By Dennis Oblander
Staff Writer
MONROE - For Julie Pine, the goal will be to improve on a personal best bench press of 130 pounds. For the sixth annual Roy Begley Memorial Bench Press Challenge, the goal - once again - will be to top the elusive 10,000 mark in funds raised to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. "We will get that 10,000 goal yet," organizer Tom Pearch said. This year's bench press challenge is set for 11 a.m. March 2 at Frenchtown Square Mall. The deadline for submitting entry fees is Feb. 25. Coming off a three-year hiatus from lifting, Pine captured first place in her division at last year's event. A custodian for for the Monroe Department of Public Services, Pine works out twice daily at Powerhouse Gym in Monroe. She has been involved in competitive activities since age 7. "It's kind of a lifestyle for me," said the mother of two. "I constantly challenge myself."

She will be in good company. Nationally ranked strongman competitors Jared Spybrook and Abdul-Aziz Wesolowski will be on hand for a stone-lifting demonstration. "We also have Mary Stack, Clay Brandenburg and John Zemmin returning as guest lifters," Pearch said. "All three are world class competitors." Stack is a disabled lifter from Royal Oak who can bench press 250 pounds.

The challenge is dedicated to Roy Begley, a high school friend of Pearch's with whom he competed in weightlifting. Begley died of complications of muscular dystrophy in 1995 at age 24.

Also on hand this year will be contingents from the Marine Corps and the Michigan State Police. As last year, the lifts will be "touch and go," that is, the lifter will touch the bar to his chest rather than pause with it there. Awards will be presented to first-through third-place finishers in a variety of men's, women's, and teen divisions. Cash prizes will be awarded in the challenge division. Fundraiser kits are available at Frenchtown Square Mall and at Powerhouse Gym of Monroe at 990 S. Mornoe St. For more information, visit www.powerwillmake.itgo.com.