What’s better than traveling to Ohio? Traveling to Ohio with friends and competing in a competition. On March 3, Fluvanna Power Team Coaches Steven Szarmach and Devon Watkins brought along 28 athletes on a trip to Columbus, Ohio, to compete in the Arnold Schwarzenegger competition.

A world-famous body builder who is a former Mr. Universe and a former governor of California, Schwarzenegger has a yearly competition for only the fittest of athletes. Between events like benching more than your body weight and hard crossfit races, the competition is tough and strenuous.

The Power Team, which is in its eighth year and consists of a dozen or more Flucos who regularly work out morning before school in the weightlifting room, left FCHS on March 1 and traveled to the competition in a grueling 8-½ hour drive. “The car ride was the best part of the trip because I really liked the people I rode with and we listened to music the whole time,” said Sophomore Delaney Reed.

Once at the event, the Flucos quickly made their mark. Seniors Toria Belew and Tyler Haslip won the Women’s Partner division, while Seniors Zachary Hartzog and Craig Russo winning the Men’s Partner division. “The best part was finally being able to compete with Tyler because we had been waiting since freshman year to compete together,” said Belew. As for Haslip, she said she thought the tournament “was a lot easier than I was expecting. I didn’t have to flip tires so I was pleasantly surprised.”

Even though the team was there to compete, they also bonded over many activities outside of competing. “My favorite part with the team was walking around the convention center and getting free stuff, plus all the different types of food we ate. It was so good,” said Sophomore Joshua Elliott.

The Flucos supported one another during competition and always cheered on their teammates. There were many laughs and even more memories made, especially when meeting idols. “My favorite part was being able to hangout with friends and make new ones. Oh, and I will never forget when I met the crossfit champion, Matt Fraser. That was pretty awesome,” said Sophomore Matthew Waller.

However, the trip was a bittersweet one, as the Power Team is now coming to an end. “This was the last year we are doing the Power Team,” said Coach Watkins. “We’re really trying to focus on turning the football program around. If we can turn football around, we are hoping that since it is a fall sport, it will help other sports be more encouraged and succeed more. Plus, the Power Team takes so much work because of raising money and making all the workouts,” he said.