CWU Police Officer Shatters State Bench Press Record

June 9, 2003

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Disguised as a mild-mannered campus police officer at Central Washington University, Eric Twaites has nonetheless been involved in a nearly super-human effort. Twaites competed for the second time in the Washington Association of Bench Pressers and Dead Lifters (WABDL) competition and shattered the bench press record for his division.

At last month's competition in Pasco, Twaites, competing in the "Class 1 Men" and Law/Firemen Open divisions, bettered his own state record of 402 pounds by an astonishing 33 pounds. He made the 435-pound lift despite weighing just 193 pounds.

"I did pretty well in Pasco," the soft-spoken Twaites says, "but I've got a long ways to go when it comes to national competition." The national championship is scheduled for December in Las Vegas.

Not surprisingly, Twaites' record lift of well over twice his own weight impressed many fellow competitors. For his achievement, he was quick to credit his lifting partner, campus police Sgt. Terry Borck

"Terry's my mentor," Twaites adds. "He's taught me a great deal about technique and keeps me positive."

Borck notes, "I'm really impressed with what Eric has accomplished in a relatively short time."

While Twaites has been impressive in the gym, he is also earning a reputation as a "bright, level-headed and extremely community-minded" campus police officer, according to CWU Police Chief Steve Rittereiser.

"Eric really goes out of his way to help people," Rittereiser adds. "We're working with Eric on trying to find ways to blend both weightlifting and policing into some community-based projects."

For now, Twaites is content with the state record and his intense workout schedule. There may be more impressive numbers from him in the future, but, as Twaites points out, "I have a long ways to go to break the world record of 515 pounds. I don't plan on reaching that anytime soon."

Twaites received his bachelor of arts degree from CWU in 1999 and started his law enforcement career as a reserve with the Kittitas County Sheriff's Department. He has worked at Central since March 2000. He graduated with honors from the state police academy in November 2000. In addition to his patrol responsibilities, Twaites is a member of the combined countywide Special Response Team.