Powerlifters will vie at Harding

By John Kovach

WARREN — Weightlifters from throughout Northeast Ohio will converge on Warren Harding High on Saturday for the Northeastern Ohio Regional Power Lifting Meet beginning about 10 a.m.

The lifting competition will be held in three events —bench press, squat and dead lift.

The meet, which originated about 10 years ago and has been held at various area sites throughout its existence, has been attracting an average of 275-300 powerlifters each year, said co-director Marc Bjelac, a Harding assistant football coach.

“The meet was originated by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association as a way to create more interest in weight training and for offseason training and team building,” said Bjelac, who went to Harding after coaching at Newton Falls for 17 years.

Serving as co-director is Jim Wolke, Southington High’s coach.

Bjelac said Les Pearce of Southington, a businessman, also was involved in launching the meet for this area about a decade ago.

“The meet is basically for high school teams but [younger lifters] also are welcome to compete in their weight classes,” said Bjelac, noting the meet is open to powerlifters from grades 7-12, including girls.

There will be separate boys and girls divisions.

Bjelac said his event is one of two regional powerlifting meets held annually in the area.

“Bob Spaite [Columbiana High football coach] has a similiar meet … in March,” said Bjelac.

Contestants may pre-register for the Harding meet by contacting Bjelac at marc.bjelac@neomin.org.

Lifters also may enter the meet Saturday during registration from 8-9 a.m. Weigh-ins will be held from 8-9:30 a.m.

Entry fee is $20. The first 300 pre-registered lifters each will receive a T-shirt. Various awards will be presented.

Admission prices are $3 for adults and $1 for students.

In conjunction with the meet, a breakfast fundraiser open to the community will be held in the Harding High School cafeteria beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $4 each and proceeds go to the Harding football team.

kovach@vindy.com

XMore information is available on-line at www.neopowserlift.org.