The girls powerlifting team took home six individual titles on their way to a top-three finish, and the boys team sent multiple lifters to the podium at the state meet in Wellington this weekend.
Senior Reese Pattison dominated the 180-pound weight class with wins in bench, squat and clean, plus an overall title.
“We had a lot of new faces this year,” Pattison said. “It was just a really fun time to say it simply. We all have so much fun together.”
Junior Abby Fager won a state title in clean for the 148-pound weight class. Freshman Caroline Winton finished first in bench for the 165-pound weight class. Winton said she was nervous about the state meet, but her fears dissipated as the day went on.
“The energy is just very positive,” she said. “You can tell everyone’s here for everyone to be their best, and it’s a great feeling to know that you’re at your best.”
Juniors Lianna Mueting and Arianna Etter, as well as freshman Lillian Mueting, all snagged podium places.
Powerlifting coach Scott Russell said he wasn’t sure if the girls team would be able to pick up another podium finish at state, but said they stepped up their game to get it done.
“As the day went on, they got better,” Russell said.
High scores from both teams and too many personal records for Russell to count left him feeling happy with the team’s performance.
On the boys side, Ethan Winton placed on the podium in squat and finished third overall in the 198-pound weight class. Kai Bishop and Errol Siemon both finished on the podium as well.
“It’s an awesome experience anytime you get to show all your hard work that you’ve been doing all season,” Winton said. “It’s a great feeling. I love being able to cheer on my teammates and push them to be better.”
The boys team finished in eighth place.
Lifters said they learned valuable lessons throughout the season, including having a growth-focused mindset and focusing on controlling the things they can and not worrying about other factors.
“Anything is possible if you set your mind to it,” Pattison said. “You have to have a growth mindset.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
