Losing pounds makes these people winners

PEA RIDGE — Losing equals winning in the Biggest Loser contest with all the winners successful.

More than 20 people joined the contest sponsored jointly by John Dye of Dye Hards and Rick Neal, Pea Ridge High School principal (and a former coach) and fitness trainer, that lasted for 12 weeks. Points were garnered on pounds lost, percent of body fat lost, amount of time spent working out.

The winner, Tony Boyle, 35, actually began his weight-loss program months before the contest began, but said he enjoyed the camaraderie and competition working with others.

“I couldn’t have done it on my own. Tina (Bangs) is quite a motivator,” saying that working withothers spurred him on.

“I wanted to have more life to enjoy my wife and my kids,” Boyle said, explaining his reasoning for losing a total of 85 pounds, 42 of which was lost during the contest. He lost 10 percent body fat and worked out every day.

Second place was won by Shannon Morgan, 40, who lost 51 pounds, 6.9percent body fat. He said he worked out about four times a week and his goal was to be healthier and feel better.

Third place overall, and the only woman in the top winners, was Tina Bangs, 43, who lost 20.2 pounds and 7 percentbody fat. Bangs said she worked out twice a day except for Saturdays.

“Thank you, John Dye,” Neal said, as he began the closing ceremony. “We’ve had great times and builtfabulous relationships.”

There were several humorous awards presented - Lee Grant for the most graceful yoga; two ladies who almost always asked “What am I doingwrong?” and the funniest by a lady who was so sore after the first day she asked her husband to help her undress after the workout.

First place won $500and a year’s membership to Dye Hards; second place won $125 and three months membership to the gym; and third place won $69 and one month gym membership.