CORNELIUS, N.C. — Bluefield resident Paul Sutphin placed first in the 198-pound Masters Division (age 55-59) on Saturday at the RPS Back Yard Bash Powerlifting Championships in Cornelius, N.C.
Sutphin’s winning total of 1,400 pounds included 550 Squat, 320 Bench Press, and a Deadlift of 530, all of which are North Carolina state powerlifting records in Sutphin’s division.
Bluefield’s Tom Keim placed second in the Amateur Division, competing in the 242-pound weight class (bodyweight, 228). His 1,440 pounds included a 525 Squat, 420 Bench Press, and a Deadlift of 465. The bench press set a state record in North Carolina for his division and weight class.
Sutphin has written a book entitled “Powerlifting: The Total Package,” which is expected to be released this summer.