Spring Break
Rozek powers way to national competition
Matt Schirano
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Ants can lift objects that weigh up to 50 times more than their own body weight. Impressive, but with mandibles and an exoskeleton, I'm sure we'd all grow a little more hardcore. Roman Rozek, a junior majoring in architectural and civil engineering, is about as close to ant status as any of us will ever get.
Rozek, a member of the International Powerlifting Association, or IPA, recently qualified for the national championship competition for the 220-pound weight class. In doing so, he has securely obtained the respect and moderate apprehension of his peers.
In order to qualify for the national championship, he first had to compete at the IPA National Qualifier, which was held March 31 in Aston, Pennsylvania.
The competition consisted of three parts: a squat, bench press, and dead lift. Roman finished second in his weight class with a total of 1455 pounds lifted, but believes he could have done better.
"I was disqualified on my first two attempts at bench press due to technicalities, Rozek said. "It lowered my total weight significantly."
Because of his two DQ's, he was only able to bench press 365 pounds, far less than his best of 415.
He successfully squatted 525 pounds, failing his attempt at 565. His dead lift was 565 pounds, being unable to make the 600 pound mark. While he may be disappointed in his bench press performance, he remains optimistic.
"You compete against yourself," Rozek said, "and I want to learn from the last meet and build on it."
The IPA National Championships will be held June 23-24 in York, Pennsylvania, conveniently, at the York Barbell Company. While it's important to look forward to the next event, there is still time to revel in the glory of lifting a combined weight of almost 1500 pounds.
"It's satisfying what I've gotten out of this sport, but I have more to achieve," Rozek said.
If you see Rozek walking around campus don't be afraid to give him a high five. While his unbridled strength could most likely crush your windpipe with his thoughts, he's a softy at heart. It's true, he has a dog. I've seen it.
Rozek, a member of the International Powerlifting Association, or IPA, recently qualified for the national championship competition for the 220-pound weight class. In doing so, he has securely obtained the respect and moderate apprehension of his peers.
In order to qualify for the national championship, he first had to compete at the IPA National Qualifier, which was held March 31 in Aston, Pennsylvania.
The competition consisted of three parts: a squat, bench press, and dead lift. Roman finished second in his weight class with a total of 1455 pounds lifted, but believes he could have done better.
"I was disqualified on my first two attempts at bench press due to technicalities, Rozek said. "It lowered my total weight significantly."
Because of his two DQ's, he was only able to bench press 365 pounds, far less than his best of 415.
He successfully squatted 525 pounds, failing his attempt at 565. His dead lift was 565 pounds, being unable to make the 600 pound mark. While he may be disappointed in his bench press performance, he remains optimistic.
"You compete against yourself," Rozek said, "and I want to learn from the last meet and build on it."
The IPA National Championships will be held June 23-24 in York, Pennsylvania, conveniently, at the York Barbell Company. While it's important to look forward to the next event, there is still time to revel in the glory of lifting a combined weight of almost 1500 pounds.
"It's satisfying what I've gotten out of this sport, but I have more to achieve," Rozek said.
If you see Rozek walking around campus don't be afraid to give him a high five. While his unbridled strength could most likely crush your windpipe with his thoughts, he's a softy at heart. It's true, he has a dog. I've seen it.
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