based on an idea from a former H2F coach, Christopher Parker, the competition was made a
reality by the coaches currently a part of 10th MDSB H2F team.
“The idea is to get Soldiers to compete, have fun, and bond with people that they don't get to see
on a regular basis,” said 10 th MDSB H2F strength coach, Mike Long.
Out of roughly two dozen competitors, only one female Soldier participated. Spc. Miranda
Luedeman, from the 33rd Financial Management Support Unit, 10th Division Sustainment
Troops Battalion, 10th MDSB, 10th Mountain Division, heard about the competition from her
leadership and signed up despite not having an extensive weightlifting background.
“Hailey Czigler, a 10th MDSB H2F strength & conditioning coach, joins our unit every Tuesday
and Thursday to work out with us, '' said Luedeman “, Working with her has benefited me and
my unit greatly.”
The competition challenged Soldiers to compete against each other in order to top the
leaderboard. It also served as an opportunity for Soldiers to push themselves physically and
mentally past what they thought previously possible.
“I definitely have much more finger strength than I anticipated, '' said Luedeman “, I enjoyed this
competition greatly, and participating in future events is going to push me forward in my overall
fitness.”
Despite this being the first time for the competition to take place, it set the standard for future
competitions to come. With numerous ideas circulating, the 10th MDSB H2F has plans for more
competitions in order to have an even greater impact on Soldiers across the 10th MDSB.
“We have already talked about doing a powerlifting competition, including squat, bench, and
deadlift,'' said coach Long '', The competition went well and a lot of the Soldiers are interested in
coming back for future competitions.”
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