Graduate Stich Breaks (another) World Record!

“Go, Keith — GO!”

If you were watching the live-stream coverage of his latest World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters, you’d cheer, too!

This past week, Keith Stich (Commercial Art Class of 2009) can pen the results of his perfect meet in the books. Not only was his heaviest lift of the day his smoothest lift, at 402 lbs, he has broken yet another World Record — for the THIRD time!

“Today is going to be a fight,” Stich said for his opener. “I locked into the void, and for the next half hour benched” with all his might.

“I beat the previous record,” states Stich, “by 16 pounds!” The WABDL met for the 2019 World Finals, a week-long completion at Bailey’s in Las Vegas, NV. Qualifying for the meet in July, Stich continues to “raise the bar” for the disabled 1 220 class.

Stich says, “The dozens of failed attempts the last 3 months all payed off.” Barely meeting a lift of (a still impressive) 370 lbs just two weeks prior, Stich arrived setting a goal for 400lbs. and 2 weeks ago. “You want something dig deep and don’t quit until you get it.”

His lovely wife, Kirstie is overwhelmed with the support of family and friends who have become family. “This crew traveled hours on a plane, spent countless hours in the gym, and so much more to support Keith.”

Stich and his crew wears matching black t-shirts that read, “LEAVE EXCUSES AT THE DOOR.”

Those hours spent preparing to meet his goals doesn’t go unnoticed. Kirstie continues, “I am SO incredibly proud of ‘my honey’ for pushing the limits always. Keith doesn’t quit until he finds success.”

Keith would like to pass along to everyone, “A big thank you to everyone for all the support. I couldn’t have done it without you,” especially to those who made the trip to Vegas to urge him on in his quest.

And then, in the best Keith-Stich-fashion, he gives the credit to his crew, he finishes with an enthusiastic, “We did it!!!”