Tag Archives: Girls powerlifting

by: Nan Buti

Staff Reporter

The girls’ and boys’ powerlifting teams have successfully placed in Regionals and South State this season. The Lady Warriors powerlifting team has been at Oak Grove for two years and has excelled to State both years. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams’ State competitions will be Saturday in Jackson. Both teams have been practicing multiple times a week and are determined to place at State. The girls’ team has seven out of nine lifters traveling to Jackson while the boys’ team has nine out of twelve attending.

Girls powerlifting celebrates a successful showing at South State. / Submitted Photo

Powerlifting is a sport which consists of three lifts in consecutive order: squat, bench press, and dead lift. Each lifter is placed in a weight class and must maintain that weight range throughout the season. The boys’ team coaches are Lonny Schraeder, Chris Tran, and Knute Douglas. “Major things that have happened are our winning back-to-back region titles and this year’s South State championship,” Douglas said. The boys’ powerlifting team has had a successful streak in such a short time. Body builder, personal trainer, and co-owner of No Holds Barred, Amanda Micka is the girls’ coach, along with the assistance of Jeff Douglas. “I’d love to continue coaching the team in the future. It’s such a great sport and something you can continue to do even after high school. It’s great for your health, too,” Micka said. Being a new team at Oak Grove, the girls’ powerlifting team began in 2011 when Kayla and Christie Stricker asked Micka to coach the team. Oak Grove is known for its competitive spirit in sports. Even in powerlifting, other schools rival to beat the Warriors. “Dedication is the main thing to have as a powerlifter, but it also takes a lot of heart,” Coach Jeff Douglas said. “You have to train because you are competing against yourself, too.” Powerlifting is often said to be unlike most sports. “It’s nerve-wracking. There is no cardio involved, and everyone must show individual skill,” powerlifter Rachel Payton said. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams are prepared to squat, bench, and pull major loads at State.