In this story, I will take a different approach in sharing information about our recent accomplishments within Club Sports, as I was physically able to attend the event. 

This past weekend, BGSU Club Powerlifting had two athletes compete at a local meet in Fort Wayne, IN, called the Shamrock Showdown at Renegade Strength and Performance. Jay Wehunt, competing in the 198 lb Weight Class, competed alongside Simon Born, competing in the 165 lb Weight Class. 

See their totals and DOTS scores below: 

Jay Wehunt - 198 lb Weight Class
Squat: 530 lbs
Bench: 303 lbs
Deadlift: 501 lbs
Total: 1334 lbs
DOTS score: 393

Simon Born - 165 lb Weight Class
Squat: 425 lbs
Bench: 248 lbs
Deadlift: 501 lbs
Total: 1174
DOTS score: 383

Having the ability to travel to Fort Wayne, IN myself, I was able to immerse in the process of the meet. 

After weighing in the day before and with the upcoming all day event, starting at 8:00am and lasting through the awards ending at 6:00pm, I was truly able to see the level of commitment Powerlifting athletes choose to endure. Many of the competitors were local, while some traveled from neighboring states. Over 80 people formally competed, with ranges in age from 13-65+, with everyone cheering for those that competed. Family members, coworkers, random passerby's cheered for those on stage, with no issue of volume or worry of being obnoxious. 

Judges knew many of the athletes, with many sharing familiar smiles and giving tips for better repetitions for the competition. While preparing behind the stage, athletes gave each other support to prepare them for the monumental achievements they were looking to make. Throughout it all, I realized something that may be not so well seen by the naked eye. The community of Powerlifting is all about family and community. Without the support of their coaches, families, fans, and teammates, many of these athletes would not have the wherewithal to perform, on stage, in front of hundreds of people. To be able to overcome that alone can be seen as a major accomplishment. 

With BGSU Powerlifting, that feeling is mutual among their athletes. Teammates support each other wholeheartedly, some who did not even know each other before coming to campus. The competition showed me that with not just the population of Powerlifting members, but with BGSU Powerlifting, creating a community through exercise and competition is their founding pillar. 

I was proud to be able to go and witness the feats of strength that many showcased, most importantly our BGSU Powerlifting athletes. In the future, I would be more than proud to travel to our Club Sports events to support our teams with no limit of my support, much like the fans I witnessed. 

To follow along with everything Club Powerlifting is doing, be sure to check out their social medias listed below: 
- Instagram: @bgsu_powerlifting