Six-day 250 Bench Press Challenge continues throughout the week
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
Five law enforcement officers with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) gathered at One Life Fitness-Sandhills, Monday morning, June 29, to record bench-press lifts of 250 lbs. for multiple repetitions including a remarkable 21-rep lift by SCDNR’s PFC William Sutton. Two other SCDNR game wardens completed 10 reps each. One officer then completed nine reps, and another completed four.
The lifts were (and are) part of The Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s (RCSD) 250 lbs. Bench Press Challenge which began June 28 and runs through July 3. Open to all first responders and civilians alike; each participant must complete a verified (by gym-staff, RCSD deputy, or other officially designated observer) bench press of at least one repetition of 250 lbs. “raw” (no lifting suit) for at least one repetition, though multiple reps will be recorded for a final bench press champions’ list to be released later by RCSD.
Conceived, planned, and hosted by RCSD; the 250 Bench Press Challenge celebrates America’s 250 Birthday. Other law enforcement officers from around the state are expected to participate this week as are RCSD deputies, several of whom are planning to record their own lifts during a July 2 media event at R1 CrossFit, 201 Columbia Mall Blvd, Columbia, S.C., 29223. The 250 Bench Press media event is this coming Thursday, July 2, from noon until 2:00 p.m. The public is invited.
You don’t have to be a deputy, police officer, or game warden: All athletes and strength-trainers are encouraged to participate.
RCSD’s 250 Bench Press Challenge will conclude on the evening of July 3, hours before the Ryan Rawl Memorial Workout, also hosted by RCSD, and which will be held on S.C. State House grounds the morning of Independence Day.
