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Ashby’s Fick sets national bench press record
Published 8:49am Tuesday, October 30, 2012Saturday, Oct. 27 Hunter Fick of Ashby, competed in a powerlifting event in Sleepy Eye.
The competition was hosted by the International Body Building and Powerlifting Association, held at Dungeons Gym.
The 16-year-old sophomore attempted three lifts in the bench press portion of the meet. His first lift in the Teen ll bracket, 16-19-year-olds between 181-198 lbs was 315 lbs. This surpassed the current Minnesota State Record by 29 lbs. With a new state record behind him the next attempt was 345 lbs. When the bar was racked he has set a new National Record in his age and weight category. The old record was 335 lbs. The third attempt was 375 lbs and Hunter could not quite get the massive amount of weight moving at the bottom end.
All lifts are in the “Raw” meaning no supportive gear may be used. There were 69 lifters in the competition. Hunter placed fourth overall for the day amongst some fantastic athletes of all ages and weights. His spotter for the day was father Kevin Fick, friend Michael VanSanten was also in attendance.
Hunter’s strength coach is Andy Campbell, head coach of the Ashby Arrow Football Program.
“Hunter is the definition of hard work and that hard work will pay off,” Campbell said. “I’ve never seen a kid work harder than this young man and he is truely deserving of any awards or accolades which come his way.”
Fick has been lifting for six years and entered the competitive scene a year ago. Asking Hunter why he started lifting, he thought it just “sounded fun”. The gains he gets in a weight room are put to practical use on the gridiron as Hunter plays middle linebacker and left offensive guard for the Arrows. In football he is a two time letter winner, All Conference and Honorable Mention to the All-State team from the Pioneer Press his freshman season. Hunter will participate on the mat as a grappler when he wrestles for West Central this winter. He also participates in Golf, Track, Letterwinners, four years on Student Council, FFA, Band and the Honor Roll.
“When you have a goal in mind let your heart and soul lead the way,” Fick said. “Do not become discouraged by others who do not share your goal, for it is your goal. Let hard work and determination pave the path. Always keep striving forward with a smile on your face. Stay a good sport and honor those who compete with, against, and before you. If you get knocked down then get up, prepare and come back again.”
Hunter will compete at his next lifting competition in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Dec. 1st. This is a USAPL event.
