Merritt Island Fitness Club’s Youth Powerlifting Team competed against 400 contestants from 12 countries
Powerlifting Prodigies from Merritt Island Claim the Crown
At the 100% Raw World Powerlifting Championship in Virginia Beach, the Youth Powerlifting Team from Merritt Island Fitness Club turned heads by hoisting their way to the top of the podium. Out of 400 contenders from 12 countries, they secured five golden medals in their weight and age categories, plus a couple of silver and bronze trophies that would make even the most seasoned lifters swoon.
Meet the Heavy Hitters
- Jarrett Smith – The king of the bench press, smashing records left and right.
- Drayton – A deadlift dynamo whose PowerPull moves make heads spin.
- Barrett Caleb Hoats – The squat champ, always squatting more than his teammates.
- Ethan Underwood – A rising star whose clean & jerk surely shook the crowd.
- Jack Mosier – The clutch performer who never misses a spot.
- Lucas Pollock – The weighted whisperer, always keeping it light on the bench.
- Devon Schlotzky – A solid all-rounder bringing a lot of heart and hustle.
The Mentoring Muscle
Behind all this iron prowess is Coach Frank Buzzo, the wizard who turns young muscles into champions.
Who Stayed in the Shadows
Shout‑out to the two powerlifters who weren’t in the photos but were still shore‑in powerhouses: River Dennis and McKenzie Davis. They may have been off the kicker board today, but they’re still champions by spirit!
So whether it’s the heavy plates or the heavy hearts, the Merritt Island crew proved that age, weight class, or country isn’t the decisive factor – it’s pure grit and a little bit of fun. Let’s keep cheering them on as they pound the bars and break the stereotypes!
Start 2025 on a High Note!
Merritt Island Fitness Club’s New‑Year Sale is Live!
Ready to break a sweat, break a routine, or simply break the bank? The Merritt Island Fitness Club has rolled out its most exciting New‑Year promotion yet. No fancy gadgets or secret codes – just a plain‑spoken offer that will have you saying, “Yes, please, save me money!”
What’s on the menu?
- Membership discounts that feel like treats – Grab a setup rate that’s so low, you’ll almost forget you’re paying for a gym.
- Complimentary training packs – Add a few personal‑training minutes that give you the edge you didn’t know you needed.
- Early‑bird perks – Join before the calendar flips; get early access to classes and priority booking.
Why you should hop on:
Like any blockbuster movie, those who jump in early get the biggest seat. Save now, sweat later. This isn’t just about fitting into your new jeans – it’s about feeling the thrill of a fresh start. Remember, deadlines are like gym posters: they’re only as persuasive as the moment they’re noticed.
Get in Now Before the Clock Strikes!
Don’t let the 2025 sparkle slip away. If you’re serious about a healthier you, guilt‑free and budget‑friendly, this sale packs the kind of punch that can turn your gym experience from “meh” to “hooray.” Click, sign‑up, and let’s make those goals stick.
You can assist the Merritt Island Fitness Club’s Youth Powerlifting Team with a donation as they prepare for the 2025 World Championships. Call 321-302-9960 or email fitnessclubpowerlifting@gmail.com to become a sponsor!
Brettsville’s Teen Titans Shatter Records at Virginia Beach
Meet the “Lift‑Like‑Waterfall” Youth Powerlifting Crew
While they may look like your average high‑school crowd, these youngsters can actually lift you over their heads if they so wish. Nine members of the Merritt Island Fitness Club’s Youth Powerlifting Team swooped in and snagged five gold medals + one silver and one bronze at the 100% Raw World Powerlifting Championship in Virginia Beach, outshining 400 athletes from 12 countries.
What’s the Big Score?
- Team Championship: first place
- Individual golds: 5
- Silver & Bronze: 1 each
Why the 100% Raw Name Matters
The 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation was founded in 1999 to celebrate athletes who flex without “special” gear. With over 8,000 drug‑free lifters worldwide and mandatory urinalysis, it’s the most credible, science‑based platform for powerlifting outside the Olympics.
