June 26 will be the third rendition of the Sorinex Summer Strong event. The event centers around Richard Sorin’s birthday, this year is his 60th, as well as his company Sorinex, this being their 30th year in existence. Sorinex is known for making the highest quality equipment around. They are not just equipment makers but lifters; Richard was a top ranked power and olympic lifter growing up and the first person to close a Captains of Crush #3 gripper. His son Bert was a 4-time All-American Hammer Thrower for the University of South Carolina and current Professional Scottish Highland Games athlete.
Last year I gave a kettlebell instructor course to members of Team Sorinex the day before the event. This year I will be lecturing and demonstrating kettlebell sport on the event day. Another highlight this year is the inclusion of a grip competition and many of the strongest grips in the world will be on hand, with world records in there vision.
Here is a highlight video of mine from last years event:
This Years Schedule:
8:00 – 9:00am Meet and greet at Sorinex – Warm-up
9:00 – 10:00am Rope Training – Jason Lawson, Joe “House” Wilson (Team Sorinex)
10:00 – 11:00am Olympic Lifting – Stephen Powell Olympic Lifting Coach and Specialist, Shane Miller (ATHLETES ARENA.COM)
11:00 – 12:00pm Strongman Training – Jason Lawson, Tex Henderson (Team Sorinex), Joe Connolly, Matt Thomas (USC Football)
12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch on your own
1:00 – 2:00pm Kettlebell Training – Elise Matthews Kettlebell and Functional Assessment Expert (KOREWELLNESS.COM), Andrew Durniat, Kettlebell World Class Competitor (DURNIATSTRENGTH.COM)
2:00 – 4:00pm Grip Contest, Certs, Derby – Richard Sorin (Grip Legend, Strength Expert) Zach Coulter (US HAND STRENGTH ASSOCIATION)
4:00 – 5:00pm MMA / Self Defense / Jiu-Jitsu – Rory Singer (Hardcore Gym, Athens, GA) and Clay Walker (University of Georgia)
5:00 – 5:30pm Sorinex / Crossfit Strategic WOD (Workout of the Day) TBA
5:30 – 6:00pm Sorinex store open
5:30 – 9:00 PM Reception / Cookout / Big Richard Sorin Birthday Party!!!
The Place:
The Sorinex Showroom/training center/man factory/strength lab
7575 St. Andrews Road
Irmo, SC 29072
Finally, a competiton that only requires a 25 minute drive.
June 19 in Massilion, Ohio is the Jackson North American Highlander.
Highlander competitions blend together the classic Scottish Highland Games and the modern Strongman events, resulting in the ultimate test of overall strength and athletic ability.
This Highlander will take place as part of the Jackson Township Celebration Festival and will start at 1pm on Saturday, June 19.
Here are the events and how I feel about them:
1. Braemar Stone – 22 lbs. stone – This is a standing stone putt. I don’t have a track and field throwing background, but my long arms and explosive ability help a lot here. Over 30′ is my goal for the event and every time I throw I improve. 30+ feet should be competitive.
2. Light Weight For Distance - 28 lbs. – I’m feeling more confident with the spinning technique. 50+ feet is obtainable for me.
3. Heavy Weight For Distance – 56 lbs. – Spinning with this weight is 50/50. Half the time it throws me and the other half I get a good 20′ throw. Patience in the spin is my key.
4. Weight Over Bar – 56 lbs. – This is where I can really shine. My goal is 15′ and I’ve only seen one other person approach 14′ at this event previously.
5. Farmers Walk – 200 lbs. per hand – 200 lbs. per hand is light, this will be a sprint to the finish. This is another top event for me.
6. 2” Axle Clean and Press for Reps – 200 lbs. – Overhead lifting is not a strength of mine, but 200 lbs. is not too big. We have 75 seconds to do as many as possible, I think 12 will be a good number.
7. Husafelt Stone – 300 lbs. – Not the heaviest stone to carry, but a 180 degree turn at the halfway point will make all the difference. Quick feet and sure legs are a must, especially late in the day. My conditioning will payoff big time.
8. TBA – Event will be Atlas Stones? Loading Medley? Truck Pull? Viking Press? – This mystery event will only happen in case of a tie. The plan is to be well ahead in first place.
Event location is:
Jackson Township Celebration Festival
5735 Wales Avenue NW
Massillon, OH 44646
I hope to see many of you there.
