UNG’s annual weightlifting competition, Ironhawk, is back for students to take part in on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at the UNG Recreation Center in Dahlonega. 

Students will compete in different exercises such as the bench press, squat and deadlift to determine who is the strongest performer in each lift. Competitors will be divided into male and female divisions, and they will be matched up against people around the same weight as them. 

Each lift has different sets of rules to determine correct form and eligible reps. Certain accessories such as weight belts and knee sleeves are allowed, while others such as gloves and wrist straps are prohibited. Winners will be chosen from each male and female weight class. 

Caroline Jones, senior biology major, will be competing in all of the lifts at Ironhawk. Jones said she is excited to participate in the competition with her friends and will try to hit a new personal record. 

“I especially love that it’s open to all students at UNG who want to compete,” Jones said, “A lot of professional competitions are far away and include a competition fee. So I think it is cool that the rec hosts a meet that is more inclusive and accessible to students in Dahlonega.” 

Matthew Weidner, senior business management major, is volunteering as a spotter for the event. Weidner said the rec staff has put a lot of work into the event and they are expecting a monumental turnout for this year’s Ironhawk. 

“Students should take interest in participating because not only does the event put one’s physical and mental fortitude to the test, but it builds a community among one another,” Weidner said, “That’s what it’s all really about.”