Meltdown – USA Gym awards $2,250 in weight loss contest

Most everyone involved is a little bit lighter after the first McMinnville Meltdown weight loss contest sponsored by USA Gym and the Southern Standard.

A total of 268 participants lost a combined 1,176 pounds, while USA Gym owner Leland Northcutt lost $2,250 in prize money.

?We made McMinnville lighter so I think it was a good community program,? said Northcutt. ?That?s a lot of weight that we no longer have walking around our town.?

Based on weight loss and number of participants, the average person lost 4.4 pounds.

Leading the way as the biggest loser was Art Larson Jr., who lost an eye-catching 39 pounds in just over three months. Larson attributes his weight loss to getting active and staying active.

?There have only been three days since Christmas where I didn?t go to the gym or get out and do something,? said Larson. ?The other day I didn?t make it to the gym, but I got out and rode my bike and went for a walk.?

Following right behind Larson is his dad, Art Larson Sr., who lost 35 pounds.

The contest ended April 16 and everybody who lost at least 5 pounds had their name entered in a drawing. Each additional 3 pounds lost resulted in another entry in the drawing, meaning Larson Jr., led the way with 12 entries, followed by his dad with 11.

Five winners were drawn at random Monday by impartial 6-year-old Benjamin Clark. Those winners were awarded $500 if they are USA Gym members, and $250 if they aren?t.

Statistics played out with Larson Jr., and Larson Sr., both having their name drawn to win $500. Phillip Miller, who lost 27 pounds, was also picked and he won $500. Gym member Hugo Ontiveros won $500, while non-gym member Libby Kuykendall won $250.

?We?re going to try to make it even better next year,? said Northcutt.