Fick Claims USAPL American Record

By: Kevin Fick

Duluth, MN

Saturday, May 17^th found Ashby High School’s master of the iron games Hunter Fick busy at work in a powerlifting tournament.  The 2014 Twin Ports RAW Open is held annually in the Burns Wellness Center at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. The meet was sanctioned by the USA Powerlifting Association and directed by Joe Warpeha.  This was a chemical/substance tested event.  The contest was a RAW event meaning no supportive gear other than wrist wraps or belts were allowed on the platform.  Athletes had a choice of the squat, deadlift, and bench press or bench only which is where Fick competed.  There were a total of 71 lifters.

Fick lifted in a bracket called the Junior/Teen lll group which consists of 18-19 year olds.  His weight class is the 182-198 lbs.  In a lift such as this the athletes are provided three chances to push their desired weights.  Three commands are used by the head official…start, press and rack.  Upon lift off the head official will watch for the athlete and bar to remain motionless for one full second before a command is given and progress can be attempted.  Three officials judge each attempt.  Hunter’s first attempt was 162.5 kilos/358 lbs.  A successful attempt was enough to pass the current American record of 160 kilos/352 lbs. set by Jason Kusyk on August ’09 in Charlotte, NC.  Fick extended the record on his second attempt by completing a 172.5 kilo/380 lbs.  Hunter’s third attempt at 183.5 kilos/402 lbs. was unsuccessful.  Hunter placed 1^st for all teens lifting in the bench only.  This was the strongman’s 5^th American/National record, 2^nd in the USAPL.

Fick will compete next on May 31^st in Minneapolis for the USPA sanction.  Congratulations Hunter!