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‘Warriors’ invited to join Big Cypress competition

BIG CYPRESS – You might want to add “Eye of the Tiger” to your playlist for this one.

What’s thought to be the first-ever “Seminole Warrior Competition” is set to take place Feb. 29 on the Big Cypress Reservation.

The event is designed as a version of what the CrossFit Games look like.

Those competitions include a wide-variety of skill stations and strength moves that are done quickly.

Vera Herrera, BC recreation department site manager, said a Warrior course will be set up in advance, but she doesn’t want to give away all the details so competitors start at a level playing field.

But the rec department did have some tips for potential participants: incorporate jumps, planks, squats and running in your workouts.

The competition starts out with a run – from the BC gym to the Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena – about 1.3 miles . Participants will then need to complete nine fitness stations.

The CrossFit Games bring out some fierce competitors. BC will hold its own version of the event Feb. 29. (Photo: CrossFit Invictus Facebook)

Herrera said there will be recreational staff members, many of whom are personal trainers, to help the Warriors correctly complete stations and make sure they are doing so safely.

They’ll be keeping track of their times, too.

The quickest male and female will be crowed winners. They will each receive a “Seminole Warrior Champion” belt – the style that WWE wrestlers wear.

There are no other categories, at least this time around, Herrera said.

Warriors should check in at the BC gym parking lot starting at 8 a.m. From 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., recreation staff will go over the rules and demonstrate some safety techniques.

A 15-minute stretch begins at 8:45 a.m. and the first wave of competitors – about three at a time – will start at 9 a.m.

“We’ve had really good interest,” Herrera said. “The course is challenging, but not impossible.”

Herrera said the competition is open to Tribal members, descendants and community members who live on the reservation. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

There is no need to register in advance, but those who have questions can call BC recreation at (863) 983-9659.

Damon Scott
Damon is a multimedia journalist for the Seminole Tribune. He has previously been an editor and reporter for digital and print media in Florida and his home state of New Mexico. Send him an email at damonscott@semtribe.com.
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