Jerry Marentette
The Godfather of Powerlifting in Essex County
CTV Windsor called Jerry Marentette the Godfather of powerlifting while covering his half century in the sport. That is the right framing for this page: competitor, coach, gym owner, mentor, and the person behind Power Pit Gym.
Jerry competing under the bar.National records
The original Power Pit site credits Jerry with 392 national records.
Windsor-Essex
Jerry is described as the first powerlifter enshrined in the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.
Years in the sport
Local coverage traces Jerry’s powerlifting path back to 1974, and CTV Windsor highlighted his half century in the sport.
A life in powerlifting
Jerry’s powerlifting story started in Belle River and grew into a life of competition, coaching, records, travel, and gym building. Power Pit is more than a room full of weights. It is where Jerry trained, coached, hosted lifters, and helped build powerlifting in the area.
AM800 reported that Jerry won four gold medals at the 2019 Powerlifting Commonwealth Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland. OpenPowerlifting also keeps a public record of his meet history and personal bests.
OPA archive and Power Pit history
The OPA archive material shows the old Belle River and Power Pit connection to Ontario powerlifting. The March 2005 issue includes Niagara Open results, Belle River lifters, and the Power Pit Gym listing in the affiliated clubs directory.
Our goal is to produce champions.
In the news
Windsor StarBelle River’s Marentette lifted into Hall of Fame
Windsor StarHall of Famer Philp never forgot his roots
The SouthernOne of the best powerlifters ever to come from Canada
AM800Belle River man wins four gold medals
OpenPowerliftingJerry Marentette competition history
Original Power PitLegacy profile and history