Where Strength Meets Determination

Where Strength Meets Determination

Written by ChishaBetty Watson & Brylee Sottiaux | 1/27/2026

The 2nd annual L.I.F.E (Live Inspired Fitness Education) Strongman Competition was held on January 21, 2026 at Cranberry High School and brought together students and teachers from Cranberry, Franklin, Rocky Grove, and Titusville for a day of strength-based challenges. 

This event was coordinated by Cranberry High School teacher, Shawn Bean. He organized this event allowing all students 7th-12th grade to participate. 

Bean commented,  “I wanted to invite other schools because when we’re talking about health and wellness and what we call a whole school community, that doesn’t just involve our school here. All of our community’s schools have K-12 students who need to learn these skills.”

The event focused on more than physical power, giving participants the opportunity to challenge themselves, work as a team, and build confidence. 

Many students said they joined the competition after learning about the opportunity through their classes and were encouraged by physical education teacher, Bean. 

Ninth grader Cameron Jackson from Cranberry said he decided to participate after hearing there was an open team spot. Jackson added, “pulling the rope was my favorite part of the competition.“

Cranberry High School senior Devin Ball said he enjoyed the challenge, describing the event as a friendly but competitive experience. “Getting to compete in a friendly competition is decently fun,” Ball said. His favorite activity was the Atlas Stones, a strength-based challenge that requires teams to lift a series of large, round Titan Balls (similar to a medicine ball" —called Atlas Stones) from the ground and load them onto platforms of increasing height, testing total-body strength, strategy, and teamwork.

Student participants from Titusville High School also shared positive experiences. 

Teacher Tyler Vath said he enjoyed the competitive nature of the event while still keeping it fun. “It’s fun though competition, which I like,” Vath said, noting that the Atlas Stones were his favorite challenge. 

Titusville sophomore Logan Riddle said he appreciated the opportunity to take part and expressed gratitude for the event, adding that the Atlas Stones were also his favorite challenge: “I’m thankful for this event.”

Younger students also found value in the competition. 

Eighth grader Kenley Mason from Cranberry said she joined because she wanted to work out, but enjoyed the social aspect the most. “Probably hanging out with my friends and spending time with them,” Mason said. Her favorite challenge was also the Atlas Stones.

Junior Lexy Bowling from Titusville said the competition pushed her outside of her comfort zone. “I wanted to do this to see what I’m capable of, have a good time with my team, and push myself to do something different,” Bowling said. She added that the rope pull was her favorite event and described the experience as “really fun.”

According to Mr. Bean, the competition was created to encourage growth beyond the classroom. “The LIFE competition allows students to build teamwork, communication, and perseverance while pushing themselves in ways they might not have thought were possible,” Bean said.

Titusville teacher Shane Steffy said events like this benefit students by encouraging participation and teamwork. 

“We participated last year, and we just thought it would be a good way to get the kids out,” Steffy said. He also noted that Cranberry was the biggest competition around. 

By the end of the event, participants left with more than just results. The LIFE Competition showed that strength comes from determination, teamwork, and the willingness to challenge oneself.