Utah Blaze Dl Chris Janek To Compete In Powerlifting Competition

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Blaze DL Chris Janek will be competing in the Southern Powerlifting Federation Record Breakers event at the East Ridge Convention Center in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 29. Janek will compete in the 308-pound division. In practice Monday, Nov. 24, Janek squatted 1,005 pounds, benched 740 pounds, and dead-lifted 735 pounds. He began competing for about two years ago, and has found success quickly. “I have always lifted heavy since I was young,” he said. Janek also sees powerlifting as a great way of getting bigger, faster and stronger. “Playing nose guard with the Blaze I think it's all about strength,” he said. “You have to have that push up the middle and pressure from the ends to break down the pocket.” The competition is a qualifier for a national power-lifting event and from there on to a world power-lifting event. Unfortunately, the national and world power-lifting competitions conflict with the Arena Football League season. Janek, however, is doing it for the enjoyment of competing. SPF Meet Director, Jesse Rodgers, oversees the event and said he is expecting 80-90 competitors. ABOUT THE UTAH BLAZE The Utah Blaze were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the Arena Football League. Tickets are available by logging onto www.utahblaze.com or by calling (801) 257-3111. The Blaze are owned and operated by the Ken Garff Automotive Group – www.kengarff.com.