STRENGTH Two area lifters set world records

Paul S. Vargo and Jeff Peshek both set world records in meets at Las Vegas.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BROOKFIELD -- Bench pressing started out as a hobby for Paul S. Vargo, 32, while attending Youngstown State University.
Vargo recently set a world record, bench pressing 586.2 pounds in a Drug-Free World Association of Bench Pressers and Deadlifters competition at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.
He competes in the 259-pound class and says his goal is to reach a bench press of 700 pounds.
In an effort to achieve that, he will enter WABDL meets at Michigan in March and Minneapolis in May.
"It was a hobby while I went to college and it helped with stress," said Vargo. "When I worked out, it was the only time during the day that I had [a break] from my studies."
Vargo earned a civil engineering degree at YSU, and now works for a local company.
No. 27 in U.S.
Ranked 27th in the country by Powerlifting U.S.A. magazine, he's been competing for seven years.
"I had a buddy that got me involved in the competition because of the amount of weight I was bench pressing," said Vargo.
There were 10 athletes in his weight class at Las Vegas, and his goal was to bench press 628 pounds.
After the record effort, he added 20 more pounds (606), then missed on third and fourth lifts at that weight.
About the competition, Vargo said, "Its nice to see all the hard work coming together in one lift.
"You call any weight you want, then you start out light and work up to your highest weight, which right now is that world record."
He keeps in condition at Sunsation Fitness in Campbell four days a week.
Training
In preparation for WABDL competition, Vargo trains eight to 10 weeks and spends one day a week where he bench presses anywhere from 500 to 600 pounds.
He would like to give 700 pounds a run at a body weight of 275 and said he's going to Minneapolis May 29 with that goal in mind.
Vargo does bench press seminars and will hold one at the Arnold Bodybuilding Classic Expo in Columbus, March 5-7.
"I will discuss how to become a bench presser and talk about techniques and dieting for strength and equipment," said Vargo.
He is endorsed by Universal Nutrition and Inzer Advanced Designs (powerlifting equipment), and also holds seminars in Las Vegas for Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Classic Expo.
Peshek sets record
AUSTINTOWN -- Jeff Peshek, 40, competed in the 275-pound weight class in the bench Master Division (40-49), taking first place and setting a world record bench lift of 622.8 pounds at the WABPD competition in Las Vegas.
Peshek holds numerous world and American records in the World Natural Powerlifting Federation, and is sponsored by Power, Agility, Speed, Strength, Inc. and American Muscle Factory Gymnasium.
A graduate of Mount Union College where he earned a degree in sports medicine, Peshek was a running back for Coach Ken Wable's Purple Raiders' 1981-1985 teams.
The 1985 squad went undefeated during the regular season, then lost to Augustana (Ill.) in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Peshek said he's lifted all his life and was more serious about it at Mount Union. He has competed in weightlifting contests for 10 years.
"I wrestle at 275-pound weight class and work out about four days a week, two and a half hours each time," said Peshek.
He also competes in deadlifting and squat contests, where he lifts 650 and 750, respectively.
Eyes open record
Peshek would like to better the open-class record in the bench press, which is 650 pounds, and his goal is to reach 800 on the squat and 700 with a deadlift.
He plans to compete in the drug free World Natural Powerlifting Federation Nationals at the Fitch High Community Center, June 6-7.
"I have set a goal of 2,000 points for the meet, and that will put me among the elite in my weight class," said Peshek.
Deadlifting and squat totals will be combined at the tournament to determine champs, with 200 athletes expected to enter in several weight classes.
Peshek will also compete in the a bench press contest in Dallas May 29.
He is also sponsored by Sunsation Fitness of Campbell, Dick Hartzell and C and T Nutrition of Boardman.