Article: COACH TAKES UP KIDS' CAUSE.(Crime)(Weight-lifting champion uses the sport to teach young offenders about real life)

Byline: Bill Bishop The Register-Guard

Halfway through a 45-minute workout in Lane County's juvenile detention center, weight lifting coach Tom Hirtz is taking a 16-year-old to a feat she never dreamed of before - lifting 55 pounds overhead with an explosive power snatch in true Olympic form.

"Some people can't come close to what you're doing right now," he tells her, as she stoops to grip the bar. "OK. Back flat. Arms long. Eyes up. Quick now. And, up!"

The weight flies over her head and stops there in perfect balance. A few seconds later, at Hirtz's direction, she lowers it to the mat.

"Nice job! Good," Hirtz says. "Just think. ...

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