Local strongman set to compete at the 2025 Santa Monica Classic
Manoah Tuiasosopo
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma is home to Arizona’s Strongest Man and this weekend, he’s getting ready to test his might.
We spoke with Kelly Howell about his preparation and mindset ahead of this year’s Santa Monica Classic.
The 6’1, 260 pound strongman has been flying past his competitors at numerous local and regional powerlifting competitions.
Howell says, “My last three competitions went really well. I won all three of them. So, I’m sitting good, feeling good, and feeling strong. So, I’ve got some good momentum going into the weekend.”
He’s getting ready to compete against some of the strongest men in the world this weekend in Santa Monica.
Howell says he’s ready to put Yuma and Arizona on the map.
“They’re guys from Sweden, Chile, the Philippines, and all kinds of different places. So, it’s going to be a really good time to represent Arizona. I’m going to be competing against guys well into 350 lbs. – 360 lbs. but we’ll give them a run for their money.”
Deadlifts, log presses, and frame carries are just a few of the events he’ll be competing in.
Howell, who holds the state record for the circus dumbbell press, shares what he does leading up to a competition like this.
“During this prep, we’re deadlifting well over 750 lbs., we’re loading 400 lbs. sandbags, all kinds of just fun, heavy stuff. When it’s 110 degrees and there’s stuff to be lifted, you’ve got to do it outside, no big deal,” he explains.
He thanks his team and the community for the support and is ready to make them proud.
“It’s awesome! There’s a lot of people out there rooting for me. I can’t wait to go out there and show them what I’m capable of. Without their support, I definitely wouldn’t be here,” Howell shares.
Howell is a former United States Marine and also the manager at the Complex Gym in Yuma.
He says he has his sights aimed at the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic next February in Ohio and hopes to crack the top five.