Struthers man on ‘Broken Skull Challenge’

March 8, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

Phil Placko Jr. of Struthers will compete on the reality-TV show “Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge” tonight (8 p.m., CMT).

At 48, Placko is the oldest contestant on the show. But he has devoted most of his life to strength and fitness training and knew he was in as good shape as contestants half his age.

Placko has won and placed in numerous bodybuilding and strongman competitions over the years, which makes him more than qualified for the hard-nosed show.

“Broken Skull Challenge” puts contestants through a series of head-to-head challenges. The last man and woman standing at each round have a shot at the $10,000 prize, which goes to the top finisher in the Skullbuster obstacle course.

Placko said if he wins, he will spend his prize on his grandchildren.

The owner of Firm Fitness and Spray Tan, 1449 Boardman-Canfield Road, and a personal trainer, Placko started as a marathon runner and triathlete. He has been a bodybuilder for the past 25 years.

“Broken Skull Challenge” is hosted by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the former World Wrestling Federation champion and actor.

Tonight’s episode is the season two finale.

Each week alternates between men and women.

Placko did not appear on prior episodes.

He first got the notion to try out for the show last year at the urging of his son, Phil III.

“My son and I had never seen the show before, and it came on and we kept watching it,” said Placko. “At the end of the show, it said they were looking for contestants for next season, and my son said I should apply for it. I did and about a week later the casting company called.”

Filming was done in a remote area of the desert Southwest in October. Placko, like all reality-show contestants, is not permitted to talk about the outcome before it airs.

Once he learned he was accepted as a contestant, Placko stepped up his training.

“I started training with my friend Shaun Shumaker, who is a CrossFit training- center owner in Boardman,” said Placko.

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program.