UD students organize memorial bench press competition for Vinh Nguyen
Bright and early on Saturday morning, around 100 students gathered in the Sport Court in solemn prayer. They joined together in memory of Vinh Nguyen, a student at the University of Dallas who tragically passed away over the summer. The prayer was followed by a bench press competition, which also honored Vinh’s legacy as an active member of the community and fellow gym-goer.
The organization of the competition was spearheaded by Cullen Craig, Gregory RA and friend of Vinh. “I knew the event that I wanted to throw once I heard the news of Vinh’s passing,” Craig said. “Last year we had a competition to see who could hit 275 first, so this felt like the natural thing to do.”
Over a two-week period, 33 competitors would sign up for the event: some with a lot of experience in bench pressing, some with little, still more who supported others from the sidelines – but all were there to honor Vinh’s passing.
“The bench competition was a great way to remember Vinh,” Aarod Firouzbakht, also a close friend of Vinh, said. “It was so great to see so many people come out, support and help out with the competition. I definitely felt Vinh’s presence there amongst us.”
Over the course of several hours, in blazing heat, contestants competed in three rounds to bench more than they ever had before. Many achieved Personal Records while benching in an energized atmosphere of cheers and speakers blasting Katy Perry.
Winner of the women’s “Pound for Pound”, Rosie McGill, enthusiastically stated, “This was one of my favorite events I’ve attended at UD. I was so inspired by everyone who participated in the event […] I loved cheering everyone on when it was their turn to lift and I felt equally as supported when it was my turn. I hope that this event becomes a yearly tradition for the students to come together to display their passion and dedication for physical and spiritual improvement.”
Similarly, Isabel McKamey, winner of the women’s “Overall Weight”, shared her appreciation.
“I thought the competition was a great way to honor Vinh and I am so blessed to have been able to compete.”
The men’s winner of the “Pound for Pound” was Craig, who lifted an impressive 275 pounds. Likewise, John Manson would lift 315 pounds, winning the men’s “Overall Weight”.
Regardless of who won, however, there was overall enjoyment felt throughout the competition – a competition which brought the UD community together for one who had such a profound impact upon it.