WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., June 30, 2016 — Ninety days of dieting, 5 a.m. work-outs and eating light would make a big, big difference in just about anyone’s health and fitness level. For West Liberty University’s President Stephen Greiner, who is completing the Community Fitness Challenge today, it has resulted in weight loss, increased strength and a sharper focus on eating healthy.
“I was pleased to be a part of the Community Fitness Challenge and enjoyed taking part in this first time effort organized by McKinley Carter Wealth Services and Ryan Ferns Healthplex. It has been a lot of work but rewarding to see the difference it is making in each participants’ wellness,” said Dr. Greiner, who has been disciplined in sticking to the program. He does admit to missing pizza, rice and the cookies that he used to eat.
Nineteen other Ohio Valley business, education and municipal leaders took part in the fitness and nutrition program, that included workouts three days a week, nutrition class once-a-week and a daily food log.
Also a fundraiser, each competitor donated $1,000 to the CFC charity pool, with the winning professional earning the big prize at the end of the completion. The $20,000 will go to the charity of choice, selected by each participant when they began the grueling challenge. The winner will be announced at the July 21 Wheeling Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, to be held at Centre Market.
President Greiner designated the WLU Foundation as the recipient of the money if he wins the fitness competition. The WLU Foundation provides stewardship of all scholarship money at the University.
On Friday, July 1, all participants will undergo blood work and biometric testing to show the changes they underwent over the three-month challenge. Major sponsor of the event, Ryan Ferns, owner of the Ryan Ferns Healthplex, created the customized CFC program and also is a participant.
“Our goal was to target the leaders of these companies and organizations, which we believe, in turn, will impact all of their employees and customers throughout the Ohio Valley,” he said. Jim Pennington, president and CEO of The Health Plan, also stepped up as both a participant and corporate sponsor of the challenge.
At the end of the first month, Greiner was one of the leaders in the completion, along with Oglebay Institute President Danielle McCracken, Ohio County School Administrator Kim Miller, WesBanco CEO Todd Clossin, and Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Spokesman Bryan Minor.
In addition, other executive competitors include: Lisa Allen of Ziegenfelder Co., Lawrence Bandi of Central Catholic High School, Michael Caruso of OVHS&E, Rev. James Fleming of Wheeling Jesuit University, Fire Chief Larry Helms of Wheeling Fire Department, Dr. David Hess of Reynolds Memorial Hospital, David McKinley ofMcKinley Carter Wealth Services, Mark Paluchette of Liberty Distributors, John Reasbeck of Omni Strategic Technologies, Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger of Wheeling Police Dept., Rob Sincavich of Team Sledd, Nick Sparachane of Undo’s Family Restaurant, Erikka Storch of Wheeling Chamber of Commerce and Will Turani of Orrick.
Other sponsors include Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino, Racetrack and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB or visit westliberty.edu.