Inaugural Gene Van Wyk Memorial Bench Press Championship

Join us as we celebrate strength, legacy, and community at the First Annual Gene Van Wyk Bench Press Championship — an event dedicated to honoring the life and lasting impact of Coach Gene Van Wyk.

Coach Van Wyk was more than a teacher and coach — he was a trailblazer in high school strength training. As the founder of the Pella Christian weightlifting program and an early advocate for organized school weightlifting tournaments, Gene’s passion laid the groundwork for generations of student-athletes to build strength both physically and mentally.

This championship brings together lifters of all ages to honor that legacy — through friendly competition, respect, and a shared love for the sport.

• 3 official lifts per lifter — with up to 3 minutes of rest between attempts if needed
• 5 age divisions:
    • High School Student
    • 19–25 / College
    • 26–37 / Open 1
    • 38–49/ Open 2
    • 50+ / Masters
• Weight classes starting at 105 lbs, increasing in 15 lb increments up to 250+ lbs

You pick your starting bench press weight!

Medals awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each division
• A warm-up location is provided
• Bring your own spotter, or one will be provided for you
• Ticket/entrance includes pancake breakfast with sausage!
• Light concessions available
• Custom t-shirts available onsite

Price Includes:
• Weightlifting competition
• Ticket for pancake, sausage, and fruit meal
• T-shirt

Instructions at 5:00pm, Registration and Warm-up starting at 3:30pm