Butler powerlifters set records at state championships
YORK — When it comes to Butler powerlifters, records come in bunches.
Justin Kearns, Chris Huselton, Gunther Gaiser and Nikki Moore — all from Butler — train together at a local gym and participated in the recent International Powerlifting Association Pa. State Championships in York.
All four came away from that meet with IPA state records and beyond, in some cases.
“We all work different schedules, so we can’t train together all of the time,” Kearns said. “We see each other from time to time during the week.
“On Sundays, we usually bench together.”
Kearns competed in the 308-pound masters (age 45-49) division and set a state and IPA record by benching 545 pounds. He trains many of the other lifters at Harlan’s gym.
Another Butler competitor, Tim Iman, did not set a record this time, but held one previously.
“I wrestled in high school and now I work out because it helps me on the job,” said Iman, a Butler City firefighter. “I met Justin in the gym, saw his technique and asked if he’d train me. He’s been working with me ever since.
“Running the hoses we do and some of those tools ... It definitely helps to be fit and healthy as a firefighter.”
Iman competed in the 198-pound police and fire divisions at the IPA state championships and benched a personal-best 325 pounds. He held the previous IPA state record in that division at 315 pounds.
But his 325-pound bench was only good enough for second place this year. Chuck Green of York came along and benched 340 pounds to claim first place and the record.
“Now my goal is to get it back,” Iman said.
Kearns said that Iman “works hard, but so does everyone else who goes out there. The numbers speak for themselves.”
Indeed they do.
Huselton competed in the 308-pound junior age 20-23 division with a 700-pound squat, 430 bench and 600 dead-lift for a total weight of 1,730. All of those figures are IPA state records.
Gaiser competed in the 242-pound junior 20-23 division and also set IPA state records with each of his marks: 600 in the squat, 350 bench and 600 dead-lift for a 1,550-pound total.
Moore competed in the 181-pound age 16-17 teen division and won a state title with a 165-pound bench-press.
Iman said he trains four or five days a week for two hours at a time.
“The gym is open 24-7, which helps for people who do shift work,” he said. “These people are very dedicated to this.”
The group’s next competition will be the Pittsburgh Monster Meet April 2 at the airport.
“After that, I plan on taking a break for a while,” Kearns said. “This (IPA) was my 15th meet in the past six years. It does take its toll, but it’s rewarding.”
