two earn lifting honors

Two members of the Concrete Barbell Club in Cementon competed in a national level powerlifting meet in Plymouth Meeting this past Saturday.

The “American Challenge Championship” was contested under the rules of the 100% Raw (no wraps) Powerlifting Federation at the Philadelphia Hilton West.

Don Kuhns, 64, of Hokendauqua took second in the 198-pound class with lifts of a 363-pound squat, a 270-pound bench press and a 485-pound deadlift for a total of 1,118 pounds. Kuhns also took first in the 60-64 year old age group.

Troy Dugan, 25, of Whitehall, placed first in the 308-pound class. He squatted 589 pounds, bench pressed 286 pounds and deadlifted 589 pounds for a 1,464-pound total. His final deadlift of 617 pounds, which would have been the highest of the meet, was completed but turned down on a technicality.

By finishing in the top-three of their respective weight classes, both are eligible to enter the 100% Raw World Championships in nearby Erie this October. Previously, the Worlds were held in Las Vegas. All 100% Raw competitions mandate testing for performance enhancing drugs.