Maize South powerlifting seeks state title
With hope and a bright future ahead for the new competitive sport, winning a state championship is within reach for Maize South´s best lifters.
Visual by Levi Eck/Photo by Kenna Ellis
Senior Brandon Lee Prepares to squat 385 pounds at the powerlifting meet at Ft. Scott on Saturday, Jan. 8. Lee finished 1st in his weight class for the afternoon. The Maize South team placed 1st in overall team results and have won all four of their meets throughout Kansas this season.
January 28, 2022
The Maize South High School powerlifting team has been competing in Kansas events for the past couple of years, winning three men’s team championships this year alone.
Junior Kenneth Ford has been powerlifting since freshman year and was always the little guy growing up.
¨Lifting just helps me mentally and physically,¨ Ford said.
Ford got involved with powerlifting because of upperclassmen who encouraged him to join.
¨It’s kind of spontaneous I guess,¨ Ford said. ¨But it worked out.¨
Although powerlifting is considered a sport to most of the country, at most high schools it is considered only a club.
¨In all honesty I don’t blame them for calling it a club,¨ Ford said. ¨It’s just kind of lifting weights, but at the same time, I think it is a sport just because the aspect of it. It’s lifting as much weight as you can. That’s about as close to a sport as it can get.¨
Ford’s favorite aspect of his sport is the environment and personal portion of his training.
¨It’s a sport; I have to hold myself accountable,¨ Ford said. ¨It’s individual. If I don’t train well then I won’t perform well.”
Ford believes there is a high chance the Maize South powerlifting team could win state this year.
¨I hope it keeps growing because we have a bright future for sure,¨ Ford said.
Sophomore Lily Mitchell is the only female on the powerlifting team and is also involved in both volleyball and track in her off season.
¨I do it because I enjoy lifting and I want to get stronger,¨ Mitchell said.
Mitchell says her teammates help support her during her ups and downs through her sport.
¨My teammates help me by supporting me and cheering me on when I’m trying to get a new PR or when I need someone to spot,¨ Mitchell said.
Mitchell hopes that one day powerlifting becomes more popular and well known at Maize South.
¨We are all a family,¨ Mitchell said. ¨Everyone on the team is just amazing athletes trying to help one another get stronger.¨
