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Williamstown holds Ted Watson Memorial Iron Man competition

By Kerry Patrick 3 min read

WILLIAMSTOWN - The quarterback in waiting at Williamstown High School finished first in two of a possible six stations, second in another and claimed the title at the Ted Watson Memorial Iron Man competition on Thursday.

Senior Lynken Joy, who gets the nod as the Yellowjackets' starting quarterback for the season ahead, finished with a winning margin of 23 points (343-320) over runner-up Blake Brown after winning individual titles in both the 65-pound clean and press and the sled push. He also placed runner-up in the sled pull.

Brown, a junior, set a new record with 71 repetitions in the 135-pound bench press over a two-minute span. The old mark was established only a half hour earlier by sophomore Christian Hoosier at 69.

Senior Ty Ott rounded out the top three with 315 points.

The event, which came into existence in 2000, tested the physicality of the varsity football team in demanding conditions. Game time temperature read 90 degrees.

"I know all you guys can do this physically, but an event like this will physically exhaust you," Williamstown head coach Chris Beck told his player afterwards. "You have to be mentally tough and lay it on the line."

Also winning individual titles were Holden McComas in the 50-pound dumbbell carry, Danner Hooper in the sled pull and Ty Ott in the tire flip.

Members of the senior class experienced the Iron Man competition for the final time as the calendar turns to the official start of preseason practice on Monday.

"This summer, we probably spend more time with the team than our family, and when we break it down like we did today we see guys step it up to lead their team," senior Will Sites said. "I just love every minute of the Iron Man - personally I think I did all right. I only threw up a couple of times and felt really good after that. Some people think it sucks, but after you get your second wind you feel good.

"Afterward, your body feels exhausted, but those Texas Roadhouse rolls are going to be so good."

The Williamstown coaching staff held a pre-event draft with no more than pride at stake. Assistant coach Brian Adams picked a winning team consisting of Brown, McComas, Jackson Fulton, Josiah Mills and Mason Kern. Blake and McComas were his first two picks, but Fulton turned out to be a pleasant surprise and help give his team the edge..

"Fighters and motivators," Adams explained as for his draft philosophy. "Took Blake first because of his work ethic. He is a grinder. Super good kid and proud to see how he has come along. McComas is someone who has all the talent in the world."

Adams enters his eighth season with the Williamstown varsity coaching staff and 15th year overall..

"Today's event was a blast - all of us coaches are great friends off the field and there is no better group to coach with than this one here," Adams continued. "I'm very biased toward our program. Having not grown up here and coming here to this program ... their work ethic, the community support, the leadership within the school with the athletic director and principal to the coaches and players, it's unmatched."

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com

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