Naval Station Everett’s fitness center announced the recipients of its Athlete of the Quarter award program.

For first quarter 2005, Personnelman 2nd Class, Gloria Desha, and Photographers Mate 2nd Class Eli Medellin were named the station’s outstanding athletes.

Desha, who works at NAVSTA Everett’s Reserve Center as a reserve pay clerk, has made amazing strides over the past three months. 

Born in Long Beach, Calif., Desha said she weighed as much as 281 pounds.  It’s through exercise and sensible eating that’s helped her lose more than 60 pounds in a span of 19 weeks.

“I work out five days a week.  I do weight training on Tuesdays and Thursdays and cardio the other three days,” she said.  “I’m also taking part in the South Beach Diet,” she said.

The South Beach Diet is similar to the Atkins Diet, but puts less emphasis on avoiding carbs and more stress on a healthy balance between “good” carbs and fats. 

“I heard about the South Beach Diet and went online to do some research.  It looked like it would be a lot easier for me to follow than Atkins would,” Desha said.  “I pretty much put my whole family on it.”

Her husband, Jeremy, and daughter, Gloria, are very excited with mom’s progress

“My family thinks its great,” said Desha. “My daughter is especially anxious for me to continue to get to where I need to be - and then she wants me to have another child.”

But for now, Desha says she’s still working feverishly toward her goal weight of 160 pounds.  She likes the ways she feels and she has no intention on slowing down.

“I feel really great, losing weight has made things a lot easier,” said Desha. “I sleep better at night, I feel better about myself, and my uniforms fit better too.”

“She has more self-confidence, energetic and bubblier. I’m very proud of her,” said Yeoman Chief Petty Officer Sally Dee, NAVSTA Everett Reserve Center’s admin manpower Leading chief petty officer.  “She works hard and dedicates herself everyday so she can lose the weight.”

Medellin has also lost his share of weight over the past few months. 

The NAVSTA Everett Fleet Imaging Center Detachment leading petty officer has taken great strides to improve himself.

Medellin recently completed the fitness center’s 10-week strength training class. Besides building his physical strength, the program also emphasized proper nutrition and fitness.

Medellin was so happy with the results of the 10-week course that he immediately signed up for the center’s 18-week marathon program.  By the end of the class, Medellin will participate in a full 26-mile marathon with the rest of the group.

“We’ve already ran in the 10k nookachamps run and continue to prepare for the big race in May,” said the 44-year old San Antonio native.  “I never thought I’d be able to run that but I did it.  Uphill and everything, I never stopped.”

Which is a major accomplishment for Medellin, who, only a year ago, failed his semi-annual physical readiness test.  However, he’s made bounding improvements and credits the fitness center’s Julia Krassin and Diana Sall for making it happen.

“The fitness center’s staff is really encouraging,” said Medellin.  “If you can’t do it with their help, you’re not trying.  They really kept me going.”