Limestone Barbell Club Members Compete In USA Powerlifting Palmetto Classic

Two members of the Limestone University Barbell Club recently competed at the USA Powerlifting Palmetto Classic in Columbia where both exceeded their personal records.

At the competition held during the recent fall academic semester, Alex Register, a senior from Camden who was competing in the Junior (19-23 years of age) and Open (24-39 years of age) divisions, placed first in the 120 kg (264 lbs.) class with a total of 570 kg (1,256 lbs.). That consisted of a 205 kg (452 lbs.) squat, 160 kg (352 lbs.) bench press, and a 205 kg (452 lbs.) deadlift. The total qualified him to compete at the USA Powerlifting University National Championships in April of 2021 in Baton Rouge, LA.

Jaylan Ferguson, a sophomore from Spartanburg, placed second in the Junior division and third in the Open division in the 105 kg (231 lbs.) class with a total of 517.5 kg (1,140 lbs.). He achieved that total with a 195 kg (430 lbs.) squat, 112.5 kg (248 lbs.) bench press, and a 210 kg (462 lbs.) deadlift.

“Both of these student-athletes have been training with Limestone’s Barbell Club since January of 2020,” said Adam Blalock, the University’s Assistant Professor of Physical Education/Strength and Conditioning Concentration. “While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented competitions from occurring from March through June, we were excited that Alex and Jaylan were able to complete once USA Powerlifting started holding competitions again.”

The Limestone University Barbell Club has been competing regularly in powerlifting and weightlifting since 2014, and it is now supported by the institution’s intramurals program. Blalock serves as the faculty sponsor of the club.

USA Powerlifting is affiliated with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the oldest and most respected powerlifting organization in the world. The IPF has strict and enforced guidelines regarding technical performance and drug testing.