Finalists in the second annual Kosciusko FIT have shown their determination and endurance over the past six months to prove their commitment to good health. The program started in January with 225 locals joining the challenge. Kosciusko Community YMCA, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Purdue Extension and Warsaw Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce spent time and resources to come alongside the community to help them reach their goals. People were losing weight; lowering their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, no longer requiring some of their medications; running in 5K races; getting down to their high school weight after more than 20 years; and participating in activities they thought they’d never be able to do. As a group they have lost more than 1,660 pounds! On June 20 the top three teams and top three individual male and female participants were honored and rewarded for having the highest percentage of weight loss. The first place team was “TADL” with Aaron and Terrill Hooks and Dan and Linda Litfin, who lost 15.84 percent of their body weight as a team. The second place team was “We’re Not Fat Just Big Boned,” with Amanda Boyer, Riley Boyer, Rocky Clemens, and Scott Silveus, with a total of 12.46 percent team weight loss. The third place team was “Roll Models” with Trisha Bills, Tracey Layne, Woody Layne, and Tresa Nichols, who pulled together to a total of 9.95 percent weight loss. In the individual male category was Shannon Bugg taking first place with a 15.89 percent weight loss. Second place was John Fleming with 9.26 percent and third was Doug Green with 8.15 percent. In the individual female category was Stephanie Stratton taking first-place percentage of weight loss at 14.50 percent. Right on her heels in second place was Tina Creekmore with 12.43 percent and third was Tracey Miner with 11.68 percent. To assist these finalists on their continuing journey of good health, a task force will meet monthly with them for group health coaching, exercise guidelines, nutrition education, and meal planning guidance. The task force hopes to offer Kosciusko FIT 2014 next year.
