Varsity Powerlifting Takes Fourth At Mona Shores

The second and final regular season meet took place February 21st at Mona Shores. The Rockford Varsity Powerlifting squad took fourth place out of 30 teams. Capping off the first season of the team, seniors Brodie Chase and Spensor Munson took 1st and 2nd place in the 207 weight class, in a showdown that included a 500-pound deadlift from both athletes. Spensor Munson newly qualified for the Varsity state meet, with both lifters achieving a 1,210 total. Senior Michael Oaks also medaled, taking 3rd place in the 242 weight class. Also earning team points for Rockford were senior Fernando Azofra in the 145 weight class, junior Julian Scott in the 165 weight class, and junior Ethan Katerberg in the 181 weight class. It was a very competitive meet, but Rockford placed well for our first season and many lifters lifting at a meet for the first time. On the Junior Varsity side, Rockford had a 3-way tie for seventh place. Not all of our student athletes competed at this meet to save energy for the JV state meet, but we had 2 additional lifters qualify for states. Both in the 165 weight class, sophomore Louis VanderWerff and freshman Zac Mann tied with an 885 total, placing 4th and 5th respectively. Also earning points for the team were sophomores Liam Powell and Burton Angebrandt in the 145 weight class, freshman Landon Blackmore in the 194 weight class, and freshman Travis Perrigo in the 242 weight class. Rockford Varsity girls also had junior Jordin Woods medal, taking 2nd place in the 123 weight class. A total of 5 JV lifters have qualified for the state meet in February 28th at Oxford and a total of 3 Varsity lifters qualified for the state meet March 7th at Lake Orion. A very rewarding first season, and everyone is very excited to see what the off-season and next winter brings. This team is one to keep an eye on in the years ahead! For anyone interested in powerlifting or has questions, head coach Jesse Smade can be contacted via email at jsmade@gmail.com