The following piece of weightlifting history was written by Paul Ward in 1969. In this article you will learn Ken Patera’s weightlifting background and workout routine – Mr. Berg
“Frank and Dorothy Patera became the proud parents of Ken, November 6, 1943. He was a healthy lad and of average size. Ken attended Cleveland High School in Portland, Oregon. While in high school he participated in football, basketball, wrestling and track. His athletic prowess earned him recognition as a good athlete and, fortunately, a track scholarship to Brigham Young University.
During his years at BYU, Ken became known for being one of the Nation’s best shot, discus and hammer throwers. His performances were: shot 64 ft. 1/2in, discus 177 ft. 3 in.; and hammer 180 ft. 3 1/2 in. Another notable accomplishment was his marriage to Jen Kennington of Portland, Oregon in 1966.
While in college he played around with powerlifting and Olympic lifting, entering one power and two Olympic meets in 1966. His totals were 1650 and 1005 respectively. He had not yet developed a great interest in weightlifting. Ken is currently training and studying at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. PSU incidentally has one of the best weight training areas that can be found at the collegiate level in the United States. Powerlifter Gary Young (242) and Olympic lifter, Pete Cline (165) are products of that program Ken will complete his requirements for a BS and graduate in August 1969.
As recently as last summer at Echo Summit, South Lake Tahoe, Ken was one of ten shot putters competing for the Olympic team. During the training period and in competition he produced a lifetime best effort in the shot, 64 ft. 7 in.
Weightlifting Competitions
With a background of success in football, basketball and track, he turned his attention to competitive weightlifting. Starting in September 1968, he began training for power and Olympic lifting. While attending school and working nights his improvements were amazing.
Ken decided to enter powerlifting meets as a motivation to spur on his training efforts. He entered and easily overcame his opponents in the Portland, Oregon and Northwest Powerlifting Championships.
He recorded very respectable performances in his string of victories. They were: bench-press 465lb; squat 700lb; deadlift 625lb; total 1790. During training sessions he has recorded a 505 bench press and a 710 squat.
Also, during the year various Olympic meets were entered. Starting with an easy performance at the Washington State Open in December 1968, he recorded a 375 press; 280 snatch; 375 clean and jerk; for a total of 1030. At the Pacific Northwest Championships on March 22, 1969 his lifts were: 390 press; 330 snatch, 430 clean and jerk; for a total of 1150. Recently at the Junior Nationals May 16, 1969, he set four national records. They are: 410 press; 330 snatch; 440 clean and jerk; for a total of 1180. His performance improved with each meet. There was still more to come.
The final objective was to secure the Senior National Superheavyweight title. This was accomplished in fine style. His performances were: 395 press; 335 snatch;465 clean and jerk; for a total of 1195. This improved his best total by 15 pounds. Had he been in the groove in his pressing, 1200 plus would have been achieved.
During practice sessions, Ken has recorded the following: 425 press and a 340 snatch. In addition, he has power cleaned 400, power snatched 310, and pressed 425 on a 45 degree incline bench. As the record indicates, Ken’s constant improvement may just be a preview of coming attractions.
| Exercises | Weight x Rep |
| Power cleans and press | 210lb x 1 x 3 press, 280lb x 1 clean x 3 press, 330lb x 1, x3 press, 380lb x 1 clean x2 press |
| Power snatches (catch with full squat concentrating on pull) | 210 x 2, 230 x 2, 250 x 1, 270 x 1, 290 x 1, 310 x 1 |
| Front squats (three weeks before a meet otherwise, regular squats) | Front: 230 x 3, 300 x 3, 350 x 3, 400 x 3, 430 x 3, 500 x 2 Back: 330 x 3, 420 x 3, 510 x 3, 600 x 3, 650 x 3 |
| Exercises | Weight x Rep |
| High Pulls (snatch grip) | 230 x 2, 270 x 2, 300 x 2, 320 x 2, 350 x 2, 380 x 2 |
| Presses from rack | 230 x 3, 280 x 3, 300 x 3, 330 x 3, 350 x 2, 375 x 2, 400 x 1 |
| Exercises | Weight x Rep |
| Squat clean for maximum | 280 x 1, 310 x 1, 330 x 1, 350 x 1, 370 x 1, 390 x 1, 410 x 1, 430 x 1 |
| Squats snatch | 230 x 2, 260 x 2, 275 x 1, 290 x 1, 305 x 1, 320 x 1 |
| Power cleans and press | 230 x 1 clean x 2 press, 270 x 1 clean x 2 press, 290 x 1 clean x 2 press, 310 x 1 clean x 2 press, 330 x 1 clean x 2 press, 350 x 1 clean x 2 press, 370 x 1 clean x 2 press |
Future Plans
His rapid and easy success has given Ken an optimistic outlook for the future. Among his plans are to be World Superheavyweight Champion, compete in the indoor track season as shot putter in 1969-70, and finally make the 1972 Munich Olympic Team as a Superheavyweight lifter. These seem to be realistic goals and are well within the scope of Ken’s capabilities.”