Sibling Power? Not Exactly… But Size‑Agreements One
Most teens in the 15‑17 age bracket normally deadlift & squat more than 300–400 lbs. Some even go >500 lbs! Take River Dennis, a 17‑year‑old weighing just 130 lbs who pulled a 407‑lb deadlift at the championship.
- Squat: 253 lbs
- Bench press: 214½ lbs
Voice From the Ring
“I’ve got some of the strongest kids,” says Frank Buzzo, the team’s founder and coach. “These teens just keep proving how hard little things can get.” With his guidance, they’re not just strong—they’re intelligently shredded.
Meet the Unstoppable McKenzie Davis
At just 20 years old, McKenzie Davis is the “elder” of the Merritt Island Fitness Club Youth Powerlifting Team, and the single female in a squad that defies expectations. Deadlift: 346.5 lb, Squat: 280.5 lb, and Bench Press: 148.5 lb—she’s basically the human equivalent of a power‑up in a video game.
Why She’s a Force to Be Reckoned With
- First time Coach Buzzo saw her at the gym three years back, he was like, “This kid has the muscle and the mojo.”
- He even joked, “She’s the toughest of them all, and she can probably deadlift 375 lb, but she’s also such a sweetheart.”
- Her can‑do attitude? Legendary. She’s juggling two jobs a week while studying nursing at UCF, and then hitting the weights on weekends—talk about balancing life and iron.
Team Spotlight
McKenzie isn’t the only beast in the roster. Here’s a quick rundown of the squad’s heavyweights:
- Jarrett Smith: Squat 385.5 lb, Bench 187 lb, Deadlift 440 lb
- Ethan Underwood: Squat 264 lb, Bench 225 lb, Deadlift 313.5 lb
- Caleb Hoats: Squat 225.5 lb, Deadlift 275 lb
- Jack Mosier: Squat 346.5 lb, Bench 187 lb, Deadlift 374 lb
- Devin Schlaske: Squat 346.5 lb, Bench 203.5 lb, Deadlift 401.5 lb
- Lucas Pollock: Squat 484 lb, Bench 275 lb, Deadlift 511.5 lb
- Drayton Bereit: Squat 324.5 lb, Deadlift 374 lb
The Bottom Line
Between her crushing numbers, pure determination, and knack for multitasking, McKenzie Davis is not just a member of the team—she’s its beating heart. And trust us, when she steps onto the mat, the crowd is in for one heck of a show.
McKenzie Davis: Raw Powerhouse Shines at the 100% World Championship
Breaking the Mold (and a few records)
- Deadlift: 346.5 lbs – just a hair below that rumored 375‑lb ceiling.
- Squat: 280.5 lbs – solidly heavy, but we’re not squatting her yet.
- Bench Press: 148.5 lbs – not the best but still respectable on the day.
Coach and mentor Frank Buzzo was proud: “She’s the toughest of them all. She can probably deadlift 375 pounds. But she’s also such a sweetheart.”
Team Dynamics & the Power of Community
Last season, while the club’s 100‑plus members were in training mode, A ex‑world champion like Frank found himself in unexpected trouble.
That 2022 Gym Incident
- What happened: Frank, then 71, was lifting 425‑lb rounds. The weight took a toll.
- Cardiac emergency: He went into cardiac arrest on the gym floor, no pulse, no breathing.
Luckily, Lou Manley, the club owner, had an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site, and every staff member knew CPR.
- Manny Shaw: Quick to snap the AED on Frank.
- Erik Johnson: Little buddy, providing support.
- Dana Allen: A retired firefighter turned nurse, happened to be working out there and gave critical help.
Within seconds, Frank was breathing again before law‑enforcement and EMS even arrived. A crowd of more than 100 people fell to their knees, chanting in unison for a prayer, a testament to the unity within the club.
