Monday, February 2, 2009

Size doesn't matter in Prescott weightlifting club

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) — To the casual observer, the diminutive Teddy Dwiggins and Elias Sanchez of the Prescott Area Strength Club do not fit neatly into the stereotype of the prototypical weightlifter.

But don't be fooled.

As soon as one watches them strut their stuff in the weight room and takes a closer look at the recent feats they have accomplished in benching, dead lifting and curling, it becomes much easier to throw away any preconceived notions.

Dwiggins, a 2007 Prescott High School graduate and former wrestler, is a mere 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds. Yet in late November, the 20-year-old lifted 105 pounds with both arms in the strict curl, setting a world record at the 100 Percent Raw Power Lifting Federation's Single Lift World Championships in Norfolk, Va.

A new power lifting event, the strict curl requires competitors to lift with their shoulder blades and buttocks pressed against a wall.

In his 20-24 age group and 165-pound weight class, Dwiggins finished first in the bench and the curls. In the overall weight class, he snagged top marks in curls and runner-up in the bench.

Sanchez, a one-time Prescott High grappler who graduated with Dwiggins, is a more puzzling anomaly at 5-4 and 145 pounds.

In his age and weight class, Sanchez, 19, ranks third in the world rankings for the bench press at 132 pounds.

"It's not so much that we're trying to gain muscle mass," Dwiggins said. "Not to brag, but you see a lot of guys who are big and strong, and you put them in here against guys like me and Elias, they can't hack it."

Credit their skill and work ethic. Credit their determination and will to succeed. Credit 55-year-old Paul Gillott, their 5-5, 148-pound coach, and his guidance and expertise.

Just don't misjudge or knock their size. Picture former NBA point guard Muggsy Bogues, all 5-foot-3 of him, blocking a 7-foot center's shot.

"Us little guys like being able to go in the gym and out-lift these great big, bloated guys," Gillott said. "Being able to lay down on the bench and push more than they can is kind of cool."

Gillott, an assistant coach for PHS's varsity wrestling team, installed a more intense strength program for the Badgers squad in 2003. Ever since, lifting has elevated the Prescott wrestlers to a higher competitive level, helping them even the playing field while making athletes stronger, healthier and less injury prone.

"Strength is one thing you can control. Four years ago, we wrestled (Class 4A-II stalwart) Mingus High School, and we didn't win a single match," Gillott said. "We wrestled them earlier this month, and they beat us by one point. We looked like we belonged."


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