By By Chandler Myers
The crowds were awestruck as more than 40 participants lined up and gave it their all in the Mayfest bench pressing competition Battle of the Bench sponsored by Ultimate Fitness.
The competition featured weightlifters from Atmore, Pace and two participants traveled all the way from Shelby County (Ala.).
Ultimate Fitness owner Steve Ragan said the competition went really well with all of the competitors that signed up showing for the event.
The largest amount lifted was by ECHS assistant coach Robert Wilkerson also known as “Coach Big.” Wilkerson was the lone competitor in the 400 pound weight class by himself and lifted 635 pounds at the competition.
With the success of the competition, Ragan said he hopes to have more events with a lot more advertising.
The winners of each weight class were as follows: 125-129, Mallory Bell – 75 pounds, 130-139, Seth Lassiter – 250 pounds, 140-154, Shane Lassiter - 375 pounds, 155-169, Zack Stewart - 280 pounds, 170-183, Lee Parsons - 315 pounds, 184-199, Robbie Davis - 375 pounds, 200-219, Chad Johnson - 350 pounds, 220-238, Chase Cleveland - 400 pounds, 239-300, Joel Broadhead - 425 pounds and 400 and up, “Big” Wilkerson - 635 pounds.