Powerlifting: a word invoking images of burly men moving massive stones, but powerlifting as a sport is much more than just moving rocks. The sport of powerlifting has athletes competing to see who can bench, squat, and deadlift the highest amount of weight. Currently, Illinois high school powerlifting is governed by the IHSPLA, aka the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association. The IHSPLA organizes athletes into weight classes ranging from 114-308+ lbs for boys and 105-198+ lbs for girls, keeping the sport fair and open to everyone. The popularity of powerlifting is rapidly increasing throughout all of Illinois, and this includes Saint Viator.
Saint Viator used to have a powerlifting team back in 2022 under Coach Nadolna, but when he left the school and the strength program got turned over to Coach Eric Krasich the small-but-might powerlifting team got lost in translation. However, this doesn’t mean powerlifting at Viator is gone forever.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Eric said “if there was enough interest and commitment from students, I would support the addition of a powerlifting team.”
This means that it is entirely possible for powerlifting to return as a club or team to Saint Viator.
“A club/team would have to go through the proper channels to get approved first, but if approved would be more likely to be implemented next school year,” said Coach Eric.
But why is powerlifting so popular? Well for athletes, powerlifting has many appeals.
“Powerlifting is a unique sport that gives students the opportunity to display their strength and display gym progress in a fun, competitive, and safe environment.” said junior hockey player Artem Gryniv.
According to Artem, many students would also support the induction of a renewed powerlifting club.
“There are many benefits from a powerlifting team, the opportunity to challenge oneself in a foreign activity, self-improvement physically and mentally, camaraderie/team building with other students, learning and enhancing exercise technique, and improved body composition are all benefits of having a powerlifting team in the school.” said Coach Eric. So if you have an interest in a powerlifting team, make sure to make your opinion vocal to make that dream into a reality.
It’s clear that there are many benefits to having a powerlifting team, especially at Viator. It’s time for Saint Viator to re-embrace powerlifting and lift to success!
