Health & Fitness
Whitnall Powerlifting Looks to Continue Winning Tradition
Powerlifting team at Whitnall aims to have another successful season.
The Whitnall powerlifting team started their season this past Saturday at Oak Creek and are looking to have another successful season. The Falcons took first at the meet in which there were six other teams.
Powerlifting has really put Whitnall on the map as they have won four consecutive state championships and back-to-back national championships. Sounds like Whitnall will be easy favorites to win state again, but the lifters know it won’t be easy. Having so much success in past years really puts pressure on the team to reach state and become victorious.
“Having won four state championships and two national championships in a row, we feel like we have to live up to past success,” Andy Karwoski said about the pressure.
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The history of powerlifting at Whitnall has been strong, with many individuals setting state records and a few even setting national records. Former powerlifters Nathan Marshall and Scott Erickson would be proud that current lifters Drake Ambroch and Nate Stemo are leading the team. Nathan Marshall set a national record for total amount lifted and Drake set a national record for squatting last year. This year’s team is looking to keep the tradition of winning championships alive, as they will aim to make it five straight state championships and three straight national championships.
“It would be an amazing feeling to be a part of five straight championships. And to give the coaches another state title,” Billy Schmid said.
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It is unfortunate for the team that Danny Voekel, an individual state champion for his weight class last season, will not be able to compete as he suffered an ACL injury earlier in the year. Although Whitnall will be missing a member of the successful team from last year, everyone is excited about the experience of the team. Many of the players from last year’s championship team are returning including state champion senior Nate Stemo. Also, second-place state finalist Troy Monty will be looking to have a strong season once again.
The Falcons next meet is Jan. 18, so stay tuned to see how the highly anticipated power lifting team’s season unfolds.
