The 18th annual Mr. and Ms. SMU competition took place in the lower level of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Tuesday. Senior finance and economics major Daniel Trombley won Mr. SMU and junior mechanical engineering major Michelle Kim won Ms. SMU.
“The purpose of Mr. and Ms. SMU is to give students an opportunity to practice discipline and strength in a safe competition environment,” Mustang Fitness Club member Aubrey Richardson said. “The goal with the event is to have a large, enthusiastic crowd with solid competitors who enjoy themselves.”
The judges were HiLine Fitness personal trainer Owen D. Taylor III, Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports personal trainer Andrew Elrod, fitness professional Regina Coreil, a former NPC middleweight bodybuilder Keri C. Parker Berry and IFBB Pro and two-time “Mr. Israel,” Sagi Kalev.
Mandatory female posing is front, best side and back. Individual routines can’t exceed 60 seconds.
Kim decided to do the competition a year ago, although she has been working out for 2 years. She started her diet regime for the contest three months ago, and began practicing three weeks ago.
“[Kim] had more musicality and she seemed a little bit more trained,” Coreil said. “It was a consensus among the judges.”
“I have a real attachment to this,” she said. “I enjoy seeing young people take a serious interest in bodybuilding.”
Sophomore sport management major and track athlete Holly Archer won second place. Senior biology pre-med student Courtney Thrower took third place and won the Best Poser award.
“I strongly recommend it whether you win or lose, it’s rewarding,” Thrower said. “You feel good about yourself.”
Thrower, who also trains for marathons, had to overcome a fear of the stage. She incorporated weight training into her workouts and changed her diets.
Junior business management and pre-med major Oliver Filutowski took second place and the Best Poser award for Mr. SMU. Trombley loves reading, eating and lifting. He trained for this competition with his friend Statten Corwin, until Corwin couldn’t compete.
“He pushed me to do it,” Tormbley said. “I’ve literally dreamt of this every night. Not any more.”
Men competitors are required to do the front double biceps, front lat spread, side biceps, side triceps, rear lat spread, rear double biceps, abdominals and most muscular poses.
The competition is part of SMU Mustang Fitness Club, which has 20 members.
The purpose is really to connect people with other people who value health and fitness,” Richardson said. “MFC really works to provide healthy-living opportunities for SMU students.”
