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Event Description
🏋️♂️ The Inaugural Gene Van Wyk Bench Press Championship 🏆
Hosted at Pella Christian High School
IMPORTANT DATE NOTE: Guaranteed t-shirts requires registration by December 12th.
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.
Event Highlights:
• 3 official lifts per lifter — with rest in between
• 4 age divisions:
• High School Student
• 19–25 / College
• 26–37 / Open 1
• 38–49/ Open 2
• 50+ / Masters
• Weight classes to be finalized closer to the event, estimated starting at body weight of 105, increasing by 15 pounds to 255+
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
• You are welcome to bring your own spotter or spotters will be provided
• 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
📍 Pella Christian High School
📅 December 22nd, 2025 (Monday)
⏰ Instructions at 5:00 pm, Registration and Warm-up starting at 3:30
Whether you’re stepping onto the platform or supporting from the stands, this event is about more than numbers — it’s about honoring a legacy of strength, discipline, and heart.
🔗 For registration info or questions, contact Russ Van Wyk at 641-780-2829 or genevanwyk.com
Contact Form
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Event Location
Pella Christian High School
300 Eagle Lane
Pella, IA 50219 US
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