Post by Admin on Sept 3, 2008 7:52:55 GMT -5
Many iron-game enthusiasts from the 60's are quite familiar with Bill March; he frequently appeared in Strength & Health as well as the York isometric contraction courses. He was the ambassador of weightlifting from York; his considerable strength and impressive physique coupled with his amiable disposition made him the perfect man for the job. He was also phenomenally strong and a formidable lifter with an innate athletic ability.
In 1958, Bill March was a young all-around athlete at Dallastown High School when he was introduced to Vern Weaver and thingy Smith. Weaver introduced March to the lifts and to Bob Hoffman. Hoffman immediately recognized March's potential and invited him to train at the York Barbell Club on Broad St. in York. Bill's lifting ability improved quickly, and, by 1960, March could outlift the reigning 198 lb. lifter, Jim George. In 1963, he broke the World record in the press, with a lift of 354 lbs. That year he also won the Pan-American games. Throughout all this time, March was also touring the country, doing lifting exhibitions for Hoffman. In 1964, March battled Lou Riecke for a spot on the Olympic Team. Although both eventually made the team, Riecke was unable to lift in Tokyo. March tied Ireneusz Palinsky of Poland but was relegated to 4th place on bodyweight.
From 1965-67, injuries prevented March from accomplishing much, but after the new 242 lb. class was added in 1968, March attempted a comeback. This class was perfect for him, because he had always had trouble making weight for the 198 lb. class. The new class had some fierce competition in it; it was also the class into which Bob Bednarski fit well. At the 1969 Senior Nationals, Bill March pressed 390 lbs at a bodyweight of only 224. Unfortunately, March came in 3rd. The elimination of the press in 1972 effectively ended March's lifting career.
All information on best official lifts gathered from "Bill March: March to the Top." Milo. December 1998 pp. 75 -82 and "Bill March: King of the Press." Milo. March 1999 pp.97-107