When Billy and Jonathan Crabtree planned a father-and-son getaway for Father’s Day, they didn’t head to the lake or a ballgame.

They went to the gym.

The two Vicksburg residents spent a little bonding time Saturday at the State Games in Meridian, participating in the powerlifting competition there.

Billy, 47, finished first in the masters’ bench press for the 40-49-year-olds’ division, while 17-year-old Jonathan was first overall in the raw teens’ 148-pound division. In the raw division, lifters do not use special suits, shirts or belts to help them lift.

“It’s just natural strength in the raw division,” Jonathan Crabtree said.

The elder Crabtree has been lifting for nearly 20 years, while his son only recently took up the sport. Billy Crabtree said the meet would be a good experience for his son, who hopes to make the powerlifting team at Warren Central next year, as well as a unique father-son trip.

It’s the first time they have competed together at a powerlifting meet.

“This is something he got interested in. It’s experience so he can work a little harder for the powerlifting team at Warren Central,” Billy Crabtree said. “Plus it gives us a little trip together for father’s day.”

Jonathan Crabtree said he became interested in lifting simply by going to the gym with his father. They lift at the Vicksburg Barbell Club, a small private gym on Fisher Ferry Road.

Lifting together has helped the two become closer, Jonathan said.

“He didn’t push me into it. I’ve been going to the gym with him for a while,” Jonathan said. “I think it’s kind of interesting. It gives us bonding time, I guess.”

While the trip to the State Games was the first for Jonathan, it was the third for Billy. He competed in the cycling road race last year, and in powerlfiting in 1996.

It’s powerlifting that’s Billy’s passion, however. The 165-pounder said lifting has helped him stay young.

“I’m what they call a weightlifter. Somebody who just goes to the gym and lifts,” Billy Crabtree said. “You make it part of your life. It helps to keep the age away.”