Recreation Sports to host Sixth Annual Bench Press Competition March 17

Music will blare, red and white lights will flash, and fans will cheer at the Sixth Annual Bench Press Competition to be held Saturday, March 17 at Virginia Tech. Participants will go to the bench to show their lifting skills beginning at 10 a.m. in War Memorial Gym.

Men and women of all ages will participate including Sue Ann Pack, age 66, from Princeton, W.V. Pack is planning on entering the 140+ Women’s Division. Her husband of 48 years, Jack Pack, has trained Sue Ann Pack for 11 years and states “She has competed in over 50 meets on a local, state, and national level. She is very competitive and I’m real proud of her.”

“Sue Ann will be a great inspiration for our women competitors, especially college students,” says Ali Arner, Virginia Tech Recreational Sports fitness coordinator and event organizer, “One of our goals for hosting this event is to inspire and motivate the participants to train and to get or stay in shape.”

There will be three Women’s Open Weight Classes, six Men’s Open Weight Classes and three Men’s Raw Division Weight Classes. Winners will be named for first, second and third place for each class as well as an overall male and overall female winner. Participants receive a free event t-shirt and goodie bag.

Competitors can sign up for early registration until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 16 online or at the Recreation Sports office in 142 McComas Hall. Early registration prices are $15 for college students, $20 for Virginia Tech faculty and staff, and $25 for all other participants. Walk-up event day registration is $20 for college students, $25 for Virginia Tech faculty and staff, and $30 for all other participants and ends at 9:30a.m. Saturday morning.

Spectators are welcome and admission is free. There will be spectator door prize raffles for Famous Anthony and Bogen’s Steakhouse gift certificates. Bench Press Competition t-shirts will also be on sale for spectators to purchase. Proceeds from this event go to Recreational Sports student scholarships.

The event is sponsored by Sayre Promotional Products and John Wilburn, Prudential Radford & Associates, REALTORS Raines NRV Division.

For information on this event and other upcoming special events, go to the Virginia Tech Recreational Sports website. Virginia Tech Recreational Sports joins in partnership with the University to enhance the quality of life for all students, faculty, staff, their families, and the community by providing recreational and fitness opportunities throughout the year.