PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNESAW STATE BARBELL CLUB
Club Barbell at Kennesaw State is a student-run organization that is about powerlifting and fitness, founded in 2018.
The head coach of the club is Mitch Zaplatosch. Zaplatosch has a decade of experience in barbell, with over 400 dots throughout his career. He also has a PhD in Exercise Physiology. In addition to his experience in powerlifting barbell, he also has experience in long-distance running.
The club was started by students who wanted to bring barbell to campus, and engage KSU’s lifting community.
“The first thing they did was get a bench from someone who has been in powerlifting for a very long time, and they brought that out to a recruitment fair and it grabbed a lot of people’s attention and with that tradition we carried that on,” club president Carinne Tzurdecker said.
At OWL Liftoff, an event for all students on campus to come and talk to various clubs and organizations, the club had over 90 students register and wrote down their email wanting to join. .
The club held a bench competition at Owl Liftoff to come out and show students on why they should join.
“It was a lot of fun, and we got good pictures and just a good team bonding thing for everyone who volunteered,” Tzurdecker said.
The club also hosted an event with Georgia Tech this year, which really helped bring the club into the spotlight.
The club is open to all athletes and fitness gurus, but Tzurdecker said the club is open to all experience levels.
“We have a bunch of resources whether you are new or experienced and we continue to provide more and more for the people,” Tzurdecker said.
The club is committed and helpful to everyone that wants to grow and succeed in their fitness journey.
“Whether you’re interested in powerlifting, bodybuilding, cross-fit, or just lifting in general, we have the tools and resources for you to succeed,” Tzurdecker said.