Frank’s Return and Shift in Focus
After a brief retraining period, Buzzo is now all about mentoring the next generation of lifts. He’s still in the gym, helping kids, new lifters, and all who want to learn.
What Lou Manley says
“We never had this kind of program before Frank. Unless he’s out of town, you’ll see him at the gym guiding the kids.”
Why This Matters
McKenzie’s performance is a testament to hard work and the power of a supportive community. The club’s quick response that 2022 highlights how vital that combine force of training, preparedness, and camaraderie can be. No matter what the day holds—whether a new lift or a medical emergency—the club is a place where people lift each other up literally and figuratively.
A Heart‑Pumping Tale: Frank Buzzo’s Near‑Death Experience
On July 18, Frank Buzzo kicked some serious weights at Fitness Club Merritt Island when a sudden cardiac event turned his workout into a frantic emergency. He was off‑air and silent, with no pulse—exactly where a good story would end in tragedy. But thanks to quick‑think teammates—sports‑savvy Erik Johnson, steadfast Manager Manny Shaw, veteran firefighter‑turned‑nurse Dana Allen—and the club’s smart decision to keep automated external defibrillators handy, Buzzo pulled through. The gym’s lifesaver became the hero of the day.
From Pit‑Stop to Powerhouse: Buzzo’s Generosity on a 501(c)(3) Mission
- Frank poured $9,000 of his own savings into a $12,000 budget, making the team’s trip to Virginia Beach a reality.
- As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every donation to the Youth Powerlifting Team now comes with a tax‑deductible receipt.
- “We accept donations to give these young athletes a shot at national competitions,” Buzzo explained. “All proceeds go straight to entry fees, travel, gear, and meals.”
Future Goals: State, National, and the Dubai Dream
Looking ahead, the team is lining up state and national high‑school championships. Their boldest target? The 100% Raw World Championship, slated for late 2025 in Dubai. Frank admits that sending the squad to Dubai on his own dime is a stretch, but he’s determined to find a way.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said, eyes gleaming with that usual mix of fierce pride and playful optimism.
Getting the Bag of Chips (and Powders) to Dubai
To raise the needed funds, Frank is planning a series of golf tournaments—because why not combine a few drives with a dose of community charm? He’s counting on Brevard’s legendary generosity. After all, who can resist the promise of cheering for young athletes who crush goals both on and off the wall?
Meet the Man Behind the Muscle
Frank’s love for the team runs deeper than simple support. He guzzles hours each week—probably matching a full‑time job—to coach, coordinate, or travel with the squad to competitions. When he’s out of town, you’ll likely find him at a local meet, cheering the crowd and steering his crew to new heights.
“I love working with this dedicated crop of kids; they’re pulling the best out of themselves, and I’m incredibly proud,” Frank said.
Help Us Lift a Future Champion
Ready to back this powerhouse of talent? Drop a line at fitnessclubpowerlifting@gmail.com for banking app details or mail a tax‑deductible check to:
Fitness Club Youth Powerlifting Program,
2760 Pine Lily Lane,
Cocoa, Florida 32926
Let’s keep the ambition alive and make sure every young competitor gets a fair shot on the world stage.
Big Frank Buzzo: The Powerlifting Legend of Merritt Island
Who’s the Star?
At the heart of Fitness Club Merritt Island stands the giant of the gym—Big Frank Buzzo. A true powerhouse, he’s the guy everyone spots when he throws those massive weight plates around.
Physical Beast
- Height: 6′1″
- Weight: 265 lb
- Nickname earned? Absolutely. Frank’s size alone has him in the “Big” league.
The Wall of Glory
Picture this: a mural hanging proudly on the gym wall showing Frank in full swing, muscles tense, grunting as he lifts hundreds of pounds. It’s a visual salute to his dedication and strength.
When Life Hit a Hard Stop
Despite his iron-willed training, one day Frank had to face a sudden cardiac event. But thanks to the life-saving AEDs that Fitness Club installed thanks to a partnership with Who We Play For, the story turned from “oops” to “whoa—survival!”
