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For his third attempt, he chose 617 lbs. With Hodge missing this same weight for the win, first place was wrapped up and it was time for a quick change at the last minute. Lewis' handlers Willie Lemere, Darrin Gilley & Joe Scalziti had decided ahead of time it would be 639 lbs. in the event that Hodge missed. So, with the headphones blasting adrenaline pumping music through his mega-cranium, Lewis went into an intense fury. Out he came, At the sight of Jeff the place roared! On the final lift of the day, Lewis took 639 lbs. from Eric Curry, lowered it and pushed it to an inch or two of locking it out! Jeff was so close, one has to think that 650 lbs. is right around the corner. |
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What a performance it was for the big guy from St. Louis, Mo. as a runner up last year to Beau Moore, Jeff trained even harder this past year. After speaking with him a few weeks prior to the meet, he wasn't cocky or overconfident but quietly indicated that he was ready. Jeff has always been a big person even before he began powerlifting. He got his start in 1990, when Joe Scalziti took 20 year old Lewis under his wing and began to train this man-child who had potential oozing out of his pores. His first meet was a benchpress meet in 1991 promoted by this author. I can even remember guestimating what his weight was since our scale only went to 350 lbs. After just a few years of quietly training his lifts at the St. Louis Weightlifting Club, he was ready for full meets on the national level. After competing in the IPF Jr. Nationals & Jr. Worlds in the mid 1990's, Jeff's goal was to get an IPF medal. His best meet to this day was at the USPF Senior Nationals in Louisiana, where he squatted an enormous 920 lbs. and placing third to Anthony Clark and Shane Hamman. In the mid to late 90's, Jeff spent more time focusing on other priorities such as work and family. Jeff spends quite a bit of time managing a highly successful Imo's Pizzeria in nearby Des Peres, Mo. Along with that, Jeff also got married in 1996, bought a house, and he and Patti are enjoying parenthood. They have a son, Justin, who was born in 1998. For a brief period Jeff trained at our YMCA just across the river in Granite City, IL when he needed a place to lift. We were glad to help keep the fire burning. He was then able to find a place a little closer to his house that would accomodate powerlifters and that's when he bagan training at Powerhouse Gym. Nowadays he hits it pretty hard with Willie and has even mentioned that he may get back into the full meet arena. Congratulations to King Louie on a fine victory! |
