University of Memphis Athletics
Team Novikoff Wins 2007 CUSA Challenge
Dec 05, 2007 | Baseball
Dec. 5, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis wrapped up its 2007 fall conditioning program with the 4th Annual CUSA Challenge. The Memphis baseball strength and conditioning program, led by head Strength Coach Mike Stark, was finished with testing that was done through out the semester. Senior centerfielder K.K. Chalmers won the highest honors, as he earned the Ultimate Iron Tigers award. Led by Superior Iron Tiger Chris Novikoff, Team Novikoff claimed the event's team championship.
Individual testing consisted of the 60-yard dash, 30-yard dash (for pitchers) home-to-first times (for position players), standing broad jump, vertical jumps, L-Drill, squats and cleans. Each event was given points for three different groups: pitchers, corner position players and middle position players. The points were then divided into different classes, the highest being Ultimate Iron Tiger. Chalmers, Marc Ashley, Brennon Martin and Chris Newsom all earned Ultimate Iron Tiger status, with Chalmers claiming the overall honor. Nineteen other student-athletes made the elite strength squads--Superior Iron Tiger (Chris Novikoff, Scott McGregor), Super Iron Tigers (Marcus Barnes, Brett Bowen, Robby Graham, Garrett Hachtel, Tyler Huelsing, Jonathan Jones, Dane Sharp, Worth Tate, Duke Williams, Matt Yokley) and Iron Tigers (Brach Davis, Eric Farrell, Zach Helton, Jason Miller, Tyler Roberts, Chase Sain, Neil Schenk).
The Tigers were then broken up into teams and a draft was then held to assign teammates to a team for the CUSA Challenge competition--a one day battle of body and mind. The teams competed in events such as Tug of War, Farmers Walk, Tire Flips, Move the Mountain, Shuttle Medley Relay, Hex Bar Hold of 365 pounds, and the final event was the Obstacle Course.
Each team was awarded points and a Champion was determined at the end of the day. The winning team of the 2007 CUSA Challenge was Team Novikoff. Novikoff, who was a part of 2006-07 CUSA Challenge champ, Team Grisham, was joined by Dylan Cupples, Tyler Huelsing, Tyler Roberts, Chase Sain, Worth Tate and Duke Williams. Team Novikoff was coach by Tiger assistant Cory Barton.
Led by Assistant Coach Mike Federico and team leader Marc Ashley, Team Ashley was the runner of this year's competition. Team Ashley consisted of Brett Bowen, Zack Clark, Eric Farrell, Chris Kirkland, Neil Schenk and Dane Sharp.
