Schulenburg’s Vacek Powers His Way to State

Schulenburg powerlifter Jacob Vacek has pure strength and recently utilized it by qualifying for the state powerlifting meet. Vacek is in the 165 weight class and lifted 290 pounds on the bench press, 420 on the squat, and 500 on the deadlift for a 1,210 total and a tie for first place in the regional meet.

“Jacob has been lifting weights and been obsessed with working out since seventh grade,” said Schulenburg head powerlifting coach Mark Freeman. “He’s built the foundation for strength and speed. He has his own workout schedule. He works out year round. He also has a membership at the gym, so when our facilities are not open, he has his own workout regimen on his own.” Vacek’s relentless effort has given him the nod for this edition’s Athlete of the Week.

Question: Where’s your favorite place to lift?

Answer: “I like lifting at Anytime here in Schulenburg.”

Question: What are you most looking forward to about going to state?

Answer: “I mean, it’s just going to be a cool experience going up there. Hopefully set some PR’s and just have fun.”

Question: What’s the most weight you’ve ever bench pressed?

Answer: “I benched pressed 290 at the last meet.”

See Question: Who’s someone you look up to when it comes to powerlifting?

Answer: “One of our old teammates, Orlando (Adame), he went to state as a junior and graduated last year.”

Question:What’s your mindset going into state?

Answer: “I don’t expect too much, to be honest. The kids there are a lot stronger than anything in the smaller schools.”

Question:Where’s a place you like to travel to?

Answer: “Anywhere that’s new. New places.”

Question: What’s your preferred event in powerlifting and why?

Answer: “Deadlift. I just like it. It’s the simplest of all of them. It’s just picking up some weight.”

Question:Which do you prefer, apples or oranges?

Answer: “Apples”

Question: Do you play any other sports besides powerlifting?

Answer: “I run track and that’s it.”

Question: How would you describe Schulenburg High School?

Answer: “Good environment. I have a lot of friends.” Vacek has the strength and build in order to represent Schulenburg well at the states.