Powerlifting season ends successfully

Blood. Sweat. Tears. Failure. Victory. These words all describe powerlifting, a sport where the heavier you lift, the shinier your medal, but there is more done behind the scenes.

Powerlifting is a tough sport both mentally and physically, so joining the team can be a tough decision. However, with the right support, powerlifing is very rewarding.

“I just took the weight lifting class,” senior Mary Adams said, “and got more into it from there.”

Other students were encouraged by coaches, family, and friends.

“I just did it because I was asked to,” junior Andy Carlson said. “The football coaches told me I was strong, so I joined.”

Similar to Carlson, junior Lucas Donovan was encouraged to join by others.

“One of my friends told me I have great potential,” Donovan said, “so it gave me the push to join the team.”

Other students opted to join for their personal growth.

“I just wanted to get stronger,” junior Blake Larsen said, “and, for my weight, I’m pretty strong so I thought I could do great things.”

Some students joined for both reasons, encouragement and personal growth.

“I was told to join this sport by coach Hines,” junior Jefferey Cleaver said, “but I also know I’m strong so I joined.”

It was a great season for the power lifters, and there many high placements and personal records throughout the team.

Mary Adams’ season best placement was second: PR in the squat is 225lbs. Bench 115lbs. Deadlift 315 lbs.

Carlson, even just going to one meet, best placed seventh, his PR in squat is 425 lbs. Bench 275 lbs. Deadlift 385 lbs.

Donovan’s best placement was sixth. His PR in squat is 295 lbs, his bench is 210 lbs, and his deadlift is 355 lbs.

Cleaver placed third, only appearing in one meet, his PR in squat is 350 lb, his bench is 215lbs, his deadlift is 375 lbs, and had been seventh in the state.

Many of the athletes were very proud of how their season played out.

“It was alright for being my first season on the team,” Donovan said.

Cleaver was feeling about the same after all was said and done.

“My season was good,” Cleaver said. “I got 3rd place in one meet, which was a win for me.”

Some students went to just try it out and see how they would compete.

“I just went to one meet to see how I’d do,” Carlson said, “but it was pretty chill and I had a good time.”

A lot of students found that even with lack of experience, they met personal goals and did well in the sport.

“It was my first year lifting, so I’m happy with where I was,” Larsen said. “I am thinking back to a year ago and I never could imagine lifting for a sport.”

Some students found meets more rewarding than nationals, despite nationals being a bigger deal.

“The meets were good, but states was terrible,” Adams said. “I remember driving through the snow going to states at Adrian University and having a rough time.”

Thankfully, most students ended the season proud, with a memorable moment.

“I remember going to Croslex, Michigan, for the last meet of the year,” Larsen said,“and hitting my all time deadlift PR.”

The powerlifters end the season strong. They all met personal goals and exceeded expectations, making the coaches of their growing program proud.