Hydaway hosts challenge

Teams of four battle through mental and physical obstacles around the lake

As the fog hung over the lake at Camp Hydaway around 9 a.m Saturday Sept. 5, students hunched over kayaks, preparing to push the brightly colored boats into the water.
The “3 … 2 … 1 … ,” countdown by Josh Yeoman, director of Outdoor Recreation for Student Activities (SA), was soon drowned out by the loud sound of teammates cheering on the rest of their posse to victory.

The third annual SA Adventure Challenge had begun.

For the 15 four-person teams, the race offered different obstacles including a two-person kayak shuttle, three separate one-mile loops around the lake, a fitness challenge with activities such as a tire run, burpees, a military crawl, a crab walk and lunging for a set distance.

After the fitness challenge, teams were instructed to apply shaving cream to a balloon and shave it without popping.

At the end of the competition, teammates had to carry a log under, over and under an obstacle three different times while every team member kept a hand on the log.

“If you want to test yourself physically and mentally and you want an opportunity to work in a team setting, I think it’s a great opportunity for students,” Yeoman said.

Two heats later, some teams finished strong by sprinting across the finish line together while others dragged themselves under the inflatable, marking the end of the race, but only one team dominated.

Team Jalapeño Business finished in first overall with a time of 47 minutes and 15 seconds. The team was new to the competition according to team captain, John Sherret, first year Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) student.

“None of us had done this before, we had no idea what to expect,” Sherret said. “ … If you’re somebody who really likes to study, it’s worth the time taking off to come (to Camp Hydaway).”

Sherret encouraged other students to use Camp Hydaway for events such as the Adventure Challenge.

“If you’re not somebody who’s super competitive, and you want to have fun, you will have fun,” Sherret said. “If you’re somebody who’s competitive, it’s good for that too.”

For more information about SA Outdoors and upcoming events, visit liberty.edu/campusrec/studentactivities.

Tiller is the feature editor.