Wellness Wednesday – Saluting UNMC’s weekend warriors

Let’s take a second to recognize some UNMC employees who have demonstrated excellence of late in the athletic realm.

James Sorrell, M.D., assistant dean for student affairs in the College of Medicine and associate professor of psychiatry, set another powerlifting world record at a competition in Baton Rouge, La., on Sunday.

Dr. Sorrell bench pressed 501 pounds to set an American Powerlifting Federation record for his age (44-49 years) and weight class (181 pounds).

The bench press was a highlight in a day that saw Dr. Sorrell squat 552 pounds and deadlift 474 pounds for a total of 1,527 pounds.

The total earned Dr. Sorrell first place in the contest and will allow him to compete for the organization’s world championship in November in England.

Dr. Sorrell has previously set bench press world records for his age in the 165 and 181 weight classes and for a total in the 165 pound class.

Did you run, too? If you ran in Sunday’s Lincoln marathon — either in the half or full marathon portion — and were not listed in today’s story — send your name and time to today@unmc.edu and we’ll post it in an upcoming Wellness Wednesday item.

Also on Sunday, several UNMC employees took part in the half-marathon portion of Lincoln National Guard Half Marathon and Marathon.

Hugh Stoddard, Ph.D., assistant dean for education in the College of Medicine, finished the race in 1 hour, 57 minutes and 18 seconds. Keith Swarts, director of business services ran the race in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 47 seconds. Jayme Nekuda, Ph.D., UNMC’s division director of benefits and worklife programs and UNMC’s resident wellness guru, backed up her fitness talk and finished the race in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 49 seconds while nurse anesthetist Christine Anderson crossed the finish line after 2 hours, 15 seconds and 50 seconds.

In a nod to the home team, three members of the UNMC public relations staff also completed the half-marathon.

Jessica Brummer finished the 13.1 mile course in 1 hour, 48 minutes and 50 seconds. Nicole Lindquist finished in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 33 seconds and Karen Burbach finished in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 12 seconds.

And you may recall that awhile back we discussed Brock Steinbrink’s participation in the Boston Marathon. Well, we’re a bit late, Brock, but kudos to you for finishing the famed footrace in 3 hours, 5 minutes and 15 seconds.

Steinbrink averaged a mile every 7 minutes and 4 seconds during the April 20 marathon.