Alumnus Ben Weaver is an iron man

Waxahachie, Texas — August 28, 2012 — Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) alumnus Ben Weaver completed the Lake Placid Iron Man full triathlon on July 22, 2012, in 14 hours, 15 minutes and 38 seconds. The triathlon consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.

Weaver began competing in races a few years ago as a hobby and a way to stay fit and healthy. In 2010, he decided to begin training for the Iron Man triathlon. Weaver trained for two years, seven months of which was specifically to prepare for the Lake Placid Iron Man. He swam, biked and ran twice a week and did Cross-fit fitness training to prepare.

Weaver describes the triathlon as taxing "mentally, physically and spiritually." Weaver admits that during the race, he had many moments he felt 'emptied out' on the course, but he completed the race. "My family and friends were extremely supportive during this journey," Weaver says. Ben's family and friends were able to see him cross the finish line after his 14-hour trek.

His favorite moment was hearing the announcer say, "Ben Weaver, you are now an iron man," as he completed the course. "It was a dream of mine that had finally come true," Weaver said.

Weaver graduated SAGU in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in youth ministries. Weaver says that professor Garland Owensby was a great influence in his life. “He really impacted the way I thought about youth ministry and how I should use my degree,” Weaver said.

"I believe that teenagers are the most passionate people on the planet," he said. "If they can fix their passion on Jesus, then they will change the world. That's why I am involved with youth ministry."

Ben Weaver currently serves as a youth pastor at the Fenton campus of The Crossing church in St. Louis, Missouri. His youth group has seen much growth in the last year at the groups gatherings.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.