Published: November 15, 2009 12:31 am      

LOCKPORT: Chapman wins Downtown Meltdown, bragging rights

“Boys of Blubber” come through for United Way benefit at fitness center

The Downtown Meltdown was good for the four men who shed a total of 129 pounds, and better for the United Way. The fundraiser was fun for all who attended the final weigh-in and auction at the Lockport Athletic and Fitness Center on Saturday.

The winning loser was Gary Chapman of Papa Leo’s, who went from 275 pounds to a relatively svelte 236 pounds in six weeks of training. Mayor Mike Tucker, who led after five weeks, broke the 300-pound barrier, going from 321 to 292. Parker Greenman, the CEO of Papa Leo’s, dropped 31 pounds to 241, and teacher Anthony Molinaro dissolved to 225 from 255.

Mike Molinaro could not attend due to a death in the family.

The United Way netted $2,000. Good will and shenanigans continued from Oct. 6 to the last day.

Tucker had the lead a week before the final weigh-in and sent Chapman a dozen doughnuts Friday. Chapman sent Hizzoner a pizza at midnight Friday.

Chapman suspected Tucker of sandbagging (that’s deliberately holding back to gain an advantage) and did some sandbagging of his own. At the semi-final weigh-in, both wanted to appear heavier than they were.

“The mayor was playing with the scale a little bit and drinking a little water and holding back,” Chapman said. “So, I weighed in a little bit heavy last week just to keep him thinking.”

Drinking a gallon of water can add more than seven pounds, Chapman said.

The contestants worked out on a regular basis — Chapman, maybe more in the stretch run.

“I gave it all I had this week, four or five hours a day, every day, even this morning,” he said. “I’ve been here since 7 o’clock just sweating my whatever off and it showed today on the scale.”

Chapman and Greenman celebrated the Papa Leo triumph with burgers Saturday afternoon.

“It’s a good feeling. I feel great,” Chapman said. “I’m going to continue with working out and training, and hopefully lose another 30 pounds.”

All men were good losers. They played tricks and seemed to gang up on Tucker. The first week, Chapman sent over cakes and pies to city hall.

“That’s the way it goes,” Tucker said. “It’s the story of my life. Gary was sandbagging last week. I bought him some doughnuts yesterday. I was hoping he would eat the whole dozen, but it appears he didn’t. He was bagging all week.”

The mayor added, “It’s been a lot of fun for me and good for the guys and great for the United Way.”

Auction items included VIP box tickets for a Sabres game against Dallas, a 42-inch television and a $1,200 men’s watch. The auction generated about $3,400.

Amer Abdallah, the owner of Lockport Athletic and Fitness Center, reported the total expenses for the event, including the training, nutrition program, marketing, posters and billboards, were approximately $3,500.

His initial commitment was $10 per pound, but the donation was $2,000 to the United Way.

Contact reporter Bill Wolcott

at 439-9222, ext. 6246.