Ohio powerlifting champion meet in Salem today

March 16, 2019 at 12:09a.m.

Competitors will be joined by legendary

figures in the sport

The World Natural Powerlifting Federation’s Ohio Championship will take place today at Salem’s Unbreakable Sports Performance Academy, 30235 Salem-Alliance Rd.

It’s the first time ever that the state-level meet will be held in Salem with winners advancing to the WNPF’s national meet, scheduled for July 21 at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown.

Event coordinator Ron DeAmiscis, who has been coordinating championships for the WNPF since 1991, is expecting over 30 participants with Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan and Kentucky well-represented.

“This is a drug-free competition with no performance enhancers permitted,” DeAmiscis said. “It’s mandatory that we test 10 percent of the competitors at each meet — by urinalysis — and over the years have caught multiple entrants using strength enhancing chemicals. We’re proud to be a drug-free event and do our very best to maintain the integrity of the competition.”

The event will feature special guest appearances by Julius Maddox and Thomas “T.D.” Davis, both highly accomplished raw bench press athletes in the sport as they provide support and encouragement to participants while encouraging those who compete to retain a healthy lifestyle.

“I’m always excited when the big lifters come together to support our federation,” DeAmiscis said. “I don’t compete any more but several of my judges do. It’s great to see the many accomplishments of those taking part in this event.”

One judge, Jeff Peshek of Austintown, has benched more than 800 pounds, albeit with a bench shirt.

There are 12 different weight classes and over 15 age brackets for both men and women with four distaff lifters already registered for this weekend’s event.

“There’s no prohibitive favorite so we should see some excellent performances,” DeAmiscis said.

There are currently 19 lifters set for the full powerlifting event, which includes squat first, bench press second then ending with a dead lift.

“Some will do bench only, while others will do strict curl, an event in which your back is pressed against the wall,” DeAmiscis said. “One person to keep an eye on is Michael Hart, a 165-pound firefighter from Pittsburgh who consistently dead lifts over 600 pounds.

“He lifted 590 pounds at last year’s world tournament in Austintown, but is coming off a back injury, so we’ll keep an eye on him to see where he is at.”

Last November, Maddox became just the fifth person ever to raw bench over 700 pounds, lifting 716.5 pounds at Slingshot Record Breakers.

Others who have topped the 700-pound mark include leader Kirill Sarychev (738 pounds) of Pugachyov, Russia, Eric Soto (722 pounds) of Long Island, N.Y., Scot Mendelson (715 pounds) of Los Angeles, California and James Henderson (711 pounds) of Roxbury, Mass.

“I won’t compete. I’m coming to inspire, bring the fire and visit the city then hope to lift Saturday night with T.D. and wellness coach, Lonnie Atkins,” said Maddox, a native of Owensboro, Kentucky who is the state’s raw bench record-holder as well. “I’ve known Lonnie from always supporting me on my videos so we’re going to meet for the very first time. It’s going to be fun.”

Maddox serves as program coordinator at Christ Center Recovery Program, helping men and women combat drugs and alcohol.

“We live in a negative generation. Through God, my calling is to bring positivity while living a healthy lifestyle which is why I am anxiously looking forward to this weekend’s competition,” he added. “I was in a negative situation before but got a second chance at life. Now, I’m a pillar in my community and hopefully this is just the first of many stops for me.”

Davis hails from South Bend, Ind., and has raw benched 661 pounds.

Atkins, who owns Unbreakable Sports Performance Academy, is excited that two powerlifting legends will take in this weekend’s Ohio championship event. He’s more excited that both Maddox and Davis want to work out with him at his facility.

“These are two of the strongest guys on the planet,” Atkins stated. “This is like Michael Jordan and LeBron James coming to Salem to play basketball. It’s an exciting time for everyone who will be taking part in this weekend’s Ohio championship and I am looking forward to the competition.”

Weigh-ins began Friday and will also take place this morning. A rules meeting will precede the competition, which is set to begin at 10 a.m.

Further information regarding registration and upcoming WNPF contests can be obtained by visiting www.wnpfpl.com.