Michael Williams and Noah Madsen competed in the regional powerlifting meet on March 12 in Decatur.
Madsen placed eighth in his weight class, and Williams was disqualified.
“I am planning on improving every lift,” Madsen said. “I’m already preparing for the next season…it’s state, nothing less.”
Even those who didn’t get to compete at the region have plans for next year.
The other members of the team consisted of freshman Ava Blair, sophomores Lexi Wall, Timothy Bracey, Carter Battles, Xavier Robinson, Chloe Becker, Elyse Reeve, Wyatt Schmitz, juniors Madella Nicholson, Luke Fletcher, Nathan Trapp, and Jetzyre Miranda.
“I’m going to eat a lot and bulk up for next year,” Wyatt Schmitz said. “I want to increase my overall build and increase my odds in my weight class.”
A strong support system helps most athletes get rid of competition pressures, so
Having the support of parents and loved ones who showed up to the meets had a positive impact on some of the lifters, according to freshman Ava Blair.
“When my parents showed up to the meets, I felt like I needed to work harder and try to lift more,” Blair said. “I think it encouraged me to lift more.”
Elyse Reeve said it made her more determined.
“I wanted to get each set first try, so my parents didn’t have to see me fail,” Reeve said.
Powerlifting coach Bradan Ritchey emphasized that lifters stay self-motivated while also pushing them to exceed their original goals.
“Powerlifting is a sport where the athletes have to be very self-motivated if they want to surpass their goals, so we try to emphasize that on a daily basis,” Ritchey said.