At 9 a.m. Monday, April 26, while most of the Avon Old Farms community was enjoying a day off from their cozy beds, 15 Avonians rose to complete a challenge: the MURPH Challenge.
For those who are unfamiliar, a MURPH is physical challenge comprised of a one-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 body squats, and another one-mile run. Average times for this workout can range from 47 minutes to 57 minutes; a good goal is to break one hour if possible. The MURPH is names for LT. Michael P. Murphy (SEAL) who was the officer-in-charge of a four-man SEAL element in support of Operation Red Wings, tasked with finding a key anti-coalition militia commander near Asadabad, Afghanistan. He and his team encountered enemy fire, and Murphy is credited with sacrificing his own life to save the lives of his teammates.
Despite the 40-degree weather and strong winds, each Avonian who took on the challenge completed it in under an hour. The winner, Jack Maas '22, completed it in under 29 minutes—truly worthy of the bragging rights Major Jon Bourgault bestowed upon the winner.
To see photos of the event, view our photo gallery here.