The State Powerlifting meet was on April 1, but it was no joke. Thirty boys and eight girls competed from Conway Springs out of more than 300 other students in the state powerlifting meet held at Conway Springs High School.

“The boys worked so hard for so long, it would’ve been an upset if they hadn’t won,”  coach Matt Biehler said. “The girls also did well. With only eight competing, it was a great accomplishment for them to win the overall title.”

After a long day of work, senior Grant Mooneyham, juniors Trenton Jones and Colton Terhune and sophomore Daniel Becker placed first in their weight classes. Senior Justin Lange and junior Colt Shobe placed second in their weight classes. Sophomores Chase Ast and Cooper Boyles also placed third in their weight classes.

“I was excited for the State powerlifting meet,” Mooneyham said. “I’ve worked hard all four years and I’ve never got first before, so I wanted to place first.”

Multiple girls also placed at the meet. Seniors Mary Berntsen and Kadee Hilger placed first in their weight classes, sophomore Audrey Doffing placed second in her weight class, and juniors Kenzie Biehler and Shannon Drouhard placed third in their weight classes.

“I’m proud of being a two-time overall champion the power class,” Berntsen said.

Eight girls records were broken at the State meet this year, two of which were Conway Springs High School students. Six boys records were also broken, and again, two of them by Conway Springs students.

“I’m extremely proud of how everyone competed,” Coach Biehler said.

This is the sixth year that CSHS boys and girls have won the State Powerlifting competition.