Why it Matters
- Who We Play For is a non‑profit on a mission to prevent sudden cardiac deaths.
- They provide affordable ECG screenings to young athletes.
- In Frank’s case, the AED was the real hero—ready at the exact spot when a sudden heart break occurred.
Takeaway
Big Frank Buzzo isn’t just a local legend; he’s a reminder that even the strongest of us aren’t immune to heart emergencies. And thanks to careful planning and a bit of generosity from a non‑profit, he’s very much alive and still crushing those weights.
Life Savers at the Gym
Frank Buzzo was cruising through his workout when a nasty heart attack hit him right in the middle of the dumbbell rack. It was a scary moment, but luckily friends and a well‑armed clinic had his back.
Why the Scene Gets Perilously Fun
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Frank’s friends at the Fitness Club Merritt Island weren’t about to hand him over to fate. They sprang into action.
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The club sticks to the “double‑dose” rule: two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are on standby each time the doors open.
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Every staff member? Trained in CPR and the basics of body‑saving moves.
Quick Take from Lou Manley
“We believe every gym should have at least one AED, but the state of Florida doesn’t mandate it,” says co‑owner Lou Manley, photo with his wife Denise in the backdrop. He’s confident that having an extra machine—with trained personnel—has made all the difference for Frank.
Bottom Line
Frank’s case shows the power of community and preparedness. He’s on the mend, and the gym’s “life‑saving” plan worked flawlessly—bringing a dose of hope to a dramatic workout mishap.
WORLD RECORD‑SETTER
Lucas Pollock took the 2024 National Powerlifting Championships by storm—slamming all nine lifts with a flawless “9‑for‑9” execution and bagging a trio of brand‑new world records. He’s the guy who turned the gym into a playground for raw power.
Rapid Rise of the Fitness Club Crew
Just a handful of months of turbo‑charged training turned the Fitness Club team from a promising squad into a force to be reckoned with at the World Natural Powerlifting Federation National Powerlifting Championships in Greenville, South Carolina.
- • Unstoppable Momentum: A crystal‑clear goal, relentless hustle, and an insane work ethic
- • Community Buzz: Everyone’s buzzing, from coaches to fans, about the team’s thunderous performance.
- • Mind‑Set Triumph: Triumph of the heart, mind, and muscles – a win that goes beyond the weight bench.
In short, Lucas Pollock and the club’s crew didn’t just lift heavy weights; they lifted the entire scene into a mythic realm of strength and momentum. Stakeholders can take away the fact that intense preparation + unwavering teamwork = world‑record glory – no shortcuts, just pure dedication.
Hot Off The Press! – New Edition Arrives in Space Coast
December 23, 2024 – Brevard County’s favorite paper, the Space Coast Daily News, just dropped a brand‑new issue, and folks around the coast are already buzzing.
What’s Inside this Month’s Issue?
- Launching Laughs: A feature on the space launch schedule that will keep you laughing while you wait for liftoff.
- Local Stars: Spotlight on the community heroes— from the new aquarium to the shy little girl who won the robotics contest.
- Weather Forecast: Tips for staying cool on the hottest Dec‑days; plus a humorous take on why a solar eclipse is ‘just a giant cloud on vacation’.
- Monthly Read-athon: The top‑rated books to keep your mind orbiting high even during stormy nights.
Why This Paper Stands Out
The Space Coast Daily News isn’t just about news; it’s an entire experience— a mix of genuine local reporting, science shake-ups, and a touch of playful charm that turns the page into a conversation.
Hear From Readers
“I’d need a spaceship to keep up with all the space updates,” says one enthusiast. Another adds, “This paper is like a friend who knows both the local gossip and the latest rocket trivia.”
Get Your Copy Today
Grab the latest issue at any local grocery store, library, or online at SpaceCoastDaily.com. And remember—every article is a ticket to adventure, whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through.
