Whitnall's Lauren Lent to Compete in World Powerlifting Championships

The Whitnall powerlifting team has made plenty of noise in recent years with three national championships.

But soon-to-be sophomore Lauren Lent has done something no one else in the program’s history has before.

Lauren is the first world qualifier in school history and will be competing in the Sub-Junior World Powerlifting Championships in Killeen, Texas, Aug. 27 to Sept. 1.

“I’m very excited to be representing my country,” Lauren said.

Lauren got into powerlifting to improve her pitching skills and strength for the Whitnall softball team. But in the process, she compiled a pretty nifty resume in her first nine months in the sport.

She was unbeaten for the Falcons last season, with the state and national championships among her victories at 114 pounds.

At the 2013 Women’s Open Championship in Orlando, she won her age group and was awarded the meet’s best lifter award. Her effort there earned her a slot in the upcoming world competition.

Lauren’s performance got a boost when Whitnall head coach Rg Luckow brought in the Kasabuskes, Erik and Kat, married lifters who each have USA Powerlifting titles to their name.

“They are doing a great job and getting Lauren ready,” Luckow said. “We are all thrilled with this honor and the step that the program has taken.”

The Whitnall powerlifting program and Lent’s family are holding several fundraising efforts to help send Lauren to the world meet, selling “I Helped Send Lauren to Worlds” t-shirts for $8 at Hales Corners’ National Night Out event at Hales Corners Park from 5-9 p.m. Aug. 6.

Businesses interested in putting their names on the back of the t-shirt as a sponsor should contact Lauren’s mother Liz at elizabethlent1@gmail.com.

In addition, there are donation boxes at various Hales Corners restaurants where people can donate.