For the past several years, Brewer has been competing in powerlifting competitions. Powerlifting is known as a very hardcore sport that takes a lot of effort and mental capability. This year, seniors RJ Weatherd and Ethan Moore made it to regionals! Weatherd being in third place regionals in his weight class and Moore being seventh in his weight class.
“Making it to regionals is a big confidence builder for me, especially because my confidence took a hit after football season,” Weatherd said.
Powerlifting to many, like Weatherd, has many ego boosting benefits. Imagine being able to lift double or triple your own weight. Not only that, you also get to constantly be competing with not only yourself but with other individuals who have the same passion as you.
“You put in what you put out, the more time and effort you put in, you end up seeing it at the powerlifting meets,” Moore said.
At every meet, there might be times where the competitor can't get a weight up. This can be very detrimental because it can cause the competitor to not place or even lose their placement at a competition, making them not advance. Weatherd, who has been in powerlifting for the past four years, has had a lot of experience with this.
“Every time I don’t get my weight up, I just keep that in mind and hold in my anger to take it out on the bar the next meet, I also go hard at practice and keep trying until I get it,” Weatherd said.
With determination and an optimistic attitude powerlifting meets can be less intimidating than they are. Especially, when it comes to new competitors. This year we had several new athletes who decided to give powerlifting a shot.
“It's my first year in powerlifting and so far it's an exciting and nerve-racking experience, at the gym I lift heavy but I've never competed with anyone. It's definitely something I really enjoy,” Junior Jonah Barrera said.
In addition to having new athletes join, the powerlifting team also had two new coaches accompanying head coach Brian Stansberry; Parker Hartcraft and Ramiro Gonzalez.
“Hartcraft is really motivational. His background with powerlifting really comes out during practices. He gives really good advice and tips,” Barrera said.
Those who have been in powerlifting the past few years also feel the change with the coaches, such as Sophomore Tristen Salas who has been in powerlifting for the past 2 years.
“The coaches really help me out, they are motivating and very friendly. When I fail a rep they push me to do more,” Salas said.
Many people might be scared to join powerlifting because they feel weak or they feel not capable of it, but powerlifting is for anyone who is determined to compete.
“I recommend people to join because even if you don't even place in the meets, it was always a time of my life where I got stronger mentally and physically,” Weatherd said.
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