National, state records set at local powerlifting event
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POLSON — One national and 12 state powerlifting records were broken during last weekend’s “Take Back the Power” event held at Polson High School.
Addison Geroy, in the junior 16-17 division, broke a national record in the bench, deadlift event.
“Addi’s a very, very experienced lifter,” said event organizer Scott Sciaretta. “She competed last year and her numbers were so high she qualified for national competition in Las Vegas where she won her age group and her division.”
According to Sciaretta, new records happen often in powerlifting. He expects more records to be set at the next event he’ll host in Lewistown in three weeks, especially in youth divisions. “Some kids are training all year,” he said.
Through his business, “Glacier Old Dawgs Powerlifting,” Sciaretta puts on 8-9 powerlifting events across the state every year that are sanctioned by the United States Powerlifting Association.
Sciaretta’s personal journey into powerlifting began in 2011 when a heart attack he suffered spurred him to make healthier lifestyle choices - including regular trips to the gym. He discovered weight-lifting not only improved his physical fitness but helped to relieve stress.
“For me, especially when I was working, it was a release,” he said. “I was able to go back into the gym, turn on music and lift. That was my down time.”
Now 14 years after he started his gym routine, Sciaretta holds world, national and state powerlifting records and is a representative for the International Powerlifting League. He’s eager to share powerlifting opportunities with the next generation as a healthy alternative to drugs and alcohol and a new option for physical activity.
“Not everyone wants to play basketball or football – but if they can pick up heavy objects and enjoy doing it – I’m going to support that however I can,” he said.
As a retired drug detective with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Sciaretta has seen firsthand the devastating effects of drug use for individuals and the community at large. “We as a society need to strive to overcome all forms of addiction and the power that they can hold over us. Powerlifting is more than just a competition involving three tests of strength (squat, bench, deadlift). To be successful in powerlifting, an individual must be able to balance the proper mindset, work ethic, and competitiveness,” he said. “These same traits are exactly what’s needed to fight off addiction.”
Up until this last year Sciaretta held all world records in squat (540 pounds), bench (319 pounds) and deadlift (536 pounds). He still holds the world record on bench but a good friend from Washington has now beaten his other records. “Records are made to be broken,” he said with a laugh.
Sciaretta competed at nationals three weeks ago in Las Vegas before having knee surgery upon his return. He’s been invited to compete in the Olympia in October but will wait to see how his knee is doing. He plans to keep lifting as long he can and admits that achieving new personal bests keeps him motivated.
“I absolutely love it,” he said. “When things are going right, you stay healthy, you stay fit. I’m 63 years old and I plan on sticking around a little longer so I’m just going to keep doing it as long as my body will let me.”
United States Powerlifting Association - Take Back the Power IIIresults
Name Division Weight ClassEvent Category Record
Addison GeroyJunior 16-17 67.5kg Bench, Deadlift RawNational
Phia Mays Junior 10-12 82.5 kg Squat, Bench, Deadlift RawState
Elles HerriesJunior 18-19 110+kg Squat, Deadlift RawState
Melissa SmithOpen/Masters 75 kg Squat, Bench, Deadlift RawState
Lindsey FeikerSubmaster 67.5 kg Bench RawState
Easton LinsieJunior 10-12 52 kg Squat, Bench, Deadlift RawState
Isaiah MorrisonJunior 13-15 75 kg Squat, Bench, Deadlift RawState
Cody HadlockJunior 13-15 110kg Bench Only RawState
Kellen PriebeJunior 13-15 60kg Bench, Deadlift RawState
Joshua DelgerJunior 18-19/Open 110 kg Squat, Bench RawState
William HawesMasters 55-59 82.5kg Squat, Bench, Deadlift RawState
Jonathan VeyseySubmaster/Open 90kg Squat, Bench, Deadlift Classic Raw State
Todd HansenMasters 55-59 125kg Squat, Bench, Deadlift Classic Raw State
Best Overall MaleCole McArthur
Best Overall FemaleMelissa Smith
