The Inaugural Event

On Saturday, May 7, 2022 the Village of Hopkins hosted the 1st Annual West Michigan Strongman Competition at the corner of Franklin St. & Wise St. The 1st, outdoor competition of its kind held on the West Side of the State was designed to highlight the agricultural and industrial culture that is so common to individuals in this area and embodied in our Headline Sponsor, Hopkins-based industrial compactor maker Sebright Products.

It was a modest event with 11 sponsors and 11 registered strength athletes across 5 divisions. The crowd consisted largely of family and friends of the contestants and travelers that just happened to look south to view this curious thing while passing the Village Park. The weather was a crisp 70 degrees with nary a cloud in the sky and the competition in the Men’s 175, 200, and 231 classes heated up quickly.

Event #1 was the Log Press co-sponsored by Steensma Lawn & Power of Plainwell and Shaffer Tree Services of Dorr. “Ladies First” was the motto and Jules Bochenek of Oxford, MI did not disappoint, easily handling the 12 inch, 140 lb log for 5 reps. Jules’ 5 reps were later matched at 250 lbs by Chance Smith of Wyoming, MI in the Men’s 200 division and by Josh Swisher of Manchester, MI moving 270 lbs in the Men’s 231 division. Aaron Hahn of Alma, MI showed out with an impressive 4 reps at 230 lbs in the 175 Class.

Strength and technique were also needed for Event #2—the Deadlift.