Members of the 14 Wing Greenwood Bar Benders powerlifting team delivered an outstanding performance at the Nova Scotia Powerlifting Provincial Championships, held at Fitness FX in Halifax May 30, with all athletes achieving personal bests and multiple podium finishes.
The group, consisting of Corporal David Szasz, Corporal Brandon Savage and Sergeant Jeffrey Baker; was guided by coach and 14 Wing Personnel Support Program sports stores staffer Mackenzie Beattie. Through careful planning and leadership, the team turned in one of its strongest collective performances to date. All three lifters set competition personal bests in their respective classes, reflecting the team’s dedication to training – while balancing the demands of their military service.
“(It) wasn’t easy, but nothing worth doing is,” said Szasz, a philosophy clearly driving everyone’s performance.
Szasz, with 14 Mission Support Squadron’s Supply section, in a record performance; secured first place in the Masters 1 (age 40 to 49) 74 kg class, along with the title of best male masters lifter. After intentionally dropping from his usual 83 kg weight class – a difficult and “humbling” weight drop, Szasz set new provincial records with squats of 185 kg and 190.5 kg, surpassing the previous record of 180 kg. He fought hard during the bench press and just missed the record with a 120 kg lift. Finally, he shattered the previous provincial deadlift record of 192.5 kg with lifts of 210, 230 and 240 kg. His total of 550.5 kg also achieved a new provincial record over the previous 502.5 kg. In the past three months, Szasz has set four provincial records, adding another provincial record at the Canadian Powerlifting Nationals in March with his squat in the 83 kg class. He now has his sights set on competing at the 2027 Canadian Powerlifting National Championships in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Competing in the +120 kg class, Savage, from 14 Air Maintenance Squadron, claimed second place with a total of 662.5 kg, achieved through a 227.5 kg squat, 155 kg bench press and 280 kg deadlift. He completed eight of his nine lifts and achieved personal records in his squat, deadlift, and overall total. Powerlifting for just two years, Savage’s performance demonstrated strength and consistency across all three lifts and contributed to the team’s overall success.
“I’m back in the game!” Baker announced post-deadlift, ready to reach new heights.
From 14 Operations Support Squadron, he delivered a dominant performance in the +120 kg class, earning first place, best overall male lifter and best open male lifter honours. He completed all nine of his lifts – every one of them a competition personal best, and posted an impressive 817.5 kg total, made up of a 300 kg squat, 192.5 kg bench press and 325 kg deadlift, marking the top result of the competition.
Coach Beattie played a key role throughout the competition, making decisive attempt selections and effectively managing the athletes’ emotions and adrenaline during high-pressure moments.
The team’s success reflects the high level of commitment required to pursue competitive sport while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Representing both 14 Wing Greenwood and the CAF, the athletes showcased the strength, discipline, and resilience developed through military service. Their achievements stand as an example of what CAF members can accomplish both on and off duty.
Visit the 14 Wing Greenwood Fitness and Sports Centre Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. if you’re a military member interested in powerlifting.
