RPS Jersey Meet Recap

Last Saturday morning, I competed in the 198lb weight class in the multi-ply division of the Revolution Powerlifting Jersey State Meet. It was a fun day, but I did not perform the way I had planned to. My squat attempts went better than planned. I opened with 375lbs for an easy lift. Then went to 415lbs and it felt even better than the opener. My training partners had projected my 3rd attempt to be somewhere around 430-440, but with how easy 415 went, we decided to go to 450 on my 3rd. Smoked it! I have never felt tighter, faster, and better squatting than at this meet.

Next was the bench press. After some crazy issues early in the meet cycle, and about 4 shirt changes, we finally settled on a bigger Titan F6 an the rest of the training cycle went great. I opened at 265lbs and missed it because I beat the press command and I also allowed the bar to travel up and down on the way to lockout. These were technical and mental mistakes that could have easily been avoided. Now I know better for next time. I re-took 265 on my 2nd attempt and smoked it. I then went to 300 on my 3rd. My training partner Anthony cranked my shirt down so I got a ton of support, and 300lbs moved like an opener! I was hoping to go with about 325 on my 3rd, but even though I didn't, I know I'm good for it and will crush it next meet.

Now for the deadlifts. This is the lift I usually worry the least about. Unfortunately, it just wasn't my day. Pulled an easy 395lb opener. Went to 450lbs for a 15lb PR. Pulled it just about to lockout, when my left hand's grip slipped and the bar fell before getting a "down" command. I take 450 again on my 3rd and final attempt of the day. This time I switch from hook grip to over-under and wrap my wrists. I locked the weight out, but got red-lighted by all three judges for a hitch.

Here's video from the meet:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gCDMBqWDMVM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

(If the above embedding doesn't work, just click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCDMBqWDMVM )

I ended the day going 6 for 9 and totaling 1145lbs. My goal was a 1200lb and I did not achieve that goal. However, this was my first geared meet and a huge learning experience for me. I came away from the day knowing that anything can happen on meet day no matter how well-prepared you are. And even better is the fact that I am so fired up to get back on the platform in June and demolish all of my PRs! I'd like to thank my training partners for all their help and guidance, because I wouldn't be anywhere near these numbers were it not for them. Congratulations to Anthony Ditillo for bench and deadlift PRs Saturday, and to Mike Romeo for PRs in each lift and his total (big 1700 weighing 190lbs).