ST. PAUL – Strength was tested, and limits were pushed as competitors stepped up to prove themselves during Lakeland’s Strongest 2025 strongman competition held at the Ag Corral on March 8 in St. Paul.
Athletes competed in five events across multiple weight categories. The competition included moving heavy objects, and hoisting sandbags and massive stones.
Hosted by Colten and Teresa Sloan, the challenges not only demand strength and endurance, but the will to push forward, and it was a common sight for the competing athletes to be encouraging each other as the event took place.
Colten, the fourth strongest man in Canada – and the first Indigenous strongman to earn his pro card - praised the athletes for their grit and said seeing the athletes’ determination and drive is what organizers hope to nurture.
Teresa said competing athletes came from across the Lakeland and beyond. She thanked the athletes who drove or flew from Toronto, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan to participate in the event.
“We just want to thank all the athletes for coming out,” she said. “This is why we do it.”
In addition to wanting to grow the sport in the Lakeland, Teresa said the couple wants to “shine a light on the community, as well,” and she’s glad members of the community stepped up to help.
“We’ve [got] so many local businesses that have come out to support our show,” she said.
While Colten and Teresa remain focused on their own competitive goals, with Colten preparing for the national and international Strongest Man qualifiers in June and July, and Teresa making her return to the sport and training to compete at Canada’s national amateur competition in October, they are also looking ahead to next year.
“You guys are what makes it worth it,” said Colten, gesturing to the crowd-filled Ag Corral, and thanking the audience for their support. “We do it for the athletes and the crowd.”
“I love all of you and I can’t wait to do it again,” said Colten. Asked if this means the event is coming back again next year, he replied, that is the plan.
Organizers plan to host the event during the Family Day weekend, similar to how it was done in 2023 during the Town of St. Paul’s annual Shiver Fest event. They hope more Lakeland-based athletes will show up to compete.
Results from Lakeland’s Strongest
Novice Women overall – Kara Sherwin placed first overall in the Novice Women division, winning the log, deadlift, farmers yoke, stone yoke event.
Masters Women overall – Tami Newman won the log, deadlift, farmers yoke, and yoke categories, and placed first. Trailing Newman at second place was Allison Martin. Stephanie Canham placed third in the Masters Women category.
Novice Men overall – First place was Ryan Grabarczyk, who won the farmers yoke, sandbag, and stone events. Nathan Berndt won second place, while Ryan Brant placed third in the category.
Masters Men overall – Jason Altmiks, who won all events in the weight division, placed first in the Masters Men category. Placing second was Derek Galliford, and Randal Gilet placed third.
Open Men overall – Alex Dean Crisby won first place in the Open Men category, while Dave Blake won second, and Blake Adams won third.
U105kg overall – First place in the category was Jeff Cappelle with 29.5 points overall, while Brenden Eberle followed at 29 points and placed second. Brandon Jefferey won third place.
U90 overall – Patient Mitima placed first in the category, while Dylan Opsal won second, and Serhii Poltavets won third place.
