The broad and varied interests of Dartmouth students span all spectrums. However, Corey Chatis '98 competes in a sport that, to her knowledge, has no Big Green participants other than herself -- powerlifting.
Chatis competes in the American Drug-Free Powerlifting Association, one of the sports many governing bodies. She recently returned from the nationals championships in Wilksbury, Pennsylvania, which took place April 20 to 21. There, she proved victorious in the 18-19 age division at 122 pounds, squatting 236 pounds and bench-pressing 110.
Going into the last event, Chatis trailed the leader, but with the deadlift remaining there was not much to worry about. Deadlift is her best event, and Chatis blasted by her opponents with a meet and U.S. record lift of 297 pounds. The lift earned her the overall title, and a trip to the world championships.
"Breaking the national record in deadlift meant a lot to me because it was my last chance to do so in the teenage category. It makes me proud to know that the next time there's a meet, it'll be my name up there and the record I set will be the one to beat," she said.
However, because she recently turned 20, Chatis is ineligible to compete in the same age bracket. She remains positive about the rule, though, and is keeping everything in perspective.
"I'm sure that happens to a lot of people," Chatis said. "Besides, the worlds fall around the time of summer term finals so going would have been difficult anyway."
Chatis, an English major going for a secondary education teacher certification from Oneonta, New York, became interested in the sport in her senior year of high school. Her main influence was her father, a longtime competitive powerlifter who currently competes in the masters division at the 245 pound weight class.
"One day I happened to stop by the gym to see my dad," Chatis explained. "He asked me if I wanted to try a couple powerlifts just to see if I would like it. I tried them and liked it so I came back the next week. After a few weeks of my lifts going up every time I was hooked."
Powerlifting involves three separate events-- squat, bench press and deadlift. Each one is judged by three officials who watch carefully to make sure each lift is properly executed. To be counted as a successful lift, at least two of the three judges must give the "white light," signifying the lift was good.
Each contestant is given three attempts in each event. Usually, contestants will start with a weight they are confident in successfully lifting, and work up to "maxing out" on the third attempt. However, if a weight is missed, the lifter cannot go back down.
Natural ability alone did not propel Chatis from a curious high school senior to a national champion. She maintains a strict workout schedule with her loyal workout partner, Dave Aronchick '96, of two hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each day is devoted to one of the three events, with secondary exercises for the other events rotated into the schedule as well.
"I will truly miss Dave because he is not only my partner but one of my best friends," Chatis said. "I am anxious to find a new lifting partner for the summer term, though, because it is vital to have a partner in powerlifting. I am looking for someone who is enthusiastic, dedicated and willing to work hard."
Chatis trains in the Kresge Weight Room, and while she maintains the facility is better equipped than most colleges, there are still many improvements that could be made. Not being one to just sit back and complain, Chatis currently serves on a committee looking to bring in a new strength coach. However, Chatis would still like to see the college add a decline bench, more dumb bell, and more advanced pulley machines to the current setup.
Looking towards the future, Chatis plans on continuing her powerlifting career. Moving up to the collegiate level since she has turned 20 will result in stiffer competition and more participants. Chatis is looking forward to the challenge, however, and welcomes the increasing numbers to a sport that has been overshadowed by her male counterparts in the past.
"I'm eager to enter the collegiate class because it's a higher level of competition than the teens and there are simply more women competing on the collegiate," Chatis said.
"Seeing an increasing number of women at powerlifting meets just in the three years that I've been competing has been exciting for me. Powerlifting is a very positive activity for almost any woman because it is empowering to gain strength even if you never plan on competing. The recent influx of women into powerlifting is very encouraging because it is a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men. Women can only broaden the scope of powerlifting, thus improving it."
Enthusiastic, dedicated, and willing, the very characteristics Corey Chatis is searching for in a new partner, clearly exemplify her own attitude. With her drive and positive outlook, don't be surprised to see Chatis's name at the top again next year.
