The Republic-Times Athlete of the Week is Colin McFarland. The 21-year-old Waterloo High School graduate participated in the Southern Illinois Strongest II at The Benton Civic Center on Aug 3. This is a United States sanctioned Strongman competition that features an Axle Deadlift, Axle Clean and Press, Zercher Carry for Distance, Keg Over Bar and the Hercules Hold. McFarland was the top finisher in the Hercules Hold challenge and placed second overall in the Novice Open Men’s Division. McFarland attends classes at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, owns and operates Mac’s Pressure Washing, and is a personal trainer at the Monroe County YMCA.