If you have ever been to the recreational center at BGSU you have probably seen them, heard them and even envied them.

While many Bowling Green students are at the rec center to get in shape for the summer, there are five individuals who have different motives than having a six-pack.

“We train at the rec, once we get the weights that we want were usually there for about three hours,” said Tom Szorady.

Seniors Szorady and Jeremy Hartman, sophomore John Suschek and freshmen Joey Butcher and Dustin Smith are all competitive body builders. They will be unofficially representing Bowling Green at the 2006 USA Collegiate Power lifting Nationals in Miami, Fla.

“We have been training all year for this, usually three to four days a week but when competition is nearing we push ourselves to six, even seven days a week,” Hartman said.

Many of the top colleges in the country, like Florida, Texas, Army and Navy will be represented.

“This competition consists of the best power lifters from all over the country,” Hartman said. “Bowling Green will be well represented by these five young, extraordinary athletes.”

The platform for the competition consists of three strength lifts. The first lift is bench press, second is dead lift and the third is squat. Each weightlifter gets three attempts. A top-five finish earns All-American status. The winner in the top of his weight class gets a spot on the American National Team. The American National team then competes at the World Championships in Bulgaria.

The world championships are nothing new for Hartman. He’s a four-time National champion in the 220-pound weight class.

“Definitely, Jeremy is going to be the five-time champion this weekend for sure,” Suschek said.

This is the first national competition for the group’s other four members, although Szorady is ranked ninth nationally in the 242-pound class.

When Hartman and the boys arrive back from Florida, a tan won’t be the only thing they hope to bring with them.

“I think everyone has a legitimate shot at placing in this competition,” Hartman said.