Powerlifters flex some muscles at WSH tournament

     While the snow fall outside was heavy, it couldn’t compare to the heavy weight event held inside Traverse City West Senior High School this weekend.

     Despite blustery winter weather, nearly 300 weight lifters from around the state gathered for the Northwestern Powerlifting regional meet Saturday at West Senior High. The tournament served as a state qualifying powerlift meet with the top three teams advancing to the state competition on March 16. Twenty-three schools took part in Saturday’s meet which featured junior high, junior varsity, varsity and girls divisions.

     During a powerlift meet, lifters compete against each other in age and weight class categories. The top ten competitors in each weight category earned points toward both individual and team awards. Varsity teams sought first, second and third place trophies, while individuals competed for first, second and third place medals.

     Under the rules governing power lifting, each lifter declares an opening weight in squat, bench press and dead lift events. After making their opener, lifters have two attempts at heavier weights. Competitors must receive at least two green lights from the three judges surrounding them for a lift to be clean. Bouncing the bar off your chest or shuffling your feet are two examples that constitute a red light judgment.



Northwestern Powerlifting meet team results

First: Traverse City West — 91 points

Second: Farwell — 56 points

Third:Alpena — 53 points

Top individual Results

• 123 weight class, Brad Jordan, Carson City, 610 total

• 132 weight class, John Pierson, Standish, 955 total

• 145 weight class, Aaron Sulak, Boyne City, 1,025 total

• 155 weight class, Adam Stevens, Kingsley, 1,080 total

• 165 weight class, Brandon Ankerson, Traverse City West, 1,085 total

• 181 weight class, Ryan Keathley, Evert, 1,315 total

• 198 weight class, Nick Gotts, Traverse City West, 1,175 total

• 220 weight class, John Puckett, Newberry, 1,360 total

• 242 weight class, Matt McDevitt, Goodrich, 1,375 total

• 275 weight class, Kyle Kyjala, Alpena, 1,350 total

• Super heavyweight, Bob Cooper, Grayling, 1,345 total

Thirteen Traverse City West Senior High lifters qualified for the upcoming state tournament by placing in the top three in their weight division or by meeting qualifying criteria.


Nick Carlson, a junior at Traverse City West Senior High, attempts to lift 270 pounds in the squat event.

West junior Nick Gotts completes a clean lift in the squat under the watchful eye of fellow WSH powerlifter Kelly Kiogima.

Above: Strain shows on the face of Marcus Bush, a senior at West Senior High, as he puts up a personal best of 400 pounds in the squat. Below: Anna Herman strains facial and other muscles as she attempts to bench press a personal best 185 pounds. A senior at Alpena High School, Herman has already qualified to compete at this year’s national power lifting tournament in St. Louis, Mo.



Lifters rely on plenty of emotional support and muscle to put up what is often quadruple their own body weight.