Local powerlifters set records at Chico State competition, look
to raise funds for San Benito High athletic department
HOLLISTER
At Gold’s Gym in Hollister, some lifters are raising the weight. Others are raising the funds.
Less than a month ago, on March 5 at the Chico State WABDL Bench Press and Deadlift Championships, eight members of Gold’s “The Iron Thugs,” a powerlifting team that trains out of the Hollister gymnasium, competed at the state event and set both state and world records in the process.
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Chino Davila, in fact, set a world record in the bench press division. Weighing in at 160 pounds, Davila bench pressed 519 pounds, or roughly 324 percent of his body weight.
Davila’s amazing press wasn’t the only record set in Chico, though. Javi Ramos weighed in at 275 pounds and pressed 545 pounds to set a new state record in his weight division, while Steve Pena weighed in at 198 pounds and pressed 485 pounds for a new state record as well.
Meanwhile, Al Tortorelli, weighing in at just 180 pounds, deadlifted 620 pounds, or nearly three and a half times his body weight, while Joe Martinez weighed in at 225 pounds and pressed 385 pounds. Johnny Espinoza weighed in at 220 pounds and pressed 365 pounds; Steve Munoz weighed in at 234 pounds and pressed 552 pounds; and Ray Perez, weighing in at 225 pounds, bench pressed 600 pounds.
The Iron Thugs and other lifters at Gold’s Gym are now focusing their attention on a different matter – the Hollister Powerlifting Championships Fundraiser, with all the proceeds raised going to the Baler Backers Athletic Organization, a 501 c(3) nonprofit that benefits the San Benito High School Athletic Department.
“It’s for a good cause,” powerlifter Ray Perez said.
The event, which will include competitions in deadlift, bench press and squats, will be open to anyone ages 14 and up. Perez also said it’s a “raw” competition, meaning no gear will be allowed.
The event will be broken down into brackets between men and women and weight class, and will include divisions from the junior levels to the masters. Individuals can compete in one division or all three. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third place in each division and weight class.
For teenagers, the preregistration entry fee is $20 for each event, $30 for each on the day of the event. For adults, the preregistration fee is $30 for each event, $40 for each on the day of the event.
Additionally, competition T-shirts are $15 during preregistration and $20 on the day of the event.
The event will be held Saturday, May 21, at Gold’s Gym, and will start at 9 a.m. Weigh-ins will run from 6 to 8 a.m. There is a cover charge of $5, while kids 12 and under will be admitted for free.
Entry forms can be picked up at Gold’s Gym in Hollister, located at 1525 Cushman Street.
Perez said the event is currently looking for sponsors.
For more information about the event, contact Ray Perez at 673-0101, or email at:
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