Deep breath in. Deep breath out. And Lift. 

The powerlifting team experienced historical success this season. 

A large group of lifters qualified for regionals on  the boys and girls teams. 

“Powerlifting has had the most successful season in school history,” Coach Ryan Anthony said. “With 10 girls qualifying for regionals and a total of 15 girl participants. There was a total of 60 lifters this year in the program.”

The regional qualifying girls included Emily Holland in the 105 category, JJ Feller in 114, Madison Morgan lifting with the 123 group, Abby Koenig with the 132 section, Hana Hudson in the 165 group, Morgan Horner, Keona White and Aniyah Philio in the 181 category, Keyona White in 181 section, Emily Vaughn with 198 and Dezia Dennison in the 220.

“I get through each week of powerlifting with the motivation of not only building my body and getting stronger but building a better mindset to pushing myself no matter how hard a lift is,” Koenig said. 

The regional qualifying boys were Johnathan Miller in the 123 class, Cesar Cantu lifting in the 165 group, Jacob Gober and Ethan Haynes both lifted in the 181 division, Garret Loar reigned supreme in the 198 section, Austen Hernadndez was with the 220, Caleb Fletcher in the 275 pound group, and Logan Hilton competed in the 308 group. The boys who qualified for the state were Gober, Loar, Hernandez, Fletcher, and Haynes. 

“We had 10 guys qualify for regionals and end the end we took 3rd in the region as a team,” Anthony said. “The lifters set several regional records. We had third boys qualify for state which is the most Willis has ever had qualify for state. One lifter came home as a medalist taking third place, Garrett Loar.”

Having a set routine before every meet allows athletes to make sure they can perform to their full potential every time. Each week can look the same or different for each athlete. 

“I start preparing for my meets by ensuring I will make weight the day before,” Gober said. “I have to weigh 181 lb or less. The week before the meet I usually spend working with a light weight on my form and letting my body recover from previous workouts.” 

The powerlifters plan to work in in the offseason getting to get bigger, better and stronger preparing for next season. Planning on setting new records, adding new members, winning state, and having a great wildkat culture and program.

“Each week of powerlifting consisted of constant training, senior Travis Vanschuyver said.

“Having a set schedule helped a lot also helped put my mind in the right spot.”