re: J. Bickham of Covington power lifting/RB

All hail to navy blue and old gold! Don't remember doing quite that much weight back at CHS. Maybe the weights are lighter now...hmmm...

Looks like from the state high school site, they only approve single ply suits and shirts. I can tell you from experience that single ply does not add 150 to 200lbs for squat. As far as bench shirts go, it depends on what you want to spend. I can't imagine they have top of the line single ply shirts. The suits and shirts you're talking about are multi ply, which can help out in a big way. Multi ply gear gives a spring effect which is pretty ridiculous. Even though he's in gear, this kid's lifts are pretty damn impressive.

As a former lifter and current coach of the sport, I can assure you that squat suits do not add anywhere near 200 lbs to your squat. It varies between individuals, but is usually around 60-80 lbs. The bench shirts on average typically add around 50 lbs. The sole function of the suits/shirts is to hold your muscles in place, meaning you put little effort into stabilizing the weight and more into the actual lifting motion.

Also keep in mind that lifters must break parallel and control the weight before racking it in the squat, and must have the bar lie motionless on their chest before pressing in the bench press.

Crouching tiger, hidden Bickham?

That's actually a chick. Worked the meet and I had to ask someone because her voice is deep as well.

zombie walk